At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we like to pamper ourselves with the best Asian treatments. That´s why, today we are travelling to Japan to tell you about one of Japanese women´s main beauty secrets. Do you want to discover it? Keep reading…

What Asian women do to have such a perfect skin? The answer is rice water. Rice is a perfect ally for skin. The rice grain is a scrub, it removes the dead skin cells; while rice water moisturizes, regenerates and tightens the skin.

The real secret behind rice water is the pitera, a natural byproduct which is rich in in amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. It helps smooth the skin and also the hair, and it even benefits the digestive system.

Which are rice water properties?

It protects against premature skin ageing. It contains a substance called inositol, which stimulates blood circulation by nourishing the skin and fighting wrinkles.

It regenerates and moisturizes the skin. It contains linoleic acid, which includes powerful antioxidants, promotes collagen productions and it is high in vitamin B, which is excellent for our skin.

It is a natural exfoliator. It contains phytic acid, which exfoliates the skin naturally, producing a skin resurfacing.

It helps removing spots due to its exfoliating property.

It protects the skin from the sun.

You can use rice water as a face mask or as a scrub. In order to use rice water as a face mask, you must mix two tablespoons of rice water with a teaspoon of honey. Apply it on your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes twice or three times a week. You can also make a scrub, by mixing two teaspoons of rice water with one of cinnamon or brown sugar. Gently massage your skin, leave the scrub on for 10 minutes and rinse with cold water.

At the 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we are focused on next summer. If you are planning on visiting us, book now In Advance 30 days and enjoy a 15% off your booking. Are you joining us?

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.

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 29^th.

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.

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!

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…

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!

Easter break is here and at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we are ready for a well-deserved rest. Today we are visiting our famous Thai Spa to tell you about acupressure. Do you want to know what is it about? Keep reading…

Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique. It also belongs to Chinese traditional medicine, and it is used to treat different health problems.

It is based on putting pressure on certain areas of the body to relieve the pain that appears on a specific area. It can even affect the functioning of some inner organs.

Acupressure uses the same principles as acupuncture. The difference is that the working tools used to put pressure on the body are the fingers, the knuckles and the elbows, unlike acupuncture, which places very thin needles on the body.

According to Chinese traditional medicine, each point is connected to an inner organ of the body through meridians. Vital energy (chi or qi energy) flows through these channels and it may block up producing a malfunction in body balance. These type of disorders contribute to the appearance of different malaises.

The acupressure therapy applies strength through pressure, friction and massages on certain points of the body. These skin areas, once they are stimulated, cause the release of neurochemical endorphins from the brain, which contribute to the alleviation of pain naturally.

The points of acupressure are divided in two types:

Local points. These ones are the actual spots on the body where the patient is experiencing pain or discomfort.

Trigger points. These ones are those that are connected to the points of the body experiencing pain or discomfort.

If you are thinking about visiting us soon, you have a mandatory stop at the 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa: our Relaxation Temple. An essential luxury…

Today at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we want to welcome spring as we enjoy the most: travelling. We are taking you to China to discover the incredible Qaidam Basin.

Qaidam Basin occupies the northwestern part of Qinghai province. The region belonged to the old Tibetan region of Amdo. Its name probably comes from tsa’i dam, which means “salt marsh” in standard Tibetan and Mongolian. It is one of the driest and coldest places in China.

Qaidam is an intermountain basin, that is to say, it is surrounded by mountains, some of which reach 6,000 m. It covers an area of about 120,000 square metres, and 35,000 square kilometres of them form Qaidam Basin Desert.

Saline lakes and spectacular sand dunes occupy Qaidam Basin. The largest salt water lake is the Dabsan Hu, located to the north of the city of Golmuf. The salt of these lakes, specially the ones in Golmud, are being exploited for industrial benefit on a large scale.

The area has a very particular biodiversity. Brown bears, wolves, red foxes and wooly hares are some of the many mammals that dwell in China’s Qaidam Basin.

Doubtlessly, Qaidam Basin Desert is one of those places that don´t leave anyone indifferent.

If you are already thinking ahead to next summer, the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa is your place. Book In Advance and enjoy 15% off your booking from 4 nights. Are you joining us?

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we are always in the mood to celebrate. We are getting ready to welcome spring by travelling to Korea to celebrate Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival.

Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival is a famous festival, which celebrates the blooming of apricot flowers. It takes place every spring in the city of Gwangyang, in South Jeolla Province. Specifically, in the village of Maehwa, home of the largest number of apricot blossom trees in Korea. This edition will be held from the 17^th to the 25^th of March.

In Korea, the maehwa flower is one of the first signs that announce the arrival of spring. Traditionally, it is known as one of the four noble plants or sagunja, together with the orchid, the chrysanthemum and bamboo.

Apricot flowers, just like cherry blossoms, start blooming in early March, when the air is still slightly cold. Spring festivals start in mid-March, when spring flowers are blossoming. Precisely, Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival is one of the first festivals that is held to celebrate spring.

Gwangyang is filled with maehwa during the eight days the festival lasts and it also produces, distribute and sell apricot products. Tourists can enjoy a walk beneath the apricot blossoms and also sample and purchase local organic apricot products.

During Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival, locals also provide visitors information about apricots. Koreans highly appreciate apricot or maesil, they use it in many dishes: from sweet and sour sauce, marinade, kimchi and vinegar, to jelly, juice and alcoholic drinks.

Different themed activities for kids and adults also take place during the event: concerts, Nanta (a non-verbal comedy show), a marathon, bike races, a photographic exhibition, a cooking competition and local maesil food tasting.

Welcome spring at the luxury resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. Can you imagine a better plan to kick off Easter holidays than surrounded by our tropical gardens?

As you already know, at the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we never get tired of discovering the varied Asian cuisine. Today we continue our trip around the continent to tell you about one of it most popular ingredients: citronella.

Citronella or lemongrass is one of those plants that are eaten from time immemorial both for its medicinal properties and as a kitchen essential. It is one of the basic ingredients of Asian cuisine. It is a stiff grass native to India, is widely used as an herb in Vietnamese and Thai cuisine, where the dishes seasoned with citronella get a mild citrus flavour.

This type of grass is very easy to grow, since once that is planted, it grows back again year after year. Citronella looks very similar to a leek. In order to make the most of its bulb, we have to get rid of the outer layers, which are pretty hard, before getting to the inner stalk. Regarding its leaves, they are used for infusions and to flavour some fish recipes (although we get rid of them before serving the food).

In order to extract the flavour of citronella and the scent of its bulb, it´s recommended to squash it a little bit, as a clove of garlic, before adding it to other ingredients.

Since its flavour is a little bit spicy, it must be added in small quantities to soups, stews, salads and sauces. Vietnamese cuisine usually mixes citronella with ginger, garlic, chilli and coriander, and it´s also very used to marinate meats.

Besides traditional medicine and cuisine, lemongrass or citronella is finding its own place in cocktails. It is used to dress gin tonics, mojitos and different cocktails.

Definitely, citronella is a very versatile ingredient, that will add an exotic touch to any recipe.

Discover the Mediterranean gastronomic paradise that you will find during your visit to the 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. 7 restaurants for food lovers, which won´t leave anyone indifferent.