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Friday, October 26, 2012

Launch of Secret Retreats, a New Collection of Boutique Hideaways Across Asia

A new collection of 33 inspiring boutique hideaways across Asia, SECRET RETREATS (www.secret-retreats.com), has launched in Singapore.

The bespoke collective of independent luxury retreats extends from Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam in South-East Asia to India, China, South Korea and Japan.

They all share a common philosophy "owned by passionate individuals, arts and antiques aficionados, and lovers of fine foods"

"We spotted a gap in the market for distinctive independently owned luxury properties that reflect Asian hospitality as we know it and formed a collection of them," said SECRET RETREATS Managing Director Stéphane Junca.

The unique collection is hand-picked for common individuality as:
  • Small tranquil properties in perfect harmony with their natural environments, exclusive and sometimes quite unusual.
  • Authentic experiences encouraged by owners whose passion for local traditions and culture is infectious, complemented by great attention to details, natural hospitality and seamless service.
  • Fine gastronomy with fresh flavours and traditional recipes from local ingredients sometimes re-worked by talented and creative chefs, refined yet unadorned.
  • Charming and luxurious 5-star residences reflecting their owners' personalities.
  • Bespoke service dedicated to pleasing and fulfilling guests' needs and desires.
SECRET RETREATS is the brainchild of three European travel and hospitality specialists based in Malaysia and Bangkok.

French Managing Director Stéphane Junca has been responsible for the development of various hospitality projects in China, was previously Director of Hotel Tugu Bali and was most recently Regional Director Asia Pacific for Relais & Châteaux.

French Executive Director Bruno Ferret is a leading expert in tour operations in Asia and beyond. He founded Ateliers du Voyages, which he sold in 2009, and has since launched a new company KHOWAN, comprising Samar Villas in Siem Reap, Villa Mathis in Bali and Muang La in Laos.

Italian Executive Director Federico Asarohas lived in Malaysia since the age of seven and is a hotelier/ restaurateur based in Kuala Lumpur. He owns five restaurants in Malaysia and recently opened two new dining establishments in Singapore. He is also the proprietor of Japamala Resort on Tioman Island and Villa Samadhi in Kuala Lumpur.

Born in the USA but raised in Paris and London, Director / Secretary Elizabeth Soriano is a specialist in culinary arts and travel. Based in Singapore, she trained under three 3-star Michelin chefs Roger Vergé, Daniel Boulud and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and has edited travel guides for Relais & Châteaux.

More information on SECRET RETREATS and the properties is at www.secret-retreats.com

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The Expeditionist

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