Experience the colours and rhythms of Asia’s cultural festivals with Amari
From Hari Raya in Johor Bahru to Mid-Autumn Festival in Yangshuo, Amari offers a window into the region’s festivities
Bangkok, Thailand. 14 March, 2018. – One of the best ways to truly discover a culture is through its celebrations. Whether it’s a traditional ceremony that ties into local beliefs or the welcoming of a new season, each destination offers an adventure for the senses, from a new world of colours, flavours and music to understanding the beauty of Asia. Join Amari in experiencing these unique festivals throughout Asia this year for an adventure packed with diversity and new discoveries.
Celebrating Songkran with a Splash
The Thai New Year is one of Asia’s most beloved festivals, where family and friends come together to wash away bad luck and welcome a clean, fresh start. From 13 to 15 April, streets and beaches across Thailand are filled with music and friendly water fights for locals and tourists alike to enjoy.
An island holiday offers ocean air and beach parties ⎼ perfect for travellers who are looking for fun in the tropics! Leave the heat behind by cooling off with the water fights: some of the best water zones are located at Phuket’s Patong Beach and Koh Samui’s Chaweng Beach ⎼ both of which are easily accessible from Amari Phuket and Amari Koh Samui. Easily escape the excitement at anytime for some relaxation and a cold drink. It is a holiday, after all.
However, Songkran is celebrated all over the country, including in the bustling capital, surrounded by skyscrapers, shopping centres and a multitude of dining options. For comfort, convenience and practicality, Amari Watergate Bangkok is the perfect place to stay during Songkran. The hotel offers a peaceful refuge from the wild foam parties and water fights all over the city. In fact, it is only minutes away from the popular CentralWorld concerts and parties.
Do not miss out on hot summer deals from the favourite beachfront properties, Amari Phuket and Amari Koh Samui, starting at 3,485 THB ++ per night. Amari Watergate Bangkok is also offering the Hot Deal Package, starting at 8,584 THB ++ for a two-night stay in a Deluxe King room. The package includes BTS Skytrain tickets, 1,000 THB dining credit, discounts at Breeze Spa and in-house dining outlets, and late check-out until 16:00.
Enjoy authentic flavours of Asia at Amaya Food Gallery at Amari Johor Bahru
Festivities and Feasting for Hari Raya
After the annual fasting period of Ramadan comes Hari Raya Eid al-Fitr, the celebration day. The end of Ramadan highlights the importance of forgiveness and appreciation for loved ones through faith, food and acts of kindness. Celebrated this year on 15 to 17 June, the occasion marks a time for family gatherings with many travelling from afar to reunite and rejoice.
Public areas are brightly decorated with oil lamps, colourful lights and folded ketupat leaves in preparation for the festivities. Throughout Hari Raya, shops, bazaars and local eateries will remain open and offer a feast of Malaysian cuisine to enjoy. Traditional dishes, such as satay, lemang and curries, can actually be tasted at the street-market style Amaya Food Gallery at Amari Johor Bahru. Offering an all-day dining experience, travellers are guaranteed authentic flavours of Malaysia during this festive time of year.
Join Amari Johor Bahru in the Hari Raya festivities this year! The Angry Bird Family Package is perfect for travellers with children, including tickets to the nearby Angry Birds Activity Park, late check-out until 17:00 and a Set Dinner at Amaya Food Gallery. The package starts at 510 MYR ++ for a two-night stay in the Deluxe King room.
Casually lounge in the Deluxe room at Amari Yangshuo with karst mountain views
Experiencing the Mid-Autumn Festival in Yangshuo
A seasonal tradition celebrated around August and September of each year, the Mid-Autumn Festival welcomes a bountiful harvest with sweet moon cakes, candle lit lanterns and a time for families to reunite. Like Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival is dependent on the lunar calendar, meaning the dates change each year. In 2018, it will be held on 24 September, though festivities often last for several days.
The locals of Yangshuo also practice their own customs unique to this area by folding little paper boats with candles and floating them down the Li River with good wishes for the future. Another unique tradition practised by the Zhuang minority in Yangshuo is the Folk Singing Festival, where young men and women gather to sing love songs under the moonlight.
Book your stay at Amari Yangshuo to secure your Mid-Autumn Festival experience in one of the best downtown locations. All bookings made on Amari.com also receive complimentary 50 CNY dining credit at Cascade until 31 December 2018. Superior rooms start at 650 CNY ++ per night.
A scenic sunset by the ocean at Amari Galle Sri Lanka
Lighting Up Galle this Deepavali
For four days every year, the Hindu community in Sri Lanka celebrates an important holiday, known as Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, which will be held on 7 November 2018. While there is more than one backstory behind the festival, it is agreed that Deepavali celebrates the triumph of good over evil by lighting up the darkness.
Lamps and colourful designs decorate buildings, fireworks are set and there is music and gatherings everywhere. One of the more delicious aspects of Deepavali is the making and sharing of sweets. Festive desserts, such as halwa, a soft carrot pudding that melts in your mouth, and ladoo, made of Semolina and coconut flakes, are popular favourites that friends and neighbours share during the holiday.
Amari Galle currently offers exclusive rates starting at 119 USD ++ per night for stays until 20 December 2018. All rooms offer ocean views, guaranteeing a peaceful seaside experience.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.amari.com.
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