(Bangkok, 23 August 2013) - "The charm of what we offer in terms of hospitality lies in the tiniest details" says Secret Retreats' Managing Director Stéphane Junca, who aims to provide discerning travellers with truly exceptional, authentic experiences.

 

Thanks to Stéphane Junca's unrelenting passion and talent for finding unique hideaways throughout Asia, to date 37 properties have joined Secret Retreats. These new boutique residences, hotels and boats are quite often far away from the main tourist sites—hidden gems that truly symbolise the essence of Asian culture and hospitality. While the average property size ranges between 15-20 rooms, others are intimate two to five bedroom boutique resorts.

 

"At Secret Retreats, guests are not treated like clients but as part of an extended family, places where people will know you by name. Tourism has evolved. We want to bring upmarket leisure travel to a completely new level. We believe it is essential to spend quality time with our guests, and share memorable moments and stories with them. The hosts at our properties are constantly present and visible, not seated in their office crunching figures!" - Stéphane Junca

 

"25% of our properties have less than five rooms. These gems are able to provide our guests with a very personalised experience, connect them with local communities living around the property and offer a spontaneous sense of hospitality that is much harder to find in large hotel chains."

 

Committed to adding an even wider variety of choices for travellers in search of true Asian hospitality, Stéphane Junca's spends a significant part of his time travelling to Sumatra, Borneo, China, Bhutan, or Sri Lanka searching for new retreats to complete the collection.

 

Kalinaw Resort, Siargao Island - Philippines (5 villas)

Siargao is known as the 'Jewel of the Philippines'. Facing the beach, each villa has sweeping views of the lagoon and nearby uninhabited islands.

www.secret-retreats.com/kalinaw

 

Anopura, Rajasthan - India (2 rooms)

Comprising just two suites, this is the smallest luxury lodge in the world. Its traditional Indian daybeds invite you to lie back and enjoy the views of the surrounding Aravali Hills.

www.secret-retreats.com/anopura

 

Sukoon Houseboat, Kashmir - India (5 cabins)

Meaning 'Divine peace' in Kashmiri, this houseboat moored on Dal Lake, has five spacious cabins that invite you to discover the natural wonders of Zabarwan Mountain in the Himalayas.

www.secret-retreats.com/sukoon

 

Supanniga Home, Isan - Thailand (3 villas)

Providing an initiation to local traditions and customs, imagine sitting in a large garden under a Banyan tree, sipping a cup of Pu-erh tea, and listening to the gentle ringing of chime bells and birdsong.

www.secret-retreats.com/supanniga

 

Jeeva Beloam, South Lombok - Indonesia (5 rooms)

Nestled amid a secluded cove, this beach camp is surrounded by pristine sandy beaches and 55 hectares of unspoiled nature. Overlooking the sea, each beruga evokes a serene 'Robinson Crusoe' experience.

www.secret-retreats.com/jeevabeloam

 

Rak Ko Jae, Hahoe village - South Korea (4 rooms)

Encircled by mountains, skirted by a meandering river, and a place for inspiration and meditation, RakKoJae is a sanctuary of peace and serenity located in a UNESCO World Heritage site.

www.secret-retreats.com/rkj-hahoe

 

Si Datu Bua, Banda Sea and Sulawesi - Indonesia (3 cabins)

This exquisite sailing vessel pays homage to the traditional Indonesian Phinisi of yesteryear that once carried cinnamon, cloves and ironwood around the archipelago.

www.secret-retreats.com/silolona

 

3+1 Bedrooms, Beijing - China (4 rooms)

Hidden in one of Beijing's traditional Hutongs, this intimate property features white minimalist interiors, a peaceful inner courtyard and a terrace.

www.secret-retreats.com/3plus1

 

For further information on Secret Retreats, please visit our website www.secret-retreats.com

For reservations, please contact: dream@secret-retreats.com

 

For media enquiries, please contact Cristy Elmendorp, Communications Manager, at: cristy@secret-retreats.com

 

Ends

About Secret Retreats

SECRET RETREATS is a collection of some of the finest boutique residences, hotels and boats throughout Asia—a brand that provides experiential experiences for the discerning traveller. Conscious of the uniformity of luxury hotel chains around the world that deprive today's travellers of authenticity and individuality, SECRET RETREATS sets a new reference point in the hospitality industry by advocating exclusive boutique hideaways and promoting experiential travel experiences.

 

Media Contact:

Sophie Couturier

sophie@secret-retreats.com

+66 2651 0733