At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we had to say goodbye to February discovering the treasures Asia is hiding. Today we are travelling to China to explore Dazu Rock Carvings. Are you coming?

The Dazu Rock Carvings are located in Dazu, next to the city of Chongqing in China. They are a series of beautiful religious sculptures and carvings, dating back to the period between the 7th and 15th centuries.

The sculptures were created during the Tang and Song dynasties. The most ancient ones were began in 650, while the most outstanding ones were created between the 9th and 12th centuries. The sculptures were influenced by Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist beliefs. They symbolize how was life during that period.

The Dazu Rock Carvings are made up of 75 protected sites containing over 50,000 statues, with 100,000 Chinese characters forming inscriptions and epigraphs. These sites are located in 5 different mountains throughout Dazu: Mount Beishan, Mount Baoding, Mount Nanshan, Mount Shizhuan and Mount Shimen.

Mount Beishan contains over 10,000 statues. Half of them are Buddhist ones. Mount Baoding harbours two of the most important sculptures in Dazu: Thousand-armed Avalokiteśvara and the reclining Buddha. Mount Nanshan contains Taoist sculptures; while Mount Shizhuan Carvings hold Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian statues. And at Mount Shimen, Buddhism and Taoism are well merged.

The first family getaway of the year is coming. Why not celebrating Easter in Southeast Asia in the Mediterranean? Enjoy unforgettable days at the 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa.

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we keep travelling around the Asian continent. Today we are heading to the Philippines to discover the famous Banaue Rice Terraces.

The Banaue Rice Terraces are located in Banaue, in the province of Ifugao in the Philippines. They are considered to be the 8th Natural Wonder of the World by many Filipinos.

The terraces were carved into the mountains of Ifugao by ancestors of the indigenous people about 2000 years ago. They were constructed as a practical solution to the problem of growing rice on those lands. The final result is amazing: Rice terraces covering an area of over 10,000 square metres.

The terraces are fed by an irrigation system from natural springs and streams. The local villages still plant rice and vegetables on these terraces.

The terraces go from Ifugao to other Filipino provinces such as Apayao and Mountain Province.

The trips to visit this amazing landscape are increasing every year, especially on outstanding dates such as rites related to rice or celebrations during harvest months.

If you love discovering new landscapes don´t miss the chance to get lost around the lush tropical gardens at the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. Our Asian paradise in the Mediterranean is waiting for you…

When it comes to travelling and Asian food, we never say no. Today from the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we are taking you to Indonesia. Who is up for a trip to discover its cuisine?

Indonesian food is one of the most varied and colourful cuisines in the world. There are many regional specialties, often based upon indigenous culture and foreign influences such as China, Middle East or Europe. The main ingredients of most dishes are rice, fish and vegetables.

Let´s go over some of the most famous and delicious Indonesian dishes:

Nasi Goreng. Also known as Indonesian fried rice, this is considered Indonesia´s national dish. What makes Indonesian Fried Rice different from any other fried rice is the use of sweet, thick soy sauce called kecap and garnished with acar, pickled cucumber and carrots. The rice is usually mixed it with vegetables, chicken, beef or seafood.

Lumpia. This is the Indonesian spring roll. For the filling you use meat and vegetables such as carrots and leeks. It is said Chinese people brought this dish.

Bakmi Goreng. Also called Indonesian stir-fried noodles, this is one of the most recommended Indonesian dishes. This type of noodles are fried with egg and mixed with vegetables, chicken, shrimp and different spices. People usually spray sweet soy sauce on it.

Gado-gado. It is one of Indonesia’s best-known dishes coming from Java. This is a vegetable salad bathed in the classic peanut sauce. Nuts are one of the most used ingredients.

Lemper. This is steamed glutinous rice filled with seasoned shredded chicken. The rice is cooked with coconut milk. It is one of the most famous Indonesian snacks.

Have you already visited all the restaurants at the luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa? If you are an Asian food lover, our suggestion is our Koh Samui restaurant, where you will be able to taste the most select Oriental cuisine.

Today at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we feel like travelling. Where? We want to take you to Thailand to enjoy the wonderful Khao Sok National Park. Are you joining us?

Khao Sok is a national park covering a 739-km² area. It is located in South Thailand, between Suratthani and Khao Lak. Doubtless, this is one of those visits that you can´t miss if you are a nature lover.

It is divided into two areas: the jungle where the entrance of the park is located and the incredible Cheow Lan Lake. Its wet forests are one of the oldest ones in the world, they are home to one of the prehistoric flowering plants that currently remains, the famous Rafflesia kerrii, which is also the biggest flower in the world.

Besides holding a very varied flora, Khao Sok is home to a diverse fauna: different types of reptiles, birds, insects and mammals. One of the best ways of looking at the beauty of the park is doing trekking or hiking around the jungle.

Another mandatory stop in the park is Waranam Cave, the most important cave of Khao Sok. Its gallery of stalactites and stalagmites is spectacular. But if there is a place in the park you must visit before you leave, that´s Cheow Lan Lake. A 165-square-kilometre artificial lake surrounded by huge cliffs and an amazing mountainous landscape.

Why not enjoying a few days off in Southeast Asia in the Mediterranean? Come to the 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa and enjoy luxury and relax by the sun.

A very special date is coming for all those who are in love. At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we want you to enjoy an unforgettable Valentine’s Day, therefore we are travelling to China to get to know more about the love flower: peony.

Peonies are known for being the love flowers par excellence. It symbolizes love and happy marriage.

Peonies come originally from Asia, North America and Europe, but they have been grown in China for over 2,000 years ago. According to the legend, the peony is named after Paeon, a student of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. Asclepius became jealous of his pupil and tried to kill him, but Zeus saved Paeon by turning him into the peony flower.

It is the traditional floral symbol of China. Peonies play an important role in Feng Shui as a cure for love and romance. It specially works for those young ladies who are searching for a partner or marriageable ladies.

Chinese people believe peonies must be hanging at the entrance of the house to welcome love. It is also recommended to have representations of this flower inside the house, except for the bedroom. The more beautiful peonies are, the luckier the family will be.

Besides, peonies are very decorative flowers due to their shape and colours: white, pink purple, yellow and more intense colours.

If you don´t want to feel a lack of love the next February 14, come to the luxury resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa and experience an Oriental Romance in the best company. You deserve a romantic weekend in the heart of Asian luxury.

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we never say no to any Asian celebration. That is why today we are travelling to India to celebrate the famous Vasant Panchami. Are you joining us?

Vasant Panchami, also known as Shree Panchami, is the Hindu festival that highlights the coming of spring. It takes place every year on the 5^th day of Magh, which falls during the months of January and February. This day is full of traditions that Hindu men, women and children celebrate and enjoy.

Vasant Panchami honours the Hindu goddess Saraswati. Saraswati is the goddess of learning and wisdom. People make offerings to the goddess, especially students and young people. This festival symbolizes the start of spiritual enlightenment, which is given by Sarasvati. People celebrate the arrival of colours and happiness.

Vasant marks the end of the winter season with the blooming of mustard plants. Throughout this day, Hindu people wear yellow clothes and offer yellow flowers to other people and deities. Yellow colour symbolizes life and nature. People also cook traditional Hindu sweets called Kesari Halwa.

Come celebrate this day with us at the 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa and enjoy an Oriental Romance in the heart of Asian luxury. Can you imagine a better plan to surprise your partner?

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we love discovering new Asian monuments and treasures. Today we are taking you to Thailand to visit the amazing Wat Arun temple. Are you joining us?

Wat Arun, also known as “Temple of Dawn”, is an iconic symbol of Bangkok. It is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand. It is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, close to the Grand Palace.

The temple was built during the time of the Ayutthaya Kingdom under the name of Wat Makok. After the fall of Ayutthaya (1767), the general Taksin became king. According to the legend, after seeing for the first time Wat Makok at sunrise, king Taksin named the temple Wat Chaeng (Temple of Dawn).

For a while, the temple enshrined the Emerald Buddha image before it was transferred to Wat Phra Kaew.

The outer decoration of Wat Arun is encrusted with colourful Chinese porcelain and pieces of seashells. The main feature of the temple is its central prang (Khmer-style tower) which makes the difference between Wat Arung and the other Buddhist temples in Bangkok. This central prang is surrounded by four smaller prang, which symbolize the wind god Phra Phai.

Staring at Wat Arun from the banks of Chao Phraya River at twilight is one of the most beautiful images of Thailand.

What would you say to enjoying the best of Thailand just a few hours away from where you are? At the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we take you to the heart of Asian luxury in the Mediterranean.

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we keep travelling around the Asian continent to tell you about some of the most famous Asian desserts. Let´s sweeten this Tuesday!

The Asian continent has a lot to offer in terms of gastronomy, especially sweets. We are going over some of the Asian sweets you should try the next time you visit Asia.

Laddu. It is a very popular sweet in India. It is usually served during festivals and important family events such as weddings or birthdays. It is prepared with chickpea flour and with other ingredients that vary by recipe. The most famous laddu is Tirupati Laddu, which is distinguished by its intense flavour.

Mango Pudding. It is one of the most famous Thai desserts. It is eaten all year long and it is usually served with coconut ice cream. It is a quick and easy recipe which includes: mango, mascarpone, yogurt and sugar.

Dragon´s beard candy. This is a handmade traditional art of China. It is made of many thin threads that look similar to a dragon´s beard. According to Chinese history, this sweet was prepared for the first time 2,000 years ago.

Wagashi. Commonly known as traditional Japanese confections, wagashi are small Japanese desserts prepared with rice flour pastry. They are often served with green tea. There are many different types of wagashi, all types of colours and shapes depending on the region.

If you are an Asian confectionery lover, we suggest you our Asian restaurant Koh Samui, when you come to the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. The best of Asia right beside you…