Asia Gardens

INCREDIBLE INDONESIA: WHERE A SMILE ALWAYS COMES BACK

Lush vegetation, crystalline waters, golden twilights, temples overlooking the sea and volcanos surrounded by rice paddies combine to create one the most impressive landscapes in the world: Indonesia.

This vast archipelago comprising more than 17,500 islands with Jakarta as its capital city is the fourth most populous country in the world. It is composed of so many islands that their exact number is not accurately known.

Indonesia offers countless experiences filled with spirituality and ancestral rituals. Its time-honoured traditions and mix of religions give it an unmistakable mystical touch.

Borneo, Sumatra, Bali, Lombok and Sulawesi are the top destinations for travellers. Indonesia means wild life and exoticism in their purest form. Dense jungles, mighty rivers, protected areas, Lake Toba, Hindu and Buddhist temples, sacred mountains…they all come together to add to its spiritual personality.

The most stunning thing in this remote and exotic place in the world, however, is its friendly people, who wear an extremely honest smile that comes from within—a smile that opens a window into their souls.

This year at Asia Gardens we welcome the New Year with an honest smile and the hope you smile back to us.

We will bid farewell to the year in Indonesia, the hotel’s soul mate on the other side of the world.

Incredible Indonesia, so mythical, yet so real, is the inspiration for this magical night.

An Indonesian-style atmosphere will take you from our tropical gardens, infinity pools and palapas right to the heart and soul of Indonesia.

Join us to celebrate the last night of the year with a special programme. Sip on a welcome cocktail on arrival and say goodbye to the year with a Special New Year’s Eve Dinner featuring a stellar menu, live performances, open bar, and DJ.

Enjoy a Special New Year’s Day Brunch the next day.

Come to Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa and give 2019 a memorable send-off. An Asian-inspired luxury experience you will never forget.

It is already known that at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we never reject Asian food. It´s summer and is there anything better than enjoying an ice cream to cool ourselves off? That´s why we want to tell you about some of the most popular Asian ice creams.

If you are planning on visiting any country in the Asian continent, you can´t miss these ice creams:

Japan: taiyaki

This is one of the most popular ice creams worldwide. It is a Japanese fish-shaped cake. The most common filling is red bean paste, which is made from sweetened adzuki beans. Other common fillings are custard, chocolate and cheese.

It is made pancake or waffle batter. The batter is poured into a fish-shaped mold for each side. The filling is then put on one side and the mold is closed. It is then cooked on both sides until golden brown.

Thailand: rolled ice cream

The stir-fried ice cream or “I-Tim-Pad”, also called Ice Roll or Ice Cream Roll, is a Thai  handmade technique of making ice cream, which is becoming increasingly popular around the world.

It is made on an ice-pan with milk poured on an iced grill and mixed with fruit or cookies. With the help of a spatula, we prepare the rolls and serve them in cups with jelly and different toppings.

Malaysia: Shaved ice

Known as ais kacang, this is one of Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore´s traditional desserts. With a sweet taste, it is crushed ice served with syrup and other seasonings.

It was originally made of only shaved ice and red beans. Currently, on the top of the crushed ice people add: bright colour syrups, different jellies, adzuki beans, condensed milk or coconut milk, corn, fruits and even ice cream balls.

If you are visiting us this summer, we can assure you which will be your favourite spots at our resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa: our Asian-style pools. You have 7 to pick!

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we never get tired of trying the varied Asian cuisine. Summer is here and we fancy lighter and fresher recipes. How about an Oriental salad?

Varied salads, with intense flavours and aromas, are a fundamental part of Asian people´s diet. That´s why today we are going over some of the most popular Oriental salads and how to prepare them to bring the most exotic flavours.

Any salad can have a more Oriental taste. We just have to add some new flavours. Among the most common Asian ingredients we find: lemongrass, Asian rocket, mint, peanuts, banana blossom, noodles, paprika, hot pepper, green papaya, green mango, lime juice and coriander.

Papaya salad. This is one of the most popular recipes in countries such as Laos and Thailand. Its flavour is intense, acid and spicier than what our palates are accustomed. This a dish that people should try at least once in their lives during a trip to Southeast Asia. Local people know it as Som Tam. Its ingredients are: papaya, garlic clove, chilli, tomato, green peas, fish sauce and lime juice.

Asian-style chicken salad. This salad is a perfect starter to complete with other healthy dishes. We can have it either cold or at room temperature. Its ingredients are: mix of lettuces, chopped cabbage, noodles, almonds, grated carrot, chicken breast and tangerines.

The finishing touch is given by the sauce. In order to add the sauce, we need the following ingredients: rice vinegar, mayonnaise, honey, sesame oil and Dijon mustard.

Asian-style chicken sesame salad. This salad is the star of any summer lunch. The ingredients needed to prepare it are: chicken breast, egg, baby corn, toasted sesame, broccoli, cauliflower, soybeans, sugar, Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, soy sauce and caramel coated soy.

If you want to feel a full Asian experience this summer, one of the must-dos during your stay at the luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, is having dinner at the terrace of our Asian restaurant par excellence, Koh Samui.

Celebrations season has just started at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. We can´t imagine a better way to welcome summer than taking you to Japan to commemorate Nagoshi No Harae. Are you coming with us?

Nagoshi No Harae is an ancient summer purification ritual held at Shinto shrines across Japan. Japanese people perform this ritual in the hope of atoning for sins that have been committed in the first half of the year. It also means a prayer for health during the second half of the year.

It was first established during the Nara period (710-794). Traditionally performed on the last day of the 6^th month, currently it is held on Juned 30. Some shrines celebrate Nagoshi No Harae  during the last week of June.

Participants in Nagoshi No Harae pass through a sacred grass wreath called chinowa, which symbolises purification in Japanese culture. The chinowa is placed on the entrance to the shrines. They also use paper human-shaped dolls called katashiro.

The most popular shrines to celebrate Nagoshi No Harae are located in Kyoto. The most famous one is Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. This shrine harbours the largest chinowa in Kyoto, which is approximately five meters in height.

The ceremony here is held on June 30, but the chinowa is placed on June 25.

During Nagoshi No Harae, seasonal sweet called minazuki is sold. This is a type of steamed cake topped with azuki beans.

Welcome summer at our 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. A magic atmosphere you will only find in Southeast Asia in the Mediterranean.

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa summer is already here. That´s why, today we want to take you to Vietnam to cool ourselves off in the largest natural lake in the country: Ba Be lake.

Ba Be lake is located in the National Park of the same name, in Bac Kan province. It is one of the largest natural reserves of fresh water in the world.

 Ba Be, or Slam Pe, in local dialect, means three lakes. It is formed by Pe Lam, Pe Lu and Pe Leng lakes. It is located 145 metres above sea level. It was formed over 200 million years ago. It is surrounded by mountains, which are 450 million years old.

The water of the lake is characterized by its turquoise colour, which doesn´t leave it all year round.

Once tourists get to Ba Be lake, they can sail in cayucos, the traditional means of transport locals use. Although visitors usually travel by motor boats to contemplate the picturesque beauty of the place and discover its spectacular caves and waterfalls.

In the centre of the lake we find the islands of An Ma and Ba Goa. Tourists can explore surrounding places such as Ao Tien, Po Gia Mai small island, Puong cave y Dau Dang waterfall.

Additionally, Ba Be lake is home to 50 fish and wood tree species. It is a very relaxing and picturesque place for everyone visiting it. They forget quickly about their worries and enjoy the beautiful scenery and pure air.

Ba Be lake is open all year round, but the best time to visit it is during summer, spring, or early autumn.

If you are planning on visiting the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa soon, let yourself be fascinated by its amazing Asian-style pools. Will you join us at the Faces of Angkor pool?

Let´s welcome June at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. Can you imagine a better option to take care of ourselves and staying hydrated this spring than enjoying the most exotic fruits in China? Find out more about them here!

Dragon Fruit. Also known as Pitaya, it is grown in Asia and America. It is a strange-looking fruit. It is a deep pink colour on the outside and the inside of the fruit is fleshy and contains seeds, just like the kiwi does.

It has a sweet taste and it is known for its excellent nutritional value. The fruit contains lots of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B and C, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium. It also contains high levels of antioxidants and water.

It is a very versatile fruit: it can be eaten raw, turned into juice, combined with salads and even added to pizzas.

Longan. Also known as “The dragon´s eye”, this Asian fruit belongs to

the litchi family, the Sapindaceae family. Longan is smaller than litchi and also has a different taste; sweet and sour.

It is used in all type of salads, cocktails and sauces, it gives any recipe a special touch.

Longan has a bark-like shell, but the inside is a transparent white gel-like meat with a taste very similar to mangos. Phosphorus, iron, copper, potassium, zinc, proteins and magnesium can be found in the fruit, as well as vitamins A and C

Mangosteen. Also known as the “Queen of Fruits”, this tropical fruit grows only in warm tropical climates; it is only grown is Southeast Asia. It boasts an extremely high water content. It also contains potassium and provides fibre.

It is a fruit with a hard, dark-purple coloured shell and a gel-like covered seed inside. It has a sweetly tart taste that resembles the flavour of a peach or tangerine.

Rambutan. This tropical fruit, native to Indonesia, belongs to the same family as litchi. In fact, due to its appearance, it is commonly referred as “hairy litchi”.

Rambutan is a small, round tropical fruit. A bright red skin surrounds the fruit, which is full of small green spikes/hairs that make the fruit look hairy. Once you peel the skin, the fruit inside looks like a smooth and moist white ball. Its flavour is fresh and a little bit acid.

It contains lots of carbohydrates and vitamin C. Experts call it super fruit, due to all the healthy benefits it offers.

The perfect plan to celebrate the upcoming arrival of summer is awaiting for you at the luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. How about renting a Balinese bed with a selection of tropical fruits and the best European champagne by the pool?

One more week at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we continue our gastronomic route around the Asian continent. Today we want to tell you about turmeric and its role in Asian cuisine. Keep reading!

There are many uses of turmeric. Due to its colour and flavour, it has earned a privileged place in Indian cuisine. It has also become popular in Southeast Asia and in Middle East. The use of this spice gives dishes its characteristic yellow colour. After adding turmeric, food takes a slightly sweet and spicy flavour.

Turmeric is one of the main ingredients of sauces, stews and other popular Asian dishes. Asian people have been using it for over 4,000 years, not just in food, but also in the treatment of different illnesses. Due to its benefits, it helps treat different digestive disorders.

We can find turmeric in two versions: fresh and powder. Any of these two options is very aromatic and tasty.

According to experts, the rightest way of including turmeric in your recipes is by using fresh root. There are some studies that suggest that cooked turmeric and raw turmeric could have different properties. The fresh one is believed to have a more powerful anti-inflammatory effect.

Main uses of turmeric in cuisine:

Natural colourant. Due to its vibrant yellow colour, it is used to add colour to butters, cheeses or mustards. Besides giving colour, it gives aroma and a very nice flavour.

Curry´s basis. Curry powder is used in many recipes. It is well known that curry comes of the mix of different spices, among which is turmeric. Turmeric is the one that gives curry its characteristic yellow colour.

More than one dish. Turmeric is an excellent spice for cooking pasta, rice, soups or stews. It gives food a flashy colour between yellow and orange, and a delicious taste.

Saffron substitute. Turmeric is a perfect option, and a cheaper one, to replace saffron. Although they don´t taste exactly the same, it is a good alternative.

During your visit to the luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, you will be able to enjoy the aromas and flavours of Asia. Exclusive spring dinners at the Koh Samui terrace enjoying its new menu!

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, as good nature lovers, we continue our tour around the most beautiful Asian parks. Today we are travelling to India to discover Gangotri National Park. Are you coming with us?

Gangotri National Park is a national park located in Uttarkashi District in the state of Uttarakhand. It is considered one of the most beautiful parks in India.

One of the most unique aspects of Gangotri National Park is that the origin of the river Ganga is located inside it. According to the legend, Ganga was released from God Shiva’s hair to Earth. Gangotri, after which the park is named, is a giant glacier which melts in heavy volumes to supply water for India’s most sacred river.

The size of this national park is about 2,390 square kilometres, occupied by a pine and conifers forest. The park harbours temperate forests. Vegetation mainly consists of deodar cedars, fir trees, spruces, oaks and rhododendrons.

So far, 15 species of mammals and 150 bird species have been documented in the park. This includes some rare species such as snow leopard, black bear or blue sheep.

Between April and October, tourism in Gangotri National Park reaches its peak. October and November are ideal for tourism as the greens flourish and wildlife thrives during this period. During the spring, nice temperatures and longer days let tourists trek for a longer period of time.

If you are planning on visiting our 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa soon, we suggest you to enjoy a walk among spectacular gardens. A unique experience!

Today at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we have a reason to celebrate. We have travelled to Japan to commemorate the Aoi Matsuri Festival. Find out what it is about!

Aoi Matsuri is one of the three main annual festivals held in Kyoto, the other two being the Festival of the Ages and the Gion Festival. It has been celebrated without interruption since the sixth century; it is considered the most ancient festival in the world.

It takes place every May 15 in the two famous Kamo shrines in the north of the city: Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine, which are both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and also included in the list of Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

Aoi Matsuri Festival´s origin is uncertain, but there were most likely natural disasters that were believed to be caused by the Kamo deities (deities of thunder, storm and rain). After the Emperor made offerings to the deities, the disasters subsided accompanied by a good harvest, and the tradition began.

Aoi Matsuri consists mainly of the celebration of different events over two weeks. They take place every year on the same date. The first event is held on May 3 and it is a yabusame demonstration (a type of mounted archery).

A few days later, on May 12, a religious procession takes place, where over 100 people dressed up with colouring clothing from the Heian period welcome the god Aramitama to the festival.

However, Aoi Matsuri´s main event is held on May 15. This is a one-kilometre-long procession made up of about 500 people, who are dressed up like if they were at a parade of the Imperial Court form the Heian period. They walk from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine. The parade is divided in two parts: the first part is the men´s one and the second one is the women´s.

If you would like to enjoy an unforgettable experience for the whole family in paradise, the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa is your place. What are you waiting for to Enjoy the exclusiveness of our Suites with views to the gardens?