relax (14)

Singapore Botanical Gardens: Singapore is very built up and exciting but this is good for a chill out and escape for a bit if you have the time!

A great way to break up a bleary stopover at Singapore airport is to take a dip in the rooftop swimming pool. It's 'Balinese style' - more beach lilo than Olympic lanes. It's a much more relaxing way of getting the blood flowing after a long haul flight than drifting round the duty free shops, especially if you don't have enough time to get into Singapore itself. The humid climate means you can use the pool pretty much all year round. It's open from 7am to 11pm and the small entrance fee includes a hot shower and a free non-alcoholic drink. If you're en route to a business meeting, a quick swim will help get rid of that gone out look. If you're celebrating a done deal, there's a poolside bar. Every airport should have one.

Guilin Park provides a haven of tranquility in this busy city, ideal for spending a quiet hour between business meetings and experiencing an authentic tourist-free Chinese park. It's a beautiful place where you can walk in peace, sit sipping green tea, or watch people practice tai chi in the mornings. It's located in a suburb about 20 minutes by taxi from the Bund.

After a long flight from Heathrow (or anywhere else for that matter), there's nothing better than an outdoor swim in a rooftop pool without even leaving the airport. If you have a few hours stopover in Singapore airport, follow the signs for the spa - it's a bit of a trek, but very much worth it. For about GBP8 you get a swim, a towel and a free cocktail by the pool. Generally very quiet and wonderfully relaxing. Even better if it rains!

Good food can be quite hard to come by in London (particularly when comparing to Asia), however, one gem famed for both celebrity spotting and for its delightful high tea and breakfast is the Wolseley at Green Park. Located next to the Ritz, this restaurant is the premier destination for anyone who wants to enjoy good quality food as reasonable (around £50 a head) food.

One great tip is to start your business day off here with a meeting. Breakfast is sublime with excellent bakery from the kitchen. Its central location makes it great for anyone staying in the city. High tea is also a great treat. Speciality teas, fine finger sandwiches, moist scones and the most delicate pastries found this side of Paris.

There is a very nice 'onsen' in Narita town, excellent if you have a layover or if you have extra time after you've landed and before a business meeting. Nothing better than an invigorating shower followed by a relaxing hot soak after a long plane ride. The standard, traditional bath (all I've used) is only $10 or so, though they also have full spa services. Like most onsen, they also have a cafe serving food.

If you are in London for the spring/summer or even autumn months, then be sure to check out the numerous Royal parks that dot the capital. Hyde Park - the city's largest, covers a vast area from Marble Arch to South Kensington and adjoins with other parks in the city. Explore the Princess Diana memorial or row a boat on the Serpentine.

My other recommendation would be Green Park, it has a better location right next to Buckingham Palace. Deck chairs are available to rent (£2 for 4 hours) and many food shops nearby mean that you won't go hungry. Great for running or relaxing - take advantage of London's green parks.

Upon arrival in Tokyo Narita International airport (or just before you leave!), don't just rush headlong into the city... If you have come long-haul and are tired, there's nothing better than to get your head down at one of the airport hotels for a few hours, and then use Narita as a gentle introduction to Japan/Tokyo. It is a nice small town, which is very walkable, and has many little gems including a temple, local restaurants, shops and backstreet pubs. Prices for food, hotels et al will be much cheaper that Tokyo city, and it allows you to acclimatise in a much less hectic/congested atmosphere. I have always found it a perfect way to take a breather before business in Japan and/or exploring the country on vacation.

The Japanese love their open spa/baths. There are many around Tokyo and all over Japan in fact. You can pop in for just an hour, get clean, relax, and get a massage if you wish. Perfect before a long flight. If you have a bit longer, why not take a train to Nikko, about 2 hours away, where you can relax in the Japanese alps!

For those who love variety and nature, R. B. Gardens at Kew may be the most pleasant destination in London. There's a Travelodge near the garden with great pre-booking offers, which can be booked via online, usually a few weeks in advance.