Asia’s Top Haunts
In honor of All Hallows’ Eve, here are some spooky destinations where you can get your creep on. Ease into the spirit with a trip to Bhangarh Fort in India which, according to legend, was abandoned in the 1700s after a malicious magician cursed the site with famine and war. It’s all picturesque ruins while the sun’s up, but we don’t recommend trekking here at night. Even the thick-skinned might feel a tinge of terror at the Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital in South Korea: it shuttered unexpectedly more than 15 years ago following a series of inexplicable deaths. You can still see hastily written notes on whiteboards urging people to evacuate. Still unfazed? Try walking alone through Japan’s Aokigahara Forest (aka Suicide Forest), which is said to be swamped with ghosts of the roughly 30 suicides a year that take place there. The forest is as beautiful as it is somber, though, so don’t let its bleak history keep you from visiting.
Expedia is offering up to 60 percent off select hotels across the region till November 14. www.expedia.com.hk.
Mira, Mira on the Moon
Fashion-forward Hong Kongers often turn to The Mira as their address of choice, and the hip hotel will soon welcome a cool little sister into the world. Mira Moon, opening next month in Wan Chai, may be the new “it” spot for high-profile (or wannabe low-profile, ahem, Snowden) travelers, with 91 creatively outfitted guest rooms. The lavish fixings—which aim to tell the story of the Mid-Autumn Festival—don’t stop there: the halls smell of violet, the staff members don Chinoiserie-style uniforms and themed cocktails are close at hand. Need to see it to believe it? Snag the 20 percent off introductory offer before December 31 (from $4,000). For traditionalists, The Mira has a staycation offer too: When you book any suite for at least two nights before November 30, you’ll receive a free 60-minute rubdown at the MiraSpa. Prices start at $3,200.
Mira Moon: 388 Jaffe Rd., Wan Chai, 2643-8888, www.miramoonhotel.com.
The Mira: 132 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2368-1111, www.themirahotel.com.
Travel, 1 Percent Style
If you have wads of cash to throw at a members-only, bespoke luxury travel service, then look into Rediscovered. The swish club grants members access to tailored itineraries from “Experience Advisors,” stays at US$2-10 million residences, and round-the-clock service from “Destination Concierges,” who are on call at the residences to ensure each experience is top-shelf. So far, Rediscovered has residences in 15 locations—including Bali, Japan and Sri Lanka—with hopes of expanding to 75 spots by 2014. Like most VIP affairs, membership comes at a cost: US$24,988 (HK$193,657) to be exact, with an annual fee of US$3,988 (HK$30,907). But, you’re in luck, the opening offer is ongoing so you’ll only pay a humble US$15,988 (HK$123,907) intro fee. See you in Bali?
Email me at kate.springer@ hkmagmedia.com or follow me on Twitter @KateSpringer.
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