If there is something about Asia that has won us over that is that it never stops surprising us. Today from the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we are going over the Asian continent to discover the most popular Asian vegetables. Do you want to know which ones are? Keep reading…

Kailaan. Also known as kai-lan or “Chinese broccoli”, it is a leaf vegetable featuring big, thick, flat leaves with fat stems, very similar to cauliflower´s or broccoli´s. It tastes like broccoli although its flavour is sourer. It is very common in Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. It is usually cooked sautéed with ginger and garlic or boiled with oyster sauce.

Pak choi. This is one of the most famous and used Asian vegetables. Featuring dark green leaves and white spoon-shaped stems, it might look like a chard. It tastes similar to endive. It can be prepared in many different ways, but the most common ones are boiled, in soups or wok–sautéed.

Tatsoi. It is also known as “spinach mustard”, due to its sweet aroma and its gently spicy flavour. It is a very healthy nutrient-rich veggie. It is mainly used in salad recipes.

Choy sum. It is a green leafy vegetable similar to kailaan. It has a mild taste and crispy stems. It is perfect for salads and rice dishes.

 If you would like to learn more about Asian cuisine and its different cooking techniques, you can´t miss our Asian Cookshow if you visit our 5 star resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa.

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we don´t have time to get bored. Today we are taking you to the Tibet to swim in Pangong Tso.

Pangong Tso, also called Pangong Lake, is located in the Himalayas at a height of about 4,350 m above the sea. It extends from India to Tibet, but 60% of the length of the lake lies in China. Despite its location, it is one of the main tourist attractions in the area.

According to a legend, Pangong Lake is the favourite place of the Himalayas monster, the Yeti, to drink water.

While in winter the lake freezes, during warm season it stays clear with no ice, reflecting spectacular mountain scenery. Its beautiful blue water transmits peace to all those who stare at the lake. The best time of the year to visit Pangong Tso is in spring and summer.

The brackish water of the lake barely allows any marine or vegetable life, although it is very common to find many aquatic birds flying over Pangong Tso.

We look forward to seeing you this summer at the luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. Can you imagine a better plan to cool yourself off than swimming in our striking series of swimming pools Langkawi?

Can you imagine a better plan to say hello to August than getting inspired by beautiful Thailand? Today from the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we are taking you to Southeast Asia to discover the incredible Mu Ko Similan National Park. Are you coming?

Mu Ko Similan National Park was established in 1982 as a national park. This is a group of islands, the Similan Islands, in the Andaman Sea. It is one of the most famous destinations in Asia for all those who practice underwater activities. The islands are considered one of the best diving sites in the world.

The Similan Islands, also known as “Koh Similan”, are very beautiful. They are known for their crystal clear waters and their beautiful white sand beaches. There are 9 islands, but only 6 of them are open to the public. The first three islands are protected and reserved for being the place where sea turtles lay their eggs.

The 9 islands are:

Koh Huyong. This is island #1. It is the most closet island to Phuket and has the longest and cleanest beach, famous for its spectacular white sand. This is a nesting place for sea turtles.

Koh Payang. Also called Koh Song, this island is made up by rocky hills and rock formations. There isn´t a beach around the island.

Koh Payan. Also called Koh Sam, this island is also formed by rocky hills and rock formations. It is ideal for scuba diving.

Koh Miang. It is the largest island in the national park and where the headquarters is located. Here we find accommodation, the tourist information point and many appealing restaurants. It is home to two beautiful white beaches.

Koh Ha. This is a small island but it is perfect for scuba diving. It is famous for being home to the two-coloured European eel.

Koh Payu. It is made up by big rock formations where the huge coral reefs are without a doubt the main attraction. This is one of the best snorkelling and diving locations in the park.

Koh Hin Pousar. Its crystal clear water offers a perfect visibility to scuba dive.

Koh Bon. Also known as Koh Talu, it has a natural tunnel going through the entire island.

Koh Tachai. This is the last island of Mu Ko Similan National Park. It is home to a tropical beach and it is also ideal for scuba diving.

Welcome August with us at our luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. Are you up to a swim in one of our Asian-style pools?

 One more week, our luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa is taking us to a new Asian spot. Today we are travelling to Japan to go all over the amazing Kenrokuen Garden.

Kenrokuen Garden is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, known as Nihon Sanmeien. It is located in the city of Kanazawa.

The garden dates back to the Edo Period, when it used to be the outer garden of the nearby Kanazawa Castle. And after many changes, in 1871 Kenrokuen was open to the public and was designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 1922. Later, in 1985, was rated higher and became a National Site of Special Scenic Beauty.

The name of Kenrokuen literally means “the garden of six sublimities” regarding what the Chinese traditionally believed of the necessary features for a perfect garden: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, watercourses and panoramic views.

Covering an area of 11 hectares, Kenrokuen Garden contains Kasumiga-ike Pond, the biggest pond in the garden. On the pond we find what is considered the symbol of the garden, Kotoji lantern, a stone lantern with two legs, said to resemble the bridge on a koto.

Another emblematic point at Kenrokuen is the fountain Funsui, the oldest fountain in Japan, which operates by natural water pressure.

Kenrokuen Garden is a beautiful garden all year round. However, the best time to visit it is during spring, to contemplate the colour of its 63 different types of flowers and the blooming of cherry blossoms in April.

If you are searching for another stunning gardens, Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa´s tropical gardens are waiting for you. The luxury of wander around tropical gardens right beside you…

Asia never stops surprising us. Today from the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we colour our day by travelling to Sri Lanka to visit the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple.

Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a cave temple complex, with more than 80 caves in the surrounding area. It is the largest and most famous cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, as well as one of the most spiritual and mystic sites in the country.

They are located on the top of a big rock, known as the Royal Rock, in the central part of Sri Lanka in the city of Dambulla. Among all the caves, currently only five of them are open to the public. They contain many different statues and paintings. All of them are related to Buddha and his life.

Firstly, we find Devaraja lena or “Cave of the Divine King”. It contains a huge 15-meter statue of Buddha, surrounded by his disciples.

The second cave is Maharaja Lena, or the “Cave of the Great Kings”. This is the largest and most famous cave, due to the large amount of Buddha statues it contains. Additionally, it keeps important cave paintings showing the first historical Buddhist facts.

The third cave is Maha Alut Viharaya, also called the “Great New Monastery”. It was built by the king Kirti Sri Rajasinha. It keeps tens of Buddha statues.

Paccima Viharaya or “The Western Temple” is the fourth cave. This is the smallest one. Its main attraction is a Buddha statue seated in the dhyana mudra position.

Finally, we find Devana Alut Viharaya or “The Second New Temple”. This contains tons of Hindu and Buddhist statues. All of them are made of brick and gypsum, on the contrary of the statues of the other caves, which are made of rock and granite.

Are you a Southeast Asia lover? If the answer is affirmative, you have a mandatory stop at our luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. The paradise isn´t as far as you thought it would be…

There is nothing better to make the most of this summer, than discovering new Asian spots. Today from the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we are travelling to Taiwan to swim in Liyu Lake. Are you joining us?

Liyu Lake, also called Carp Lake (due to its shape), is located 20 kilometres away from Hualien, the most important city in eastern Taiwan. It is the largest lake on the east coast.

Its name comes from the mountain surrounded it, Liyu Mountain. Every year, in April, thousands of fireflies light up the lake, making Liyu Lake shine more brightly than ever.

Liyu is the perfect place for a family trip. It offers the possibility of taking part in many different activities such as: sailing, riding a bike, having a picnic or beholding the scenery.

If you are searching for family destination this summer, the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa is the perfect place. The Best Hotel in Europe and the Mediterranean for Families (2015 Condé Nast Johansens Award) offers a wonderful program of activities designed to enjoy a full Asian experience in the heart of the Mediterranean.

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we keep enjoying summer by travelling around the Asian continent. Today we are taking you to Japan to celebrate Marine Day.

Marine Day or Umi no hi was established as a holiday to express gratitude for the gifts of the sea. The sea has played a very important role in Japanese history, mainly in Tokyo´s.

It is a national holiday since 1996. It is held on the third Monday in July, falling on Monday, July 18th this year. Until 1995, Umi no hi was celebrated on 20 July, but was changed as part of the ‘Happy Monday’ System, that created long weekends from most public holidays in Japan.

Originally, Marine Day was established in 1941 to mark the anniversary of the 1876 return of the Meiji Emperor to the Port of Yokohama on the steamboat Meiji-Maru July 20.

As it is a modern holiday, there aren´t any traditional ceremonies associated with Marine Day. During this day, Japanese people go to the beach to enjoy the sun and the sea. And ever since a couple years ago, Odaiba Beach is lit with paper lanterns, which in turn are lit up by citizen volunteers.

If you love Asia and the sea, at the luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we offer you the perfect combo. Come celebrate Sea Day at our Asian paradise in the Mediterranean and enjoy swimming in one of our 7 outdoor pools.

Who doesn´t want to travel during summer? At the luxury hotel in Spain Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we are experts in going all over the Asian continent. That is why today we are taking you to Thailand to discover the amazing Sukhothai Historical Park.

Sukhothai Historical Park covers the ruins of Sukhothai, capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries. It is located in Northern Thailand and it is considered one of the most important historical sites in the country.

The park includes 193 ruins. Inside are the remains of the royal palace and 26 temples. Some of the main monuments we find within the walls are:

Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. It´s the starting point before starting the visit of the Sukhothai Historical Park. It is located on the east side of the ruins of the palace. It contains many historical objects.

Wat Mahathat. Located in the centre of the park. This is the largest and most important temple in Sukhothai Historical Park. It was built in the 13th century as the main temple of the city as well as the Sukhothai Kingdom.

Wat Si Sawai. It is one of the oldest temples in Sukhothai. It was founded in the 12th century as Hindu Shrine for Vishnu by Khmer people.

Wat Trapang Thong. This small temple is located a few metres away from Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, in a lake with lotus flowers. Also known as the “golden lake monastery”, it was built in the 14^th century. It is popular for being the place where Loi Krathong Festival takes place.

Immerse yourself in Asia, just a few hours away. Enjoy a family getaway in our Paradise in the Mediterranean Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. Finish July as you deserve…

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we keep enjoying summer by travelling around Asia. Today we are taking you to Laos to swim under the famous Kuang Si Falls.

Kuang Si Falls is a three-tier waterfall located about 25 kilometres south of Luang Prabang in Laos. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the city.

This is a natural spot surrounded by vegetation and water. The environment, besides the falls, includes a small nature park with a picnic area and a bear rescue centre.

Kuang Si Falls flow into Mekong River. The turquoise water flowing over the first tier forms several pools, which lead to the main fall with a 60 metres drop.

The spectacular landscape surrounding Kuang Si Falls lets tourists enjoy many different activities such as swimming, climbing vines and jumping off or climbing to the top of the waterfall.

At the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we also have our own waterfall. Do you know our Faces of Angkor pool? Visit us this summer in Southeast Asia in the Mediterranean and enjoy an unforgettable relaxing getaway.

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa some things never change. July is here and we keep travelling around the Asian continent. Today we are taking you to China to discover Mount Lu.

Mount Lu is located in the northern part of Jiangxi province, between Yangtze River, which is the largest river in China and the third largest in the world, and Poyang Lake, the largest fresh-water lake in the country.

It is one of China´s original spiritual centres. Its beautiful landscape features many Buddhist and Taoist temples. Lushan is known as the “poems mountain”. There are many poets who have visited it and written poems about it.

It is the perfect place for adventure and nature lovers. It has 171 mountain peaks reaching 1,000 metres above sea level. The highest point is Dahanyang Peak; which is 1,400 metres high. Lushan is also surrounded by thousands of waterfalls, as famous Sandie Quan waterfall, creating a magical atmosphere for anyone visiting.

If you visit our luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa this summer, you won´t have time to get bored. We offer our guests, courtesy of the hotel, a wonderful program of activities designed to enjoy a full Asian experience. Are you joining us?