With over 300 gorgeous photographs, this book is an exploration of Asia's most stunning hotels and resorts. From a stilled villa above a blue lagoon in the Maldives and a remote yoga resort in the hills of Bhutan to serene enclaves in the bustling cities of Dubai and Bangkok, Asia offers an unmatched range of luxurious accommodations to satisfy those looking to escape or in search of a one-of-a-kind experience. Beach resorts, hill resorts, spa resorts, health resorts, golf resorts--there is something for every top-tear vacationer. All the Asian hotels and resorts showcased in this book spread over a vast area between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, epitomize grandeur and opulence and inimitable Asian hospitality. All are renowned for their magnificent settings, distinctive local architecture, lavish living spaces, contemporary styling with an Asian twist and impeccable service. And all fuse modern-day, taken-for-granted amenities with rich cultural traditions and warm and friendly hospitality. Sure to be a wonderful addition to any design or travel book collection, Asian Resorts is a wonderful guide to many of the best luxury accommodations in Asia. Featured resorts and hotels include: Uma Paro, Bhutan Losari Coffee Plantation Resort & Spa, Java The Royal Pita Maha, Bali Thalassa Shima Hotel & Resort, Japan Maison Souvannaphum, Laos Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, Thailand One & Only Royal Mirage, UAE

South-East Asia has developed rapidly as a tourist destination, but what are the effects of this growth upon the peoples of the region? How far is it possible to control the impact of tourism whilst also supporting the industry's role in the region's development? This book, first published in 1993, attempts to answer these questions by providing a critical analysis of the nature of tourism as it has developed in the area. It questions commonly held assumptions about tourism both from a western perspective and from the point of view of policy makers in the region. It explores central issues such as the impact of tourism on the environment, culture and the economy, placing it within an historical and political context in order to assess the implications of current developments. The contributors use case studies from a variety of countries on such aspects as the sex industry, dream holidays and rural handicrafts, assessing tourist perceptions, both domestic and international, and policy decisions. By taking a long-term perspective it should provoke thought on the ways to develop sustainable tourism for the future.

Insight Guides, the world's largest visual travel guide series, in association with Discovery Channel, the world's premier source of nonfiction entertainment, provides more insight than ever. From the most popular resort cities to the most exotic villages, Insight Guides capture the unique character of each culture with an insider's perspective. Inside every Insight Guide you'll find:.Evocative, full-colour photography on every page.Cross-referenced, full-colour maps throughout.A brief introduction including a historical timeline .Lively, essays by local writers on the culture, history, and people.Expert evaluations on the sights really worth seeing.Special features spotlighting particular topics of interest.A comprehensive Travel Tips section with listings of the best restaurants, hotels, and attractions, as well as practical information on getting around and advice for travel with children

This stunning compendium features destinations - both well-known and little-known, both urban and exotic - that attract visitors from around the globe. Each destination was created with its own unique vision, and every detail was designed to embody that vision. Breathtaking photography enables readers to experience many of the worlds very finest destinations, and evocative sketches tell the story of how each was created. The visionaries behind these creations are world-renowned architects and designers, Wimberley Allison Tong & Goo (WATG), whose singular mission over the last six decades has been 'to create special environments that lift the spirits'.

This work studies tropical island resorts, the people who live and work there and the tourists who visit them. The author includes, but goes beyond the more commonly encountered marketing and economic analyses of resort destinations, by examining social, cultural, mythical, environmental, organizational and political dimensions.