#Leisure* Boutique holidays

A BUCKET list is not complete without exploring prehistoric monuments and ancient cities such as Nara or Sigiriya or photographing the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou. But where do you stay when embarking on such journeys?

Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) of the World can help check off some serious Unesco World Heritage Sites in style. With an impressive worldwide portfolio, many of Asia-Pacifics Unesco World Heritage Sites are just a hop, skip and a jump away from many beautiful SLH hotels. Many of these hotels offer unique experiences to help the guest really appreciate the beauty of the site as they explore. Here is a list to get you started. For more information, visit http://www.slh.com.

JAPAN Yakushima Located in the interior of Yaku Island, at the meeting point of the Palaearctic and Oriental biotic regions, Yakushima exhibits a rich flora, with some 1,900 species and subspecies, including ancient specimens of sugi (Japanese cedar). It also contains a remnant of a warm-temperate ancient forest that is exceptional in this region.

Where to stay? Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima Set between the mountains, cedar forests and the sea, Sankara Hotel & Spa is located on Yakushima Island. The hotel offers guests the chance to trek through the Unesco-listed mountains from the doorstep of their room, enjoy relaxing herbal spa treatments, and sample fine local and French cuisine.

Tip: Visit some of the islands hidden treasures such as the Sasuga Otoshi waterfall.

SRI LANKA Ancient City of Sigiriya

The ruins of the capital, built by the parricidal King Kassapa I (47795) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 180m high this is the Lions Rock, which dominates the jungle from all sides. A series of galleries and staircases emerge from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed of bricks and plaster, which provide access to this stunning site.

Where to stay? Jetwing Vil Uyana A nature-inspired, eco-friendly resort in the shadow of the historic rock fortress of Sigiriya, Jetwing Vil Uyana is a peaceful retreat with a lake attracting local wildlife, an Ayurvedic spa, and creative regional cuisine, all in the heart of Sri Lankas Cultural Triangle.

Tip: Having viewed the rock fortress of Sigiriya from the villa at Vil Uyana, attempt the climb up hundreds of steps to the summit and discover its fascinating, ancient cave frescoes en route.

LAOS Luang Prabang Luang Prabang is a town in Laos that superbly combines both Laotian urban structures with French provincial architecture from the 19th and 20th century. Guests will enjoy the wonderful smell of the frangipani flowers and remarkable temples that dot the diverse landscape. The colours are intoxicating and ensure this magical town tops many must see lists.

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#Leisure* Boutique holidays