Hotel Experience: Cultural Elegance

Cultural Elegance

The Kayon Resort By Pramana

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Nestled deep in the heart of Ubud’s lush jungle and verdant rice fields by the historical Petanu River, this enchanting adults-only resort, designed in complete harmony with nature, offers a tranquil retreat.

Retreat to contemporary Balinese accommodation designed using local elements. There are six Valley Deluxe Rooms that offer a relaxing ambience with jungle views from private balconies, while 12 Kayon River Suites overlook the river. For added luxuries, the five Luxury River Edge Pool Villas hang along the river surrounded by fascinating ravine and waterfalls.

All rooms are spacious with modern conveniences that include a welcome fruit basket, tea and coffee making facilities, plush linens and mosquito net, complimentary bottled mineral water, LED cable television and DVD player, and complimentary wireless internet.

Start your day with a morning yoga session at the rooftop yoga pavilion. Be pampered and indulge in a variety of signature spa treatments at the Serayu Spa perched 20 metres high above the river. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the suspended Kayon-shaped swimming pool, unwind and read a book on a daybed while enjoying the serenity that surrounds you.

Kepitu Restaurant offers an 180-degree view over the pool and verdant surrounds. The deck at Canyon Jetty hangs by the river and provides a tranquil spot to relax over a light lunch or afternoon tea while watching the cascading waterfall. You can also learn how to prepare delicious local delicacies under the guidance of the resort’s Balinese gourmet chef.

For a romantic wedding, the floating Puspaka Chapel incorporated with the yoga pavilion has a truly magnificent natural setting amidst rice fields and jungle.

cook islands rarotonga palm grove patio

Palm Grove

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Palm Grove is located in Vaimaanga on Rarotonga’s enchanting south coast.

The property has 22 individual bungalows scattered over five acres of landscaped beachfront and lush tropical gardens. Bungalows are available in a range of categories from studio to a three-bedroom layout in beachfront and garden settings.

All bungalows include a king size bed, kitchen facilities, air-conditioning, flat screen TV and private patio/balcony. Located on a pristine stretch of white sand beach on Rarotonga, Palm Grove guests need go no further than steps from their bungalow to experience wonderful snorkelling, swimming and kayaking. A daily tropical buffet breakfast is included in the room rates and is served in the open-air restaurant overlooking the garden. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the deck is the perfect spot for an evening cocktail. Don’t miss the Friday evening happy hour with live music or the popular Sunday barbecue. Spend the day on the pristine white sand beach with complimentary kayaks and snorkelling gear, take a dip in the freshwater swimming pool, or rent a motorbike on-site and explore. There is also a guest barbecue area, laundry facilities and a tour desk.

Palm Grove will happily assist guests with arranging airport transfers, sightseeing and other local tours including scuba diving, local shopping, and outer island day trips. The resort also offers UV-filtered water in all bungalows and throughout the property, a complimentary shuttle to church services on Sundays, and can assist with couples interested in getting married during their stay.

Enjoy the peace and tranquility of your private piece of tropical island paradise at Palm Grove.

Yasawa Island Resort & Spa

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There are 15 words in the Fijian language for heaven and `yasawa’ is the first. Indulge in heavenly seclusion at Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, an exclusive retreat secluded on one of the most remote and unspoiled islands of Fiji.

Situated in Fiji’s Yasawa Group of Islands, white sand beaches, clear warm waters, colourful coral reefs, and a sunny dry climate make this an ideal tourist destination. The resort has its own airstrip and is just a 30-minute flight north of Nadi International Airport.

There are 18 luxurious beachfront bungalows nestled among shady palm trees along a pristine white beachfront. Each bure is air-conditioned, fitted in contemporary Fijian style with its own sun deck and a private beach hut on the sand. Amenities include a fully stocked mini bar, an electronic safe, IDD telephone and iPod docking station/stereo.

The six Bure Suites set a luxurious benchmark with a modern open-plan layout and ocean views. The 10 Deluxe Bures are freestanding, offering ocean panoramas, with broad decks and shaded daybeds extending the living space outside. Perched on a rise overlooking the resort is a huge family bure, Drodrolagi, Fijian for rainbow. Its elevated outdoor deck provides magnificent views over the island and out to sea.

Hidden from the rest of the resort at the end of a deserted white beach is the Lomalagi bure. Boasting its own pool overlooking the ocean and featuring a spacious bathroom with lavish amenities, this private retreat is ideal for a luxurious romantic getaway. This all-inclusive resort includes individual a la carte dining options, and menus change daily accentuating the freshest, regional ingredients of the day. The resort’s main complex features an alfresco restaurant with 180-degree views of the beach and ocean. Dine at the restaurant, on the beach, in your bure, or beneath the stars.

Surrounded by 11 pristine private beaches considered among the best in the world, guests can order champagne and board a boat, armed with a picnic basket prepared by the chef, also included in the tariff – to be delivered to a secluded beach.

All water sports, scheduled activities, trips and tours are included in the tariff (except spa treatments, scuba diving and sport fishing). Land-based activities include tennis and volleyball on the beach, as well as hiking trails to explore the scenic bays and headlands. To relax afterwards, the Baravi Spa is Fiji’s first beachfront spa and features a massage deck offering ocean views.

Swim in the crystal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon or snorkel among spectacular and vividly coloured corals and tropical fish – do as much or as little as you choose.

Trans Niugini Tours

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With over 45 years of expertise in cultural tours, trekking, ecological tours, wilderness adventures and cultural events, Trans Niugini Tours offers a number of options for experiencing Papua New Guinea’s unspoiled environments and traditional cultures.

Rondon Ridge Lodge – Western Highlands
Situated 7100 feet above sea level, and located just 30 minutes from the centre of Mount Hagen, Rondon Ridge Lodge offers sweeping views of the incredible Wahgi Valley, the Hagen Range and Sepik Divide. Each of its 29 units offers a 90-degree view, modern bathrooms and electric blankets while an additional 16 newly-built rooms offer double or twin share beds. The lodge features a large open spaced lounge, bar and dining room area, tastefully decorated with unique tribal artifacts from across the country.

Guests can enjoy the colourful gardens and unparalleled vista from the outside dining area which is complete with a cosy fireplace for the cool highland evenings. The power is supplied by the lodge’s own hydro system, providing environmentally friendly electricity. Comprehensive touring programs offer insight into the fascinating cultural traditions and customs of the Melpa tribe, who populate this area of PNG. With daily flights from Port Moresby to Hagen, Rondon Ridge is the perfect jumping-off point for access to Ambua Lodge, Karawari Lodge, Lake Murray Lodge and the Sepik Spirit.

Ambua Lodge – Hela Province
Located at 7000 feet in the Tari Gap area, Ambua Lodge showcases local architecture, spectacular views and modest luxury. The 36 cottage-style units feature picture windows with outstanding views of the valley. With its beautiful Highland architecture, the main building houses a lounge, bar, dining room and a beautiful, cosy central fireplace. An additional 18 luxury rooms were recently constructed to meet the increased demand for accommodation.

Enjoy bird watching, venture along nature trails with traditional vine bridges, and discover a secluded waterfall.

In keeping with its back-to-nature feel, Ambua Lodge generates 24-hour clean electricity from its mini hydroelectric power plant. A culturally vibrant place, this is the home to the Huli Wigmen with their human hair wigs adorned with colourful flowers.

The Tari Valley is one of the few places left where men and women can be seen wearing traditional dress as part of daily living and men’s wealth is still counted by the number of pigs and wives that they possess.

Bensbach Wildlife Lodge – Western Province
On the Bensbach River, in Southern PNG, this lodge is easily accessible by charter aircraft from Hagen, Port Moresby, or via Daru from Cairns. The sweeping plains teeming with wildlife make this lodge truly perfect for nature lovers. This is also barramundi country, and the barramundi of Bensbach are second-to-none.

The lodge caters for the serious angler as well as those who just want to drop a line into the water for fun. Included in the tariff is accommodation, all meals, transfers and fishing.

Lake Murray Lodge – Western Province
The newest lodge from Trans Niugini Tours finds its home on the shores of the remote Lake Murray; the largest lake in PNG. The 12 individual cabin rooms overlook the lake and are furnished with ceiling fans, modern ensuite bathrooms and an elevated, lakeview verandah.

The main lodge building features an airy lounge, dining room and bar area and a large wraparound verandah, making it the perfect place to enjoy exceptional sunsets over the water.

Lake Murray Lodge arranges boat excursions around the lake to visit local villages, birding sites and fishing spots. With a rich population of birds, fish and a unique tribal culture, this lodge is an exceptional experience for travellers wishing to experience this remote destination in comfort.

Karawari Lodge – East Sepik Province
Overlooking the Karawari River in the Sepik region, Karawari Lodge is set in the dense tropical rainforest in the heart of one of the most remote and culturally rich areas of PNG.

The guest cottages, which overlook the winding river and vast jungle below, are made from local materials and offer guests a comfortable stay. The main building of the lodge is built in the form of a haus tambaran, or spirit house, that contains a dining area, bar, lounge and an incredible collection of Sepik artifacts. With no roads in the area, the lodge is only accessible via small aircraft or the river itself. Cruising the jungle fringed waterways and visiting the small villages that line its shores is particularly memorable.

MV Sepik Spirit – Karawari & Sepik River, East Sepik Province
The MV Sepik Spirit offers its passengers a unique opportunity to reach the middle reaches of the remote Sepik River while still experiencing all of the comforts of civilisation. This one-of-a-kind river boat accommodates 18 passengers in nine deluxe, twin bedrooms, each with a private bathroom.

Encounter unique cultural experiences with the local people whose prolific wood carvings express their ancient beliefs and unique culture. Passengers will venture into the remote local villages on daily excursions conducted on an 18-seater, custom designed riverboat.

Trans Niugini Tours also offers more than 10 cultural festivals programs annually. These shows happen at different times of the year and the spectacular celebrations involve different tribes celebrating their culture in a colourful extravaganza of traditional dress, dancing and singing.

Tropic Towers Apartments

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For families, business travellers, tour groups or holidaymakers wishing to experience the cosmopolitan culture, shopping and tropical nightlife that Suva has to offer, Tropic Towers Apartments has a range of reasonably priced accommodation to suit all needs.

Located in a quiet, peaceful area in Suva, high on a hill overlooking the beautiful harbour and environs, the apartments are only a relaxing three-minute walk from the thriving city centre. Discover Fiji’s cosmopolitan capital, Suva, known as the hub of the Pacific, that offers visitors a range of activities. Visit colonial buildings, museums, botanical gardens or enjoy shopping and the bustling nightlife.

At Tropic Towers there are 47 spacious and fully serviced single, double and three-bedroom apartments. All units are self-contained with full kitchen facilities including stove, refrigerator, kitchen utensils, radio, telephone and air-conditioning.

The complex has recently been expanded with new budget accommodation which is ideal for backpackers and provides serviced separate rooms with telephones and airconditioning. However, the bathroom and kitchen facilities in the new wing are shared.

Ideally located

Additional facilities available to guests at Tropic Towers Apartments range from a freshwater swimming pool, bar and Sky TV to a guest laundry complete with irons in addition to a seven-day laundry service.

Guests will enjoy comfort and convenience in this lively area of Suva.Tropic Towers Apartments

PO Box 1347, Suva
FIJI
Tel: +679 330 4470 or +679 331 3855
Fax: +679 330 4169
Email: [email protected]
www.tropictowers.com

Grand Pacific Hotel

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Experience the ultimate in luxury at the Grand Pacific Hotel, a 5-star heritage property located on the Suva waterfront showcasing panoramic views over the harbour.

An iconic Fiji Islands luxury escape, with 113 beautiful rooms and suites, newly-built meeting and event spaces, elevated restaurant and bars, plus warm Fijian friendliness, the Grand Pacific Hotel is the perfect destination for discerning travellers.

Grand Pacific Hotel has been an icon of the South Pacific for over a century and has hosted a Who’s Who of royalty, world leaders and celebrities during that time. The hotel reopened in May 2014 on the 100th anniversary of its original opening and quickly regained its place as the ‘Grand Old Lady’ of the Pacific – a wonderful blend of fascinating colonial architecture and history.

The original heritage building houses a number of accommodations that offer a wonderful glimpse into the hotel’s rich history with wide verandas, a neo-classical facade and an impressive arched entry portico which opens into the huge, vaulted lobby. Complementing this historical architecture, guestrooms in the new wing are designed to optimise views of the harbour and all have private balconies. The furnishings and decor have been designed in a contemporary style to maximise guest comfort. All feature the famed Pure Fiji amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi, in room safes, and spacious work desks.

Renowned for its range of dining options, the Grand Pacific Hotel offers five different venues from which to choose, so guests can enjoy everything from a quick poolside snack to a magnificent a la carte banquet, savouring dishes and beverages showcasing local ingredients with a contemporary twist.

Na Toba pool bar is popular for its stunning sunset harbour views while Levuka restaurant offers a range of local and international cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Prince Albert offers a menu drawing on the foods and flavours of the region. Steamship Bar serves classic cocktails and signature drinks, features an extensive wine list and chilled beers on tap, and celebrates a rich coffee culture. The GPH Bakery offers a mouth-watering array of fresh breads, pastries, sumptuous cakes, and other delicacies.

Renowned as one of the major conference venues in the South Pacific there is a choice of seven function rooms which can accommodate up to 600 people combining historic grandeur with exceptional service. Additional hotel facilities include a spa, gymnasium, lap pool and business centre. Immerse yourself in the history and charm of Fiji while enjoying stunning views over Suva Harbour and modern amenities. Discover the magic of the Grand Pacific Hotel.

Viceroy Bali

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Crowning a secluded ridge above Bali’s Valley of the Kings, Viceroy Bali is a luxurious 40-villa retreat for those seeking the exclusive, the exotic, and the elegant in all things.

Regarded as one of the world’s most luxurious tropical hideaways, the resort boasts stunning valley views, impeccable service and first-class facilities. All villas are generously appointed with the latest electronic amenities, espresso machines, king-size beds, as well as private heated pools and relaxing outdoor spaces each with superb valley vistas.

The Pool Suites offer a bedroom and sitting room with ample space, a combined indoor and outdoor living area and a spacious open-plan bathroom integrating the private indoor swimming pool and daybed. Terrace and Deluxe Terrace Villas feature clean lines and a vibrant design that is simple and elegant. Each includes a living room with sectional sofa, oversized king bed, espresso machine, 47” TV, iPod docking station, private heated pool and sheltered outdoor pavilion.

The Vice Regal Villas seamlessly integrate traditional Balinese architecture with contemporary design. Looking out to the dramatic gorge, the villas have high, thatched ceilings, a large bedroom and comfortable sitting room that opens to the outdoor dining pavilion and garden for private sunbathing. The elegant Viceroy Villa features two spacious bedrooms that open to a central living and dining area. The garden has a private pool with a Balinese pavilion perched on the edge of the Petanu River gorge.

Cascades Restaurant & Bar acts as a window to the luscious Valley of the Kings, providing all-day gourmet dining. The highlight of the Cascades menu is the Royal Balinese Rijstaffell tasting dish which allows you to sample the finest Indonesian cuisine over ten-courses prepared using traditional Indonesian methods.

Recently added, fine-dining restaurant, Apéritif is set in an elegant, spacious standalone building overlooking the verdant jungle landscape. The 1920s-inspired restaurant offers sophisticated seasonal degustation menus, and is also home to Apéritif Bar, where guests can indulge with unique cocktails while playing a game of pool with marvellous view of Ubud’s rice field and jungle.

The resort additionally offers a gym, day spa, private helipad, valleytop infinity pool and library. The town of Ubud is conveniently located minutes from the resort. It is the ideal destination for guests wishing to explore one of Southeast Asia’s most charming villages with its leisurely pace and eccentric ambience, bric-a-brac shops, galleries and quaint restaurants.

indonesia bali ubud the royal pita resort aerial view

The Royal Pita Maha

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The spectacular Royal Pita Maha overlooks the Ayung River at Batu Kurung.

Located in the picturesque area of Kedewatan, a spiritually revered place believed to be blessed by the gods, this exquisite mountain retreat commands spectacular views of its lush surroundings. The resort is a luxurious expression of the true essence of Bali. Constructed using traditional Balinese design methods, such as alang-alang roofs, the resort is fully integrated into the surrounding landscape. Open pavilions overlook rice terraces, river gorges and tropical woodlands.

Owned, built and managed by Ubud’s royal family, the resort offers a Royal House, 10 Healing Villas and 41 Pool Villas. Each villa has a private garden, an outdoor lounging area and a swimming pool overlooking the Ayung River.

The facilities and services include 24-hour villa service, laundry and dry cleaning, access to a doctor and complimentary internet in each villa. There is also a wellness and healing centre, organic farm, inhouse watersports and a departure lounge. Two lobby lounges and two main swimming pools, as well as a springwater lagoon on the Ayung River front, complete the resort.

Business travellers also have a full range of facilities available, including an in-house event organiser to ensure every function hosted at the resort is a success.

Palatial setting

The main restaurant is elevated over three levels to embrace the sweeping views, and serves Balinese inspired cuisine, international specialties and afternoon tea and cocktails on each of the three levels respectively. There is also an organic restaurant, the Ayung River Bar & Lounge that offers light snacks and beverages against a stunning natural backdrop.

Guests have privileged access to the nearby attractions of the Ubud Palace, the colourful traditional market, the exciting monkey forest or the Museum Puri Lukisan. Go on jungle treks, guided elephant tours or whitewater rafting. Day trips can easily be made to Kuta, Nusa Dua or Sanur. Local artists and performers regularly feature at the resort which has an open-air stage for cultural performances and an in-house art gallery showcasing the best of Ubud’s artists.

With panoramic views and luxurious villas, The Royal Pita Maha is a resort of true elegance and beauty.

Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort Adults Only

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“No artist’s palette could ever conceive of a more perfect, more luminescent turquoise than that of the lagoon of Aitutaki, arguably the most beautiful in the world,” wrote Steve Davey in Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die (BBC Books).

For the ultimate South Seas idyll, the stunning new-look Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort Adults Only offers the only Overwater Bungalows in the Cook Islands from where you can gently slip into the sublime lagoon waters directly from your deck. This exclusive resort is also the only private island resort in the Cook Islands, and the only resort set directly upon the World’s Most Beautiful Lagoon, Aitutaki. Voted in the prestigious Condè Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the Top 25 Resorts in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific and listed by Islands magazine as one of the World’s 12 Best Private Islands, the resort rests effortlessly on the secluded, private island of Motu Akitua, just a 2-minute ride by private ferry from the main island of Aitutaki.

Be delighted to arrive to the resort’s brand-new complex which includes a grand Polynesian indoor-outdoor lobby, waterfront dining, SpaPolynesia, gift shop, gym and more. Along with a mouthwatering Pina Colada or cold beer, drink in the island’s best views of the world-famous lagoon from the new Infinity Pool Restaurant & Bar.

Just a 45-minute flight from Rarotonga, the capital of the Cook Islands, Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort Adults Only offers stylish new Beachfront Private Infinity Pool Villas along with unique Overwater Bungalows and beautiful Deluxe Beachfront, Premium Beachfront and Beachfront Bungalows complete with refreshing Polynesian-style open-air showers, super-king bed, spacious verandah with sunloungers, air-conditioning and resort-wide Wi-Fi. The sumptuous luxury Royal Honeymoon Pool Villa Princess Te Arau, a favourite with celebrities, offers complete privacy in a lush tropical garden setting, daybed pavilion, swimming pool and a separate kitchen/dining pavilion.

The resort offers a range of memorable dining experiences including a fire dance show at the water’s edge, authentic umukai (earth-oven) feast and private candlelit dining in the Kuriri Point gazebo under a canopy of twinkling stars. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkelling gear and bicycles, along with learning to make a fresh flower ‘ie (lei), dance the ‘ura (hula) and play the ukulele. Heaven sent for couples celebrating a special anniversary, birthday, wedding or honeymoon.

For the best-of-both islands, consider adding on some nights at boutique sister resort, Sanctuary Rarotonga – on the beach Adults Only. Be sure to check out the resort websites for the best rates and deals.