Villa Karang Putih is as secluded as it gets, its property sprawling across 13,500 sq.m. atop dramatic cliff-top land in Ungasan, overlooking the white sand beach of Pandawa on the southern coast of Bali. Bought last August by PT. SidoMuncul TBK (a renowned herbal industry company in Indonesia) and refurbished in November 2014, the new owners have a strong vision to promote Villa Karang Putih as the island’s leading wedding venue with a capacity for more than 1,000 guests.

Villa Karang Putih boasts a total of 11 stunning bedrooms housed in three separate luxury villas: the Karang Nusa, the Karang Dua and the Karang Putih, each designed with a sophisticated interior and equipped with a full kitchen, a private swimming pool, plush bedding, bath amenities and a dedicated butler. On-site facilities and services include a helipad, a tennis court, mini-golf, mountain bikes and yoga mat rentals, free daily usage of a seven-seat luxury car (for eight hours), a complimentary barbecue party for 22 and 24-hour security.

The Karang Nusa—the first villa as you enter the complex—features three beautiful bedrooms, one main swimming pool, two plunge pools, an in-house spa room and a manicured tropical garden perfect for an intimate party of 120.

The Karang Dua features two spacious bedrooms, an ocean-view pool with a natural wooden deck and a garden that can accommodate up to 200 standing guests. The villa oozes a beach house vibe that is reflected in its crisp furnishings and stylish interiors.

The Karang Putih is the masterpiece villa with an unparalleled panoramic ocean view visible from its living room, dining room and six ultra-chic bedrooms, as well as an indulgent 21m pool and a meticulously landscaped garden fit to host up to 500 standing guests.

Villa Karang Putih is well on its way to set a new definition for luxury private villas and spectacular wedding venues in Bali. Now that you’ve decided on the venue, we wait with bated breath for our wedding invitations!

www.villakarangputih.com

Notes:
This article was first published in Asia Dreams, March-April 2015.
Photos courtesy of Villa Karang Putih.

The post Wedding with a View first appeared on Meliana Salim.

Designing your perfect island getaway is a breeze when you’re staying at the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana, a seaside resort that epitomizes the best of Balinese cordiality in a stylish urban ambiance.

On a glorious Saturday afternoon, the grand lobby of the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana buzzed with the arrival of tourists from all walks of life: love-struck honeymooners keen to bask in the sun by the rooftop infinity pool, business travellers excited about their much-needed beach getaways and family and children eager to get to the neighbouring beach for a swim.

Conveniently located between Kuta and Legian Beach, a stone’s throw away from Bali’s bustling shopping, entertainment and recreation hub, the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana effortlessly pairs contemporary design aesthetics with Balinese hospitality, creating a chic urban oasis that showcases island living at its best.

There is an extensive array of leisure and dining facilities including three swimming pools (the garden pool, the stunning rooftop infinity pool and a kid’s pool), an upscale French brasserie called The Deli and the Balinese Sembilan Restaurant serving up contemporary Balinese cuisine.

The beachfront resort comprises 351 spacious rooms and stylish suites, each featuring a private balcony and modern amenities that allow guests to “disconnect from business, not from the rest of the world”. Watch your favourite TV shows, Skype your loved ones overseas, join the daily activities (choose from yoga, boxing, fruit carving, gym classes, Tai-Chi or Bahasa Indonesia lessons) or stay in shape with the in-room fitness and yoga kits.

Upon entering our Deluxe Ocean View Room, we were instantly drawn to the balcony beckoning us to take in the panoramic view of the Indian Ocean. On the lounge table there was a welcome fruit basket, a gift box containing a pair of Balinese statues and a couple of boxes of chocolates. Partnering with Pod Chocolate Bali, the island’s sustainable chocolate maker, the resort treated us to some artisanal chocolate delights. What a lovely gesture!

Later that afternoon, as the rain clouds started rolling in, we opted to spoil ourselves with a 30-minute hydro vitality pool session and a 90-minute Balinese massage at the Tjakra-7 Spa. Located in the heart of the resort, the spa is housed in an individual oval-shaped building, cleverly draped in lush cascading greenery and beautifully surrounded with manicured gardens. The concept of the Tjakra-7 Spa is simple: let the body’s own energy be the natural source of healing and well-being.

The spa menu includes its signature Tjakra art movement massage, Tibetan singing bowls, shirodhara, traditional body wraps and scrubs and indulgent hydrotherapy treats such as a Vichy shower, herbal steam and, the highlight of the spa, a hydro vitality pool. Outfitted with the latest technology and equipment, every treatment is designed to transfer positive bio-energy to the body via water, air and sound.

Our session began in the serene enclosure of the chi-positive hydro vitality pool, with a therapist verbally guiding us as we meandered our way through several massage stations. Each station is armed with strong water jets targeted to stimulate specific parts of the body. This workout allegedly aids in lowering overall body acidities, relieving muscle tension and improving blood circulation and skin texture.

After we dried off, our therapists led us to a double treatment room for a truly relaxing massage. The experience came to a blissful end on the posh loungers in the “chill-out space” with hot ginger teas, healthy snacks and heated blankets.

Our stay at the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana couldn’t have been better. We enjoyed each other’s company, recharged our batteries, experienced new things and came home rejuvenated and refreshed!

Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana
Jalan Melasti 1, Legian
Bali 80361, Indonesia
T: (+62) 361 762 500
E: h6556@accor.com
www.pullmanbalilegiannirwana.com

Notes:
This article was first published in Asia Dreams, March-April 2015.
Photos courtesy of Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana.

The post A Stylish Stay first appeared on Meliana Salim.

Uma means tranquillity in Sanskrit and bright in Hindi. Since its inception in 2004, the second inland luxury retreat by COMO Hotels & Resorts is indeed a bright and tranquil place, a harmonious fusion of Asian contemporary touches and a charming traditional Indonesian village vibe. Accentuated by interior designer Koichiro Ikebuchi’s simplistic approach, Zen aesthetics and love of indigenous materials, Uma hits all the right notes for a peaceful five-star mountain-village setting.

Perched above the Tjampuhan Valley with scenic views of steep hills, lush paddies and forested volcanoes, Uma by Como, Ubud’s 46 exquisite sun-drenched rooms, suites and villas are accessed via narrow winding paths shaded by tropical plants. Beneath the alang-alang thatched roofs, the 18 Terrace Rooms and ten Garden Rooms feature modern architecture and uncluttered interiors infused with traditional Balinese elements. Fresh, expansive and airy, the rooms are equipped with lavish comforts such as king-sized four-poster beds, open-air bathrooms with enormous baths, COMO Shambhala’s signature bath amenities and comfortable terraces.

Uma Ubud’s five 77sq.m. Pool Villas each come with a private plunge pool and a huge sundeck with a spectacular view of the deep gorge below. For the ultimate in privacy and indulgence, stay in one of the three spacious 94sq.m. Uma Pool Villas with an infinity plunge pool and a panoramic view of the verdant valley and meandering river below. The inside is just as impressive with a tranquil daybed, roomy seating and living areas, a king-size bed with 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton linen, fine goose down duvet and a double-vanity bathroom with a massive shower and bath.

Uma Ubud’s Kemiri restaurant serves up delicious gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner in an open-air space beside a beautiful waterfall-fed fishpond. Kemiri’s COMO Shambhala Cuisine features light sophisticated Indonesian and modern Asian dishes using locally sourced produce.

Designed by COMO Shambhala Estate’s architect Cheong Yew Kuan, the resort’s newest restaurant, Uma Cucina, is informal and social; a large communal dining table at the heart of the restaurant and outdoor terrace seating create a homely, rustic Italian kitchen atmosphere. The flavours of choice are Italian and Mediterranean with a primary focus on sourcing fresh, seasonal local produce and using traditional cooking methods: pizzas and breads are freshly baked in a wood-fired oven, pastas, cheeses and sausages are handmade in house and desserts feature classic Italian gelatos and granitas.

Uma Ubud’s holistic heart lies in the COMO Shambhala Retreat, a wellness sanctuary offering Asian-inspired body treatments and massages, incorporating natural ingredients with the wisdoms of ancient beauty rituals and the powers of traditional Balinese medicine. The spa facilities include four divine treatment rooms, an open-air yoga studio overlooking the Tjampuhan Valley, a meditation pavilion, a reflexology area, steam rooms, sauna, gym and a super sleek 25m infinity pool.

Nobody will blame you for working on your holiday tan by the pool and lounging at the pool bar all day long. But do take advantage of what Uma has to offer: complimentary yoga classes, guided rice paddy walks, holistic therapies, fine cuisines and cultural activities that bring you closer to Bali and its nature. Adventurous guests are encouraged to participate in cultural activities – temple tours, local events and festivals, gallery visits, artisan workshops – or physical challenges such as biking, white-water rafting and volcano trekking, or to design their own bespoke itineraries and expeditions.

At Uma Ubud, every nook and cranny exudes the boutique resort’s understated philosophy of quiet comfort in inspiring and culturally immersing environments. Relish the holistic connection with nature, nurture your spirit with therapeutic treatments, nourish your mind with cultural adventures and treat your body to a wholesome dining experience.

The Uma Ubud experience is all about discovering the true essence of Bali.

EDITOR’S PICKS:

• Don’t miss the complimentary yoga class at one of the most beautiful yoga studios in Ubud.
• Master the art of doing nothing. Allow nature’s creatures to surround and serenade you in the serenity of your private villa.
• Visit the neighbouring Tjampuhan Ridge for an easy trek in one of Ubud’s best nature trails. Marvel at the majestic new temple on the way uphill.

Uma By COMO, Ubud
Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Banjar Lungsiakan
Kedewatan, Ubud, Gianyar
Tel: (+62) 361 972 448
www.comohotels.com/umaubud

Notes:
This article was first published in Asia Dreams, January-February 2015.
Photos courtesy of Uma by COMO, Ubud.

The post Uma by COMO, Ubud first appeared on Meliana Salim.

Once you recover from the jaw-dropping oceanfront vistas, where heaven and earth seem to merge on the horizon, choose from Semara Luxury Villa Resort’s seven lavishly decorated five-bedroom villas, each uniquely conceptualized with a different theme to suit discerning jetsetters. Cocooned in 7.5 acres of impeccably groomed tropical gardens, each of Semara’s villas offers 30-metre cliff edge views, private infinity pools overlooking the Indian Ocean, personal butler services and in-villa dining.

Villa Chintamani and Villa Nora seduce with their Balinese charm, with each villa featuring five bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms in separate houses, outdoor seating, sun deck and garden. Outfitted with spectacular oceanfront infinity pools, full-service bars and open-air living rooms, both villas are perfect for hosting large parties or a corporate retreat.

Guests who stay in Villa Jamadara tend to spend a lot of their time outside basking by the infinity pool while waiting for the sunset. We love the open, light and contemporary approach to the architecture and styling. When you have the up and down views of the limestone cliffs, you want to make sure that everything else is kept simple yet sophisticated.

Villa Tamarama wows with its white colonial elegance and creamy tones, reminiscent of the Caribbean and the Hamptons, featuring two swimming pools, a huge bar and a poolside area made for entertaining and special celebrations with family and friends. The open-air pavilion claims to ignite romance and inspire nuptials among giddy couples over a few sunset cocktails.

Easily one of the most stunning luxury villa resorts in Bali, Semara’s impressive facilities include the cliff top Selatan Restaurant serving an elegant lunch and dinner menu, two tennis courts (hard and grass), Body Temple Spa, swimming pools and a sea-view state-of-the-art gym.

We recommend skipping the gym and heading down for the day to Semara’s pride and joy: the famous Finn’s Beach Club – an exclusive white-sand haven accessed via a heart-skipping ride on the inclinator. Guests of Semara enjoy free entry to Finn’s Beach Club and complimentary facilities such as towel, sun lounger and water sports rentals. Grab the snorkelling gear or the stand-up paddleboard and enjoy an underwater world of tropical reef and fish, stroll along the secluded beach, take the kayak out for some wet action or do absolutely nothing on the sunbed all day long – don’t forget to slather on some sunscreen.

The relaxed beachside restaurant serves a delicious international menu ranging from local specialties to good old pizzas and hearty steaks. Groovy beats set the mood for sun worshippers and cocktail-sipping beach lovers during the day, while the evening is lit by the warm glow of a bonfire and the sweet aroma of roasted marshmallows.

Semara Luxury Villa Resort is the most idyllic holiday destination and the perfect venue for weddings and anniversaries, corporate events and launches, family gatherings and private celebrations. Semara is, without a doubt, our star pick for impressive group or private escapes.

EDITOR’S PICKS:

• • • Reserve your own cliff-top ocean-view bale at Finn’s Beach Club for private dining and relaxing, away from the sunburnt crowd.
  • Host a girls’ weekend getaway at Villa Tamarama, bond with your girlfriends over in-villa manicure, pedicure and massages and have a private chef cook up a gourmet feast in the comfort of your own villa.

Semara Luxury Villa Resort
Jalan Pantai Selatan Gau, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan, Bali
T: (+62) 361 848 2111
www.semarauluwatu.com

Notes:
This article was first published in Asia Dreams, January-February 2015.
Photos courtesy of Semara Luxury Villa Resort. 

The post Semara Luxury Villa Resort first appeared on Meliana Salim.

The road to holistic health and spiritual balance is paved with good intentions. At COMO Shambhala Estate, the undisputed icon of luxury retreats in Bali, it meanders through misty valleys, amid the tropical jungle canopy and along the sacred Ayung River, overlooking dramatic rice terraces and majestic mountains.

The Estate, previously known as Begawan Giri, is a residential wellness haven located north of Ubud, resting gently on 23 acres of serene land. It comprises 30 rooms and suites contained within five element-themed Residences, five chic Retreat Villas and four tranquil Private Villas.

Sensitively designed by renowned Bali-based Malaysian architect Cheong Yew Kuan, in collaboration with interior designer Koichiro Ikebuchi, the various wellness, shared and living spaces of the Estate are a contemporary expression of tropical luxury and timeless elegance, marrying Balinese, Asian and European aesthetics without compromising the cultural authenticity and sanctity of its natural environment.

Strategically located next to Ojas, one of the main wellness areas, the Retreat Villas’ stylish one and two-bedroom units – Taramala (Garland of Stars), Vasudhara (Mother Earth), Kusumalaya (House of Flowers), Shantivana (Peaceful Forest) and Saundarya (Beauty) – contain spacious bedrooms, double-vanity bathrooms, private pools with jacuzzi jets, assorted living, lounging and dining areas and large outdoor decks – perfect for sharing with friends and families. Each guest is assigned a readily available personal assistant to cater to all whims and wishes.

At the Estate, the core emphasis is on encouraging guests to embrace a healthy approach to food, nutrition and wellbeing without sacrificing flavour or taste. We like to call it mindful eating. The COMO Shambhala Cuisine at the impressive glow restaurant utilizes organic, locally sourced ingredients, blending south Indian, Italian and Balinese influences and guided by the nutritional plans of the Estate’s dietician, Eve Persak. Developed by Group Executive Chef Amanda Gale, the sophisticated menu can be modified to accommodate all food intolerances and suit personal palates.

The resort’s second restaurant, Kudus House, is open for breakfast and dinner, serving Indonesia’s authentic, diverse flavours housed in an antique 150-year-old former Javanese residence with an amazing jungle view.

COMO Shambhala prides itself on its holistic concept and nurturing approach implemented by a professional team of resident experts, health consultants and visiting specialists throughout its wellness programmes and activities, dedicated to sharing their knowledge and inspiring guests to make life-changing improvements to their health and wellbeing in a home-away-from-home environment. The Estate’s six signature programmes include detoxification, stress management, weight management and skin revitalization, each featuring a bespoke, carefully curated combination of meals, treatments, therapies and activities designed for stays of three, five or seven nights.

Spa addicts and fitness fanatics are spoiled for choice with more than 20 Asian-influenced and Western holistic therapies in the ultimate facilities – nine treatment rooms, four consultation rooms, an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, steam and sauna rooms, a 25-metre lap pool, yoga pavilions, Pilates and yoga studio, an indoor gym, a jungle gym and a climbing wall.

To the romantics, life within COMO Shambhala Estate is an idyllic microcosm of the outside world – a place of respite and a rare sanctuary for the healing of mind, body and spirit. To us, the secret to a truly transformational experience lies in ‘just being’ at the sublime retreat.


EDITOR’S PICKS:

• Go for a guided, energizing Estate Walk. Dive into the natural spring — dubbed ‘The Source’, locally revered for its healing properties – to jumpstart your day.
• Join the Estate Yoga class and attend healthy lifestyle lectures. Experience the benefits of hydrotherapy and open your mind to Qi Gong.
• Meditate in one of the pavilions by the riverbank. Allow the mist to kiss your skin and the sounds of cicadas and rushing streams to lull you into a blissful state.
• We are head over heels in love with COMO Shambhala’s bathroom amenities. The signature scent is infused with a captivating formula of sweet almond, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender and peppermint. Sprinkle some scented bath salts in a hot bath and immerse yourself in the tub for mental clarity and invigorating energy.

COMO Shambhala Estate
Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod
Payangan, Gianyar, Bali, 80571, Indonesia
T: (+62) 361 978 888
www.comohotels.com/comoshambhalaestate

Notes:
This article was first published in Asia Dreams, January-February 2015.
Photos courtesy of COMO Shambhala Estate. 

The post COMO Shambhala Estate first appeared on Meliana Salim.

The Canadian-headquartered luxury hotel brand Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has surrendered to the charms of Bali and landed in Sanur, the island’s well-established upscale resort area. Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali, formerly known as the Regent Bali, sits on four hectares of lush tropical gardens, along 200m of the golden sands of Sanur on the southeast coast of the island, a mere 25-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The Fairmont family is known among seasoned travellers for its one-of-a-kind travel experiences and personalized service in more than 65 hotels in the world. Designed by Thailand’s Blink Design Group, the 120 luxurious all-suite-and-villa beachfront resort, which appeared on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2014 Hot List, is a sanctuary of serenity, peace and relaxation in understated elegance. Inspired by the local surroundings and the Balinese temple concept, Blink’s design connects the island’s past and present, pays respect to its culture and traditions and celebrates the quintessential Balinese charm. Bespoke furniture, handcrafted fixtures and unique artwork produced by the talented local craftsmen and artists blend seamlessly with modern indulgences such as 24-hour butler and concierge services.

Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali’s 94 spacious suites range from 90sq.m. to the exclusive 181sq.m. Signature Spa suite, which contains its own spa treatment room. Each suite features a lavish bathroom, an inviting bedroom and an expansive 25sq.m. outdoor terrace with a huge daybed.

Dip in the resort’s 50-metre infinity pool, laze about in the beachfront cabanas, go for a leisurely stroll along the 5km beach, cycle around town, or indulge in a relaxing Balinese massage and other wellness treatments in the spa. For fitness buffs, there is a well-equipped fitness centre, a yoga pavilion and beachside Pilates classes. Guests travelling with children will appreciate the children’s club armed with a mini cinema and Sony PlayStation.

Guests are spoilt for dining choices here: the signature restaurant, Layang Layang, specializes in authentic Indonesian cuisine, the Nyala Beach Club & Grill serves modern Pan-Asian dishes by the poolside and the Lobby Lounge delights with afternoon tea, local Balinese treats, light meals, cocktails and live music in the evening.

Upcoming additions to Fairmont’s luxury hotel portfolio include a 380-room hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city, scheduled to open in January 2015 and a second Fairmont Hotel in Bali, on its southern coast of Bukit Peninsula in 2016.

We wish you a pleasant stay in Indonesia, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts!

www.fairmont.com/sanur-bali


Notes:
This article was first published in Asia Dreams, January-February 2015.
Photos courtesy of Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali.

The post Welcome to Bali, Fairmont! first appeared on Meliana Salim.