HIP TRIPS

INTRIGUE MARKS LONDON'S ROYAL HORSEGUARDS HOTEL

For more than 100 years, The Royal Horseguards Hotel, London has graced the banks of the Thames. Built in 1884 in the style of a French Chateau, its architectural heritage has earned the grand hotel Grade I status and made it one of London’s most iconic buildings.

Now, following an extensive refurbishment, this 5-star establishment’s 281 bedrooms and suites…many overlooking the Thames…are transformed into state-of-the-art luxury accommodations with all the latest technology. Room rates begin at US$333 for two, and a suite reservation entitles occupants to food, drinks and other services at the exclusive Guoman Club Lounge.

In spite of the modern façade, Royal Horseguards retains much of its history and intrigue. Look for secret passageways and sliding bookshelves created during WWI by the British Secret Service to confuse intruders. A blocked doorway in the wine cellar connects the hotel through an underground tunnel to many government buildings.

The hotels’ exceptional views over London, convenient location and award winning concierge service have quickly confirmed it as one of the capital’s most elegant and desirable places to stay. Its location is just yards from Charing Cross railway station, while Theatreland, Covent Garden, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye are within the immediate neighborhood. www.theroyalhorseguards.com

SCALE NEW HEIGHTS…
ROCK CLIMB IN THAILAND

You’ve done all those rock walls at resorts or on cruise ships. Now it’s time to take things to the next level…the rock climbing course offered by Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa near Krabi. Whether you choose the half-day, full-day or three-day course, safety is paramount, and trained instructors attend to every individual’s needs and requirements to assure personal achievement.

The one-day course costs approx. $441 to learn top rope climbing and rappelling plus exploration of Khoa Luk Choee Cave. All this is done off Ao Ton Sai Beach in the Sikao area, where majestic limestone cliffs, virgin rainforests, rich mangroves, hidden caves and rushing waterfalls abound. Lunch, drinking water, equipment, and transport from the hotel by longtail boat from Krabi’s Ao Nang Beach are also included.

The three-day course, at approx. $1,171, includes all of the above plus self rescue and rope technique, lead and multi-pitch climbing, plus a copy of the course booklet, certificate and souvenir t-shirt.

Anantara Si Kao Resort is the ideal place to recuperate with an exhilarating dip in your suite’s private pool, or to sip a refreshing drink from your balcony, overlooking the creative landscaping designs of this off-the-beaten-path hideaway.  www.anantara.com

MACAU STARTS YOUR ENGINES!

Glitz & Entertainment have always been a big part of Macau SAR. This former Portuguese territory south of mainland China, and now self-governed under China’s watchful eye, is known particularly for its plethora of casinos. In the past two years, a building invasion has turned the city into a veritable Las Vegas with such behemoths as Harrad’s, the Venetian and MGM staking claim to huge pieces of real estate. But it’s not all gambling on the entertainment scene.

Recently opened City of Dreams, Macau’s latest resort near the Hong Kong ferry center, contains among other things, an 18,000 sq ft combination nightclub, VIP club, Ultralounge and Pool Club. Hard Rock Hotel, within City of Dreams, is famous for its pool parties and the place to go for fun in the sun. Shows by international stars like Lady Gaga and Linkin Park are often held at the Venetian Arena.

Daredevil visitors leap off Macau Tower from 765 feet on a Sky Jump or Bungy Jump. A little less dangerous but just as scary is a walk around the Tower rim, offering fabulous city views if you dare look. Some prefer to enjoy the scenery from the Tower restaurant, getting much the same view from behind glass windows.

Yes, Macau is a city of fun, but nothing surpasses the scene you’ll encounter when you visit for the city’s greatest event, the Annual Macau Grand Prix held each November. This motor-racing mind blower takes place on the streets of Macau, and attracts visitors from around the world who come to see more than three hundred racing drivers and riders navigate the city’s intricate roadways at top speed. Macau’s Grand Prix is known as the only street circuit race in the world that features both car and motorcycle challenges.

A weekend highlight of this race is the Macau Formula Three Grand Prix, attracting many national Formula Three champions and drivers from around the world. The Macau Grand Prix is famously known as one of the most demanding internatioinal circuits due to its challenging nature…fast straights, amazingly tight corners and uncompromising crash barriers. Many current or former Formula One drivers, such as Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard, have been prize winners here.

Macau's Food Festival usually runs concurrently with race time. The fun market-like atmosphere with 100 booths has become quite a hit with locals and visitors alike, as many displays offer samples and tasters. Themed zones include Chinese, Asian, European, Local, Dessert and more. All the food activity is surrounded by live music, game booths and rides for children.  www.macautourism.gov.mo