A very special date is coming for all those who are in love. At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we want you to enjoy an unforgettable Valentine’s Day, therefore we are travelling to China to get to know more about the love flower: peony.

Peonies are known for being the love flowers par excellence. It symbolizes love and happy marriage.

Peonies come originally from Asia, North America and Europe, but they have been grown in China for over 2,000 years ago. According to the legend, the peony is named after Paeon, a student of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. Asclepius became jealous of his pupil and tried to kill him, but Zeus saved Paeon by turning him into the peony flower.

It is the traditional floral symbol of China. Peonies play an important role in Feng Shui as a cure for love and romance. It specially works for those young ladies who are searching for a partner or marriageable ladies.

Chinese people believe peonies must be hanging at the entrance of the house to welcome love. It is also recommended to have representations of this flower inside the house, except for the bedroom. The more beautiful peonies are, the luckier the family will be.

Besides, peonies are very decorative flowers due to their shape and colours: white, pink purple, yellow and more intense colours.

If you don´t want to feel a lack of love the next February 14, come to the luxury resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa and experience an Oriental Romance in the best company. You deserve a romantic weekend in the heart of Asian luxury.

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we never say no to any Asian celebration. That is why today we are travelling to India to celebrate the famous Vasant Panchami. Are you joining us?

Vasant Panchami, also known as Shree Panchami, is the Hindu festival that highlights the coming of spring. It takes place every year on the 5^th day of Magh, which falls during the months of January and February. This day is full of traditions that Hindu men, women and children celebrate and enjoy.

Vasant Panchami honours the Hindu goddess Saraswati. Saraswati is the goddess of learning and wisdom. People make offerings to the goddess, especially students and young people. This festival symbolizes the start of spiritual enlightenment, which is given by Sarasvati. People celebrate the arrival of colours and happiness.

Vasant marks the end of the winter season with the blooming of mustard plants. Throughout this day, Hindu people wear yellow clothes and offer yellow flowers to other people and deities. Yellow colour symbolizes life and nature. People also cook traditional Hindu sweets called Kesari Halwa.

Come celebrate this day with us at the 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa and enjoy an Oriental Romance in the heart of Asian luxury. Can you imagine a better plan to surprise your partner?

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we love discovering new Asian monuments and treasures. Today we are taking you to Thailand to visit the amazing Wat Arun temple. Are you joining us?

Wat Arun, also known as “Temple of Dawn”, is an iconic symbol of Bangkok. It is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand. It is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, close to the Grand Palace.

The temple was built during the time of the Ayutthaya Kingdom under the name of Wat Makok. After the fall of Ayutthaya (1767), the general Taksin became king. According to the legend, after seeing for the first time Wat Makok at sunrise, king Taksin named the temple Wat Chaeng (Temple of Dawn).

For a while, the temple enshrined the Emerald Buddha image before it was transferred to Wat Phra Kaew.

The outer decoration of Wat Arun is encrusted with colourful Chinese porcelain and pieces of seashells. The main feature of the temple is its central prang (Khmer-style tower) which makes the difference between Wat Arung and the other Buddhist temples in Bangkok. This central prang is surrounded by four smaller prang, which symbolize the wind god Phra Phai.

Staring at Wat Arun from the banks of Chao Phraya River at twilight is one of the most beautiful images of Thailand.

What would you say to enjoying the best of Thailand just a few hours away from where you are? At the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we take you to the heart of Asian luxury in the Mediterranean.

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we keep travelling around the Asian continent to tell you about some of the most famous Asian desserts. Let´s sweeten this Tuesday!

The Asian continent has a lot to offer in terms of gastronomy, especially sweets. We are going over some of the Asian sweets you should try the next time you visit Asia.

Laddu. It is a very popular sweet in India. It is usually served during festivals and important family events such as weddings or birthdays. It is prepared with chickpea flour and with other ingredients that vary by recipe. The most famous laddu is Tirupati Laddu, which is distinguished by its intense flavour.

Mango Pudding. It is one of the most famous Thai desserts. It is eaten all year long and it is usually served with coconut ice cream. It is a quick and easy recipe which includes: mango, mascarpone, yogurt and sugar.

Dragon´s beard candy. This is a handmade traditional art of China. It is made of many thin threads that look similar to a dragon´s beard. According to Chinese history, this sweet was prepared for the first time 2,000 years ago.

Wagashi. Commonly known as traditional Japanese confections, wagashi are small Japanese desserts prepared with rice flour pastry. They are often served with green tea. There are many different types of wagashi, all types of colours and shapes depending on the region.

If you are an Asian confectionery lover, we suggest you our Asian restaurant Koh Samui, when you come to the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. The best of Asia right beside you…

Today from the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we want to tell you about one of our favourite drinks: tea. Those of you who have already visited us know that we love welcoming our guests with a delicious cup of tea. But, do you know all the different types of teas? Keep reading.

Tea is a beverage made from dry leaves of the tea plant. People drink it either hot or cold. It is very healthy and has a fresh and bitter flavour.

There are different types of tea. Let´s discover the most famous ones and their benefits.

 Green tea. It is very popular in Asian countries such as China or Japan. It has a high antioxidant power, it prevents a premature ageing of the body tissue. Green tea´s main benefits are helping keep your blood pressure and nervous system and it is a digestive medicine.

 Black tea. It is one of the most famous types of tea. It is darker than other teas and it also has a stronger taste. Black tea consumption also has important health benefits: it has a diuretic effect, it stimulates the cardiovascular system, helps to improve breathing and it is good for the stomach.

 Red tea. It is known as Pu-Erh tea. It is also called the “Emperors Tea” because in the past and for a long time red tea consumption was forbidden for the rest of the population. It is dark red and it is famous for its fat-burning power. Its consumption is ideal at any time of the day, especially after meals.

White tea. It is a not very common type of tea out of Asia. It has an exquisite and light taste. Several studies support that its antioxidant power is even more powerful than the green tea´s one. Among its main properties we find: it reduces cholesterol and blood sugar and it fights the effects of aging.

Oolong tea. It is also known as Wulong or blue tea. It has a very peculiar nice taste, very similar to fresh fruits flavour. It contains many vitamins and mineral and it is also an antioxidant powerhouse.

It is always a good time to have a cup of tea. If you also love this beverage, when you visit the luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa you have a mandatory stop. Take part in our delicious tea tasting, every day from 17:00 to 18:00.

We can´t imagine a better plan to finish January that continuing our trip around the Asian continent. Today, from the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we are travelling to China to contemplate the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge.

The Tiger Leaping Gorge is a canyon on the Yangtze River, 60 kilometres north of Lijiang City, in Yunnan. It is the deepest gorge in the world and one of the main tourist attractions in this province. It is considered one of the most beautiful trekkings you can do in China.

The Tiger Leaping Gorge lies between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. It is naturally divided into three sections: Upper Gorge, Middle Gorge and Lower Gorge. The two first ones are the most visited segments due to its amazing views. Green lush landscapes and fresh air are some of the rewards of an unforgettable 3-day trekking.

This gorge hides some legends. According to one of them, a tiger used this rock as a stepping-stone so it could leap across from one side of the gorge to the other. And this is how the Tiger Leaping Gorge got its name. Most travellers stop by the first segment to look at the tightest part of the river and stare at the Tiger Leaping Stone.

If you a nature lover, the 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa will win you over. Our Faces of Angkor pool is a mandatory stop. Immerse yourself in the waterfalls of this beautiful Balinese style pool!

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we like taking care of ourselves from the inside out. That is why our Thai Spa merges the Asian tradition and wisdom to discover spiritual and physical balance and wellbeing. Today we want to tell you more in depth about one of the treatments of our Temple of Relaxation: the ayurvedic massage.

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medicine system. In Sanskrit it means knowledge of life. It is a very popular medicine system in South Asia.

This 5000-year-old healing tradition is based on the belief that there are three elements, which combine in the human body to make each of us a unique person who needs personalised and specific healing treatments.

These three elements or energies are called doshas: vata dosha (air), energy that controls bodily functions associated with motion, pitta dosha (fire), energy that controls the body’s metabolic systems, and kapha dosha (earth), unifying force. Everyone inherits a unique mix of the three doshas.

The Ayurdevic massage is an ayurveda treatment that treats each person according to his doshas. Once the specialist is sure about which category a patient belongs to, he chooses a specific ayurdevic massage, the most appropriate one, and the right oils.

There are different types of massages, but the most common one is the abhyanga massage, an Ayurvedic oil massage therapy for healing and detoxifying body, mind and spirit. Besides the abhyanga one, the most popular ones are the shirodhara massage, a form of ayurveda therapy that involves pouring liquids over the forehead, and the kansu bowl massage, a fot massage.

Would you like to try our Ayurvedic Massage? Visit our Temple of Relaxation at Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa and book our famous Nuad Nam Mun Abhyanga. An essential luxury…

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we keep discovering new Asian spots. Today we are travelling to China to get to know the mysterious Mogao Caves. Are you joining us on this trip?

Mogao Caves, also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, form a system of 492 temples near Dunhuang, in Gansu province, China. They are strategically located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road.

There is a famous local legend behind the caves. According to it, in 366, a Buddhist monk named Lo-tsun had a vision of thousands of Buddhas and convinced a Silk Road traveller to establish the first temple of the Mogao Caves.

These caves are famous for their statues and paintings, which represent over 1,000 years of Buddhist art. Mogao Caves are the biggest and most important Buddhist sanctuary in the world. They were built throughout the periods of different Chinese dynasties.

During the Northern Wei dynasty, the grottoes were simple and very influenced by the Indians. The ones built during the Sui dynasty were more realistic and detailed, while the caves painted during the Tang dynasty were even more crafted. During the Song dynasty, artists kept working this way.

After their construction, Buddhist monks hoped Mogao Caves helped them reach enlightenment. Mogao Caves´ paintings were helpful for meditation and as tools for teaching Chinese people about Buddhist believes and stories.

If you are looking for a place to escape and relax, that is the 5 stars resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean and with an average temperature of 22º C, what else do you need?

At the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we never say no to any Asian festivities. Today we are travelling to India to celebrate the famous Pongal festival. Are you going to miss it?

Pongal festival is the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu, in South India, which takes place every year on January 15. The celebration lasts four days. It is one of the most important Hindu festivities.

During Pongal, Tamils thank nature and Surya the Sun God for a good harvest and consecrate the first grains. The festival marks the return of the sun to the northern hemisphere.

The first day of Pongal is celebrated as Bhogi festival in honour of Lord Indra, the supreme ruler of clouds that give rain, to show gratitude for the abundance of harvest.

On the second day of Pongal, the puja or act of ceremonial worship is performed when rice is boiled in milk outdoors in an earthenware pot. And then it is symbolically offered to the Sun God along with other oblations. All Tamils wear traditional costumes.

The third day is known as Mattu Pongal, the day of Pongal for cows. This day is dedicated to worship the cattle. Multi-coloured beads, tinkling bells and flower garlands are tied around their necks.

The Fourth day is known as Knau. On this day, a turmeric leaf is washed and placed on the ground. On this leaf people place the left overs of sweet Pongal and Venn Pongal, rice, as well as red and

yellow rice, betel leaves, betel nuts, two pieces of sugarcane and bananas. Women perform this ritual before bathing in the morning. All the women of the house assemble in the courtyard to ask that their brothers´ house and family prosper.

At the 5 stars resort in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we also have our rituals and believes. Have you ever seen our wood canoe? If you visit us, don´t hesitate to discover it.

Today we are leaving behind the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa to go in depth into the history of China and discover more about its different dynasties. Are you coming with us?

The many different Chinese dynasties have left an important legacy throughout history. There are two periods: Ancient China and Imperial Era.

Ancient China includes Xia dynasty, Shang dynasty and Zhou dynasty.

The first dynasty in the history of China is Xia dynasty (2100-1600 B.C.). It was established in the 21st century B.C. along the Yellow River. During this period, the first Chinese calendar was created.

The second Chinese dynasty was Shang dynasty (1600-1100 B.C.). This dynasty was defeated by a village of Zhou.

The Zhou dynasty ruled China between 1045 B.C. and 256 B.C. The dynasty divided the kingdom in different states under the order of local governors. During this period, people started to use money instead of bartering.

The Imperial Era is made up by Qin dynasty, Han dynasty, Jin dynasty, Sui dynasty, Tang dynasty, Song dynasty, Yuan dynasty, Ming dynasty and Qing dynasty.

During Qin dynasty, the king becomes the emperor. Chinese civilisation progressed in different methodologies such as writing and archaeology.

Han dynasty (206 B.C.-220A.D.) consisted of two dynasties: the Western Han (206 BC – 24 A.D.) and the Eastern Han (25 – 220). During the Han Dynasty, commerce, agriculture and industry were well developed.

Han Dynasty was followed by the Three Kingdoms Period (220-265) of Wei, Shu, and Wu.

The Jin Dynasty consists of two dynasties, the Western Jin (265 -316) and the Eastern Jin (317 – 420). Jin´s kingdom was ruled by Sao and Sima clans.

The Sixteen Kingdoms was a period in Chinese history from 304 to 439 in which the country fractures into different sovereign states, which were founded by ethnic minority people.

Preceded by the Eastern Jin Dynasty and followed by the Sui Dynasty, the Southern and Northern Dynasties lasted from 440 to 589.

Sui dynasty (581-618) was founded by Yang Jian, also known as Emperador Wendi. During this period there was a strong rise of Buddhism.

Tang dynasty was established in Chang’an (Xi’an) in 618. It is considered a period of splendour of Chinese civilisation. China progressed in arts, science and technology.

Song dynasty was founded by the soldier Zhao Kuangyb in 960. During this period, the country experienced a great economic development. It consisted of the Northern Song (960-1127) and the Southern Song (1127-1279).

Yuan dynasty was under the order of the Mongolian Empire, with Gengis Khan in the lead. This period was marked by an important social instability.

Ming dynasty was founded by Zhu Yuanzhang in 1368. During this period, China became the first maritime power.

The last Chinese dynasty was the Qing´s one. During their reign, the region experienced big conflicts such as the Opium Wars and the Sino-Japanese War.

Forget those long–haul flights to enjoy an authentic Asian experience… Escape to our Asian paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa and relax a few days off under the sun.