Letter From the Editor, May 2015

On a recent journey to Southeast Asia, I spent time on three very different islands. Initially, I decided to recover from the 20-hour flight on Indonesia’s Bintan Island, a 45-minute ride by comfortable high-speed ferry from Singapore. The Sanchaya is a sumptuous new property of 21 villas and nine suites set on a 30-acre tropical estate. It is a truly blissful place in which to relax and to enjoy the soft, warm breezes wafting off the South China Sea.

Phuket, in southern Thailand, remains an idyllic place for a timeout during a sightseeing tour of the region. Dazzling white-sand beaches, delicious food, friendly people and world-class scuba diving all create a particularly alluring package. Recently, several new hotels have opened, including one by noted Singaporean hotelier Christina Ong. Phuket already has three of my favorite resorts — Amanpuri, Six Senses Yao Noi and Trisara — so I was curious to see how the new contender would stack up. Ong’s Point Yamu by COMO proved to be a distinctly superior property, with notable cuisine, charming service and an exceptional spa.

Penang, off the northwest coast of Malaysia, provided a contrasting experience at the colonial Eastern & Oriental Hotel, a comfortable and well-run property that still evokes an age of travel by steamship among storied ports and their grand hotels. Also in Penang, I discovered a wonderful new boutique hotel, contained within several converted Chinese shophouses. The 18-suite Seven Terraces offers stylish and atmospheric accommodations, as well as an exceptional restaurant.

In addition, this issue contains an account of a trip to the Rockies and the famed Lake Yellowstone Hotel, where we found that a spectacular $28.5 million renovation unfortunately was offset by dining and service shortcomings. However, I greatly enjoyed stays at Jenny Lake Lodge and Firehole Ranch, two longtime recommendations within short drives of Yellowstone. I also discovered a new family-friendly option in Jackson Hole, plus a tranquil summer retreat on the shores of Idaho’s Payette Lake in the remote and peaceful town of McCall.