In this two-part series of Ask the Concierge we travel through Asia, revisiting 10 of our favourite destinations. Join us we ask these concierge where they take their own guests, what the best places are for night-time entertainment, what key phrases visitors should learn, what their best keep secrets are and many more tips you need to know when travelling through Asia!
Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Sandra Nguyen Si was born in Hanoi, and lived in Ho Chi Minh city since 1995. Growing up in the city “with neon lights, motorbike noises and highly-dense population”, Sandra was “extremely happy” to move to Salinda Resort, a member of the WorldHotels Collection, on Phu Quoc Island, in 2014. In this versatile holiday place, there’s really something for everyone, including white sand beaches, island hopping, squid fishing and a cable car. Let’s join her in her happy place!
Seoul, South Korea
In this Ask The Concierge, we profile the Assistant General Manager of Shilla Stay Guro in Seoul, South Korea, Mr Giyoung Chang. The Shilla Stay Guro is a member of the Connect Collection from Preferred Hotels and Resorts. Seoul is a vibrant destination full of amazing markets, hip bars and cafes, and stunning parks. Let’s hear where he goes on a day off, where we must go for lunch, and what he loves about his hotel.
Phuket, Thailand
Maitree Yaipun, concierge at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket, Thailand, has the honour of being the only Les Clef d’or concierge in Phuket, and one of just 95 concierges ‘holding the keys’ across Thailand. Maitree loves the fact his hotel is surrounded by lush Nature: Forests of trees; lagoons; the Andaman Sea; and Sirinath National Park, a peaceful area of natural beauty. Phuket is a gateway to the amazing Phi Phi and James Bond Islands, you can take a canoe through the mangrove forests – and maybe even see some wild otter at play! Let’s join Maitree as he takes us on a guided tour of his own personal highlights of his workplace.
Tokoyo, Japan
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo’s Director of Concierge Services is Masumi Tajima. She has worked at the hotel since it opened, 13 years ago. She was born in Gunma prefecture, which is famous for traditional hot springs of the highest quality; a unique combination of nature and industry; and winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding, close to major urban centres like Tokyo. Japan is known for its stunning Cherry Blossoms, Masumi’s hot tip seeing them in full bloom is to visit Tokyo between the end of March to middle of April. Check out more of her tips below!
Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia
Concierge Abdul Yusran Arifin, who is from Kuala Lumpur, has worked in the flagship hotel of the Dorsett hotel group – the Dorsett Kuala Lumpur – for nine years. “The beauty of my job,” Yusran says, “is that I get to help others, engage with guests, and make people happy on a daily basis. Also, I get to meet people from all over the world.” Dorsett Kuala Lumpur is located in the heart of the city’s Golden Triangle, a stone’s throw from Malaysia’s finest shopping malls, eateries, tourist and entertainment spots, including the KL Convention Centre and Petronas Twin Towers which are within walking distance via an air-conditioned link bridge. Let’s explore Malaysia’s capital through Yusran’s eyes.
Join us next week for part two of our Ask The Concierge: Revisiting Asia series.
Have you come across any amazing concierge on your travels? Let us know at editor@journeystocome.com
