At the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we have reasons to celebrate. Tomorrow is the Chinese New Year, the year of the horse.

One of the main differences between Chinese and western cultures is the lunar calendar and horoscope.

2014 in China will, as off tomorrow (31st of January), mark the start of the year 4712, the year of the “Wooden Horse”.

Legend has it that Buddha summoned all animals before leaving his human shape in order to say goodbye to them, and it is said that only 12 showed up to say goodbye to him as a sign of gratitude. This is why the Chinese horoscope, consists of those twelve animals: a rat, an ox, a tiger, a hare, a dragon, a snake, a horse, a sheep, a monkey, a rooster, a dog and a wild boar or a pig.

In Chinese astrology, the horse represents victory, enthusiasm, independence, intelligence, creativity, optimism and strength.

The New Year is expected to bring movement, expansion, new ideas, new conquests and projects. The horse is an ally when moving forward, but you must be a good rider, and make sure not to stay still.

This year, it is advisable to think more and not to act on impulse, focus on your goals, wishes, dreams and utopias to make them come true and do not act hastily.

At the 5-star luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we also want your dreams to come true, that is the reason why we invite you to our luxury resort where you shall be able to relax, meditate and enjoy a pleasant stay in the perfect Asian spot. We await you.

Today, at the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we would once more like to go back to one our favourite countries, India, more precisely the region of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan is an extremely beautiful place located in the northwest of India. In Rajasthan there are many mythical cities ruled by maharajahs with great monuments and temples and even Asian lions and tigers in the Thar desert.

However, the main asset in this region can be found on the Aravalli Mountains, on Mount Abu, a natural reserve and place of pilgrimage, the Dilwara Temples.

These temples are the main representatives of architecture and sculptural design in India.

It is said that the elaborate decoration of the temples was due to the fact that the more dust the craftsmen involved generated when working, the more they got paid.

The first temple to be built was the Vimal Vasahi (1031 – 1045), and it cost around 180.5 million rupees. The temple pays tribute to Adinath (“First Lord”) whose statue is on the main altar.

The other great temple is the Luna Vasahi, built in 1230. It cost 125.9 million rupees. In order to get an idea of how spectacular and impressive it is, we can tell you that 2,500 craftsmen worked on it over a period of 15 years. In the middle of the main dome we can find its famous valuable and delicate flower, which currently remains a symbol of this temple.

In addition, there are another 3 temples although not as impressive as the previous ones: the Khartar Vashi from the 15^th Century, which is three floors high; the Mahaveerswani built in 1582; and the Bhimashah Pittalhar erected between  1315 and 1433, it holds a magnificent 4-tonne statue made out of five different metals.

At the 5-star luxury hotel Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, you will feel as if you were in a temple of relaxation and wellbeing. Are you going to miss out on it?

As you already know, at the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa our philosophy is based on “look after others and be looked after”, which is why today we would like to tell you about Maharajahs, Asian characters surrounded by the most unimaginable and exuberant luxury.

These characters who seem to have come out of fairy tales and legends and brought to reality, have reigned in India for centuries.

The Sanskrit word “Maharajah” means great king, and it can also be written as “Majarash”, “Majaras”, or “Maraja” due to the range of languages that exist in India.

Maharajahs lived surrounded by luxury, and they have been the most exotic and decorated kings of all time. It is said that the reason for this was that the British preferred to keep them distracted with pompous ceremonies in order to prevent them from having too much political power.

Legend has it that these dynasties came from the sun and the moon and became princes worshipped by their subjects as gods.

During the “durbars”, crowded ceremonies, the maharajahs used certain holy objects to transmit grandeur and power. Each element was carefully crafted; impressive jewels, turbans, dresses, shoes, swords and daggers, as well as thrones, sunshades, fans and outfits worn by the subjects that accompanied them.

The clothes worn by maharajahs were radiant. From head to waist they wore amazing jewels covering their bodies. They wore a ceremonial robe called “jama”, and as accessories they wore as many royal jewels as they could carry on them: chokers, swords, daggers, armbands and belts.

They also wore a turban decorated with jewels as a crown. Putting on their turban was a real ritual for monarchs.

In addition to turbans, maharajahs had other symbolic accessories such as the “chauri” (feather headdress), the “morchhal” (peacock feather fans) and heart-shaped fans.

Popular belief said that maharajahs needed to be seen and acclaimed by their people in order to reaffirm their power, and also the people needed to see them in order to take part in and share said power.

We are all familiar with a traditionally Indian jewel, the Koh-i-Noor diamond “mountain of light”. Nowadays, this diamond is one of the British crown jewels in the Tower of London. It was originally a 186-carat jewel which was later downsized to a 105-carat jewel by Queen Victoria’s husband, after several complaints claiming it was not shiny enough.

Like all other jewels in history, it also has a Hindu legend which says that “only God or a woman may wear it”, men who wore it fell under a lethal curse.

At the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we have made all the arrangements to make you feel like a true maharajah. You shall enjoy a magnificent Asian experience full of treats, beauty and relaxation. Come and enjoy.

For us, at the Asia Gardens 5-star Hotel & Thai Spa, as well as for many people, fabrics are one of the wonders of India, and that is the reason why we would like to make a special mention to them on our blog.

There may not be a place in the world with such vast and creative production of fabrics as it is India. Nowadays, there are more than 10 million weavers, fabric dyeing specialists, embroiderers and spinners all around India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, using designs full of patterns, vitality and colour.

Despite the advances in technology of textile development, when manually handcrafting fabrics there are a series of traditional techniques that have remained in India.

The most common and traditional techniques to decorate fabrics in India are:

1. Weaving

This type of decoration is used on elaborate designs directly on the fabric. A lot of fabric is used when working these designs, hence the high cost of fabrics which are more expensive than average as more time and skill are required.

2. Dyeing and pattern

In India people are true masters of this art and they apply many different techniques.

“Batik dye” or reserve dyeing consists of applying layers of wax over the parts of the fabric that you do not wish to dye. This process allows you to use layers of colour.

“Bandhani dye”, this is also a reserve dyeing technique although much more elaborate. It is mainly used in Gujarat and Rajasthan, and generally on cotton and silk fabrics.

Using patterns is the oldest method of decorating fabric. There are two ways of doing it: “block pattern” which consists of printing patterns on linen, cotton or silk manually, using wooden stamps. And “Rowan pattern” , originally from the north of Gujarat, where they use a glossy paste made of castor or safflower oil mixed with water, chalk and a colouring pigment to create a dense colorant. The paint is applied on the fabric using a splinter, a roller or a metallic block. Flower and geometrical patterns are the most commonly used.

3. Embroidery

This type of decoration also uses different methods and styles such as “Aari embroidery”, also known as “Zari” when combined with Golden threads; “embroidery with mirrors” which dates back to the 18th Century, used by the Persians; “Kantha embroidery” which consists of simple patterns using different colour thread; “Chikan embroidery” brought into the country by the wife of a Mongolian emperor which ended up becoming quite popular; “Zardozi embroidery”, the most popular style nowadays, used on bride dresses, including metal, pieces of glass, pearls and beads.

These dyeing and pattern methods are identity symbols of India.  Walking around the streets of India, you can witness an explosion of colour that has crossed borders.

At the Asia Gardens 5-star Hotel & Thai Spa we have been inspired by such an explosion of colour and tradition from the Asian continent, and we have created an area where you can live a true Asian experience in the Mediterranean. How about a visit? www.asiagardens.es/en

Today, from our Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa blog, we would like to tell you about cranes, and how important they are in Asia and their tradition in origami.

It is said that cranes are the most ancient animal on Earth, as there is fossil evidence confirming their existence dating back to more than 60 million years.

Throughout Asia, cranes have represented happiness and eternal youth. However, in Japanese, Chinese and Korean traditions, these birds also symbolize good fortune and longevity.

There are 15 species of cranes living in five continents, but the Japanese one is said to be the most majestic, with a white neck and red crown.

In Asian traditions, it is believed that the wings of cranes carry souls to heaven, and elevate people, to the highest level of spiritual enlightment. For this reason, cranes play an essential role in Asian origami.

There is an ancient story about origami that has become a legend, the legend of “the 1,000 cranes”.

After the Second World War, cranes made of origami became quite symbolic and valuable representing hope and healing.

After the Hiroshima bomb, Little Sadako Sasaki was diagnosed with leukaemia and exposed to radiation. While she was in hospital, her friend told her an old story: “anyone who can make 1,000 paper cranes in origami, shall be blessed with a wish”.

In hearing this, Sadako was hopeful and began making paper cranes in order to get better. She only managed to make 644 before she died, but her classmates kept on making them until they reached 1,000. This gesture moved everyone in the area, and a statue was built in Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park to pay tribute to strong spirits.

Cranes are magical animals cherished in Asian society, and, as we have already mentioned, they represent hope, strength and happiness.

Visit Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa and live your own Asian experience in our 5-star luxury resort.

Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa 5*

(Images by Creative Commons Flickr)

It is said that you never get to really know a city if you do not visit its most emblematic spots. At the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we offer you access to all the exotic spots in one luxury resort.

We would like to guide you through the city of Shanghai, an amazing trip, a city full of contrasts between past and future in China.

Shanghai is divided in two by the Huangpu River. On the western bank of the river, there is an elegant promenade dating back to the beginning of the 20^th Century, known as the Bund, where you can find all upmarket shops and restaurants.

Opposite, there is the Pudong, the financial district where you can enjoy futuristic architecture.

The following are the 6 places you should not miss:

1.    The view from the Bund

From this side of the river you can see the futuristic area of Pudong on the other side, in contrast with colonial European-style buildings in the area of Bund which remind us of New York.

2.    Huangpu River

The city is divided under the river, where there is a futuristic tunnel to access the city.

3.    Pudong, trip into the future

This is the business area of the city, built in the last 15 to 20 years. It is considered the “New Shanghai”. Its large buildings and architectural diversity make this area a spectacular spot, with great places to visit and many viewpoints: the “Oriental Pearl Tower”, “Jin Mao Building”, “Shanghai World Financial Center” and the “Shanghai Tower “among others.

4.    Jade Buddha Temple

This temple, also called Yufo Si, is a relatively modern Buddhist temple located in the centre of the city. It was built between 1991-1918, and it holds spectacular statues of Buddha sculpted in White jade brought from Burma by the monk Hui Gen.

5.    Yuyuan Gardens

These gardens take up 20,000 square metres and are surrounded by a wall in the shape of a dragon. There were built during the Ming dynasty in the image and likeness of the imperial gardens.

6.    The Old City

This is the oldest and most lived in part of the city of Shanghai, where you can find the most traditional buildings in the country. Within this “city”, you can visit several temples; the most outstanding one is the “Cheng Huang Miao” temple or temple of the gods of the city.

At the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, the diversity of Asian styles, designs and traditions shall provide you with your own Asian experience in our luxury resort.

We look forward to seeing you.

In many cities of Asia, there are magnificent and enormous palaces whose beauty amazes all visitors. At the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, the beautiful architecture of our luxury hotel brings the impressive Asian structures closer to you.

Today, we would like to tell you about one of the most emblematic places, Jaipur, the pink city and its wind palace.

The Hawa Mahal, or wind palace, is located in Jaipur, India. It was built in 1799 by the ruler Sawai Pratap Singh and it was designed by Lal Chand Usta.

The palace was initially intended as an extension of the harem’s chamber; however, its original purpose was as a building from which women could watch the everyday life of the streets without being seen by anyone.

It is said that it is one of the most unusual palaces in India, as it is not surrounded by gardens; instead it is located in the middle of the city and its main streets.

On the outside, the Hawa Mahal, looks like the tail of a peacock, a very symbolic animal in India which represents the power of thunder. In Asian countries it is believed that when a peacock opens up its stunning tail, it will soon rain.

The colour of the palace is such due to the red and pink sandstone it was built with, and the calcium rust inlaid work.

Its name, “Wind Palace” comes from the wind getting in through the 953 small windows of its facade. The wind used to keep the place cool even in the summer.

Jaipur is a symmetric city surrounded by a great wall based on the “Shilpa Sastra”, and ancient construction manual.

It so happens that our Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, has the same colour on its facade, and this will make your experience all the more similar to what Indian rulers might have felt. Come to our luxury resort and enjoy the peace and beauty of our wellbeing temple.

We have already started the new year. 2014 has started strong and full of optimism at the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, and as we always do, we hope all your wishes come true.

There are many Asian symbols of good fortune, but the most significant one in India is the ELEPHANT.

The elephant plays a very important role in life in India as it is linked to the religion and cultural heritage of this fascinating country. The elephant is nowadays a worshipped animal.

In India live 60% of all wild elephants. When it comes to domestic animals, India is the country that has had the highest number of elephants taking part in everyday chores related to construction, transport and ceremonies.

Without a doubt, the elephant, called “Ganesh”, represents an important deity in Hindu religion, this name comes from “Gan + ish” which means “the god of guardians” and it is worshipped as god of good fortune and protection, opening the way and removing obstacles.

Ganesh has conquered the hearts of thousands of followers around the world. Hindu people make him offerings of “ladus”, which according to traditions is its favourite sweet, as well as flowers, incense and mantra “Shri Ganeshaya Namah” (reverence to the adored Ganesh).

The most popular festival led by elephants, is the Elephant Festival in Jaipur, with parades and goodwill messages, full of hope and colour, another symbol in Indian culture.

During the festival, elephants are painted with bright colours and people get dressed up and wear turbans to take part in a mass parade with music and dancers.

At the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we don’t have domestic elephants, but we know that 2014 will be a year full of good luck and resolutions, and that is the reason why we would like to invite you to come to our luxury resort, a temple of relaxation where you will look after yourself.

During the Christmas holidays, food plays an essential role. At the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, our Asian cuisine will impress you no doubt. Quality and luxury await you.

Today, we are going to tell you about the 5 most upmarket dishes and other upmarket products in Asia:

1. “Swallow Nest Soup”

Also known as “bird nest soup”, is a speciality in Chinese cuisine. These nests are made out of solidified saliva, and are considered to be one of the most expensive ingredients in the world, although it is generally used in soup, it can also be taken as a dessert. A kilo of these nests can be as much as €7,273.

2. “The Jewel of Pangaea”

A cocktail served in one of the most exclusive clubs in Singapore. It is made with Hennessey Cognac, sprinkled with gold, 1985 Krug champagne and sugar. It is generally decorated with a 1-carat diamond. This is the most exclusive and expensive cocktail in the world, it costs €18,910 per drink.

3. “Carne Kobe”

True Kobe beef comes from Japan, and it is bred in secrecy according to some Asian traditions. Its meat is fatty and soft, often compared to “foie gras”. 1kilo  costs around €450.

This type of meat is massaged daily by its owners.

4. “Fugu”

Better known as “balloon fish” is a typically Japanese dish made with fish. This is a poisonous animal and if prepared incorrectly it can be lethal. The smallest bit of this poison could kill a human being. However, this is one of the most popular Japanese dishes. Chefs must be rigorously trained and their training certified. It can cost as much as €92,500.

5. “Matsukate”

That is the name of the best known fungus in Japanese cuisine since ancient times. The tradition of this mushroom remains nowadays and is considered an exquisite delicacy by those who try it. When the matsutake season starts, is when it is at its highest quality, and it costs up to €1,500 per kilo.

If you wish to enjoy Asian delicacies in our luxury resort, come to the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, here you will find the most exclusive mouth-water.