Why You Should Plan Your Next Vacation to Bali

The Clubhouse at Ulu

The Clubhouse at Ulu is M. Group’s newest property launch in September 2019. It will be alongside sister-property Ulu Cliffhouse beach club.

Featuring seven suites named and inspired by the seven legendary surf breaks that surround the property including Padang Padang, Impossibles and Racetracks, The Clubhouse at Ulu offers uniquely designed spaces and laid-back luxury. Suites feature four-poster beds, nomad inspired artwork, 1950s California style furnishings, cocktail bars with private bartenders and freestanding baths. In-suite amenities include organic products, massage candles and bamboo razors.

Guests get to use the private members’ lounge, a Clubhouse bar and in-suite or poolside spa treatments as well as access Ulu Cliffhouse: a 25-metre infinity pool, dining experiences and a music programme.

M. Group is a design-forward development and hospitality group behind Bali-based Ulu Cliffhouse, Mandala Places, Berawa 9 and Singapore-based Oxwell & Co and Operation Dagger.

A special Launch at the Clubhouse Package is available for stays between 2 September and 15 December 2019 at US$300++ per night for two guests. The package includes daily breakfast for two in-suite or at clifftop restaurant at Ulu Cliffhouse beach club and daily US$100 F&B credit to be used either in-suite or at The Clubhouse at Ulu or at Ulu Cliffhouse beach club.

If you stay two nights, you get a complimentary upgrade to next available suite, subject to availability. For three nights, you get a one-hour complimentary massage for two on the ocean deck. And get a bonus fifth night stay for free when you book four nights.

HomeAway Launches Virtual Tours in Bali

HomeAway launches Virtual Tours in Bali. Virtual Tours is a new proprietary product that seamlessly display virtual tours of holiday homes on HomeAway. It was first launched in the U.S. in November 2018. Bali is the second city outside of the U.S. and the first in Asia Pacific to offer this.

Virtual Tours are available on Desktop and Mobile Web. They are available in “DIY” tours filmed on personal phones and cameras or professionally captured footage from virtual tour companies such as InsideMaps and TruPlace.

Together with Virtual Tours, HomeAway has rolled out other new product features this year including Trip Boards where travellers can invite their friends and family to save, comment and vote for their dream holiday home. All data-driven research and insights undergo user testing in HomeAway’s state-of-the-art User Experience Labs for the best customer and partner experience.  

Luxury Escapes ‘Experiences’ In Bali

Luxury Escapes recently launched its new category-leading product called Experiences which builds on the e-commerce platform’s extensive partnerships with some of the world’s best known and loved travel brands.

Experiences offer a curated collection of handpicked, in-destination activities. In Bali, you can go on a sunrise trek on Batur Volcano or trek to the hidden waterfall of Munduk. You can also go rafting on Ayung River or spend a full day exploring the best of Ubud.

The sunrise trekking on Batur Volcano starts early in the morning at 2 am and ends at 11 am. For S$194 per person, you climb through volcanic ash, sand and small rocks to the top of the crater. Relax at the summit with a simple breakfast and witness the sunrise and stunning morning views of Mount Abang and Mount Agung. Walk to another crater rim before descending along the same path that you climbed. Enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape and Lake Batur. See some of the lava flows and their path of destruction from the most recent eruptions. When you get to the bottom, take a dip in a hot spring before returning to the hotel.

Pamper yourself with Prana Spa’s most popular package – The Mystique of Bali at only S$66 per person. Start off with a five minute Prana foot ritual, followed by a 55-minute signature body massage, 30-minute Lulur body scrub, 20-minute yogurt body polish & wrap and end with a 10-minute flower bath.

Trek to the Hidden Waterfall of Munduk from 8 am to 4.30 pm for the price of S$106 per person. Photograph Buyan and Tamblingan, two serene lakes in the old volcanic craters as you approach Munduk. You will pass through coffee and clove plantations before your trek through bamboo banana and mangosteen plantations until you arrive at the waterfall. Cool off with a dip in the natural pool at the bottom of the 15m waterfall. Enjoy a simple picnic near the waterfall. After that, set off to the hotel but stop to sample a cup of fresh Munduk coffee.

REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort

REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort opened in Nusa Dua in March of 2018. Stay in one of the Balinese-style luxury suites and villas and enjoy facilities including a nutritious gourmet restaurant, bar and pool lounge, fitness and spa facilities.

The resort’s NutriFit programme offers a personalised retreat. Using preventative genetic DNA testing, individually-tailored plan of meals, spa treatments and physical exercises will be curated to optimise guests’ experience and achieve target results based on their genetic predisposition.

A special package for guests who book a minimum stay of six-nights in advance will receive a one-time NutriFit package per person. The price for a six-night retreat in a Garden Suite starts from US$5,000 for single and US$7,300 for double occupancy. The 126 sqm Garden Suite has a private garden where guests can enjoy peaceful meals away from the main restaurant. Each suite includes a voile-draped four poster bed, desk and day-bed lounging area while the bathroom features a sunken bathtub.

Guests will receive a DNA testing kit before they visit the resort. A REVIVO Wellness Coach will guide guests. The test samples will be sent to the laboratory for a full analysis report which will be shared with the REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort ahead of the retreat. After understanding the guest’s body by examining metabolism, genetic predisposition, and genetic factors, the wellness coach can then create an individually-tailored plan. The NutriSkin report can also provide insight into a person’s genetic predisposition to wrinkles, cellulite and other skin conditions.

Upon arrival at the resort, guests will be given a full explanation of the results and talk through the impacts and changes that guests can make to improve their lifestyle. A schedule of fitness exercises, classes including Pilates, Yoga and meditation and spa treatments will be recommended. Freshly prepared organic meals based on the nutritional information for the results will also be provided.

There are three NutriFit packages available at US$250 with 29 different DNA tests or US$400 for 58 DNA tests and a NutriSkin package at US$250. Guests can add US$70 NutriPlan to have a 28-day diet with recipes.

First 5 Star Rated Hotel Indigo In the World is in Bali

Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach opened its doors in July 2017 becoming InterContinental Hotels Group’s first Hotel Indigo in a resort location. The five-star rating was issued by Lembaga Sertifikasi Usaha Pariwisata Bali Mandiri, a government-endorsed certification organisation based in Bali.

The 289-keys resort sits on 4.7 hectares of lush, landscaped grounds fronting Seminyak Beach. The hotel is designed from the flavours, culture and character of its surrounding local neighbourhood.

The 270 spacious rooms and suites are fitted with a daybed, plush bedding, spa-inspired bathroom and state-of-the-art features. There are 19 villas with a private outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool and grand bathroom with double vanities.

The resort offers seven lifestyle dining outlets with a destination to suit every moment and temptation. Leisure facilities include treatments and traditional Balinese massages in one of Sava Spa’s 10 treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, a Nail Beauty Lounge and a 24-hour Health Club.

Makase at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach provides a rustic yet homely atmosphere for guests looking for a little twist on traditional Balinese dishes such as Sticky Pork Ribs and Nasi Goreng Bali. Unique dishes served here are focused on health and well being, using organic farming methods, green initiatives and sustainability of land, sea and wildlife in Bali. Earn IHG Rewards Club points when you dine here during your next stay.

And with Today’s Special and savings from 10% for Club and Gold Elite members or from 15% for Platinum Elite, Spire Elite and InterContinental Ambassadors. Today’s Special is an IHG Rewards Club member initiative for participating hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific, Greater China, the Middle East and Africa until 30 December 2019. Other participating Bali hotels & resorts include InterContinental Bali Resort, Holiday Inn Express Baruna Bali, Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa and Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali.

Stay a Bill Bensley Design Focused Weekend at Capella Ubud

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From 1 to 3 November 2019, Capella Ubud Bali is inviting guests to accompany celebrated architect and hospitality designer Bill Bensley on a kaleidoscope of activities for art and design enthusiasts.

Bill Bensley has created over 200 resorts, hotels and palaces in over 30 countries including Capella Ubud, Bali. At Capella Ubud, the resort was built based on minimal intervention to the natural environment, as well as to preserve the rich history and heritage of Indonesia.

The US$1,300 (plus 11% tax and 10% service charge) per tent per night package offers the following:

• A curated guided art tour through the camp and Bali by Bill Bensley
• A visit to Neka museum with a private guided tour to explore a large collection of Rudolf Bonnet’s works together with Bill Bensley who is an avid and passionate collector of Bonnet’s works followed by a picnic lunch that will be served en-route to Bensley design Studio in Sanur
• A trip to Bill Bensley’s favourite antique stores on the island
• A sketch class and a guided morning run with Bill Bensley
• One Rijsttafel dinner at Mads Lange and an Omakase dinner at Api Jiwa hosted by Bill Bensley
• One personalised and signed copy of Bill Bensley’s coffee table book “Escapism”
• One personalised signed drawing of the tent that will be yours during the weekend
• A 75-minute Balinese massage per person

3% of the revenue generated by this weekend package will be donated to Bill Bensley’s Shinta Mani Foundation which seeks to improve the lives of Cambodians and Cambodian communities.

Guests will need to arrive by 11 am on 1 November 2019. The package is non-refundable and 100% prepayment is required at the time of reservation.

Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay Expands CSR To Support Coffee Farmers

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Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay has partnered with a UN-recognised environmental organisation to fight climate change at a grassroots level.

su-re.co, a Bali-based organisation, was recognised at the UN Climate Change Conference for its work helping coffee farmers affected by climate change. This includes European Commission projects on clean energy and the implementation of renewable biogas for roasting beans and cooking, a climate change field school backed by the Indonesian Government, and negotiating fair trade-based contracts for farmers.

su-re.co coffee is served at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay. Join the Jala Cooking Academy’s class and learn about climate-smart farming through coffee demonstrations. This experience is available for both private and group bookings, with all coffee proceeds going back to the farmers’ cooperative.

The coffee farming partnership is the latest enhancement to the Resort’s corporate social responsibility programme. Other activities available for guests during their visit to Bali include:

• Visit a local special needs school and participate in dance performances, traditional weaving workshops and cooking classes with the students
• Workshops with local artists through an on-site artist outreach programme
• Visit the Zero Waste to Ocean community education centre by non-profit ROLE Foundation in Nusa Dua
• Sampah Jujur – John Hardy Trash Walk in Ubud area
• A tour of the Green Village sustainable living and housing community in Ubud area

Immerse in a One-Day MGallery – The Royal Beach Seminyak local food Tour

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MGallery – The Royal Beach Seminyak invites guests to immerse in a one-day local food tour. The hotel chef will bring guests to visit the local market to pick out fresh ingredients for lunch while learning more about Balinese produce and seasonings. After that, guests will get hands-on to create the ‘Canang Sari’ and join in the daily ritual practised by locals during the temple tour. The Balinese ‘Canang Sari’ is an offering made every morning to thank the Gods for world peace and blessings. The Memorable Moment culminates with a cooking class where guests learn traditional culinary techniques and presentation before enjoying what they have cooked.

MGallery’s Memorable Moments integrate distinctive hospitality with meaningful experiences that inspire lifelong memories. The Accor group boutique hotels exude charm, charisma and a profound local character, blending high-end luxury with culture. Memorable Moments experiences pay tribute to the local landscape, culture and on-site offerings.

Two New WorldHotels Affiliates added in Ubud

WorldHotels currently represents over 300 independent hotels around the world. It recently added SereS Springs Resort & Spa, Singakerta and SenS Hotel & Spa + Conference in Ubud Town Centre into its portfolio.

To celebrate this, you can enjoy special rates of IDR 1,128,000 ++ for a Deluxe Room at SereS Springs Resort & Spa, Singakerta and IDR 988,000++ for a Superior Room from now till 30 September 2019. Rates include complimentary Wi-Fi, 20% discount on the breakfast buffet, and are subject to 21% tax and service.

SereS Springs Resort & Spa is located in the village of Singakerta, 4.5 km south of Ubud. That is about ten minutes ride by car along the River Wos. The resort features 60 deluxe rooms and 20 spacious villas with a private pool, SereS Spa Sanctuary amidst the rice terraces, a fitness centre with views of Mount Agung and Bale Wos Yoga Pavillion where you can meditate at a yoga session.

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The resort has its own natural springs soaking-pool at the edge of River Wos where ceremonial spiritual and physical cleansing can be arranged.

SenS Hotel & Spa + Conference, Ubud Town Centre is walking distance to major attractions such as the Ubud Royal Palace, Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud, museums and art galleries. There are 90 stylish rooms and six premium rooms with a balcony, each overlooking a landscaped courtyard and swimming pool.

This is the only hotel in the heart of Ubud with comprehensive conference facilities for meetings and events which can accommodate up to 300 people in a theatre style. The hotel also focuses on sustainability and community contribution such as sourcing pesticide-free and chemical fertiliser-free produce from local farmers, participating in recycling and energy conservation projects and creating job opportunities for locals.