Managing Director of Cathay Holidays Limited, Anna Cheung combines her working experience with Cathay Pacific and lifelong passion for travel and adventure to share some tips and thoughts with us here on Welcome Abroad.  

隱世中的氣派 Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

The hidden luxury - Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

越南峴港的度假酒店多不勝數，大多也是沿著長長的海岸線而建，唯獨於去年6月才開幕的Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort，建於山茶半島的山林之中，讓旅客可高人一等欣賞海景，同時感受幽靜，今次到峴港一遊當然也要入住試試。

Unlike most resorts and hotels, which built along the coast of Da Nang, the newly opened (in Jun last year) Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort was built on the lovely Son Tra Peninsula, the hotel views is spectacular, and the coastline offers you peace in mind. My experience with this hotel is awesome! 

向海而建的獨立別墅The villas are all with wonderful sea views

乘車進入酒店，路經一道長長的山路，平靜的氣氛，把我們一步一步帶離市區，走進自成一角的度假天堂，一路上我們看到很多猴子的雕像，好奇一問才知原來山茶半島又名猴子山，由於有不少猴子住在這裡，所以在越戰時被美軍冠以此名。雖說是猴子山，但由於酒店位置經特別規劃，所以不會有猴子擅闖，住客大可放心。

There is a long driveway before you reached the hotel, there is absolute privacy, and you feel like a paradise here. Along the driveway, there are rows of monkey statues, I were curious about this and having asked the staff there, apparently the Son Tra Mountain was also named “Monkey Mountain” by the American soldiers during the Vietnam War due to its Monkey residents, and in memory of “Monkey Mountain”, Monkey Statues were built.

路邊有多個猴子雕像 The monkey statues along the road.

供應早餐的餐廳Criton也有一個猴子標記，設計有點像Starbucks的logo

The Monkey logo found in Criton, the restaurant serving breakfast, this logo reminds me of Starbucks!

高高的酒店大門，加上樓底特高的接待處，予人一種先聲奪人的氣勢，酒店經理告訴我們這大堂稱為Heaven，是酒店最高的位置，一路向山下走，就是Sky、Earth還有Sea的主題Villa層，想出這型格設計的正是非常懂得善用地利環境、曾設計杭州及清邁四季酒店的建築師Bill Bensley，真是令人大開眼界，酒店設計引入了不少傳統越南色彩，例如連接山頂和山腳的迷你纜車，就是以越南傳統的筲箕船作設計，很有心思。

The reception is stunning, with high ceiling, and open space; as the level is named, you really feel like you are in “heaven”, the next level is named “Sky”, followed by “Earth” and “Sea”, the price of villas vary in accordance with the levels, with “Sea” level being the most expensive. This nicely built hotel, with a touch of traditional Vietnam in the hotel design, is designed by Bill Bensley, who also designed Four Seasons properties in Hangzhou and Chiang Mai. Speaking on traditional Vietnam design, the connecting tram between the “Heaven” and “Sea” level is of Vietnam traditional basket boat design, very cute indeed!

設計成越南傳統筲箕船的迷你纜車，帶你穿越Heaven至Sea的不同樓層。

The connecting tram between the “Heaven” and “Sea” level is of Vietnam traditional basket boat design.

多達197間獨立別墅，全部向海而建，房間空間大得誇張，單是最小的房間也有700多呎，在闊大的露台上看著大海，靜靜的度一個下午已很寫意。客人若想到酒店的餐廳、泳池或水療中心等，亦可隨時要求高爾夫球車接送，非常尊貴。

The resort has 197 villas with magnificent sea views. The rooms are so spacious that even the smallest has more than 700 square feet. You can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on its wide balcony, overlooking the ocean. If you wish to go to the restaurants, pool or spa centre, all you need to do is call for a golf cart to take you wherever you wish.

到越南除了吃越菜，當然也要嘆一頓正宗的法國菜，於酒店底層的由米芝蓮三星名廚Michel Roux主理的La Maison 1888就是峴港最具名氣的選擇，可別錯過。

Other than Vietnamese cuisine, French cuisine is also very famous in this former French colony. La Maison 1888, managed by Michelin three-star chef Michel Roux, has a very good reputation and should not be missed.

La Maison 1888 由米芝蓮名廚– Michel Roux主理

La Maison 1888 operated by Michlin three-star chef Michel Roux.

充滿法式情懷的餐廳佈置 The French style interior design  

Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort在住、食、嘆方面無疑也屬頂級，最難得的是它比同品牌的其他酒店有著得天獨厚的地理環境，就是躲在這隱世天堂三數天也不愁寂寞，真正想放一個寧靜假期的你大可放心選擇。

Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort has a high-level of service and quality in accommodation, food and relaxation. With its unique location, it is a great choice for anyone in search of a few days’ vacation in a holiday heaven

For a great day trip outside Paris, you won’t find anywhere more charming and picturesque than the lovely town of Fontainebleau and its surrounding countryside. Famous both for its scenic forest and for the historic, magnificent Château de Fontainebleau, the town is only about 40 minutes from Paris by rail (trains leave from the Gare de Lyon), or about an hour by road.

(Photo from: http://www.minube.sg/)

One of the great things about visiting Fontainebleau is that, while it is no less interesting than Versailles – many people in fact prefer it – there are far fewer tourists, and so you won’t have to join any long queues or be jostled by crowds, unless perhaps you are arriving on a public holiday.

The town itself is very easy to navigate, with one main street – the rue Grande – leading you past many interesting and attractive shop windows containing everything from fine pastries to jewellery.

The air is remarkably clean here, too, and despite being only a short ride outside Paris, there’s a very rural French atmosphere, which is further augmented by the weekly Sunday morning food market. If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air, you’ll certainly find it in Fontainebleau.

(Photo from: http://www.passagestothepast.com/)

Cathay Holidays is currently offering a four-day, three-night Paris Seasonal Package that starts from just HK$7,500 with a choice of more than a dozen hotels. Extra nights are also easy to book at reasonable prices, so you can stay longer to explore places like the enchanting town of Fontainebleau. Please click here for details.

Antwerp is one of the largest seaports in Europe, located in the northern part of Belgium, and is a popular tourist destination.

The Diamant station on the Antwerp “premetro” underground system reflects the importance of the city as a centre for the world diamond trade. Over 80 percent of “rough” diamonds in the world are brought here for cutting and 50 to 60 percent are traded in the bourses in Diamant. There is also a Diamant Museum in Antwerp, showing the history and origins of diamonds as well as an exhibition of raw diamonds. 

Antwerp is also famous for its design industry, and the well-known “Antwerp Six” – a group of influential Avant Garde fashion designers who graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp in the 1980s. Including Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs and Marina Yee, the designers are now internationally famous with their own brands of fashion. Shops selling the designers’ collections are located in Antwerp and high-end districts of cities worldwide. More up and coming designers are popping up in Antwerp and you may discover the next world famous brand here!

It is easy to travel to Antwerp by taking a plane to Brussels and another 45 minutes’ drive to the famous port. Cathay Holidays offers a Five-Day Three-Night Brussels Seasonal Package from HK$7,190 including round-trip economy-class flights between Hong Kong and London, and London to Brussels, with three consecutive nights’ accommodation at your chosen hotel in Brussels with daily breakfast, and travel insurance. Click here for more details.

Managing Director of Cathay Holidays Limited, Anna Cheung combines her working experience with Cathay Pacific and lifelong passion for travel and adventure to share some tips and thoughts with us here on Welcome Abroad.  

會安一天遊    跟名廚學做越菜

A day in Hoi An Cooking class with renowned chef 

今次到越南峴港，除了品嚐到很多高水準的地道美食，更有幸跟國際著名的越南廚師Ms. Trinh Diem Vy學做菜，真的非常難得！沒想到 ‘Anna can cook’ ！ :)

Never though of having a cooking class in Da Nang. I’m so honoured and glad to have Ms. Trinh Diem Vy, an internationally renowned chef to teach me cooking local Vietnamese cuisine.

Ms. Vy是第一個於會安開設烹飪學校的廚師，已教授14年烹飪課，於越南擁有四間著名餐廳，不少國際雜誌也曾專訪她，就連澳洲的Melbourne Food and Wine Festival也曾邀請她到當地教學，我們今次拜訪的，是由她主理於會安的The Market Restaurant。

Ms. Vy is a restaurateur and was the first chef to open a cooking academy in Hoi An, 14 years ago. As the owner of four fine restaurants in Vietnam, she has appeared in many international media and was invited by the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival to host cooking classes there. We are having our cooking class at The Market Restaurant. 

 餐廳外貌充滿越南色彩  The Market Restaurant with Vietnamese style exterior

餐廳底層好像商場food court，有著各式越南美食的小攤檔，不說不知，這是Ms.Vy由一、兩檔小店逐一開辦，一直發展到今天如此具規模的；頂層是烹飪課的課室，我們穿起圍裙，跟Ms. Vy學習米紙卷 (Rice paper rolls)、越南傳統薄餅 (Bánh xèo)和會安獨有的高樓麵 (Cao lau noodles) 等越菜。

Ms. Vy started her business from a small stall on the Ground Floor here and then grew into a food court style with series of Vietnam local cuisine. The cooking class is held on the Upper Floor, where we learnt to make the very traditional Vietnamese snacks, such as Crispy Pancake (Bánh xèo) and spring rolls.

 Ms. Vy的分享令我對越南菜式大感興趣  My interest in Vietnamese cuisine grew after meeting Ms. Vy

在烹飪課上學到的多款越南美食  Various dishes that we made during the cooking class

Ms. Vy說越式薄餅Bánh xèo本來是打仗時期的食物，份量比現在大好幾倍，為了增加競爭力及銷量，她媽媽想出把薄餅縮小成現在如手掌般大的份量，真的很有商業頭腦，我們也可借鏡！

Ms. Vy told us that Bánh xèo dated back in the 1950’s, when they were much bigger. To make it more price competitive and stimulate sales, her mother reduced the size of Bánh xèo into what we see nowadays. Ms. Vy and her mother has a very good business sense. No wonder they can grow from a little stall to five very well established restaurants today.

我平日也喜愛做菜，因做菜的過程可令人減壓，看到朋友或賓客欣賞自己的手藝，更是歡喜和滿足。以往我會購買一些cook book學做菜，但就從未如此上過烹飪班，今次有幸跟Ms. Vy學做正宗越菜，過程十分有趣，收費也非常合理，跟Ms. Vy大師上課才不過美元 55，至於跟她的學徒上課則美元27，已可學到四款越南美食。我親手做出來的越南美食（在Ms. Vy的指導下）味道也頗不錯呢！

I enjoy cooking, it is one of the ways to help me to release pressure, and more importantly, I’m very satisfied and glad to see my guests enjoying the food that I have cooked. Usually I would purchase a cook book to learn from, and this is my first time joining a cookery lesson. I’m very honoured to have Ms Vy be my very first cooking instructor and the cooking process is very fulfilling indeed. Usually Market Place charges USD 55 for a cooking lesson by Ms Vy as instructor and USD 27 for other instructors which is very good value for money. I found the dishes that I cook (guided by Ms. Vy of course) are quite delicious indeed.

Ms. Vy 送贈給我的烹飪書  The cook book from Ms. Vy

上過課後，我們都對The Market Restaurant深感興趣，決定於第二天更改原定行程，也要到這裡的餐廳午膳，Ms. Vy果然沒有令我們失望，親自走入廚房，為我們炮製越南河粉、米紙卷等高水準美食，我對這裡的鴨肉沙律情有獨鍾，想不到加入了肉的沙律也可如此清新，還有用Lemongrass做的雪糕，同樣令人回味，這一餐由名廚主理的大餐，食物擺滿兩張供11人食用的長桌，也才不過美金100元，真的非常抵食。當我們離開學校之時，竟發現Fusion Maia Resort的總經理Michelle也相約友人在此用膳，可見這裡不只是遊客食店，更是地道人的心水聚腳點。

The following day, we decided to change our itinerary and visit The Market Restaurant for our lunch. Ms. Vy, as a chef this time, walked out from the kitchen and served Vietnamese Phở (rice noodle) and rice paper rolls and we are all impressed by Ms. Vy’s cooking. I recommend the almost unimaginably fresh-tasting duck salad, and the delicious lemongrass ice cream. The price is very reasonable, it only costed USD 100 to 11 of us with full table of dishes. If you visit Hoi An, The Market Restaurant should not be missed! What’s more, we bumped into Michelle, the GM of Fusion Maia Resort, who also took her visitors there on the day. It looks like that the Market Place is not only popular among tourists but also locals.

這個鴨肉沙律味道清新  Taste the freshness of the duck salad

Lemongrass雪糕在香港很難找到  Lemongrass flavour ice cream, which is rarely found in Hong Kong 

我和葉澍堃先生及太太乘人力車遊會安古城  Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Ip and I taking a trishaw ride around Hoi An Old Town.

享用完美食甚至上課過後，必定要到附近的會安古城逛街，這個列入世界遺產的名城，不但有著多間具越南色彩的個性小店，更有如日本橋、中式傳統建築等歷史標記，就好像一個未被沾染商業味道的麗江，只要花上半天時間慢遊，定必滿載而歸。

After a full meal, you could walk around the Hoi An Old Town. If you don’t want to walk, you could take the signature trishaw to stroll around. This old town was listed as UNESCO heritage in 1999. There are lots of small shops and boutiques selling unique Vietnamese product at very reasonable prices. If you don’t like shopping, there are a few photo spots, such as Japanese Bridge.

The Italian city of Genoa was one of the main European ports of call for ships sailing between England and Hong Kong in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. On arrival in Hong Kong, passengers who wrote of their travels often compared the two cities, noting how similar they were, both geographically and architecturally. Nowadays, however, the similarities are few: Hong Kong has changed beyond all recognition over the last century, but Genoa – also known as La Superba – remains comparatively little changed.

If you’re visiting Milan with Cathay Holidays, you can easily take a day trip to this unusual city, which is less than two hours away by train. The best way to experience Genoa is to walk, and a good route is between its two main train stations – Piazza Principe and Brignole. Just follow Via Balbi from the former station and head for the latter by way of Via Cairoli to the charming Old Town and Via Garibaldi, and the jewellery shops of Via Luccoli.

From here you can wander the Old Town at leisure, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of what was long ago one of the richest cities in the world, and snacking on gelato, cannoli and other local specialities.

Later, head along the Via San Lorenzo to the Piazza San Matteo and the central Piazza De Ferrari with its large fountain. Leading towards the Brignole railway station, you will find the Via XX Settembre, Genoa’s version of Hong Kong’s Nathan Road, filled with grand old hotels and brand name stores. Funnily enough, this wide avenue lined with classical architecture looks a lot like Nathan Road did in the 19^th century, but nothing like it does today. So Genoa is well worth a visit not just for a taste of Old Europe – but, with some imagination, a taste of Old Hong Kong.

Cathay Holidays is now offering seasonal package to Milan, 2 hours away from Genoa by train, with high-quality accommodation and new direct flights from Hong Kong, from only HK$6,990. Click here for detail

Anna Cheung, Managing Director of Cathay Holidays Limited.With her working experience in the Cathay Pacific Group and as a travel lover, Anna would like to share her personal travel experience here!

峴港驚喜發現Fusion Maia Resort

Fusion Maia Resort is a surprising discovery in Da Nang

座擁超過30公里海岸線的越南峴港，地利上佔盡優勢，吸引不少國際酒店品牌進駐，但這次峴港之旅，最令我感驚喜的反而是一個當地獨立品牌 – Fusion Maia Resort。

With an incredible location that stretches along Vietnam’s coastline for more than 30km, Da Nang has naturally attracted the “usual suspects” of international hotel brands. So imagine my surprise at discovering a fantastic independent local hotel there called Fusion Maia Resort.

酒店提供三種Villa房間，每間均設私人泳池  The hotel offers three types of villas, each coming with its own private pool

跟酒店的名字一樣，Fusion Maia Resort的外貌一點也不矚目，沒有氣派堂皇的建築，從外看只能見到一道素色圍牆，然而走進酒店大堂後，便立即對其另眼相看，酒店採用簡約清新的園林設計，少了一般星級酒店的刻意修飾，反而令人看得舒服，心情也特別放鬆。

Its name may not inspire much at first glance, and the same can be said for the hotel’s architecture. Unadorned walls greet you from the outside, but the moment you step into the lobby, your perception levels up when you see the simple yet refreshing garden design. Free from the excessive décor that characterises many five-star hotels, Fusion Maia Resort is simply comforting.

一星期七天也有不同的按摩主題  Enjoy your choice of seven massages, one for each day of the week

酒店聰明地以「保證最少有兩次spa treatment」作招徠，起初也擔心這噱頭可會令技師服務變得公式化，但親身感受過後，竟發現技師比一般酒店更貼心，更主動去了解客人的要求，後來跟酒店經理交談，才知這裡共有多達80名技師隨時候命，加上有多達16間護理房，難怪質素不成問題，相反，由於以spa作賣點，他們在treatment選擇方面致力比一般水療中心做得更全面，一星期七天均設不同的按摩主題，就是其他酒店很少能做到的，我嘗試了他們的50 分鐘Natural Living Spa treatment，感覺非常舒適，我一定會推介給打算到峴港旅遊的朋友。設計全面的Fusion Maia更包括高爾夫球場，給未必喜愛做spa的住客多一個活動選擇。

As a promotion tactics, the hotel “guarantees at least two spa treatments per day”. At first, I was skeptical about this. Would this be just a gimmick? Would it end up creating a “fast food” spa experience? However, I’ve changed my mind after trying out one of their spa treatment. Their therapists are even more attentive than many I’ve encountered at numerous other hotels. They did a great job in actively getting to know your own personal needs. As the hotel manager explained, they employ 80 therapists and have 16 individual treatment rooms – ensuring a high level of service. Since spa is the hotel signature, they have invested a lot in it, both hardware and software. There is different themed massage for every day of the week – a unique idea in the market. I tried the 50-minute Natural Living treatment and found it very relaxing. I strongly recommend Fusion Maia Spa to friends visiting Da Nang. Fusion Maia is indeed a self contained resort; besides Spa they also have its own golf course. So if you’re not into the spa scene, you still have plenty of other options to pamper yourself. 

Five Dining Room的清新午餐  My refreshing lunch at the Five Dining Room

做完spa滿足了疲倦的身軀，是時候也滿足一下自己的胃口！我們選擇了在Five Dining Room來一頓悠閒午餐，大廚為我們推介了多款新派越式美食，配合當地的新鮮蔬果、海鮮材料及香料，味道非常清新，食物配搭採用了五色健康概念，非常有心思，令人好像全身內外也做完spa一般舒暢，加上開揚的環境，跟三五知己在此享受一個下午已很不錯。

After a great spa treatment to take care of my weary body, it was time to take care of my hungry stomach at the Five Dining Room. The chef has prepared a variety of Vietnamese fusion dishes, brimming with local vegetables, fruits, seafood and herbs. Many dishes were even prepared according to the “Five Colours” concept for eating a perfect balance of delicious and healthy foods. Coming right after the spa treatment, it was a great way to refresh yourself inside and out. The restaurant’s relaxing, open atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a few friends to gather and share.

食物顏色不只豐富了賣相，更豐富了它的健康價值   The colours of the foods you eat can make for a visual feast, as well as a healthy one

作風低調的Fusion Maia Resort，在環境設計、活動、食物、房間等各方面均予人驚喜，正計劃到峴港充電的你，別只留意國際品牌的大型酒店，不妨考慮這個誠意品牌。

The Fusion Maia Resort is a hidden gem that consistently surprises with its well appointed amenities, activities, dining, rooms and more. If you’re planning a trip to Da Nang, take a glance beyond the typical international brands and give this quality hotel a second look.

With 24 powdery white private beaches to explore, crystal-clear waters and access only by private plane, the exclusive Lizard Island is a very special place where a fortunate few can experience an unforgettable holiday on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The wonderful, multi-award-winning Lizard Island Resort - the only place to stay on the island – provides elegant, yet tastefully understated accommodation with a choice of rooms and suites offering luxurious relaxation.

Laid-back activities include secluded picnics on private beaches, five-star dining at the famous Ospreys Restaurant and fabulous spa treatments. The more energetic can take out catamarans, motorised dinghies, go on nature walks, work out in the gym, play tennis and much more. 

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Cathay Holidays can help tailor a special trip specifically for you to this stunning location. To discover how, and to see the other possibilities that we have on offer for Australian luxury lodges, please check out our unique Tailor-made Solutions here.