Today from the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we are travelling to Japan to commemorate its famous Kinro Kansha no hi. Are you coming?

Kinro Kansha no Hi, known worldwide as Labour Thanksgiving Day, is a national holiday in Japan, which takes place annually on November 23. This day commemorates labour. Japanese people express gratitude for having a job or an activity that lets them support their families and help each other. It is an occasion for thinking about human rights, labour rights and environment.

Its origin dates back to an ancient ritual called Niinamesai or Harvest Festival. It celebrated the year´s hard work; Japanese people thanked the harvest and the emperor dedicated it to spirits. The current holiday was set in 1948, after World War II to celebrate the changes of the Constitution of Japan, including fundamental human rights and the expansion of workers rights.

During Kinro Kansha no hi many fun and cultural activities are held. Japanese people enjoy them with their close friends and family. Nursery school kids give drawings related to this holiday to local police officers. It is very popular Nagano Labour Festival, which encourages thinking about environment, peace and human rights.

If you are still looking for a place to celebrate New Year´s Eve, we suggest you the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa and its Garden Party. A place to dream and celebrate the most special night of the year. Is there a better way to kick off 2017?

If there is something we love about Asian culture at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, is that it never stops surprising us. Today we are travelling to China to discover all the details about its famous opera.

Chinese opera is without a doubt one of the most remarkable cultural symbols in the country. This is a popular form of musical theatre in China.

It dates back to Tang Dynasty, when Emperor Xuanzong founded the Pear Garden, which was the first known royal acting and musical academy in China. During this period, the academy was only and exclusively at the service of the emperors.

Currently there are more than 300 opera types in China. The most famous one is Beijing Opera, which was very popular during the Qing Dynasty.

The roles in Chinese opera are distinguished by gender, age and personality. There are four main characters: Sheng, this is the male lead actor; Dan, the female lead actress; Jing, the painted-face male; and Chou, the male character who plays a clown.

The most important highlights of Chinese opera are make-up and costumes. Make-up is the main symbol of characterisation of the characters, which lets the audience identify which role they are playing. Additionally, the colours and designs of the costumes have different meanings. They symbolize the different gestures and movements during the performance.

All the shows are accompanied with an orchestra composed of traditional Chinese string and percussion instruments.

If you are planning an escape to the luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, you won´t regret it. We have designed a wonderful program of activities, courtesy of the hotel, to enjoy a full Asian experience.

Today at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we are celebrating. What is it about? We are travelling to Thailand to celebrate Loy Krathong. Are you coming with us?

Loy Krathong is a festival celebrated annually in Northern Thailand. This year takes place from 14 November 16 November. It is considered one of the most spectacular celebrations in Thailand. There are in particular three cities where the festival is more famous: Ayuthaya, Chiang Mai and Sukhothai.

Its origin is unknown, but the most famous theory is the one that supports that it comes from India; from a Hindu ceremony that was held to honour Bhrama, Shiva and Vishnu.

During Loy Krathong fire lanterns are thrown up into the sky and, on the evening of the full moon, the famous Krathongs are released, which are the traditional offering of this festival. These are ornaments made from the trunk of a banana tree, which is cut into lotus flower shape, and are covered with leaves from the same banana tree. The Krathongs are decorated with flowers and small candles that are lit before being thrown to the river.

The fire lanterns, known as “Khom Loi” are made from “Kradaat Wao” paper, which is the one used for making kites. Both rituals are followed by music, dances, parades, fireworks and traditional local dishes.

Are you looking for a family getaway in November? Enjoy unforgettable days at the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. We are looking forward to seeing you…

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we never get tired of keep discovering the varied Asian gastronomy. That is why today we are travelling to Sri Lanka to try its most popular dishes. Are you coming?

Sri Lankan food, known for the flavour of its spices, is one of the richest cuisines of the Asian continent. Among its staples we can find rice and vegetables. They are served in different ways: without any accompaniment, with coconut milk, seasoned with all types of spices or with any other ingredient.

Let´s go over some of the most traditional Sri Lankan dishes:

Kottu. This is one of the most famous Sri Lankan dishes. It is a mix of chopped vegetables (specially onion red pepper and green pepper), mince or chicken and spices (curry, pepper, ginger and chilli). It is served with roti, thin bread very similar to pita bread.

Biryani. This recipe is prepared with Basmati rice, different spices, chicken or meat, vegetables and yogurt. There are many recipes of biryani, based on the country or the costumes of that area.

Chicken curry. One of the dishes that we find in practically any restaurant in Sri Lanka is chicken with curry sauce. It is usually served with abundant stewed rice, which combines perfectly with the flavour of the curry sauce.

Pol Sambol. It is one of the indispensable accompaniments in any Sri Lankan meal. This is a mix of fresh grated coconut, shallot, onions, chilli, lime and pepper. It is usually served with rice, curry and roti.

Kokis. This is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet. It is made from rice flour and coconut milk. It is an important dish when celebrating New Year’s Eve.

If you are a Asian food lover, during your visit to the resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa you can´t miss the opportunity of enjoy a candle light dinner in our Asian restaurant Koh Samui. You will love it…

One more week, at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we keep travelling around the Asian continent. Today we are taking you to India to get to know the Shanti Stupa temple.

Shanti Stupa, also known as “inner peace pagoda”, is a Buddhist temple located on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, in Northern India.

The temple was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura to promote world peace and prosperity and to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism. It is considered a symbol of the ties between Japanese people and the people of Ladakh. This location was finally chosen to build the stupa because Japanese Buddhism believes this region in Northern India as the sacred birthplace of Buddha.

Shanti Stupa holds the relics of Buddha, specifically at its base, which were enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama. Besides its remarkable white dome and its religious significance, the stupa has become an important tourist attraction due to the beautiful panoramic views it offers. That´s why it´s open to the public in the evening; during twilight and illuminated, the stupa is worthy of admiration.

At our 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we also have our own relics. Have your ever seen our wooden canoe? Come visit us this autumn and experience unforgettable days at our Asian paradise by the Mediterranean…

Nice weather doesn´t leave us at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. That´s why today we are travelling to Thailand to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at some of its most popular hot springs. Are you coming?

Hot springs are springs with water at high temperatures, since this groundwater rises from the Earth´s crust. Due to the features of their formation, they contain diverse mineral salts.

They are famous due to their healing powers. Both hot springs´ heat and minerals are known for healing different types of physical discomforts.

Thai culture has always had strong links with nature, especially water. There are several places at Northern Thailand and Southern Thailand where we can find spring waters.

Sankampaeng. Located in Chiang Mai, these ones are the most famous hot springs in Thailand. December and January are the most crowded months. Stare at the spectacular landscape surrounding Sankampaeng while soaking your legs and feet in the hot spring water is an unforgettable experience.

Pong Nam Ron Pong Dueat. Also known as Pong Dueat Pa Pae, these hot springs are situated in Huai Nam Dang National Park, in Chiang Mai. They were discovered in 1957.

Pong Nam Ron Tha Pai. These hot springs are also located in Huai Nam Dang National Park. The average temperature is about 80 degrees Celsius, but there are areas where the temperature is perfect for a relaxing bath (35º).

Namtok Ron Khlong Thom. This spectacular hot spring waterfall is located in the slope of a valley, 60 kilometres away from Krabi. The waterfall goes down forming natural wells, which work as jacuzzis heated to 35-40 degrees.

If you are also a hot springs lover, the 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa has 4 pools heated to 30 degrees all year round. Enjoying a relaxing bath at our Asian paradise is up to you…

Today at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we want to welcome November as we like… We are travelling to Taiwan to discover the famous Taroko National Park. Are you coming?

Taroko National Park is one of the nine national parks in Taiwan. It was named after the local Truku aboriginal tribe, and it means “magnificent and beautiful”. It is located nearby Hualien and due to its beauty the city has become one of the three most visited spots in Taiwan.

Taroko Gorge, the landmark gorge of the park is already an icon of the park and the island. Liwu River flows between the walls of the gorge. The turquoise colour of the river going down the valleys of the park is one of the most beautiful landscapes of Taroko.

Covering an area of over 100,000 hectares, the park is home to a fauna and flora, which are worthy of admiration. Its beauty also lies in its huge stonewalls.

Taroko National Park is one those must-see places in Taiwan, especially for mountain and hiking lovers.

If you are planning a romantic autumn getaway to the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, you will love our Faces of Angkor pool. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it is heated to 30º degrees all year and its entry is restricted to adults. Do you need anything else?

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we had to say goodbye to October by discovering new secrets of Asian culture. Today we are travelling to India to get to know its 8 classical dance styles. Are you joining us?

There are many types of dances in India, but only 8 of them are considered as classical dances. These ones are:

Bharatanatyam. This classical dance comes from Tamil Nadu. As many other classical Indian dances, the expression of the body, especially face and hands, is very important. Dancers use their hands to do mudras and in this way tell a story.

Kathak. This dance tells stories through movements. Most stories are related to deities. Its origin dates back to the nomad dances practiced in North India. As most classical dances in India, there are two types of dances: Nritta (pure dance) and Nritya (expressive dance).

Odissi. Originated in Odisha, this is one of the most ancient Indian dances. It is different from the rest of classical dances due to the importance given to Tribhangi (tri-bent pose); a standing body position consisting of three bends in the body: at the neck, chest and pelvis.

Mohiniyattam. This dance comes from Kerala and dates back to the sixteenth century. It is characterized by swaying movements of the upper body. There are over 40 basic movements called atavukal. This dance can also be split up into Nritta and Nritya.

Kuchipudi. Originated in Andhra Pradesh, this dance is very similar to Bharatanatyam. As many other classical dances, Kuchipudi tells sacred stories; most of them related to Krishna. It gives importance to facial expressions.

Manipuri. As it name says, this classical dance comes from Manipur. There is a strong religious content in the stories Manipuri tells, in this case related to Vishnu. Unlike other Indian dances, manipuri does not use ankle bracelets with bells to mark the rhythm; dancers play a pung instead.

Sattriya. This dance comes from Assan. It was created to help spread Vaishnavism. Sattriya performs mythological stories. In the past, this dance was just performed by monks as part of their everyday routine, but throughout the years outsiders were able to dance it too.

Kathakali. This is the classical dance form of Kerala. It combines movements and drama. It is known for its elaborated makeup and costumes.

If you visit the 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, don´t miss the chance to participate in the activities, courtesy of the hotel, we offer our guests. Yoga, pilates, Tai Chi… It´s your choice!

One more week, from the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we travel to Asia to go in depth into its gastronomy, in particular its traditional appetisers. How about finding out more about some of the most popular ones?

Sesame fritters. One of Chinese´s favourite appetisers and foreigner´s, they are a delicacy due to their taste and their properties. Sesame seeds are rich in proteins and contain notable amounts of calcium. This recipe can be eaten either hot or cold.

Vegetable wontons. These small bites are one the funniest and tasty ways of eating vegetables. They are a type of small pasty prepared with wonton wrappers, and filled with any type of vegetables, such as chives, pepper or leek. There are also common vegetable wontons stuffed with pork or chicken meat.

Crispy seaweed. This is one of most common Chinese dishes worldwide. This recipe is traditionally cooked with Chinese cabbage stripes, and not seaweed as it name says. It can also be prepared with other green leaves vegetables.

Cucumbers in vinegar. This is a very popular appetiser in Japanese restaurants. Fresh and light, this dish is perfect for preparing our body for the main dish.

Have you visited all the restaurants at the resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa? If you are an Asian food lover, you have a mandatory stop at Koh Samui, where you will be able to enjoy a blend of the most select Oriental cuisine.

Can you imagine a better plan for this Thursday than discovering a new Asian spot? Today from the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we are taking you to Thailand to visit the famous Khao Yai National Park.

Khao Yai National Park is a national park in Northeast Thailand. It is located 175 kilometres away from Bangkok. Established in 1962, this is Thailand´s first national park.

Covering an area of more than 2,000 square kilometr3s, this is the third largest national park in Thailand. The park is home to 3,000 plant species, 320 bird species and over 60 mammal species, such as the Asian elephant, the Asian black bear or the gibbon.

Khao Yai National Park has all type of facilities for welcoming visitors, from local guide service to more than 50 kilometres of paths for trekking. But if there are two remarkable places to visit at the park, those are Haew Suwat Waterfall and Haew Narok Waterfall and Khao Yai Sanctuary, located at the entrance of the park and worshiped by locals.

If you visit the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa this autumn, we suggest you our Botanical route. Experience the luxury of losing yourself through the dense tropical gardens blooming with flowers.