A tea journey through Amari’s three newest destinations
Sip your way through Galle, Yangshuo and Johor Bahru
Bangkok, Thailand. 23 November, 2017. – As the year draws to a close, travellers are invited to reflect with a comforting cup of tea and sip their way through some of Asia’s favourite tea-centric destinations. With Amari recently launching new hotels in intriguing locations renowned for tea specialties, there is no better time than now to plan your tea journey across Asia – from the southern coastal shores of Sri Lanka and karst peaks of southern China to the bustling capital of the southern Peninsula Malaysian state of Johor.
Sip a cup of Ceylon tea with direct sea views from every guest room at Amari Galle in Sri Lanka
Taste Ceylon tea with Amari Galle
Sri Lanka’s tryst with tea began in 1867 when British-born James Taylor planted the first crop of Ceylon tea, which is now renowned worldwide. Still one of the world’s top tea-producing countries, Sri Lanka celebrates 150 years of Ceylon tea showcasing as many as 28 different grades from various elevations, from the highlands of the central province to the lower-lying southern province where Galle is located.
At the recently open Amari Galle, guests can celebrate the rich history of Ceylon tea by indulging in the signature Galle Ceylon Retreat Package at Breeze Spa. The treatment, designed exclusively for Amari Galle, starts with a full body tea leaf scrub infused with aromatic cinnamon and vanilla, followed by a massage that combines Thai and Ayurvedic techniques. With direct sea views from all rooms and suites, guests can also settle in at their terrace with a cup of Ceylon tea and the sounds of the ocean waves.
Amari Galle is now offering the Super Saver Package, starting at 1,080 USD++ for a five-night stay in a Deluxe Ocean View room. The package includes the Galle Ceylon Retreat Package by Breeze Spa, 50 USD minibar credit, complimentary late check-out until 16:00 and 20% discount on food and beverage as well as laundry services.
Explore the land of osmanthus tea with Amari Yangshuo
Chinese culture is closely associated with tea and each location is known for a unique tea speciality. In the southern Chinese city of Guilin, the iconic flower is the sweet osmanthus, best known for its fragrant taste, ornamental and medicinal value, as well as a traditional symbol of love and romance. The name Guilin means ‘forest of sweet osmanthus’, and you are never far from groves of osmanthus trees when visiting Guilin and Yangshuo, one of its best known counties.
As the first international hotel in the downtown area, Amari Yangshuo puts travellers in the heart of the action just steps from the shops, restaurants and entertainment of the bustling West Street. After a day out exploring the nearby peaks, guests can return to the tranquility of Breeze Spa for the specially concocted Yangshuo Retreat Package which starts with a rejuvenating full-body pomelo and osmanthus petal scrub and ends with a soothing cup of osmanthus tea.
As the brand’s debut property in China, Amari Yangshuo is located on the site of a former official guest house hosting visiting dignitaries and politicians. The hotel continues the legacy of this storied location with its unique northern Guangxi-style architecture, contemporary Thai-Chinese interiors and service from the heart. For more information, visit www.amari.com/yangshuo.
Sip on Teh Tarik with Amari Johor Bahru
Teh Tarik, the local expression for ‘pulled-tea’, is Malaysia’s iconic drink. In just about every street, there will be a kopitiam, where the locals stop for a round of Teh Tarik and a chat among friends. Hearty to sip and fun to watch being made, this national drink is a mixture of strong black tea and condensed milk artfully poured at high speed between two containers held as far as a metre apart to create a smooth, creamy and frothy blend.
Situated along Jalan Trus, Amari Johor Bahru is in the perfect location for discovering the surrounding museums, kopitiams, trendy cafés, local eateries and more. For guests arriving from or departing to Singapore, the hotel is only a five-minute walk from the Singapore immigration CIQ.
For a taste of the region’s bustling street markets, a meal at the hotel’s signature Amaya Food Gallery which features a collection of open kitchens, is highly recommend. Some of the specialties at Amaya include Hainanese chicken rice, assam pedas fish head curry, phad thai and tom yum kung. After a hearty meal, enjoy a cup of teh tarik pulled right before your eyes at Amaya Bar or Amaya Cafe, before asking our Amari Host for local tips about this fast-transforming city.
Amari Johor Bahru is now offering 15% off Room Only and Room and Breakfast rates when booking at least seven days in advance. Rates start at 340 MYR++ per night in a Superior room.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.amari.com.
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