Travel+Leisure India & South Asia gives you details on The Barracks Hotel Sentosa and The Outpost Hotel Sentosa, by Far East Hospitality. 

Sentosa, the pristine island located just off the southern coast of Singapore, has long been a favourite destination for travellers seeking sun and sand. Nestled amidst this tropical paradise are two collection brands, each offering upscale accommodation and bespoke experiences that redefine the meaning of a perfect vacation. Travel+Leisure India & South Asia takes a closer look at each to understand what makes these establishments a destination in itself.

Far East Hospitality in Sentosa

The Barracks Hotel Sentosa 

The moment you step into The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, you’ll be reminded of the island nation’s colonial era. This bespoke luxury hotel was once a British artillery barrack dating back to the 1900s. Now, it has been impeccably restored to offer guests an exquisite experience with a touch of history.

The time travels begin with a welcome drink, made using customised tea blends by Pryce Tea, a Singaporean tea company. The Barracks Hotel Sentosa features 40 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each designed to reflect the heritage of the building while also providing modern amenities. The rooms feature richly textured dark wood grains, warm brass and leather-accented custom-made furniture, and white marbled bathrooms with a large free-standing hand-sculpted marble bathtub.

These luxurious stays at The Barracks Hotel Sentosa are made better with personalised Equerry services and curated experiences including Heritage Tales & Tea with army veterans who once resided at this barracks. Guests can indulge in breakfast, evening cocktails and canapes at The Living Room, relax by the Barracks’ pool, or take advantage of exclusive privileges such as guest benefits at attractions and an array of restaurants at Mess Hall, located directly opposite the hotel.

The Outpost Hotel Sentosa 

As soon as you arrive at The Outpost Hotel Sentosa, you’ll realise that you’ve entered a world of sophistication and adventure designed exclusively for adults. Singapore’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel recognised by World Travel Awards 2023, the hotel is a trendy getaway for couples and solo travellers in Sentosa. Picture a distinctive black and white palette complemented by hints of gold and metallic, floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of Singapore Straits.

The Outpost Hotel Sentosa boasts 193 well-appointed rooms, each thoughtfully designed to create an atmosphere of modern contemporary aesthetic. Enjoy a custom-blended tea-based mocktail served in the hotel’s signature cooper pineapple cup, as well as complimentary customised minibar from a selection of five premium snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, or two mini-bottles of soy-based wine and a snack (once per stay).

Take advantage of exclusive privileges and experiences, known as the Outpost Xperience; and enjoy access to 1-Altitude Coast, Sentosa Island’s first and only rooftop lifestyle destination, featuring an al fresco deck and infinity pool, where you can soak in the sun with signature cocktails in hand. The adults-exclusive hotel ensures a fun, trendy, and adventurous retreat every step of the way.

So, when you plan your next visit to Sentosa, consider escaping to these remarkable properties by Far East Hospitality, and let your Sentosa getaway become a memorable chapter in your island tale of luxury or adventure.

Related: Visit These Stunning Attractions In Sentosa For A Memorable Trip

Embark on a journey of luxury and exploration with Centara Hotels & Resorts, where your dream vacations come to life. 

With an exquisite collection of resorts and hotels in diverse, captivating destinations, Centara Hotels & Resorts promises an unforgettable experience tailored to your desires. Whether you crave the serene beauty of tropical beaches, the cultural richness of historic cities, or the thrill of adventure in the great outdoors, Centara Hotels & Resorts is designed to deliver exceptional hospitality and impeccable service.

Centara Hotels & Resorts Around the World

Centara Reserve Samui

Nestled on the pristine shores of Koh Samui in Thailand, this resort offers an unforgettable escape in the heart of tropical paradise. Experience true relaxation and serenity in villas and suites, each offering breathtaking ocean views and private pools. From savouring authentic Thai cuisine to sampling international favourites, here, indulge in a menu curated by world-class chefs. End the blissful vacation by rejuvenating your body and soul at the spa, where ancient Thai healing traditions meet modern wellness practices.

With Enriched Journeys, discover a wave of signature Centara experiences on your next trip to Centara Reserve Samui. Applicable for a minimum three-night stay between August 15, 2023, to December 20, 2023, this exclusive offer comes with in-room champagne upon arrival, dinner for two with decadent truffles and caviar, a spa treatment for two, and a round-trip hotel transfer. 

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives 

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a memorable honeymoon, Centara Grand Island Resorts & Spa Maldives promises a perfect blend of nature’s beauty and warm authentic Maldivian-Thai hospitality. Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, this stunning resort offers 112 spacious beachfront suites and overwater villas for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines breathtaking landscapes, world-class amenities, and unparalleled hospitality. Indulge in world-class dining at the resort’s various restaurants, where you can savour international cuisine or enjoy fresh seafood with stunning ocean views. Enjoy the vibrant underwater world with some of the best diving spots in the Maldives, replete with marine life and colourful coral reefs.

When at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives, opt for the Paradise Found: Maldives Exclusive offer for a truly rewarding stay between May 1, 2023, to December 20, 2023. With this, you can save up to 35 per cent on the Best Available Rates; avail 20 per cent off on spa treatments and dining; and 25 per cent off on return seaplane transfers. What’s more — if you’re a CentaraThe1 member, you can enjoy an additional 15 per cent savings on the Best Available Rates, and even earn triple points on all bookings.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

Discover the Maldives in all its glory at the vibrant, adult only Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa. Leave your worries behind as you step onto this idyllic island located a short 15-minute speedboat ride away from Velana International Airport. Stay in overwater villas with direct access to the crystal-clear ocean and wake up to breathtaking sunrises. After sundown, stargaze at the twinkling heavens above right from your private sundeck. Savour culinary delights at a range of dining venues–from international cuisine at Oceans to romantic dinners at the overwater Al Khaimah Restaurant.

The Paradise Found: Maldives Exclusive offer makes these stays even more luxurious. Applicable for stays between May 1, 2023, to December 20, 2023, this offer helps save 35 per cent on the Best Available Rates. If you’re a CentaraThe1 member, you can enjoy an additional 15 per cent savings on the Best Available Rates, and earn triple points on all bookings. Irrespective, with the offer, all guests can enjoy a 20 per cent discount on spa treatments and dining, as well as complimentary return transfers on a minimum stay of three nights.

Luxury Stays Made Better

By booking directly, you can avail of 10 per cent off on food and drinks during your stay and even can opt for an early check-in or late check-out. CentaraThe1 members can also log in and enjoy a host of additional discounts.

Related: Celebrate Centara Hotels & Resorts’ 40th Anniversary With Exclusive Offers

One of the first floating villa resorts to open in the Indian Ocean, Soneva Secret promises to be the ultimate secluded island inspired by nature’s magnitude, mystery and enchanting beauty.

Soneva Secret, as the name suggests, will be a true hideout in one of the Maldives’ most secluded areas, Haa Dhaalu. Promising unparalleled solitude and privacy, this floating villa resort–which will open for stays on January 10, 2024–invites you to enjoy time slowly melting away and lose yourself to memorable experiences. In short, Soneva Secret promises a bespoke experience unlike any other!

In keeping with the brand’s ethos of barefoot luxury in The Maldives, with the new opening Soneva will deliver on its promise of sun, sea, and sand with the bonus of privacy. 

Secluded Villas at Soneva Secret

Explore 14 overwater and island villas, including secret hideaways accessible only by boat and the Maldives’ first floating villa. Expect the ultimate overwater stay surrounded by tropical gardens. Not only will every room and villa offer personalised services to ensure an unforgettable escape in nature but they have also been designed keeping sustainability in mind. The overwater villas have been consciously designed to be unaffected by wave movements and can only be accessed by sea. 

Each villa will feature a pantry, minibar, covered dining area, family-sized TV lounge with a large daybed and sunken seating, and a fully equipped gym overlooking the surrounding turquoise waters. The cherry on top will be the spa treatment room, waterslide into the lagoon and an al fresco dining sala. 

Signature Experiences 

The island is your playground! When at Soneva Secret, choose to swim with manta rays and sea turtles, take off on yachting adventures across the Indian Ocean, enjoy stargazing spectacles at Soneva’s overwater observatory, or engage in non-motorised water sports such as canoes, paddleboards, catamarans and windsurfing.

Dining at Soneva Secret

Indulge in a bespoke menu and the finest cuisine in your private paradise with a dedicated chef provided for each villa. The 14 chefs at Soneva Secret will come from different nations, including Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, the Maldives, Italy, Indonesia, France, South America, Sri Lanka, China, the Middle East, Korea, India, and the Nordic countries. Each expert will bring with them knowledge of their native cuisine and prepare it using carefully-sourced ingredients. Take your dining experience to another level by eating on a floating kitchen platform out at the sea. As you savour a selection of sumptuous dishes prepared by a personal chef, you will be able to unwind by dipping your feet in the crystal-clear blue sea below. 

Personalised Service

Secret Soneva will breathe pure rare and bespoke luxury! Every stay will deliver exceptional and customised service standards, courtesy of a dedicated team of three—a Barefoot Guardian, for round-the-clock butler care; a Barefoot Assistant; and a dedicated chef to deliver exceptional meals.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your dream holiday and book a stay to discover the secret to the most rare and bespoke experience only with Soneva Secret!

Related: Why Soneva Resorts In The Maldives Are The Best For Blissful Family Retreats In Big Villas

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)

— When is Soneva Secret opening?
Soneva Secret will welcome its first guests on January 10, 2024. 

— How to reach Soneva Secret?
Soneva Secret 2024 will be accessible via a scenic 75-minute seaplane flight directly from Velana International Airport in Malé. A 40-minute seaplane flight from Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll; a 30-minute seaplane flight from Soneva Jani in the Noonu Atoll; or a leisurely full-day cruise from Soneva Fushi onboard Soneva in Aqua, a luxury yacht, will also be available. Guests will also be able to fly directly into Kulhudhuffushi Airport in the Haa Dhaalu Atoll and take a one-hour speedboat ride to the resort.

— Does Soneva Secret have a doctor on site?
Secret Soneva will have a resort nurse available 24/7. 

— Can I make a reservation for my stay at Soneva Secret now, or should I wait until closer to the opening date?
Soneva Secret 2024 is now open for bookings for stays after January 10, 2024. 

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is ideal for a memorable, refreshing getaway with your spouse, children, or parents.

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, in North Malé atoll, is located amidst lush greenery and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. A short, scenic, 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé Airport, the premium resort boasts beach and overwater villas, each with its own private pool and deck. For families who prefer the luxury of additional leisure space, the Overwater Suite with a pool, separate living area, and daybed is the ideal option. And for smaller families there are the one-bedroom villas, while larger groups can enjoy two-bedroom accommodations.

All About Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

Stay & Dine

There are eight signature restaurants and lounges offering a huge variety of gastronomic delights as well as a children’s menu throughout. For starters there is Re:Fuel, a rooftop lounge exclusively for teenagers to unwind. Aura Pool Bar & Cocktail Lab is a lively pool bar that offers delicious food in a beachside setting while also housing indoor games such as foosball and table tennis. In addition, there’s a specially curated menu for your little ones and for families who’d like a memorable meal, there are provisions for private sandbank picnics or sunken table dinners on the beach.

Pause & Play

The resort also has a well-designed and one of the largest clubs in the Maldives: Krakengiri Kids’ Club. At this purpose-built facility there is an outdoor children’s play pool and mini splash park. And the interiors boast a nap room and a quiet toddler’s room, separate from the more visually stimulating arts and crafts area, finished with an interactive doodle wall.

From unique water sports such as glass kayaking, dolphin cruises, and turtle quests to movie nights on the beach, there can never be a dull moment at Amingiri. For adventure seekers, there are a host of activities that await. Think water sports, seasonal shark and manta snorkel trips, sunset dhoni cruises, and football, basketball, and tennis on the outdoor court.

Spa enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the world-class hammam rituals, body treatments, and health and fitness experiences at the Amingiri Spa. What’s more, their Young Zen programme can turn the whole vacation into a happy family wellness retreat.

Related: A Journey Of Self Rediscovery At The New Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

For centuries Galle exuded a magnetic pull drawing the Portuguese, Dutch and British to its rocky shores. Remnants of their time are evident in the stately colonial buildings and museums found around the fort. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site lures visitors from around the world.

Best explored on foot, its twisty alleyways are home to heritage hotels, stylish boutiques and dreamy cafes and restaurants. Amongst these spot Buddhist temples, mosques and churches: a wonderful testament to the many diverse communities that call the fort home. Its ramparts come to life in the evenings as locals and visitors flock to the grass-covered edges to enjoy the cool sea breeze, an array of seafood snacks and watch the sun melt into the frothy Indian Ocean.

To experience the magic of the fort it’s best to bed down in a hotel within its walls. From high-end heritage hotels, and intimate villa properties to budget stays here’s a list to help you make a choice.

A tropical island, Sri Lanka enjoys warm weather all year round. Summers are hot and humid. While the monsoon brings some respite from the heat the humidity soars. The months of October to February are marginally cooler but see the most crowds.

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The10 best hotels in Galle for the perfect tropical vacation

Nursing a strong Colonial hangover, Colombo, the largest city and the capital of Sri Lanka, is a delightful mix of the past and present. Leafy avenues wind around stately heritage buildings and lush cricket grounds. Sprawling green spaces provide a much-needed respite from the heat, the city’s notorious traffic and busy markets.

It’s easy to assume that Colombo is a small city with not much action but it throws up many surprises when you least expect them. Go from visiting pious temples, an exceptionally good museum, chic stores and buzzing local restaurants during the day, to trendy bars and a buzzy nightlife as the sun goes down.

From international hotel chains, and charming boutique hotels to fantastic local hospitality outposts there are plenty of options for every kind of traveller.

A tropical climate means that the heat and humidity don’t really leave but do lose bite marginally between the months of October to February.

Here are the 10 best hotels in Colombo to experience Sri Lankan hospitality

InterContinental Phuket Resort is the epitome of a modern luxury retreat immersed in Thai tradition. With its captivating rooms, exceptional dining experiences, rejuvenating spa, and an array of activities for all ages, the resort promises an unforgettable escape.

Nestled along the captivating shores of Kamala Beach, InterContinental Phuket Resort stands as a refined five-star beachside sanctuary. This elegant and sophisticated resort seamlessly fuses contemporary design with traditional Thai architecture, offering guests a tranquil escape surrounded by lush jungle-covered hills and mesmerising vistas of the Andaman Sea.

Introducing InterContinental Phuket Resort

Stay 

Each of the resort’s 221 rooms and villas has been meticulously curated to provide a serene and inspired ambience, drawing inspiration from the surrounding natural beauty. The fusion of traditional Thai elements with modern designs creates a harmonious and inviting atmosphere for guests. Moreover, InterContinental Phuket Resort also proudly holds the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, emphasising its commitment to sustainable practices–from energy consumption to waste management. 

Dine

Culinary enthusiasts are in for a treat at InterContinental Phuket Resort, where a wide array of dining options awaits. Guests can tantalise their taste buds with the flavours of traditional Thai recipes at the Michelin Guide restaurant Jaras, or savour international gourmet comfort fare at Pinto. For a breathtaking seaside dining experience, Pine offers delectable light bites and craft cocktails. Tengoku, an award-winning restaurant, promises an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine inspired by Osaka’s cooking masters. Guests looking for a more relaxed atmosphere can enjoy an exquisite Afternoon Tea set at Devas’ Lounge. Additionally, hom restaurant embarks on an innovative culinary journey by celebrating local ingredients, seasonality, and ancient fermentation techniques to unlock incredible flavours. 

Amenities

The resort’s Sati Spa® and Wellness embraces the concept of ‘Sawan’ or ‘Heaven’ in Thai, providing guests with luxurious holistic spa and wellness journeys. With the pursuit of mindfulness in mind, these rejuvenating treatments are inspired by venerated local traditions and time-honoured natural remedies, ensuring a complete rejuvenation of the body, mind, and spirit. 

InterContinental Phuket Resort boasts five inviting swimming pools, each offering a unique ambience. The lagoon pool, situated at the heart of the resort, provides ample sun loungers and a shallow children’s pool. The beach pool, surrounded by pine trees, offers a stunning view of the Andaman sunset. The elegant rooftop infinity pool and Jacuzzi, accessible via the Pavilion, provide scenic views of lush treetops and the surrounding greenery. For a tranquil experience, guests can relax by the serene pool nestled amidst the mountainside grounds. Furthermore, Club InterContinental guests can enjoy the exclusivity of a private pool. 

Experience

InterContinental Phuket Resort’s offerings extend beyond its luxurious amenities. Guests seeking to enhance their overall well-being can participate in various land activities such as High-Intensity Interval Training, Aqua Aerobics, Kamala Bike Tours, Beach Jogging, and Walking Meditation. For those interested in experiencing Thailand’s national sport, Muay Thai lessons are available upon request. 

Family-friendly Fun

Families travelling with young adventurers will find a perfect hideout at Planet Trekker’s Children Club. This jungle-themed club, fully supervised and filled with educational and interactive activities, ensures that children have a memorable time while parents can relax and unwind. 

Club InterContinental

For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, Club InterContinental Lounge & Pool offers luxurious indoor and outdoor spaces by the beach, personalised service, and a range of exclusive benefits, including butler service, afternoon tea, VIP in-room amenities, a choice of two complimentary breakfast venues, and sunset evening cocktails with premium wines. 

Embracing sustainability and offering an experience that fuses contemporary luxury with traditional Thai heritage, InterContinental Phuket Resort is the perfect destination for those seeking an exquisite and culturally rich vacation on the stunning west coast of Phuket. 

Related: Enjoy A ‘Suite Surprise’ At InterContinental® Singapore With This Special Offer!

One&Only Reethi Rah stands as a haven of serenity and beauty in the Maldives, offering unparalleled luxury, exceptional service, and extraordinary experiences.

Nestled amidst the mesmerising Indian Ocean, and surrounded by pristine white sand beaches and lush tropical gardens, One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives stands as an ultra-luxury, all-villa resort. From the moment one sets foot on these private islands–one of the largest of its kind in North Malé Atoll–this exclusive oasis captivates and delights, creating memories that last a lifetime, courtesy of the abundant space, freedom, and a wide array of activities it has on offer. 

Introducing One&Only Reethi Rah

Stay

Reethi Rah, meaning “beautiful island” in Dhivehi, boasts 12 immaculate white sand beaches and six kilometres of shoreline, making it a paradise for beach lovers. The resort is home to some of the most exceptional and spacious villas in the Indian Ocean. With a total of 118 villas, including 90 beach villas and residences, as well as 28 water villas, each accommodation option offers a detached, expansive, and luxurious setting. 

Dine

Dining options at One&Only Reethi Rah are both varied and innovative, with a focus on fresh cuisine prepared with passion and flair. Guests can indulge in culinary delights at seven diverse restaurants and bars, including Hoshi, an ode to ancient Japan and a celebration of innovative Japanese dining with over-water views. Journeying from its original home shores from One&Only Desaru Coast, Hoshi brings the art of Japanese cuisine to the white sands of the Maldives. 

Botanica, nestled in a magical candle-lit potager, prepares natural farm-to-fork cuisine, with many ingredients sourced from the surrounding Chef’s Garden. Fanditha, an exotic beachside restaurant and the best spot to witness breathtaking sunsets on the island serves an à la carte menu of exceptional Middle Eastern cuisine. The resort’s main dining complex, Reethi, offers delicious breakfasts with an array of fresh bakeries, tropical fruits, and healthy superfood dishes.

By night, Reethi transforms into a fusion of cuisines, with fine French and vibrant Asian-inspired cuisine at ‘Earth,’ and exquisite grilled meats at ‘Fire Grill’. Next door, the poolside restaurant Rabarbaro offers authentic Italian fare for an evening meal. After dinner, guests can unwind at the vibrant cocktail bar, Rah Bar, which offers live music, cool martinis, and exotic cocktails.

Through the day, guests can savour the freshest selection of salads, seafood, and grills at The Beach Club, a feet-in-the-sand dining spot, or enjoy rustic woodfire oven pizzas at Rabarbaro while overlooking the iconic One&Only Reethi Rah lap pool. For a truly unforgettable experience, the resort provides a range of private dining options–from intimate sandbanks in the middle of the Indian Ocean to secluded meals surrounded by treetop canopies at their iconic Treehouse. 

Rejuvenation

One&Only Reethi Rah takes pride in its award-winning One&Only Spa, which offers a holistic program of treatments, beauty, fitness, and wellness. Set in a serene and tranquil environment, away from the rest of the resort, the spa is nestled within lush manicured gardens. Guests can unwind in private treatment villas beneath thatch roofs or relaxation pavilions overlooking the Indian Ocean. The spa’s therapists guide guests on a journey of wellness, combining ancient therapeutic rituals with modern research to provide the utmost rejuvenation and relaxation.

The spa also welcomes visiting practitioners from around the globe, adding further expertise to its offerings. Guests can enjoy in swirling vitality pools, saunas, and crystal steam rooms, while beauty and grooming treatments are available at the Pedi:Mani: Cure Studio by renowned French podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez. What’s more–the Fitness Centre at One&Only Reethi Rah is fully equipped with state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor facilities, including a Recharge Bar for a post-workout energy boost. 

Experience

Beyond the luxurious accommodations and exceptional dining experiences, One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives offers a comprehensive range of energising water sports, experiences, and excursions. The resort’s Club One serves as the hub for all things active, providing facilities such as a rock-climbing wall, a padel court, two floodlit tennis courts, an Artist Studio, and a water sports centre where one can enjoy activities like e-foiling, wakeboarding, and jet-skiing. Club One also caters to beach volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and board games enthusiasts, ensuring entertainment across ages.

Younger guests can partake in the KidsOnly and One Tribe programs, which are designed to inspire creativity and imagination. For those eager to explore the secrets of the Indian Ocean, the resort’s PADI Gold Palm Dive Centre offers exhilarating snorkelling trips, including the Shark Safari and Turtle Adventure, as well as a full PADI education programme and to discover the underwater marine life. 

Related: Here’s How You Can Adopt A Coral In The Maldives, Thanks To Reefscapers

Located on the Red Mountain in Lhasa, Potala Palace is a Tibetan castle built in the year 1649. The palace is named after Mount Potalaka which translates to ‘brilliance’ and is said to have its origin in Tamil Nadu in India.  

Once the winter home for the Dalai Lama, the palace was converted into a museum by the Chinese Government after the Dalai Lama was exiled to India in 1959. The grandeur of this palace and the breathtaking panoramic views from the hill is what attracts travellers. The Potala Palace is also a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and of religious importance to Buddhists around the world. Many pilgrims walk barefoot around the palace, with a prayer wheel, to pay their respects and seek blessings.

History of Potala Palace 

It is believed that the Potala Palace was built as a symbol of love by the Tibetan King Sonstsen Gambo. He built a 9-storey building for his wedding to Princess Wencheng of the Chinese Tang Dynasty. During the civil war, in the 9th century, the ancient palace was almost destroyed. Later when the monks entered Tibet, they restored and expanded the palace and announced it as a residence for the Dalai Lama. 

The construction of the palace began in the 17th century under the guidance of the fifth Dalai Lama. It took 45 years to complete the construction of the Red Palace (the palace was divided into two parts — Red and White Palaces). The structure underwent restoration again under the guidance of the 13th Dalai Lama after suffering slight damage during the Tibetan uprising.

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In 1994, UNESCO announced Potala Palace as a World Heritage Site with Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka as extension sites in 2000 and 2001, respectively.  

Potala Palace architecture  

Built at an altitude of 12,100 ft above sea level, in the Lhasa Valley, this is the world’s highest palace that can be easily mistaken for a fortress due to its appearance.

It is built in the Dzong architectural style, a massive structure with towering exterior walls that surrounds a complex of courtyards, temples, administrative blocks and accommodations for the monks. This palace is a perfect display of Tibetan architecture filled with intricate artwork by artists from the region.

The builders used dirt and stones along with other simple equipment available at that time to build the palace. Copper was used in between the granite walls to protect the palace from earthquakes.

The exterior of the palace can be seen best from Jokhang Temple or Chakpori Mountain. The interiors are made up of stones and wood that add to the beauty of this palace.  

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Inside Potala Palace  

The palace comprises 1000 rooms, tombs of 8 Dalai Lamas, numerous shrines, thousands of painted scrolls, murals and statues made from alloys and jewels. The palace building is divided into two sections – The Red Palace and The White Palace. The Red Palace is the religious space which has Namgyel Dratshang – the private monastery of the Dalai Lama along with monks’ dormitories. The grounds of the palace also have a garden, stables and even a jail. The White Palace is the administrative block that also has the largest room which used to be the Dalai Lama’s living quarter.  The Dalai Lama’s residence consisted of two apartments on the top floor known as the Eastern and Western Sunshine apartments.  

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The Potala Palace today 

The Potala Palace today is not only an iconic religious landmark but is also a protected heritage site that has a massive collection of spiritual and cultural artefacts. It is a 13-storey building where the beauty of the Red and White Palace buildings are restored by painting the buildings with respective colours of red and white with a fresh coat made from sugar, honey and milk every year in autumn.  

What is Potala Palace used for now? 

The Palace today is occupied by the Chinese government and converted into a museum that is frequented by Buddhists and travellers from across the globe. Previously, it was a place of government administration of Tibet and the residence of the Dalai Lamas.  

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Entrance fee and things to remember 

The fee from May to October is INR 2408 and from November to April is INR 1204.  

Tips to travel to Potala Palace 

• You can visit the place only with tour groups or an operator.
• The groups are allowed only one hour inside.
• You should book your tickets before visiting as less than 3,000 visitors are allowed during the day.
• Photography is not allowed inside the premises and you cannot carry food or water.
• It is important to dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes as you will be on foot covering 3,700 metres!  

Best time to visit Potala Palace  

Although you can visit the palace all year round, the best time is between June to October which also is the peak season for tourists.  

How to get there

Fly into the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or take the direct train from several cities in China to reach Lhasa Railway Station. A Tibet Tourism Bureau permit is required through a local tour agency in advance that will allow you to enter Tibet by air or train. Airport shuttles are easily available to drop you outside the palace for a price of INR 301. Alternatively, you can take a shared cab or private cab that will cost you approximately INR 362 and 3011, respectively. To reach the palace hop on bus numbers 4, 24 or 12 as all of them will drop you at Jinzhu Market which is close to the east gate of Potala Palace.  

(Hero and feature image credit: Hung Chung Chih/Shutterstock)

Related: Through The Lens: Learn About Tibet’s Sacred Region And Decode Its Geographical Narrative

Slated to open in Q4 of 2023, Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort promises to bring a multi-experience lifestyle destination for discerning travellers heading to vibrant Colombo, Sri Lanka.  

Colombo is bustling with memorable experiences and buzzing diversity in every nook. Post-modern skylines meet hidden cultural treasures, lively markets unravel day’s wares, and streets come dotted with delectable street food, chic shopping promenades, and energetic nightlife. Adding to this colourful dynamism is the soon-to-open Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort.

Introducing Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort

Part of an integrated lifestyle complex, Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort will recreate personal journeys of discoveries and adventures for all its guests. Be it discovering the city’s hidden treasures and exploring local artistic communities to even immersing in gastronomic experiences, this new space will guarantee an unforgettable stay every step of the way.

Location

Located just 45 minutes away from the Bandaranaike International Airport, Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort will sit on the scenic waterfront of the Biera Lake canal, a serene green landmark oozing with a rich colonial history.

Design

Cecil Balmond—an internationally-renowned architect, engineer, and artist—has helped bring the striking façade of Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort to life. Here, guests will be able to see a crossover between advanced art, architecture, and science. This will come accentuated by myriad influences such as the energies of Nataraja, the cosmic dancer; the moonstones of ancient Sri Lankan structures; and the mathematical prime number sequencing for life that has formed the non-linear architectural design of the resort.

Stay

Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort will house two hotels featuring 800 guest rooms and suites, 15 restaurants and bars with live entertainment, two wellness centres, a kids’ club, four swimming pools (including one private spa pool) and a massive 80,000 square feet of events and meetings space.

Each stay option at the resort will represent an urban hideaway, giving guests the opportunity to discover a hidden oasis in the heart of Colombo. Level 10 onwards, these rooms will feature views of the city’s skyline, city harbour, and the Beira Lake. In the distance, the exquisitely blue Indian Ocean will glisten under the moonlight.

At the luxury boutique hotel, located from Levels 25 to 30, the resort will provide an additional seven-star service amid refined settings. Each of the 113 guest rooms and suites here will feature forward-thinking, luxurious comforts. Think an e-concierge that will provide innovative conveniences or digitised formats that will reinvent in-room dining experience.

Dine

Beyond lavish rooms, Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort will also enthral with exciting family-friendly dining options. The resort’s fifteen restaurants and bars—six of which are located on levels 23 to 25—will push the envelope of gastronomy with unique ambiances that will let guests craft their own culinary journey. Choose from a classical high tea within a 1920’s inspired lounge, a contemporary take on Indian street food, or even charming southern French bistro dishes, to name a few.

Celebrate

Be it an intimate or big wedding celebration or a large conference, Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort’s assortment of five distinctive venues and three outdoor spaces will make every celebration merrier. Whether its the striking pillar-less ballroom that will seat more than 1,000 people or an exclusive cantilever space on Level 22, each set up will promise flexibility and convenience to host any engaging event.

Experience

The Kids’ Club at Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort will be an exclusive child-only zone for younger guests to engage in exciting activities, allowing parents to experience peace-of-mind whilst unwinding by a pool bar, shopping or dining at the all-day dining restaurants. As kids monkey around in the Kids’ Club, parents can relax at the wellness centre.

The wellness centre at Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort will feature specialised Asian therapies, a private garden, and a dedicated spa pool. Other unique experiences for guests will be available via the resort’s sister offering, Cinnamon Air. This will include visits to an animal park, tea plantations, sea plane rides, and more.

So, add this resort to your bucket list for 2023 and gear up to experience the time of your life in Colombo!

Related: Sri Lankan Cuisine: Treasure Trove Of Unique Recipes