I have started to plan my semiannual return to Bangkok, another visit to magical Myanmar, and site inspections in Krabi and Phuket Thailand. Myanmar is a really hot travel destination and I want to do a run on the fabulous Road to Mandalay- the Orient Express cruise on the Irrawaddy river in Myanmar. I also want to check the iconic Strand Hotel and Governor’s Residence in Yangon. I am so happy to see Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake again. The people of Myanmar are so dear, and so happy to have guests again visiting their country. I am including some pictures from my last visit. Visas are necessary for Myanmar so I have sent off my visa application. One has to apply 3 months out. Weather will be hot and humid- yay!
I just received this from Delta concerning their exciting new terminal:
On May 16th, the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal will open at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). This state-of-the-art, LEED-certified terminal will accommodate more passengers and make international travel a breeze.
Most international flights will arrive at Concourses E or F, although some international flights from “pre-cleared” countries will arrive on Concourses T through D.
If Atlanta is your final destination:
You will proceed through Passport Control and claim your baggage at the new international terminal.
You will no longer need to recheck your baggage upon exiting Customs.
There is a passenger pickup area and ground transportation center at the new international terminal.
From the international terminal, complimentary shuttles are available to both the domestic terminal which includes MARTA, as well as to the rental car center.
Since you are departing Atlanta prior to the new terminal’s opening and returning after its opening, please note the following:
If you parked at the domestic terminal and your flight arrives at the international terminal, you may take the complimentary shuttle bus to the domestic terminal.
If someone is picking you up at the airport, please let him or her know you will arrive at the new international terminal, which is accessible from Interstate 75.
Please visit delta.com for more information about the international terminal.
I have pictures of every property, so if you need to see, just email me and I will send them over.
May 26th Singapore Raffles Hotel One of my favorite hotels in the world. 
Still gorgeous. Amazing gardens in the middle of Singapore. Rooms have 14F ceilings, old colonial feeling, white walls with dark wood floors. Favorite area is Palm Court suites- Sitting room separated by a wall with open windows. Bathrooms: double sinks in separate area. Be sure to see the Raffles Museum. Outdoor Mall is attached to the property.
May 27th
Carolyn Tyler’s FAB villa near Ubud
Carolyn Tyler’s Villa. Not completed, but will have two pools, a second house on property, staff, and 4 bedrooms in the main house. Property is beautiful. Gardens are
Complete. River running along the front of the property. Will be a great rental villa.
May 28th
Hotels visited:
Viceroy- 5* property, large villa like rooms with plunge pools, heli pad, Near Ubud, on Ayung river, view of grass rooftops of the villas
Amandari the queen in Ubud, glamorous, rooms are large, bright and perfect with plunge pools, restaurant is divine. Spa is small but good.
Amandari Pool on a rainy day
Chedi Club moderate alternative in Ubud, rooms were beautifully done, big, property has gorgeous gardens, Spa.
Uma- another good moderate property, health oriented, rooms newly done very bright, pleasant, baths beautiful Spa
Begawan Giri, 4-5 bedroom villas that one shares with others, amazing gardens, situated in the Ayung valley looking down into the gorge. Stunning
Ubud Hanging Gardens about 20 minutes north of Ubud. Perched on a very steep mountain, so steep it has 2 funiculars( trains). Good for honeymooners who want to chill. Beautiful views. Moderate alternative. I liked it. Orient Express Hotel
Four Seasons Sayan – stayed there lively, beautiful. You descend to the entrance for you villa. 5* all the way , service is terrific. Restaurant and bar have stunning views of the river, rooms are large as are bathrooms. Very private. Spa is beautiful. May 29th 
Four Seasons Sayan Fab suite
Bali West coast and beaches
Hotel Tugu Dramatic lobby. Done by a collector of Indonesian, and Chinese Antiques.
Pieces everywhere. Rooms were a little dark, bathrooms were small, little room for toiletries on sinks. On the beach, you know you are in Bali, good moderate alternative for beach on west coast. Near canguu. Cooking school is outstanding.
Bali Homes Management– visited two villas both reasonable – one near Ubud, other on the water near Sanur. Very good rates.
Legian Club Seminyak – on west side of Bali, across street from the beach. Attached to Legian. 5* resort. Club has access to all Legian facilities. Another moderate alternative
Rooms were beautifully decorated. Clean and contempory.
Oberoi recently renovated. Good alternative on the beach side of Bali. Great restaurant big beautiful pool, gorgeous gardens, service excellent. Near the hot restaurant KU DE TA. In Canguu.
Intercontinental Jimbaran Huge hotel, people milling everywhere. Looked like a convention facility to me. You could be anywhere, nothing special about the rooms.
St. Regis Nusa Dua, Nusa Dua is not Bali to me, but it certainly has a lot going on lately.
Lot’s of convention doings. Everyone on our flight seemed to be going to Nusa Dua.
The St. Regis came highly recommended by clients, They loved the rooms , dining and public areas. Brand new.
Four Seasons Jimbaran. Still the queen in my book. Service is impeccable, villas have the perfect size plunge pools. Living area is open, and the bedroom is closed for airconditioning. Gift shop is the best. Three restaurants PG/s by the water, the facility by the pool, and an Indonesian restaurant/cooking school. Spa is one of the best on the Island.
Four Seasons Jimbaran View and Plunge Pool- Feels like I'm home when there!
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Koh Samui
Visited:
Six Senses more oriented to the health crowd- rooms were small, but it was crowded, so someone loves it. Restaurant was delightful. Probably would not be my first choice
Napasai fabulous moderate alternative and a happy surprise. Jeremie, the GM, recently came from Le Residence in Laos. He is passionate about this property. You will get great service. The pool is gorgeous, he has made a huge beach out of thin air. I hear the largest on the Island. Rooms are smallish compared to FS, but there is a big price difference. They are newly done, and very very comfortable. Redoing the Spa.
Pool at Napasai on Koh Samui An Orient Express Hotel.
Stayed at Four Seasons Koh Samui by far the most glamorous property on the island. No comparison if you have high end clients or honeymooners. Fabulous and beautiful. Service as with all FS impeccable, Everyone, says hello and wants you to be SO happy. Spa is expensive but awesome. Views from the property are spectacular. Not opened yet the W, and Banyan Tree both supposed to be wonderful.
Four Seasons Koh Samui Plunge Pool- Amazing view!
Now is probably the best time to travel to Thailand- maybe ever! Crowds are down, you can get a reservation at any great restaurant – and there are so many – security has never been higher and traffic is down. Everyone is so glad to see Americans, and bargains abound. The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is still the Queen-unmatched service and such a warm welcome! One of their inhouse restaurants, Lord Jim’s continues to serve amazing seafood with a great view of the entertaining river traffic.
Other good hotels are the Penninsula, Four Seasons, Sukothai, and a lovely new one- the Lebua. Rooms go up to the 62nd floor- incredible views! The Lebua has Mezzeluna and Sirroco restaurants. Two of BKK’s tops.
If you are trying to figure out where to take your next trip, call you favorite consultant and book a trip with A&K Thailand. Their planning is terrific. They are the only company that will meet you at the plane and get you through customs upon arrival. They have a marvelous ground operation. They know all the good spots, hotels, shopping, restaurants. They actually go out and personally visit sites, and hotels, so it is first hand knowledge.
The flowers here are so exquisite that I am thinking of planning a Garden Tour! Let me know if you are interested.
Dispatches from the Road 