olaf – Page 164 – Tropical Life

Mar162015 by olafNo Comments

The Sayan House

Spice

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_blockquote type="type1" border_color="#00e3ff"] Casually tucked in Sayan area overlooking the majestic Ayung River just outside the crowded part of Ubud, The Sayan House is an extraordinary fine dining restaurant designed for comfort and expressing a home like atmosphere with an emphasis on “welcome” for all its guests. [/vc_blockquote][vc_column_text] The place is totally hidden from the main road, but as one drives into the circular sand area of the property it becomes obvious that one has arrived at somewhere special. Deceptive from the front but a full mind blowing vista awaits those who venture to the rear of this establishment. The green and scalloped landscape of Ubud fame spreads magnificent from the dining area. It doesn’t take much of a geographer to rea...

Mar132015 by olafNo Comments

DaLa Spa at Villa de daun

Unwind

The name DaLa comes from ancient Sanskrit and means leaf. The leaf symbolises Gaia’s or if you like nature’s bountiful gifts to all that live with it; providing shelter, food and vitality to its charges. Here at DaLa Spa treatments are drawn from traditional Asian healing and beauty practices. Despite the bustle of its surrounds, DaLa Spa welcomes its guests into a veritable haven of serene peace with the artful décor and lighting through the lobby and its 7 florally named treatment rooms. The spa menu is especially directed towards beauty and relaxation treatments and I was drawn to The Palace Ritual, a 2.5 – hour treatment inspired by gracious traditions of the Sriwijaya Kingdom of South Sumatra. My treatment room was designed in Moroccan classic style of maroon colours overlaying soft...

Mar112015 by olafNo Comments

Penang

Next Island

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_blockquote type="type1" border_color="#00e3ff"] Penang is an island state of Malaysia, one of the most visited destinations for travellers to the country and has well earned the name ‘Pearl of the Orient’. This turtle shaped island covers 285 square kilometres, has its own international airport and is connected to the mainland by the Penang Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world. [/vc_blockquote][vc_column_text] Taking a short flight to Penang from Kuala Lumpur I landed on an island of modern business and holiday sophistication where a rich history and culture has been preserved. I chose to stay in the Batu Ferringhi beach resort area of the island where hotels and enticing restaurants line the coast and golden beaches on the N.W. tip of the island. Batu ...

Mar102015 by olaf8 Comments

Surabaya

Next Destination

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_blockquote type="type1" border_color="#00e3ff"] The second largest city in Indonesia is often overlooked as a tourist destination, however Surabaya is also known as the ‘City of Heroes’, is a city of entertainment and amusements and a number of preserved heritage sites. [/vc_blockquote][vc_column_text] For most foreign travelers, Surabaya is regarded as a transit stop, although for the locals it is one of the most important cites in Indonesia and often linked with the birth of the nation itself. For those with the will and patience to explore, it is a city of charming old heritage wonders and a vibrancy that will lead one through some interesting experiences. The city government has committed itself to prevent rapid modern development extinguishing the priceless ...

Mar52015 by olafNo Comments

The Majestic Malacca

Next Stay

A novel way to experience the charm of Malacca is to book accommodation at the historic Majestic Malacca. Here the spoils of colonial luxury are available to all. The Majestic Malacca is regarded as the best hotel in Malacca and is where the art and architecture of history combine with the pomp and ceremony of exceptional service. A novel way to experience the charm of Malacca is to book accommodation at the historic Majestic Malacca. Here the spoils of colonial luxury are available to all. The Majestic Malacca is regarded as the best hotel in Malacca and is where the art and architecture of history combine with the pomp and ceremony of exceptional service. The lobby of this historic hotel is small by todays standards but one is made to feel privileged on entering and once taken in, the ...

Mar52015 by olafNo Comments

Jiwa Spa at Conrad

Unwind

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_blockquote type="type1" border_color="#00e3ff"] Jiwa Spa translates from Indonesian to English as “Soul Spa”. It is here at Conrad Bali that Jiwa Spa has managed to seamlessly integrate modern therapeutic and treatment techniques with Indonesia’s ancient art of massage and healing practices. [/vc_blockquote][vc_column_text] Jiwa Spa is a luxurious sanctuary where dedicated staff attend to the mind, body and spirit of their guests with a wide selection of treatments and 5-star service accruements that include a welcoming foot massage, a personal Jiwa Spa robe with slippers and complementary use of the steam, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi facilities. One of the more traditional Balinese treatments is the traditional Balinese lulur where you would be treated like Balinese...