26Isea&iISPRING-SUMMER 2012where in the[sea&ibrings you the latest luxury travel newsworld.]Occupying pride of place oppositeTokyo's Imperial Palace, andsurrounded by greenery and water, theaptly named Palace Hotel Tokyo is set tobecome one of the capital city's finesthospitality residences. The property, whichopens in May, will feature 290-rooms,including 12 suites boasting expansiveviews of this intriguing city, an Evian spaoffering an impressive menu of treatments,and ten restaurants and bars. ReflectingJapanese style throughout, the hotel willextend traditional Asian hospitality to itsguests. www.palacehotelstokyo.comTOKYO'S REGAL RESIDENCE

July sees the opening of the GayaIsland Resort in Malaysia - acontemporary retreat amid the rainforestsof the beautiful island of Pulau Gaya. Occupying a natural marineconservation area in the South China Sea,each of the resort's villas have beensympathetically built to reflect andrespect their surrounding environment,and as a result are welcoming and homely.Guests have access to a wide choice ofactivities, including snorkelling, jungle treks,fishing, diving and shopping in localmarkets. Tire of all that and there's alwaysthe resort's Village Spa to rely on forrestorative treatments drawing on thebeautifying properties of marine-basedminerals, local fruits and pearl powder. Topping off the luxurious facilities, arange of restaurants cater for all tastes andmoods. Gaya Island Resort is just 15minutes by boat from nearby KotaKinabalu, which has an internationalairport. www.pulaugayaresort.comIN THE HEART OF THE RAINFORESTtravelnewsSPRING-SUMMER 2012I sea&iI27