FROM LEFT: THANAKORN CHOMNAWANG; CHRISTOPHER KUCWAYeditor’s note (^) | AUGUST 2017
corner of the Philippines that begs to be explored for its multi-hued seas,
abandoned beaches and serrated-edge rock outcrops. Home to a land- and
seascape that slows your internal clock, which is reason enough for our
readers to choose it as their favorite island in the World’s Best Awards (page
53). After a couple of visits—you can’t go just once—what stands out in my
memory is not the seclusion or the crystal clear seas but an Italian resort
owner. The panorama of sheer cliffs and colorful seas sweeping across his
beachfront was a view most would kill for. Despite this, he was grumpy,
hilariously so. That said, what I wouldn’t give to be sitting on that beach right
now with him muttering in Italian watching the sun sink in the distance.
What’s new, what’s trendy, what still checks off all the right boxes after all
these years? Around Asia, there are a handful of winners who have made the
grade for 10 years now. So it’s no big surprise to see Singapore Airlines and
Cathay Pacific, the
Mandarin Oriental
Bangkok and The
Peninsula Hong Kong as
repeat winners.
In the airline rankings,
where Singapore takes top
billing, five of the other
top 10 call Asia home. So
take a bow, Cathay Pacific,
Japan Airlines, Korean
Air, All Nippon Airways
and EVA Air. It’s a safe bet
to book a flight on one of
them to your next, best
destination.
@CKucway
[email protected]
From My Travels
One of those cities where
the skyline is in continual
flux, Hong Kong always
aims to squeeze
something more out of the
little space or time it
confronts. But the
surprises it comes up with
aren’t always modern.
Oddly, I had never been to
the Mido Café, so jumped
at the chance for a
morning breakfast
meeting in Yau Ma Tei—
who could be disappointed
with the Canto movie-set,
retro surrounds?
16 AUGUST 2017 / TRAVELANDLEISUREASIA.COM
IF YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO
PA L AWA N , STA RT M A K I NG
PLANS TO VISIT. IT’S A