April 2018

Traditional Asian-style breakfasts

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, as the Asian food lovers we are, we never get tired of discovering their traditional meals. That´s why, today we are taking you around the Asian continent to try their most traditional breakfasts. Are you coming with us?

In order to get know a little bit more the traditional flavours of each region, we are going over 4 Asian-style breakfasts:

India. The two main varieties of Indian breakfast are the North and the South one, although there are more than ten types of breakfast in India, according to the region. The main ingredient in North India are parathas, a type of unleavened pan-fried flat bread. Whereas, in South India, the most popular breakfast consists of dosas, a type of pancake made from a fermented batter. It is very similar to a crepe in appearance.

China. Among the main dishes we find in traditional Chinese breakfast are: baozi, a type of filled bun or bread-like dumpling. Congee, a rice porridge; soymilk, which is usually served with deep-fried dough sticks; and Youtiao, also known as Chinese fried churros,  a long golden-brown deep-fried strip of dough.

Japan. The traditional Japanese breakfast par excellence includes cooked rice, pickled, miso soup, tortilla, a seaweed soup, sunomono and umeboshi. Dishes can vary their ingredients, but they must always contain miso soup, white rice, grilled fish and a Japanese pickled.

Thailand. The traditional breakfast in Thailand has an important Chinese influence. It includes 4 dishes: joke, a thick porridge of rice, served with cooked chicken or pork. Patongo, the Thai version of the donut, a blob of lightly sweet dough deep fried until it is fluffy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. A soybean drink called nam tau-hu, and prepared at home; and khanom khrauk, double pancakes.

If you visit us at the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, you will see how on the outdoor terrace of a restaurant as Udaipur, breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the day.

Buddha Purnima

A week full of celebrations is approaching, and at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we are more than ready. Today we are travelling to India to commemorate the famous Buddah Parnima. Are you joining us?

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, is the most important Buddhist celebration. It commemorates the three most significant events of Gautama Buddha´s life: its birth, enlightenment and death (nirvana).

The three of them took place during the month of Vesak (between April and May), on a full moon night. That´s why this festival is held. It coincides with the first full moon of those two months. On this occasion, it will be held next Sunday, on April 29th.

The main scene of this important celebration is the city of Bodh Gaya, located in the state of Bihar, India. It was there where Buddha achieved enlightenment. Thousands of people make a pilgrimage there and participate in prayers and processions led by the statue of Buddha.

Precisely, the statue of Buddha receives special attention in all the states and cities where Buddha Purnima takes place. The statue receives incense offerings, flowers, candles and fruits.

However, Buddha Purnima is not just about making offerings and celebrating; Buddha wanted believers to commemorate him by following his doctrine. On Buddha Purnima night , Buddha made a firm commitment: don´t leave his meditation until understand who he really was. He taught people that everybody has the energy and strength to achieve that state of joy.

Come enjoy your May getaway to our 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. Our tropical gardens will welcome you at paradise and won´t leave you during your stay.

Benefits of green tea for skin

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we have our mind set on this summer. That´s why we are getting ready to shine from the inside out. Today, we are travelling from our Thai Spa to Asia to tell you about the use of green tea for skin.

Green tea is one of the most popular infusions worldwide, due to the many benefits it has for the health of our organism. Precisely, its use for the skin is one of its less well-known benefits.

A youthful skin tone, a less wrinkled skin, and a softer moisturized skin are some of the benefits that including the use of green tea on our daily skincare routine offers.

There are more and more anti-ageing cosmetics, which add green tea to their recipe. This is due to its powerful antioxidant action. It is one of its most valued properties. Thanks to its content of tannins, catechins and vitamin E, it is an ideal natural ingredient to combat skin aging and the oxidation of skin cells.

Skin cleansing can also be much more effective if it is done with a green tea lotion. Thanks to green tea, you can eliminate the double stored toxins. Besides, it makes possible the creation of a protective barrier on the superficial layer of the skin, keeping the skin perfectly moisturised and fresh skin throughout the day.

Another of the great properties of green tea for skin is that helps improve its appearance when it suffers from illness as acne. It is a great natural antibacterial, it helps regulate excessive hormonal activity and leaves the skin completely calmed and deflated after its use.

Green tea contains vitamin C, making possible to reduce the production of melanin. Skin looks even-toned, brighter and fresher. Green tea also protects dermis against UV radiation.

Additionally, its vitamin C and E content makes green tea an active participant in the synthesis of collagen, preventing the formation of unsightly wrinkles and fine lines.

If you are planning on visiting the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, you have a mandatory stop at our Temple of Relaxation. Enjoy one of our treatments!

Ang Thong National Marine Park

One more week, at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we continue discovering new Asian spots. On this occasion, we want to take you Thailand, specifically to Ang Thong National Marine Park, one of the most important marine parks in the country.

Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 protected virgin islands. It is located in the south of Thailand, in Surat Thani province. It is considered one of the most beautiful and idyllic places in the country.

The 42 islands comprising Ang Thong National Marine Park keep some treasures that are worth visiting; but let´s go over the most important spots:

Ang Thong View Point. This is a spectacular viewpoint, located in the main island of Koh Wua Talap. It offers a panoramic view of the entire park. Precisely, Koh Wua Talap island is where the headquarters and basic facilities are. There are also a visitor center, a restaurant, bungalows and Buaboke cave, one of the most important ones in Thailand.

Koh Pee. It is one of the most beautiful islands in the park, with a huge number of virgin coves and marine caves. The most recommended activity is kayaking around the island to discover them.

Koh Mae Ko. Its many paths, which offer amazing views, make this island the favourite one of trekking and hiking lovers. It is also popular for its crystalline water beach, the Emerald lagoon.

Koh Sam Sao. The waters surrounding Koh Sam Sao are perfect to enjoy a snorkeling day between its tropical waters, full of coral and different types of marine species.

February, March and April are the best months to visit Ang Thong National Marine Park. During  the months of November and December, the park remains closed due to monsoons.

Are you still looking for a destination for a May getaway? Enjoy a few days off at our luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. Our heated pools are awaiting…

Cloves

One more week, at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we keep discovering new curiosities about the Asian continent. This time, we want to tell you about one of the most popular Asian spices: cloves.

Cloves are one of the oldest aromatic spices of the world. People say this is the spice that best symbolises Asian soul. It has been used for a long time in the cuisine by different cultures. Besides, it has several medicinal properties.

Both the taste and aroma of this spice are incredibly intense. That is why people usually use small amounts of cloves, otherwise they could ruin a recipe. Cloves match very well with different spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon.

We can find this spice whole cloves or ground cloves. They can be added either to sweet recipes or to salty ones. When it comes to sweet dishes, we can find cloves on cakes, cookies and preserves; and concerning to salty recipes, it goes together with rice, legumes, pork, rabbit meat and sauces and seasonings.

Regarding to the use of cloves in Asia, Indonesia is the largest producer of cloves. Chinese and Japanese cultures use cloves to prepare incense.

In China, cloves are very used. This spice is one of the ingredients of the famous five-spice powder, along with Chinese cinnamon, fennel seeds, star anise and Sichuan pepper.

It is also a very popular spice in India. It is used in dishes and sauces in the North of India, such as the famous curry known as korma.

If you are a food lover as we are, during your visit to the luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, you will love any of our 7 restaurants and bars. You will be able to enjoy a masterly combination of original Asian flavours with those of traditional Mediterranean and international cuisine. We are looking forward to seeing you!

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