maxx-m may-june2013-lowmike
TRANSCRIPT
T R A V E L L I N G A T A N E W L E V E L
Best Hotels
360o:I Left My Heart in Raja AmpatExcursion in Fairy LandExplore Lampung
Profile:Say No to ComplacencyShoot the Moon
Escape:The Great EscapeEco-Luxe Escape Haute Couture Hotels and Suites
MAY - JUNE 2013
TheSuite LifeA
good friend of mine
and I were planning
our next holiday
together. We have
so many things in
common and like most of the same
things, so we often travel together.
As usual, it was fairly easy to plan
the trip. We agreed on basically
everything, from where we wanted to
go to what we wanted to do in each
city. The itinerary was basically
done in an instant. And then came
the hardest part – deciding where
to stay.
I am very particular when it comes
to choosing a hotel. For me the
most important thing is to have
a comfortable room where I can
rest after a long day. Then there’s the location. I like a hotel that is
slightly off the beaten track, not in
the city centre but still a convenient
distance away. Whenever I am
travelling for business I like to stay
at international chain hotels where
the standards are sure. However,
I am more adventurous when I’m
on holiday and prefer to stay in
boutique or stand-alone hotels.
As the editor in chief of a travel
and lifestyle magazine, I am often
asked what is the best hotel? It’s a question for which I don’t have a single answer. There are so many
elements that go into making a good
hotel that it’s almost impossible
to pinpoint “the” best hotels. So my answer is that there are many
best hotels. Hotel A might have
Photographer Billy Buana, Lightroom Photography +62 817 329 600Makeup and hair by Ika Damajanti | Location:Sheraton Surabaya Hotel & Towers
the perfect location but the food is
average, while Hotel B might be best
for its comfortable rooms and Hotel
C is simply heaven for food lovers.
Hotels have come far from being just
a place to spend a night. Nowadays,
they have unique character and
distinctive appeal, making the best
hotels destinations themselves. In
this edition we feature some of the
best hotels in the country. From
the grandeur of The Mulia, Mulia
Resort & Villas to the stunning
Alila Villas Uluwatu; from the city
oasis of Pullman Jakarta Central
Park, where business mixes with
pleasure, to living the Marriott Way
at JW Marriott Surabaya and the
royal hospitality of Hyatt Regency
Yogyakarta, we explore the best of
the best.
For something a little different, enjoy
a night or two at the haute couture
hotels where you get to sleep in
style and experience the living
luxury of your favourite designers.
Or go green at the world’s top five eco-friendly resorts.
Happy reading,
Melanie SemuelE d I T O R I N C H I E F
Editorial Department [email protected]
Editor In ChiefMelani Semuel
Managing EditorsDennis Latif
Antonius Martono ([email protected])
Senior EditorGrace Solarbesain
Art DirectorStephanus Joe Ell
Marketing [email protected]
Head of Marketing & Public RelationsMeutia Mahardhika (Khika)([email protected])
Marketing & Event ManagerMohan
Marketing & Promotion ManagerDika Rachman
Business Development [email protected]
Carolina Wattimena([email protected])
Achmad Basuki Soekardjo
Maxx Media is published monthlyby P.T. Maximillian
(www.ptmaximillian.com)
President DirectorRaynaldo Semuel
Managing DirectorMelani Semuel
General ManagerArisudana Gunawan
INDONESIA OFFICEJl. Batu Jajar No. 35ACentral Jakarta 10120
IndonesiaPh: +62 21 352 4526Fax: +62 21 344 7203
www.maxx-m.com
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Ph: +62 21 344 7235
MAXX-Media is distributed in major cities in In-donesia, Hong Kong and Singapore at retail price. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and as such, the Publisher does not accept responsibility of the contents thereof. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written per-mission of the publisher. All trademark and rights to the name of MAXX-Media are reserved by Melani Semuel, SH., LL.M, MBusSys ©2006
EDITOR’SLETTER
12
53-71360o
Travel the world with us for a
360-degree view of the best sights,
most exotic destinations and most
memorable journeys.
73-98COVER STORYBest Hotels
Best Eco-Friendly Resorts
Best Haute Couture Hotels
ET CETERAResto ReviewWho’s NewWhat’s HappeningHappy HourTarot
Photo Cover courtesy ofHalekulani Hotel, Hawaii
32-39PROFILEMeet some of the hospitality
industry’s leading figures and
discover their keys to success
and what it takes to rise to the
top of the business.
18-27WELL-BEINGLifestyle
Fashion
Beauty
Mind
CONTENTS
AByANA MOHD NIzAM,WRITER
Abyana is artistic, a food lover, an
adrenaline addict and an enthusiastic
traveller. She grew up in Jakarta,
studied in San Francisco and then
settled in the heart of Borneo, in
Kuching, Malaysia. Besides cooking,
writing and travelling, she is
passionate about paintball, travelling
the world for tournaments and
making new friends along the way.
LILy AKPUAKA,LIFE COACH
A qualified behaviour coach,
Lily is inspired by seeing
people stretch to achieve their
goals; she loves facilitating that
transformational, frame-breaking
change so individuals reinvent
themselves. With almost 10
years of working with people,
Lily’s approach to coaching is
comprehensive. She is skilled at
enabling individuals in fast-paced,
multicultural environments where
the emphasis is on creativity,
results and excellence. Having
lived and worked in Africa,
Asia, Europe and the Middle
East, Lily is a perceptive coach
who respects cultural boundaries
and their impact on a client’s choices. Looking for a change?
Let’s make it magical!
IRINE THE TjHANG,MAKEUP ARTIST
Irine is passionate about makeup and is always eager to pick up new
techniques and trends. Her interest in makeup led her to pursue her
dream of becoming a professional makeup artist, studying at LimKokWing
University, Puspita Martha Bridal Makeup and Sanggar Tien Santoso. Her
makeup style is to focus on details, leaving the subject looking more
stunning and fresh.
MELIzA SOPANDI,WRITER
Meliza has a wide range of
interests, from books, art, music
and movies to travel. Originally
from Bandung, West Java, Meliza is
a producer for a well-known radio
station in Jakarta and also writes
for movie and travel magazines
in Indonesia and abroad.
WILLIAM CHANDRA,PHOTOGRAPHER
Born in Makassar, South Sulawesi,
William has been passionate
about photography since he was
young. He got his professional
start in 2011, building a portfolio
of fashion photography. For
William, every day is a lesson
and every thing is inspiration.
CONTRIBUTORS
14
RESTO REvIEW ARTICLES
I am a jewellery designer and
Maxx-M Magazine always knows
what I want to see, try and do!
Resto Review is one of my best
friends and helps me decide where
to go with my partner. I always
succeed in impressing her with
spectacular recommendations from
your magazine. Keep up the good
work, Maxx-M team!
Komang Tri
EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE
I love to read the articles in Maxx-M
Magazine. I loved the article on
the meaning behind different foods
in the last issue, giving me a whole
new perspective on foods and the
different meanings in different
cultures. As they say, good food
builds good people. Thanks for
sharing that with us, your readers.
Jason Tumbuan
NEXT HOLIDAy DESTINATION
Working six days a week in the office sometimes leaves me bored
and lacking any time for myself, but Maxx-M Magazine is always
there to inspire me and point me in the right direction for my next
holiday destination. Just imagining having a good holiday is enough
to lift my mood and let me face the office again. I also love the
beautiful images and great articles in Maxx-M’s 360.
Michelle Putri
THANKS FOR INSPIRING US
My family and I love to travel but we sometimes run out of holiday
ideas. That is the main reason I love to read Maxx-M Magazine.
You guys always give us great recommendations on everything from
the most happening places in town to some of the most exotic
destinations in the world. I’d like to visit Turkey on our next family
tri p and the whole family agrees (thanks to your article). Can’t wait
to read more good articles.
Jeany Kumala
LETTER OF THE MONTH MAY-JUNE 2013 EdITION WILL WIN
A complimentary one-night stay in a deluxe Balcony room including breakfast for 2
(two) persons, courtesy of Yogyakarta.Please email your comment to: [email protected]
16
WELL-BEING[LIFESTYLE]
SMART NAvIGATOR
In addition to the BMW Navigator
IV, BMW Motorrad now also offers
the new BMW Motorrad Navigator
Adventure. With universal software
and longer battery life, the Navigator
Adventure is a versatile GPS
navigation system that can be used
for a host of outdoor activities, such
as cycling, hiking or sailing, as well
as motorcycling. The car installation
kit, available as a special accessory,
enables Navigator Adventure use
in cars. BMW Motorrad Navigator
Adventure makes touring on
unfamiliar routes easier, safer and
more relaxing.
THE NEW X4
Since the first BMW X model
took to the stage, average sales
across the BMW X line-up have
progressed on a constant upward
curve: one in four new BMW cars
is now a BMW X model. With the
BMW Concept X4, the BMW Group
offers a preview of the future of
the BMW X family. It takes no
more than a first glance to see
how smoothly the qualities of a
BMW X model can blend with
the genes of a BMW Coupe. The
new Sports Activity Coupe concept
from BMW is poised to continue
the success story of the BMW X6
in a new vehicle class.
The latest version of the MINI
Connected App is playing Cupid
to make MINI fans’ dreams of
finding the perfect partner come
true. Connect Us is like nothing
else out there on planet dating
and can only be used in a
MINI. This is not just the world’s speediest dating service; it is also
the most reliable.
Here, at last, is a matchmaker that
goes beyond personal interests,
favourite activities and how you
like to spend your free time
– and gets down to the nitty-
gritty: driving style. Connect Us
Journey of Love with MINI
compares how drivers like to treat
their accelerator, steering wheel and
brakes (as deduced by the MINI
driving Excitement Analyser) in the
search for a compatible co-driver on
the journey of love. Only if it detects
a meeting of minds on the matter of
driving fun will the app oil the wheels
of romance between MINI fans.
“Get connected, get matched up, get
dating” is the name of the game when
it comes to using MINI Connected’s vast well of possibilities to steer your
way to love; indeed, this unique form
of in-car infotainment makes the
ideal wingman (or wingwoman).
18
Celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Olivia Munn and Pippa Middleton have all been spotted at red-
carpet events wearing Aruna Seth shoes. With the eagerly awaited arrival of the young designer’s latest line, we landed an exclusive interview with
this rising star.
HOW DID yOU GET INTO THE FASHION INDUSTRy, PARTICULARLy DESIGNING SHOES? IS THERE A STORy BEHIND IT?
I was brought up with shoes in my blood. My father has been in the
shoe industry for about 40 years. Growing up around shoe designers,
testing his shoes for comfort in the playground and even being
encouraged to sell shoes to school friends, certainly influenced me.
What is different though is our price points. I have shoes made in
Italy and his are done in China. I love designer shoe shopping and
own a personal collection of 150 pairs. After completing a course
in footwear at the London College of Fashion I started Aruna Seth
at 27 years of age. I spent six months based in Italy designing my
collection of shoes and then launched!
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF SUCCESS FOR yOU? AND WHAT HAS BEEN yOUR BIGGEST ACHIEvEMENT TO DATE?
My biggest achievement so far
has been seeing Pippa Middleton
wear our shoes on the day of the
Royal Wedding with her emerald
Temperley dress. Pippa looked
amazing in our Lynn silver leather
sandals with a crystal butterfly on
the front. Millions of people tuned
in to watch the Royal Wedding of
the Century so to be a part of it all
was amazing! Our shoes appeared
on E! News, Good Morning America
and achieved loads of press.
WHAT IS yOUR SIGNATURE? WHAT DIFFERENTIATES yOUR SHOES FROM OTHERS?
We were hoping to differentiate
ourselves from other designer
brands. We created a special
plush-like padding to give comfort
to feet. We aimed for designer
shoes that felt good! This aspect
is especially important when it
comes to brides; our shoes are
comfortable enough for a bride to
wear all day! We like to call it
cashmere-like comfort for feet! WHAT KIND OF SHOES DO yOU LOvE MOST?
I’m all about glamour and that
extra bit of luxury. Aruna Seth
shoes are all designed using the
best quality materials. We travel
the world to source the best.
Chantilly lace comes from Paris,
the best grosgrain ribbon from
Brazil and Swarovski crystals
embellish my designs! Our shoes
are designs ladies can treasure.
CAN yOU SHARE WITH US yOUR GOALS AND DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE?
We are concentrating on the
Asian market right now and
expanding out there. Ladies in
Asia love to shop and love the
quaint Englishness of our brand!
So we’ve got two road shows
to Asia planned. We’ve put on our first Indonesian show, too
and received a rave response
to the brand, so we hope to
be in this corner of the world
more often!
20 21
SAMPAR FOR SMART SKIN
Sampar is a pioneer in urban
skincare. It has the ambition to
awaken the sleeping beauty in
every woman, uncovering and
revealing her natural allure.
daily dose Foaming Cleanser is
one of Sampar’s Pure Perfection products that every woman must
try. Another must-try Sampar
product is the Prodigal Pen anti-
blemish roll-on. Prodigal Pen and
its eight essential oils (cinnamon,
lavender, savoury, thyme, oregano,
rosemary, cloves and sage)
eliminate blemishes, leaving
no trace behind, and alleviate
irritations. The result: the skin is
purified from the inside. Suitable
for all skin types.
GIRL’S DREAMS
Lolita Lempicka fragrances presents
L’Eau en Blanc. From the very
beginning, Lolita Lempicka has
tuned into women’s emotions and
forged a special relationship with
them. Now she invites women to
write a new story – one where they
are the heroines.
L’Eau en Blanc is an ode to love, inspired by Lolita Lempicka’s beautiful bridal gowns, the essence
of dreams. The product of a fertile
imagination, like something from a
truly wondrous fairy tale, Lolita’s enchanting bridal gowns are
embroidered with romance and
threaded with dreams of eternity.
As the dream unfolds, the powdery
floral fragrance delicately reveals its
sweet, sensual notes. A subtle and
passionate union of white violets
infused with crystalline iris notes.
MADLy KENzO
A woman’s greatest quality is her touch of madness! Madly Kenzo! is
an Oriental floral fragrance for women. The fragrance uses butterflies
to symbolise the spirit of women’s beauty and freedom. Madly Kenzo!
is sensual and sparkling fruity floral. The addictive sensual notes are
dressed with juicy pear and lychee notes for a colourful scent.
WELL-BEING[BEAUTY]
WELL-BEING[MIND]
A couple of days ago
we indulged ourselves
with a long weekend
at one of the finest
spas and wellness
resorts Bali has to offer. Our stay
started with much tranquillity,
lounging around in comfortable sun
chairs overlooking pristine waters
as we relished the peaceful silence
that was occasionally interrupted
by birdsong or a distant car. Then
one of our fellow guests decided to
check his phone.
Sitting there we observed this
seemingly innocent gesture of
checking the phone quickly
deteriorate into a cascade of phone
calls with heated discussions, a
spouse grumbling in frustration and
a seriously stressed man stomping
off to carry out his ‘business’ elsewhere. Pity, because this couple
probably came to the resort to relax
and unwind yet their minds just
wouldn’t let them and so they lost
yet another valuable moment in
their lives to the bustle and stress
of living in the age of technology–driven over-communication,
distraction and stress.
That said, perhaps we lie to
ourselves by blaming technology
for our stressful, bustling existence;
after all how many times does your
smartphone or laptop throw itself in
apply what I learn’? Identifying and learning from an event allows you
to move on and focus on now.
Likewise an excessive preoccupation
with the future often leads to
anxiety as one anticipates events,
plans for them and perhaps attempts
to create a contingency for every
possible scenario. In a nutshell,
mindfulness allows you the luxury
on experiencing the present fully.
How do you practice mindfulness?
One way of integrating mindfulness
into a busy lifestyle is using the
A.B.See Model. This model takes
just a few minutes of your day
while making a big difference.
The first step is to establish an anchor,
which can be anything in your
environment that reminds you to
your arms, turn itself on and scream
‘use me’? Aren’t we the ones who
define our relationship with our
devices? Who is master and who
is slave? Aren’t we the ones who
choose to carry our technology
everywhere we go? And aren’t we
the ones who choose to distract
ourselves by using this technology
in the middle of meetings, meals
and conversations? So why blame
technology for our choices?
Besides, what is so wrong with being
surgically attached to your gadgets
and amped on technology? Well,
all the information being thrown at
you by your smart devices distracts
your brain, dividing its attention and
robbing it of its ability to focus
on the present. done often enough,
you end up habitually thinking
and doing a million things at a
time (often called multi-tasking)
and not enjoying any of them. In
fact, research from the UK’s Mental
Health Foundation shows that losing
our ability to be mindful leads one
out of every four individuals to
face stress-related mental illness.
So, in many ways the ability to be
mindful of what we do when we
do it is almost a lost art in this age
of dramatic distraction.
But what is mindfulness? Basically,
mindfulness is about being aware.
It is about focusing your attention
practice mindfulness. Seeing, hearing
or experiencing this anchor should
stimulate you to take a moment to
practice mindfulness using A.B.See
(an adaptation from Juliet Adams, the
founder of mindfulnet.org).
A stands for Awareness and
Acceptance. Simply draw your
attention to now by noticing how
you feel, the thoughts in your
mind, notice your breath and the
temperature of the room; accept
what you notice without judgement.
B stands for Being (otherwise called
existing). Simply sit or stand there
and notice and experience yourself
in your surroundings; give yourself
a moment to simply be.
SEE stands for Seeing a space
between experience and response,
in the moment and simply
experiencing the present without
judging if it is good or bad. It is
about knowing what you are doing
when you are doing it so that
you experience or ‘live’ what you
do fully. Mindfulness discourages
individuals from excessive reflection
on the past or focus on the future
because both are beyond our
immediate control. It draws your
attention back to ‘now’ because
‘now’ it the only moment you are
sure of and it is the only moment
you can influence completely.
Perhaps you wonder how reflecting
on the past can cause stress.
Often our reflections on the past
lead us to evaluate how content
we are with past events, and what
happens when we are not content
with events? We regret the way
we managed them, we chastise
ourselves for ‘missed opportunities’ and we attempt to redeem things.
And how do we start to feel? Angry,
disappointed, sad, cheated or bitter.
What we fail to realize is that by
reflecting on our past and feeling
this way we allow our past to
taint or influence our present. So
how can you let go and leave the
past in the past? Whenever events
don’t meet your expectations take a
moment to ask yourself ‘what can
I learn from this and how will I
so that you are able to respond
more wisely.
And as you begin to practice
mindfulness notice how much more
interesting moments become. So
keep in mind the Buddhist wisdom
– when walking just walk, when
breathing just breathe, and when at
a gorgeous hotel to relax, just relax.
Remain mindful.
Lily
Lily Akpuaka provides life and behaviour coaching services to individuals in Jakarta. Her experienced approach to coaching facilitates lasting behaviour changes to enable you to attain your personal or career goals. Contact her at email: [email protected]; telephone: 0818 888 091; website: www.akpuaka.com
How many times have you missed out on the joy of today by thinking about yesterday or planning for tomorrow?
Mindfulness
26
Surabaya is famous for its heritage and
cultural buildings, making the East Java
capital a special destination for tourists.
On my last visit to Surabaya, I explored
the northern neighbourhoods of the city,
where many of the heritage buildings are located.
One of the most impressive buildings in the area is
House of Sampoerna.
When you visit House of Sampoerna, you have to
stop in at a Café for a bite to eat. The restaurant has a beautiful interior that mixes touches of Art
deco, splashes of wild creativity and a dash of
history. The combination of wooden chairs and
red sofas creates a vibrant atmosphere. Blending
original stained glass leaded windows and century-
old carved teak panels with a clean, modern design,
a Café is an experience that should not be missed.
A wide selection of Western and Asian dishes will
satisfy the most discerning of visitors.
One thing that made me want to enter a Café was
the menu displayed out front. I was intrigued by
the mix of traditional and modern dishes. These
included Lamb Chop Tongseng, served with savoury
rice, emping and chilli, and Beef Ribs Bacem, served
with urap vegetables, peanut brittle, tofu, soybeans
and chilli. Spaghetti Lidah Cabe Hijau is served
with sautéed beef tongue, mushroom and green chilli,
and the Vegetarian dendeng Sandwich comes with
lettuce, mushrooms and French fries.
A Café also whips up creative beverages that you
must try. Smoothies Temulawak is creamer, vanilla ice
cream, orange concentrate, lemon juice and fresh milk.
Chef Achmad Taufiq says the drink increases stamina
and blood circulation. Hot Wedang Tape Madu is
lemon juice, nata de coco, fermented cassava, honey
and brown sugar, and is said to smooth out wrinkles
and treat fevers. Ice Mint daun Kelor is creamer
Maringa, mint verte, lemon juice, sirsak and ice. This is
like a vitamin A super-drink. I ordered the Beef Ribs
Bacem, which were sweet and tender. Accompanying
that was the Ice Mint daun Kelor, a truly fresh treat.
According to the chef, the café changes its menu
every four months, so there is always something new
and exciting on offer at a Café.
a CaféHouse of Sampoerna
Taman Sampoerna 6
Surabaya, East Java – IndonesiaReservations. +62 31 353 9000
RESTOREVIEW
A blend of the traditional and modern makes a Café a must-try restaurant in Surabaya.
Text by Grace Solarbesain | Photos courtesy of a Café House of Sampoerna
Taste of History
Everyone knows Chinese food. Who
doesn’t love a big bowl of chow mein
or a plate of dumplings? Chinese food
has pretty much conquered the world,
including Indonesia. Is the cuisine of
Taiwan now following that same path?
Based on the evidence in Jakarta it is not a far-
fetched idea. Taiwanese bubble tea and street
foods have made big inroads in the Indonesian
capital, with stalls popping up all over the city. And
now the Pancious Group has opened its newest
restaurant, Xi Men ding, which serves up a choice
of Taiwanese delicacies.
Xi Men ding is easy to reach, located as it is in
one of Jakarta’s most happening and popular malls,
Senayan City. I hit the restaurant after taking a tour
or two of the mall, working up an appetite with
a spot of shopping. Inside, Xi Men ding is neat
and simple, with some modern twists and Asian
paintings for a Taiwanese vibe.
The waitress was on hand to offer some ti ps
and point me in the direction of some of the
restaurant’s most popular dishes. I started with the
Lion’s Head Meatballs. don’t worry, no lions were
harmed in the making of the dish. It’s actually chicken meatballs stewed with vegetables, and I
really enjoyed the rich flavours.
The next dish out was the deep-Fried Oysters.
I love oysters, whether fried, raw or anything in
between, and this was definitely not a dish to
be missed. Oysters play a big role in Taiwanese
cuisine and you can find oysters in plenty of well-
known Taiwanese street snacks such as omelettes.
I wrapped up the meal with San Bei Chicken.
While the dish originated in southern China, it
quickly became a signature dish of Taiwan. San
means three and bei means cups. The “three cups” are the three main ingredients of the sauce: soy
sauce, a mildly sweet rice wine and sesame oil.
I could also make out hints of garlic, ginger and
basil, which blended perfectly with the chicken.
For food lovers and adventurers, Xi Men ding’s Taiwanese delights are sure to pleasure!
Xi Men ding
Senayan City, Level 4
Jakarta – IndonesiaPhone. +62 21 7278 1386
Jakarta’s culinary lovers have another reason to celebrate with the arrival of Xi Men Ding, a Taiwanese restaurant. The name Xi Men Ding is adapted from the famous shopping and dining district known as the “Harajuku of Taipei.” Dennis Latif had the opportunity to experience the mouthwatering delicacies at this very pleasant restaurant.
Taiwanese Delicacies
RESTOREVIEW
Photos courtesy of Xi Men ding
PROFILE
Slovakia for many Indonesians is an unknown land. Only the select few who have travelled in Slovakia are aware of the country’s potential, especially in tourism. Its breathtaking landscapes, ancient castles and soaring mountains are the stuff of fairy tales. Antonius Martono recently had the opportunity to speak with Slovakia’s ambassador to Indonesia, His Excellency Stefan Rozkopal, about his fascinating homeland.v
From the Land of Knights and
Mountains
WHAT KIND OF TOURISM POTENTIAL DOES SLOvAKIA OFFER?You encounter the natural beauty
of unspoiled forests, Alps-style
mountain ranges, beautiful rivers,
waterfalls, lakes so big one can’t see the end, wide fields and
also small savannahs and sandy
deserts. Slovakia also offers
many possibilities in the fields of
hospitality, business and MICE, in big
urban cities as well as in tranquil
but well-equipped mountain resorts.
Beautiful castles, chateaus, palaces
and historical cities deliver a full-
scale cultural experience. In 2013,
the second largest city in Slovakia,
Kosice, was bestowed with the title
of being the capital of European
culture, bringing honour to Slovakia
and confirmation of the quality
and beauty of this city, region and
country.
WHAT IS yOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN PROMOTING THE TOURISM POTENTIAL OF SLOvAKIA?My personal challenge here in
Indonesia is to promote Slovakia
as a complex, dynamic, modern
and developed country, a member
of the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and development
and the European Union. Tourism
is only one of our priorities, as
Slovakia is found in the very centre
of Central Europe, and as many
Indonesian tourists choose Slovakia
as a country of ‘secondary interest.’ They come to Slovakia numerous
times by accident or as a side
trip after visiting more ‘important
and more famous’ countries in our neighbourhood. Tourism potential
in Slovakia is huge. For Indonesian
tourists I see two major groups of
potential visitors. First is the ‘red carpet treatment group’ – those who
are frequent fliers and have visited
most of the well-known world
capitals. The second group is ‘low
budget and backpackers’ who are
ready to explore something different
and do not start their world trips
with famous world capitals.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOP TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN SLOvAKIA?1. High Tatras, which most of the
time is covered by snow, offers
beautiful panoramas and is ‘tourist friendly’ throughout the year. 2. The spas in Slovakia, with their
more than 300 years of traditions
specialised for various diseases
and natural hot spring water – Piešťany, Trenčianske Teplice, Bojnice,
Turčianske Teplice, Smrdáky and
others.
3. Historical castles and chateaus
like Oravský Podzámok, Spišský hrad,
Bojnice, Červený kameň and many
others.
4. Caves, many of them unique
the world over and under
Unesco protection, like Ochtinská Aragonitová, domica, Dobšinská ľadová, Jaskyňa Slobody and others. 5. Historical cities that are small,
compact and well maintained like
Kežmarok, Košice, Prešov, Bardejov,
Levoča, Žilina, Banská Bystrica and
Trenčín, as well as the capital of
Slovakia, Bratislava, with just half a
million citizens.
6. Slovak Paradise, a national
park covered in waterfalls, creeks,
underground caves, villages with
historical relics and tourist centres.
7. Traditional Slovak villages that
are Unesco World Heritage sites,
such as Čičmany, which is famous for
its folk architecture, and Vlkolínec,
renowned for traditional log houses
in a mountainous area.
HOW DO yOU DESCRIBE SLOvAKIA IN TERMS OF TOURISM?At the time when God created
the world, all nations came to him
and received a piece of land for
themselves. On Saturday evening
one small nation, Slovakia, came to
him and God asked them: Where
have you been? All the land is given
out already! Slovaks explain to him
that they were enjoying life, singing
and dancing after hard work, so
they were late, and God answered:
“I have one small place that I have
reserved for myself, but I like you,
so you can have it.” Henceforth,
Slovaks enjoyed the territory, which
was a paradise on earth.
IN yOUR OPINION, WHICH AREAS OF SLOvAKIA ARE MOST ATTRACTIvE FOR HONEyMOONERS?I would recommend a long
weekend visiting spas or in the
mountains, however, many more
parts of Slovakia can be made truly
romantic. Slovak forests offer a place
full of tranquillity and harmony as
well as opportunities for adventures.
Climbing a mountain and enjoying
the scenery, having a picnic next to
a lake reflecting different colours or
sitting in a field covered in flowers,
picking wild berries and adoring the
mountains on the horizon. Slovakia
offers many opportunities to make a
special occasion really memorable.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF yEAR TO EXPLORE SLOvAKIA AND WHy?You can explore Slovakia anytime
of the year. Winter is beautiful, with
the whole countryside covered in
white snow with sunshine making
everything shimmer in silver, but
my suggestion would be to visit
between early April and late
October. At this time you can
witness spring, with everything in
bloom, summer with green forests
and fresh harvests, and autumn with
its gentle breezes and countryside
full of colours.
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND THE BEST TRADITIONAL SLOvAKIAN SOUvENIRS?You can buy Slovak souvenirs of all
types at tourist spots, ranging from
musical instruments and traditional
weapons (valaška) to beautiful
crystalware famous from the time
of Czechoslovakia.
38Photos courtesy of www.slovakia.travel
PROFILE
Mike VAn BokhoVen, the new Director of Food and Beverage at the interContinentAL JAkArtA MiDPLAzA hoteL, knows a thing or two about hospitality. He gives us his thoughts on the F&B business in Jakarta and reveals the tricks of the hospitality trade for capturing customers’ hearts.
Text by dennis Latif | Photos by William Chandra
Say No toComplacency
WHAT IS yOUR OPINION ABOUT THE F&B INDUSTRy IN jAKARTA? You really notice that the city is
at the forefront of experiencing
revolutionary changes in terms of
the F&B concepts that it currently
is offering. Being the largest city
in the region and having a great
cultural culinary history it is only
logical that this is occurring.
Besides such, with an increasing
middle class as well as easier
access to products, it is only natural
that you’ll find an increase in the number of restaurants and bars as
well as a wider variety of choices
and concepts.
WHAT IS yOUR FAvOURITE FOOD AND DRINK?My favourite foods have to be
saturated with flavours, which
you’ll typically find obviously in
Asian cuisine, however as well in
Spanish and Italian cuisine. Street/
market food really can appeal
to me in such a way. I have a
deep appreciation for market-fresh
vegetables, etc., where you still
find original flavours such as for
example tomatoes and mushrooms.
My favourite drink really depends
on the occasion and where I am.
Sipping a nice glass of rose while
enjoying views in the French Riviera
can be so much more enjoyable
than drinking this same rose in
the winter in the Netherlands. As
I mentioned earlier, experiences
are created through one’s senses
and awareness of surroundings and
what happens in it.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF yOUR jOB FOR yOU? Having grown up in the F&B
industry it has become something
that I breathe and live by. I
love my job and working with
individuals such as the team at
InterContinental MidPlaza, who live
by the same princi ples as myself,
makes going to work an easy
task every day. Besides such the
industry requires to think ahead
and to renew itself over and over
again, which makes it stand out
from many other industries.
AT THE END OF THE DAy, WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF yOUR WORK? For me it’s all about leaving a
legacy with the people. We can
tell staff to change all kinds of
set-ups, menus, etc. However, the
only thing that will last, through
the development of individuals
around you, is if you were part
of that staff member’s journey to greater things.
HOW DO yOU FEEL BEING PART OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL jAKARTA MIDPLAzA FAMILy? I couldn’t have wished for a better
start in a new place as I have
experienced here at InterContinental.
I really enjoy the life and at the
same time having the opportunity
to live close by some of my best
friends that I have worked with and
met throughout my career at sea
with HAL previously.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING yOU CAN DO IN THE HOSPITALITy INDUSTRy TO CAPTURE CUSTOMERS’ HEARTS? Guests nowadays are looking for
value for money and a genuine
WHAT ARE THE PLUS POINTS OF INTERCONTINENTAL MIDPLAzA IN TERMS OF FOOD AND BEvERAGE? SPECIALITy MENUS, PERHAPS? I had the opportunity, when
I joined, to be 100 per cent
involved in the renovation of
the F&B areas. When finished
these transformations will reveal
a nice ‘live cooking,’ heavy
guest interactive concept where
the ingredients will speak for
themselves. These live cooking
stations will appeal obviously to
our international guests as well
as local guests alike and will
be separated in four regional
concepts. Besides such we’ll
service experience. We need to
realize that with all available media
such as food channels, internet, etc.,
our guests have become very much
aware of what is on offer, and by
following such have increased their
own knowledge and are not afraid
to speak out their opinion and
views. It seems that guests have
gone ‘back to basics’ and just want
to have a good time with good
food in a terrific ambience. The
days of having lunches and dinners
of a couple of hours have gone by
and in this fast-paced environment
people/guests want a great deal of
experience in a short time.
reveal a ‘tapas’ lounge ‘birdcage’ concept where one can relax
with friends or family enjoying
not your typical Spanish tapas but
small bites that are influenced
by international/Asian cuisine. In
addition, our pool will feature a
nice lounge and outside dining
area where fresh cocktails/juices
and a live BBQ will attract
especially our leisure guests
through the weekend, which is
also ideal to ‘seal the deal’ after corporate gatherings.
WHAT WILL yOU NOT TOLERATE REGARDING THE F&B INDUSTRy? IS IT ABOUT HyGIENE, BAD SERvICE OR SOMETHING ELSE? AND WHy IS THAT? I find that the industry has the
best opportunity to be at the
forefront in terms of development
and has the ability to be an
early indicator of where society
is heading. Having said such
this comes with a responsibility
of thinking ahead and leading
change. On the height of the
successes that I have been able
to experience, for example with
my parents, we always decided
to turn the concept around into
a new culinary formula that
somehow seemed to ‘fit’ its time
and with that became successful.
I am happy that I am part of that
journey again for InterContinental
MidPlaza. So a short reply to your
question would be that I don’t tolerate complacency.
A LITTLE ABOUT yOU. WHAT DO yOU LOvE TO DO IN yOUR SPARE TIME? I love to spend my spare time
reading and following design and
fashion. In addition, skiing is a great
passion of mine. Obviously, good
food, music and friends around
me is a hobby as well. Last but
definitely not least is enjoying time
with my family, who only will join
me by the end of this year or the
beginning of 2014.
35
Photographer Likinto Oentoro +62 877 819 68836 | Stylist A.J. | Assistant stylist Irine The TjhangMakeup and hair by Jengky Jason +62 815 724 17185 | Model Jessica F-Models International
Location Roro Jonggrang Restaurant - Jakarta
Mon Amour,Roro Jonggrang
Sleeveless embroidered shirt paired with yellow long-sleeve outwear and red silk cloth by Ghea. Vintage headpiece by Rinaldy A. Yunardi.
C’est cela l’amour, tout donner, tout sacrifier sans espoir de retour. (“That is love, to give away everything, to sacrifice everything, without
the slightest desire to get anything in return.”)
Laced bolero and structured balloon skirt by Lenny Agustin.
Earrings, accessories and red fan by Rinaldy A. Yunardi. Ikat wedges
by Lenny Agustin.
Embroidered floral pattern kebaya and see-through tosca skirt by Lenny Agustin. Chinese carved
top handle clutch, colourful stone bracelet and blue drop earrings by
Rinaldy A. Yunardi. Batik bakiak sandals by Jeanny Ang.
Velvet maxi dress and matching maroon floral pattern sandals by
Ghea. Headpieces and bracelet by Rinaldy A. Yunardi.
Batik with knee-length dress by Jeanny Ang. Earrings by Rinaldy A. Yunardi.
Bolero blouse paired with electric blue skirt by Jeanny Ang. Hair accessories and earrings by Rinaldy A. Yunardi.
Chinese dress by Jeanny Ang. Colourful stone bracelet, earrings and red feather fan by Rinaldy A. Yunardi.
Soft pink kebaya, pink batik cloth and beaded necklace by Ghea. Batik
sandals by Jeanny Ang.
Spaghetti strap dress and linen by Lenny Agustin. Pearl necklace by
Rinaldy A. Yunardi.
Kebaya and pencil skirt with rich details and bold colours from Lenny
Agustin. Earrings, necklace and hairpiece by Rinaldy A. Yunardi.
Ikat top and fitted skirt by Lenny Agustin. Necklace, bracelet, earrings
and vintage fan by Rinaldy A. Yunardi.
Travel the world with us for a 360-degree view of the best sights, most exotic destinations and most memorable journeys.
53
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Text by Grace Solarbesain | Photos courtesy of Waiwo dive Raja Ampat and Grace Solarbesain
The amazing underwater landscape and the beautiful views above the sea will make you fall in love with Raja Ampat islands, a true paradise on earth.
I Left My Heart in
Raja Ampat
Go at least once a
year to a place you
have never been
before.” Inspired by
that advice, at the
beginning of 2013, I made plans to
explore the last paradise on earth
Raja Ampat.
-----------------------------------------------FINDING RAjA AMPAT
-----------------------------------------------Raja Ampat archipelago is close
to Sorong, a coastal city in West
Papua. The Raja Ampat islands
are located off the northwest ti p
of Bird’s Head Peninsula. They
are also located inside the so-
called Coral Triangle and truly
are a centre of marine biodiversity,
overflowing with coral, fish and
marine mammal species.
Raja Ampat, which means Four
Kings in Indonesian, is comprised
of four main islands – Misool,
Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. The
region’s flora and fauna have much
more in common with Australian
rather than Asian species. You
will find marsupials here, but no
monkeys or apes. A joint survey
by Conservation International and
The Nature Conservancy suggests
that marine life in this region is
the most diverse on earth. There
are more than 1,400 species of
reef fish here, as well as 96 per
cent of the world’s reef-building
hard corals. Scientists estimate that
in a sample area the size of two
football fields, there are more than
six times as many species of coral
as in the entire Caribbean Sea.
-----------------------------------------------FLyING WITH WINGS
-----------------------------------------------The easiest way to get to Raja
Ampat is to fly to Sorong. In the
first week of March, I caught a
Sriwijaya Air flight to Sorong, via
Makassar. It was about two hours
from Jakarta to Makassar. After
“ two hours layover I completed the
tri p to Sorong.
As I flew into the city I caught
a view of white sand, turquoise
waters and amazing reefs, making
me impatient to explore. But first
I had to hang around the airport
for my friend who was flying in
from Jayapura.
If you are travelling to Raja Ampat
there are three ways to get to
Sorong by air. You can take a
four-hour flight from Jakarta via
Makassar with Sriwijaya Air or
Merpati Air, or a six-hour flight
from Jakarta via Manado with Lion
Air or Wings. Or you can take
a direct flight from Jakarta with
Express Air, which takes three to
four hours. And starting in May
Raja Ampat will have its own
airport, Marinda Airport.
From Sorong I continued tri p by
ferry to Waisai, the capital of Raja
Ampat, which is located on Waigeo
Island. Every Monday, Wednesday
and Friday there are two ferries
that connect Sorong and Waisai, at
9 am and 2 pm. There is one ferry
on Saturday, at 11 am, and one
ferry the other days, at 2 pm. The
ferry takes about two hours and
costs Rp 150,000, about US$15, for
VIP and Rp 120,000 for economy
class.
-----------------------------------------------LAST PARADISE ON EARTH
-----------------------------------------------We finally arrived at Raja Ampat
around 4 pm. At last, my dream
destination. We were staying four
days at Waiwo dive Raja Ampat,
one of the nearer resorts from
Waisai. Someone from the resort
picked us up at the port and it
was just 10 minutes by speedboat.
The resort is lush and green,
and the air clean and fresh. We
checked in, dumped our luggage
in the room and headed back to
the jetty. Some of the resort guests
were out in the water, snorkelling
and swimming. I couldn’t wait to
get into the water.
-----------------------------------------------EXPLORING RAjA AMPAT
-----------------------------------------------Our second day, we headed to
Wayag, one of the most beautiful
and best-known islands in Raja
Ampat. We woke early and left
about seven, making the three-
hour tri p by speedboat.
It is a stunning journey to Wayag,
taking in all the beauty of Raja
Ampat. We stopped in Kabui Bay,
a great place to dive or snorkel,
and passed the hidden Mayalibit
Bay and Kawe Island. There
were flying fish and dolphins that
accompanied us on the journey.
Wayag is a collection of jungle-
covered islets rising up out of
the water, fringed by powdery
soft white beaches. We headed
to Coral Island and made the
30-minute climb to its peak.
And when I arrived at the top,
I was stunned speechless by the
gorgeous views. I had never been
anywhere as beautiful as this. We
stopped at an uninhabited island
for lunch and took advantage of
the opportunity for some swimming
and snorkelling. On the way back
to the resort, I saw the perfect
sunset from the speedboat.
Our third day was a dive day.
Because I don’t have a lot of
experience I stayed close to the
resort rather than heading off for
one of Raja Ampat’s more famous
dive spots. It was still stunning.
I saw a group of butterfly fish
and some adorable Moorish Idols.
There were starfish, clownfish and
the funny pufferfish.
56
For some of the more famous dive
spots, you can head to the Boo
Islands, Fabiacet, Farondi Island,
Kaleidoscope, Gamfi damu Island,
The Passage, Kri Island, Pinnacle,
Wofoh Island, Sel Pele Bay, Waigeo
Island, Yangelo Island, Jef Fam,
Manta Ridge, Mios Kon, Melissa’s Garden, Mike’s Point, Sardines Reef and many more.
We spent our last day snorkelling,
swimming and lazing on the beach,
waiting for the sunset. That night
we joined some of the other resort
guests for a bit of karaoke. And
when morning came, it was back
to Sorong and then Jakarta. But I
already know that the beauty of
Raja Ampat will draw me back.
-----------------------------------------------
TRAvEL TIP: ------------------------------------------------Raja Ampat is hot and humid.
October to April is the best time
to visit and dive in Raja Ampat
because the sea is calm and the
visibility is good.
-don’t forget to bring sun protection, hats and sunglasses. Raja Ampat
is just 50 kilometres south of the
equator; you will burn easily if
unprotected.
-do not forget to bring your
camera.
-Wear light coloured clothes and
bring some good walking shoes.
-Bring mosquito repellent and anti-
malarial medicine.
“Raja Ampat, which means Four Kings in Indonesian, is comprised of four main islands – Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo.“
59
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Photos courtesy of Innovation Norway
Travel north this year to the Arctic Circle and beyond. Experience the world-famous Norwegian fjords, snow-covered mountains and glaciers. Antonius Martono tells us why Norway is to die for.
Excursion in
Fairy Land
I used to laugh when I heard
the saying, “don’t die before you visit Bali.” I mean, Bali
was just the island next
door. I didn’t understand
the power of travel. Now that I’m
older and have travelled myself, I
get it. So, take this bit of advice
from me: “don’t die before you
visit Norway.”
I landed at Gardermoen, the
principal airport serving Norway’s capital, Oslo, and transferred to
a Flytoget airport express train
that took me to the heart of the
city. Oslo is a city of surprises,
filled with natural beauty and all
the facilities and attractions of a
modern metropolis. It truly is “the world’s biggest village.”
-----------------------------------------------WORLD’S NATURE CAPITAL
-----------------------------------------------That is how I describe Oslo. The
city lies around the innermost
part of the Oslofjord, surrounded
by forested hills, which gives Oslo
qualities that you normally don’t expect to find in a global capital.
In Oslo, you can combine big-city
cultural experiences with outdoor
activities in the forest, by the fjord
or along the Aker River.
The Oslo fjord is Norway’s most
popular recreation area. Each
island in the innermost part of
the fjord has its own identity
and distinguishing history. The
islands, including Hovedøya, Lindøya,
Nakholmen, Bleikøya, Gressholmen
and Langøyene, can easily be reached
by boat from Vippetangen.
Oslo’s nightlife is anything but
boring. Countless bars, cafés and nightclubs make for a happening
scene. Most bars and nightclubs
in the centre of the city are open
until around 3 am. Many cafés and bars that serve food during
the day transform around nine
or ten at night. The dJs come
out and the music starts bumping
and the fun begins. It’s important
to note that while everyone can
enter bars and cafes during the
day, the same places enforce age
limits at night.
Not too far from Oslo, I began my
journey down south to Fredriksten
Fortress. Some of the most dramatic
events in Norwegian military
history took place at the fortress.
One Swedish king, Charles XII, was
killed there in 1718. I spent a few
pleasurable hours rambling around
the fortress, and realised it was very
near the border with Sweden. I was
tempted to nip into Sweden and
have a look around, but I had plans
to head north and explore more of
Norway’s natural beauties. Sweden
would have to wait.
-----------------------------------------------FAIRy vALLEyS
-----------------------------------------------When you go to Norway, you can’t miss the fjords. Norwegian fjords
are nature’s own works of art,
formed when the glaciers retreated
and seawater flooded the U-shaped
valleys. This formed water canals
that penetrate from the coast and
far into the mountain wilderness
where the plains end.
Unesco has included the fjords
of Norway, exemplified by
Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, on
its World Heritage List. Nærøyfjord
is at one point 250 metres across,
while mountains tower up to 1,800
metres above its tranquil waters.
Geirangerfjord is known for its
beauty and magnificent waterfalls,
the best-known being the Seven
Sisters. The tallest waterfalls are in
Geirangerfjord and the Sognefjord,
known as the world’s second-
longest fjord.
I was told that the best way to
experience the fjords is to take
a fjord cruise. Several companies
offer half-day and full-day cruises
to explore the dramatic landscape,
one of the most beautiful travel
destinations in the world.
-----------------------------------------------MARvEL OF
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS-----------------------------------------------If you dream of seeing the northern
lights, remember that you are at the
complete mercy of nature. When I
was there this natural wonder was
playing hide and seek.
Theoretically, you should be able
to see the northern lights all over
Norway. However, the best places
are above the Arctic Circle, in
northern Norway, including Narvik,
Lofoten Islands, Alta and Finnmark
– home of the Sami people, the
natives of Norway.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have any
luck. It is recommended that you
stay in one of the prime viewing
locations for at least a week to
give yourself the best chance of
catching a glimpse of the northern
lights. Maybe next time.
-----------------------------------------------WHERE CHURCHES ARENOT MADE OF STONE
-----------------------------------------------I am by no means a good Christian,
but still I honour anything related
to religion in a certain corner of
my sinful soul. So on my way back
to Oslo from Sognefjord, I visited
one of the best-preserved stave
churches in the country.
In the rest of Europe almost all
the stave churches have long
since disappeared. In Norway you
can still find 28 of these unique
buildings. during the Middle Ages,
when immense cathedrals were
being built in stone in other places
62
in Europe, a similar technique was
developed in Norway for building in
wood. Boat construction and home
building during the time of the
Vikings had developed the technique
and tradition of combining art with
woodworking. This culminated in the
stave churches. The stave churches
feature an intriguing combination
of Christian designs intermixed with
what are often assumed to be pre-
Christian Viking motifs, such as the
interwoven dragons.
Norway’s oldest wooden church is
Urnes Stave Church in Luster, not far
2. CREATIvE, EXCITING ITINERARIESNorway’s long coastline provides immense possibilities for creative,
interesting itineraries. Today,
cruise shi ps call on more than
30 different Norwegian ports
annually. The most popular
cruise areas are the fjords, the
North Cape, Spitsbergen on
Svalbard and coastal stops such
as Lofoten.
3. OUTDOOR ACTIvITIES Taking a cruise is a good way
to see Norway. From its many
ports along the coast it is easy
from Sognefjord. Built in 1150, it was
once a private church for a powerful
family. Its builders were aware of
international trends in architecture,
and transferred these trends from
stone to wood. The interior of
the church is exceptionally richly
decorated with motifs from real life,
such as elk and doves, as well as
imaginary centaurs and dragons.
These types of decorations have
become known as the Urnes style.
Visiting the church was the perfect
close of my journey to the Land of
the Midnight Sun.
to launch into a wide range
of exhilarating outdoor sports
activities. Experience mountain
walks, camping, fishing, golf, polar
expeditions and much more.
4. CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONSNorwegian cruises offer a vast
selection of shore excursions
where visitors can disembark to
experience the rich coastal culture
and heritage – from architecture,
museums and literature to festivals
and concerts.
-----------------------------------------------
5 REASONS NORWAySHOULD BE yOURNEXT CRUISEDESTINATION:
-----------------------------------------------
1. BREATHTAKING WATERFALLS AND FjORDSThe Norwegian coastline includes
more than 67,000 enticing islands,
enabling cruise ships to sail in
beautiful sheltered waters. In 2006,
Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord were
rated as the top, best-cared-for
Unesco World Heritage Sites.
5. AN INvITING AND SAFE DESTINATIONNorway is an economically stable
and high-tech country situated in
a calm corner of the world. Many
tourists look upon Norway as a
safe destination and discover how
warm, engaging and welcoming
Norwegians are.
-----------------------------------------------WHERE CAN I FIND
INFORMATION ABOUT NORWAy?-----------------------------------------------You can find lots of great
information about the country and
tourist attractions at the tourism
authority’s official website: www.
visitnorway.com
-----------------------------------------------TRAvEL AROUND NORWAy:
-----------------------------------------------Whether you are travelling by car,
bus or train, in fact whatever type
of transport you are using, it is easy
to travel around Norway. Every city
and town has a local bus service,
and there is an extensive network
of express coaches and buses
throughout the country. However,
driving your own car is one of the
best ways to experience Norway at
your own pace. In western Norway,
where all the world-famous fjords
are located, the roads suddenly end
and the journey must continue by
ferry or boat. You can also explore
the country on a cruise.
“Whether you are travelling by car, bus or train, in fact whatever type of transport you are using, it is easy to travel around Norway.”
65
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Text by Meliza Sopandi
Situated on the southern tip of Sumatra Island and meaning “place of southerly winds,” Lampung is surrounded by natural attractions. Explore its scenic sites, its popular elephant training centre, historic relics, quiet beaches and challenging surf waves.
Explore Lampung
-----------------------------------------------KILUAN BAy
-----------------------------------------------What’s so special about Kiluan
Bay in Lampung? The dolphins of
course!
Kiluan Bay, located in Tanggamus
regency, is not as well known as
Lampung Bay in Bandar Lampung,
Tomini Bay in Central Sulawesi or
Lovina Beach in Bali. But some
say that the Kiluan Bay “dolphin dance” is more enchanting than the
one at Lovina Beach, where only
one species of dolphin is found.
There are two dolphin species at
Kiluan Bay: spinner dolphins and
bottlenose dolphins. They live in
warm tropical waters, like the Indian
Ocean, and have made Kiluan Bay
a regular stop on their journeys.
The Kiluan Bay area is home to
the residents of Bandung Jaya
hamlet, which is part of the village
of Kelumbayan. About 200 families
live in the area, most of them
fishermen and farmers.
Ten years ago it was rare to see
tourists at Kiluan Bay. Before the
introduction of the Cikal ecotourism
project in 2005, Kiluan was an
isolated area. Cikal has been
instrumental in introducing the area
to the outside world.
Besides enjoying the breathtaking
sight of wild dolphins swimming,
jumping and dancing around the bay
on any given day, tourists can also
enjoy Kiluan Fishing Week, which
takes place annually in August.
-----------------------------------------------GETTING THERE
-----------------------------------------------My trip to Kiluan Bay was the first
time I had ever had the opportunity
to explore some of the beaches
along the coast of Sumatra.
If you are travelling from Jakarta,
there are regular flights between
Soekarno-Hatta International
Airport and Radin Inten II Airport
in Lampung. From there, you can
take a bus to Bandar Lampung, the
capital of Lampung, and then rent
a car and driver to take you to
Kiluan Bay for between US$40 and
US$65.
Or you can take the ferry across
the Sunda Strait. The ferry leaves
from Merak Port on the Java side
and it takes about three hours to
make the crossing.
I took the ferry on Friday night
so I could get to Kiluan Bay by
Saturday morning. The ferry from
Merak takes you to Bakauheni Port
on the Sumatra side, and we arrived
about 5 am on Saturday.
From Bakauheni you can get to
Kiluan Bay by land or sea. If you
are driving the journey will take
about five hours and the roads can
be a challenge, so expect a bumpy
ride. I took the sea route, which
despite the name starts with a one-
“If you are lucky you might also spot a sea turtle coming up to the surface as if to check out what all the commotion is about.”
hour drive from Bakauheni to Canti
dock, where we caught a boat to
Kiluan Bay.
Along the way we stopped at some
small islands, most notably Legundi
Island, located northeast of Sebesi
Island. This picturesque island is
just begging to be explored, with its
clear waters, gorgeous beaches and
trekking opportunities.
Our journey continued west, and
several times we spotted pods of
dolphins swimming not far from our
boat. After three hours of sailing we
arrived at Kiluan Bay and headed
straight for Kelapa Island where we
spent the afternoon enjoying the
beautiful aqua sea and white sand.
After exploring, prepare yourself
for the majestic beauty of the
you have to wear comfortable
and sturdy shoes - the track is
long and full of steep terrain and
huge rocks.
After about twenty minutes of
working my way down the cliff, I
arrived at the lagoon. Some of the
people in my group jumped straight
in to cool off after the hike and
others started snapping pictures. All
I could think of was how lucky
the people of Kiluan are to have
quiet Kiluan Bay as their front yard
and this beautiful lagoon as their
backyard.
-----------------------------------------------KRAKATOA
-----------------------------------------------Krakatoa has been famous since
its world-shaking eruption in
1883. It is one of the most active
volcanoes in the world, and it is
sunset. As the sun moves toward
the horizon, a tinge of red falls
dramatically onto the sides of the
hills. While your eyes feast on this
magnificent parade of colours, you
will be serenaded by the sound of
roaring waves and chirping birds.
Take it all in and don’t forget to set up your camera to capture the
moment.
-----------------------------------------------MEET THE DOLPHINS
-----------------------------------------------On Sunday morning it was time
to meet the main attraction, the
dancing dolphins. I took a jukung,
a kind of small boat, from Kiluan
Bay and out into the Sunda Strait.
We waited anxiously for about an
hour before the dolphins finally
appeared, teasing the groups of
sightseers dotted around the strait
in their boats.
also one of Lampung’s hottest
tourist destinations.
diving enthusiasts can explore the
underwater riches of the area, where
encounters with dolphins, turtles
and too many fish to count await.
Package tours to the volcano
generally cost between US$250
and US$300 per group (one group
consists of 10 people at the most).
-----------------------------------------------HOW TO GET TO KRAKATOA
-----------------------------------------------If you are coming from Bandar
Lampung, take a bus to Kalianda
city in South Lampung. Find Canti
dock, which is about a 15-minute
drive from Kalianda, where you can
rent a motorboat. Entry to the area
is Rp 150,000, about US$15.
As if aware that they had an
audience, the dolphins put on quite
a show. Seeing these creatures
jump and “dance” in the wild gave
me such a rush − I was filled with
wonder and joy.
If you are lucky you might also
spot a sea turtle coming up to the
surface as if to check out what all
the commotion is about.
Although it is impossible to get
enough of such an amazing show,
I finally had to leave the dolphins
behind and continue my journey to
the lagoon.
-----------------------------------------------THE LAGOON
-----------------------------------------------There is a small lagoon hidden
amongst the cliffs of the southern
part of Kelapa Island. To get there
The wreckage of a ship from
the 1883 Krakatoa explosion can
be found near the Telukbetung
police office in Bandar Lampung.
It is believed that this is the only
wreckage remaining from the
explosion and the local government
has plans to turn it into a monument
to that devastating event.
The 1883 explosion swept away
the low-lying area of Teluk Betung
and Panjang along Lampung Bay.
A tsunami swept over much of
Bandar Lampung, killing most of the
residents.
But today the area is all about
fantastic natural beauty, great
beaches, efficient service and
competitive prices. Tempted?
Experiences may pass, but the memories last forever. In our Cover Story, we look at the best places for you and the entire family to stay and play. You will want to return year after year and recapture the magic of these hotels and resorts.
73
Perched like an exotic birdcage on a cliff 100 metres above the vast Indian Ocean, ALiLA ViLLAs ULUwAtU in Bali offers sweeping views over the azure waters, glorious golden sunsets and magnificent star-studded night skies that will have you pondering the unfathomable beauty of it all.
Text by Melani Semuel | Photos courtesy of Alila Villas Uluwatu
Paradise Found
Understanding that
quality time together
is important in any
relationship, my
partner and I took
some time from our busy schedules
and took off for a romantic
escapade. And we could not think
of a better place than Alila Villas
Uluwatu for a little romance and
R&R. I was so eager to discover
Alila Villas Uluwatu because I had
heard so much about the villas,
but it was my first chance to
experience them.
Entering our villa felt like stepping
into a world all our own. With
lush interiors of cream and earthy
tones created by the use of wood,
stone and rattan, the villa provides
a suitable balance to the rugged
natural landscape. Walkways and
bridges connect the relaxation
pavilions and pools to the spacious
living areas. The open-plan design,
unique flat lava-rock roof and
bamboo ceiling allow the gentle
sea breezes to circulate throughout
each room in the villa. The healthy
dose of sunrays piercing through
the ceiling-to-floor glass doors
and windows add to the blissful
romantic mood.
Our spacious villa was not simply
a room but a connected series of
places to relax. Adding to the spoils
was yet another luxury – a private pavilion overlooking the glittering
azure ocean. Surrounded by jigsaw-
like slats made of bronze and
recycled wood, the cosy pavilion is
fitted with plush beddings, making
it the perfect lounging spot. It
instantly became our favourite spot
and we revelled in the luxury of
just lying there accompanied by a
book, or simply just admiring the
beauty of nature.
The best thing about the villa is
that it has a sliding glass door, so
you can close it and retreat into
the air-conditioned coolness and
escape the Balinese sun or open
it and enjoy the soothing sea
breeze in the afternoon. Located
on sloped terrain, each villa boasts
a panoramic view of the sea and
the horizon. Simply breathtaking.
Staying in the villa, we felt like we
were in a paradise of our own.
The atmosphere was so relaxing;
the sound of the birds singing was
like music to our ears, and the sea
breeze caressing our bodies, it was
like time was standing still.
Beautiful and smart are two
adjectives that do not usually
go hand in hand, but Alila Villas
Uluwatu is that rare exception. The
property showcases contemporary
Balinese-inspired design aesthetics
that defy the usual clichés. Smartly designed living spaces
make use of traditional locally
sourced materials. Even old timber
telegraph poles and wood railway
sleepers have been recycled as
building materials. How could we
not love Alila Villas Uluwatu?
Staying at Alila Villas Uluwatu, you
better have a healthy appetite.
For Indonesian and Balinese food
lovers, The Warung will tantalize
your taste buds. Indoor and
outdoor dining is provided in
this welcoming yet sophisticated
space. The friendly and convivial
atmosphere enables diners to have
a casual, laid-back experience.
Cire presents contemporary Western
cuisine prepared with regional
produce. Pronounced “seer,” Cire
refers to a process of waxing or
polishing, paying tribute to the
Balinese batik stamps that decorate
the restaurant. If you are in search
of an understated fine-dining
experience you will not only be
impressed by the exquisitely plated
dishes, but will also be pleased with
Cire’s smart configuration, with the
addition of cleverly placed screens
and art pieces to allow each party
the exclusiveness of their own
private dining area.
Our special quality time had to
involve some pampering, so we
headed to Spa Alila. Spa Alila
offers an extensive treatment menu
that combines both Asian and
Western therapy techniques and
showcases its special selection of
natural active ingredients that are
uniquely designed to regenerate
and rejuvenate. My treatment
transferred me to seventh heaven. I
felt relaxed, energized and renewed.
Suffice it to say, we had a great
time at Alila Villas Uluwatu. The
experience far exceeded all my
expectations. The villa, the food,
the spa and the service were all
superb. I have to say that this
was one of the best romantic
escapades I have ever had. If
you’re a couple of honeymooning
lovers or if you are simply looking
for a private paradise to unwind
and escape, Alila Villas Uluwatu is
the perfect destination.
Alila villas UluwatuJl. Belimbing Sari
Banjar Tambiyak desa Pecatu
Bali – Indonesia Phone. +62 361 848 2166 www.alilahotels.com
“I have to say that this was one of the best romantic escapades I have ever had.”
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Located at the cultural heart of Java, hyAtt regenCy yogyAkArtA was designed based on the ancient principles of Javanese philosophy. Guests at this stunning hotel not only experience royal service but also amazing views of Mount Merapi in the beautiful cultural city of Yogyakarta.
Text by dennis Latif | Photos courtesy of Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta
Unique Traditional
Luxury 87
I was in the middle of putting
together this new edition
when I was contacted by the
Marketing Communications
Manager of Hyatt Regency
Yogyakarta and invited to take part in
a media trip to the cultural capital of
Java. I jumped at the chance, eager
to learn more about the beautiful
traditions and heritage of Yogyakarta.
And the thought of staying two nights
at Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta was
simply delicious, savouring the vivid
greens of the property and the kind
hospitality and professional service of
the Hyatt team.
Arriving at the hotel, I was warmly
greeted with a flower garland and a
cool welcome drink. My room was
sparkling, spacious and comfortable,
with a view of the green golf
course. Truly inviting. Eager to
explore everything Yogyakarta has
to offer, I headed to Batik Nyonya
Indo Factory in the Bantul area, a
small but growing factory with 20
to 30 employees. It was fascinating
to see how batik is produced and
I had the chance to do some
shopping and bring home a piece
of Batik Nyonya Indo of my own.
Then it was dinner at Abhayagiri
Restaurant, which is shaped like a
large traditional joglo pendopo house
with elegant wooden mouldings and
magnificent views of Prambanan
Temple and Mount Merapi. The
restaurant serves unique local and
international dishes using only the
highest quality ingredients. I had
crispy duck salad, chicken steak
teriyaki and a dish that looked like
mashed potatoes but was made by
corn. It all tasted great.
The next day it was off to
Cangkringan for Merapi Off-Road.
You can take a Jeep and explore
Merapi, where some of the scars of
the 2010 explosion are still visible.
The museum Sisa Hartaku was built
by people in the area and tracks
the events of 2010.
Museum Ullen Sentalu was the next
destination. This private museum
was established by the Haryono
family and houses a Fantastic
collection exploring Yogyakarta’s royal heritage. It also contains
splendid gardens and sculptures.
After returning to the hotel, I had
the chance to enjoy this amazing
property. Ideally located in the
scenic outskirts of Yogyakarta, Hyatt
Regency Yogyakarta is elegantly
situated amidst 24 hectares of
beautifully landscape gardens.
Savour unforgettable views of two of
the most sacred mountains of Java,
Mount Merapi and Mount Seribu.
The 269 rooms and seven storeys
of the hotel were modelled on
the concept of “Legacy of a Misty
Tropical Ruin Village.” You can
picture ancient ruins secreted
away in the heart of tropical
jungle, hiding guests from the busy
city of Yogyakarta.
Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta also
has its signature accommodation,
the Regency Signature Club. Each
of the 21 exclusive Regency Club
rooms features stunning views of
the surrounding landscape, golf
course and Mount Merapi. I enjoyed
private access to the Regency Club
Lounge where complimentary daily
continental breakfast, all-day coffee
and tea, and evening cocktails and
canapés are served. Concierge and butler services are also available.
It truly exceeded my expectations.
Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta also
provides a wide range of services
guaranteed to satisfy the needs of the
most discerning guests. The public
areas of the resort repeat the images
of an Indonesian village. A collection
of pavilions house Kemangi Bistro,
Paseban Lounge and the 650-square-
metre ballroom, which can be divided
into six individual meeting rooms to
accommodate meetings of various
sizes and occasions.
I also had the chance to taste
delightful dishes from the main
restaurant at Hyatt Regency
Yogyakarta, Kemangi Bistro. It features
an open-show kitchen with a wood-
burning pizza oven and serves Asian
and Western favourites in a casual
atmosphere. I had a splendid dinner
while watching a Ramayana show at
the night market, which is held every
weekend. I also had the chance to
try a pizza from the wood-fired pizza
oven. It is widely considered the best
pizza in Yogyakarta and I have to
say that I agree.
Paseban Lounge is the hotel
bar, located off the front desk at
the lobby level. This is an ideal
gathering spot for afternoon tea,
gourmet coffees, shakes, cocktails
and other sweet delicacies, with
nightly entertainment and views of
the verdant tropical garden from
the outdoor seating area.
I took advantage of the opportunity
and enjoyed the resort’s comprehensive Spa, fitness centre
and Jacuzzi. The Spa is excellent. I
indulged myself with the Royal Spa
Package, a two-hour treatment with
traditional massage, scrub and a soak
in a warm bath. Guests can also
start their day with an invigorating
jog and enjoy the spectacular views
of the resort’s 24 hectares of tropical gardens and golf course. It was truly
a unique experience staying at this
remarkable resort in the cultural
capital of Yogyakarta.
Hyatt Regency yogyakartaJl. Palagan Tentara Pelajar
Yogyakarta – IndonesiaPhone. 62274 869 123www.yogyakarta.regency.hyatt.com
80
Jw MArriott hoteL sUrABAyA offers five-star luxury in the heart of booming Surabaya. Whether you are travelling alone, with your loved ones or family, this elegant hotel always offers an extraordinary experience.
Text by dennis Latif | Photos courtesy of JW Marriott Surabaya
Simply Unforgettable
Located in the heart
of Surabaya’s main
business district, 30
to 40 minutes from
Juanda International
Airport, 500 metres from Tunjungan
Plaza, the largest shopping centre
in the city, and five kilometres
from Kalimas, a traditional port, JW
Marriott Hotel Surabaya is ideal
for business travellers looking for
unsurpassed hospitality and the
most strategic location in Surabaya.
-----------------------------------------------ACCOMMODATION
-----------------------------------------------JW Marriott Surabaya offers 412
elegant guestrooms, including 19
suites and 27 serviced apartments.
Each is equipped with luxurious new
bedding and plush down comforters,
custom duvets and cotton-rich
linens. The rooms are a blend of
classic European furnishings and
exotic touches of luxury, including
an Oriental marble bath. Guests can
choose from deluxe Premium, Studio,
Executive, one or two-bedroom Suites,
and one- to three-bedroom serviced
apartments. High-speed internet
access is available in each room.
-----------------------------------------------DINING
-----------------------------------------------For culinary lovers, JW Marriott
Surabaya presents a choice of
dining venues that serve up the
most spectacular dining experience
in the city. Sample the finest
Indonesian dishes from around the
archipelago and beyond at The
Pavilion International Restaurant.
Enjoy the extensive buffet or treat
yourself to the luscious a la carte
menu. The Pavilion also has a
barbecue cooking station that
serves up fresh selections daily.
Savour authentic Cantonese cuisine
and dim sum served in opulent
surroundings, inspired and accented
by antiques from the legendary Tang
dynasty, at Tang Palace Chinese
Restaurant, located on the second
floor. Japanese delicacies are on the
menu at Imari Japanese Restaurant.
Experience classic Japanese cuisine
in a sophisticated atmosphere, with
elegant tableside lunches and dinner
entrees, fresh sushi bar, robatayaki and
the chef’s creations at the teppanyaki table. JW Marriott Surabaya is
also home to the only fine-dining
French restaurant in Surabaya. Vis
a Vis French Restaurant offers an
elegant and comfortable atmosphere,
warm and professional service, and
award-winning culinary creations
that promise an exquisite dining
experience.
Lobby Lounge is for those who
want a place to relax or chill out
with friends and colleagues, enjoy
24-hour free Wi-Fi with high-
speed internet access for business
and leisure needs, accompanied by
live music with a beautiful grand
piano. Guests may also indulge
themselves with the extraordinary
menu, including the best-selling
martabak. Guests also won’t be
bored with special beverages such
as apple treasure, orange sunset,
mint nature, black forest coffee,
tiramisu hazelnut and coffee luwak
by syphon presentation. Get the
real taste of coffee with the sweet
touch of the barista’s special coffee art, and don’t miss the exquisite
afternoon tea on Wednesday to
Friday, from 3 pm to 6 pm. If
you are a lover of traditional food
and beverages, do not hesitate to
try the jamu and live cooking show
featuring traditional snacks.
Perfect wine selections from around
the world, including France, Australia,
Spain, New Zealand, Mexico, and
the US, are also available and will
be your perfect companion to end
your busy day.
-----------------------------------------------FACILITIES
-----------------------------------------------JW Marriott Surabaya offers the
facilities and operational flexibility
to successfully cater for corporate
meetings, conferences, private
gatherings, weddings and other
special occasions. The Royal
Ballroom, located on the second
floor, can be divided into three
sections. With its expansive pre-
function area, this ballroom can
accommodate up to 1,400 guests
for theatre-style events or cocktail
receptions, and up to 600 guests for
banquet dinners.
There are 10 meeting rooms of
varying size to meet all of your
requirements, not including the
pool-side shaded by regal palms
for a remarkable event under
the blue sky or the twinkling
stars. JW Marriott Surabaya is
experienced as the venue of choice
for international events, delivering
extraordinary service, themed buffets,
and lunch and dinner complete with
decorations. Enjoy extraordinary
service and Indonesian, Asian and
International menus.
-----------------------------------------------SPA
-----------------------------------------------After a busy day of meetings or
sightseeing, relax your mind and
body at the JW Marriott Health
Club. Experience a wide range of
spa treatments that will pamper you
from head to toe with body scrubs,
facials, manicures, pedicures, massages
and a steam room, all delivered by
qualified and caring therapists.
jW Marriott Hotel SurabayaJl. Embong Malang 85 - 89
Surabaya – IndonesiaPhone. 6231 545 8888www.marriott.com/surabaya
85
A luxurious home away from home, the MULiA, MULiA resort & ViLLAs is where each and every moment translates into a lifetime of memories. Nestle yourself in the Mulia’s blend of luxury and elegance.
Text by Melani Semuel | Photos courtesy of The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas
Taste of Paradise
To say The Mulia, Mulia
Resort & Villas is
much more than just
a five-star resort would
sound cliche, but it is
the truth. They have their way, the
Mulia way, which sums up the pride
they take in providing world-class
service and amenities for the most
discerning of travellers.
Understanding that people have
their own preferences, The Mulia,
Mulia Resort & Villas offers three
ultra-luxurious properties that will
please all travellers. For those
who want their own little slice of
heaven, Mulia Villas is the place.
Steps from the white sand beach,
featuring private pathways to the
secluded gardens and ultra-exclusive
hydrotherapy pools surrounded by
lush landscapes, the exquisite villas
on the exclusive coastline of
Nusa dua with stunning frontage
of Geger Beach, The Mulia, Mulia
Resort & Villas boasts three ultra-
luxury properties surrounded by
breathtaking views. The Mulia,
Mulia Resort & Villas makes for a
cavernous playground for travellers
looking for some much-deserved
R&R, offering a host of activities and
indulgences without you having
to step foot outside once you’ve checked in.
Royal high: With minimalist chic
becoming the cliché standard among
hotels these days, no one seems to
speak to our inner brat anymore.
Not the The Mulia, Mulia Resort &
Villas though. Opulent pampering is
the modus operandi here, and you’ll see it from the moment you step
through its doors; its lobby presents
combine intimate settings with
ultra-luxury services and amenities
to craft an unparalleled island
experience for those seeking a
sense that transcends conventional
tropical getaways.
The Mulia awaits those wishing for a
pure lifestyle retreat. With stunning
beach frontage along Nusa dua’s bay, The Mulia evokes a relaxed yet
polished sensibility. From expansive
and elegant suites to distinct
lounge and oceanfront pools, The
Mulia’s luxury accommodations
truly exceed expectations for style,
comfort and service.
Famillies travelling with children
and meeting attendees will surely
love the exclusivity and luxury of
Mulia Resort, the first designated
purity reserve in the world. Featuring
a welcome fit for royalty, what with
its plush couches with luxurious
upholstery, gorgeous carpets and
chandeliers, and enchanting views of
the Indian Ocean.
Extracurricular comforts: When
you’re done oohing and aahing
about the awesome views, it’s time to run amok in your palatial
surroundings. As you explore the
massive resort, you’ll find yourself at the ocean-front pools. It’s as pretty as they come, so pack a swimsuit
and soak in the sun. If you really
must, put in a few calorie-busting
laps during your time there. It is
always a good idea to enjoy the
peaceful afternoons with a coffee
and good book from the library, or
relax with a quiet cocktail before
dinner at Cascade Lounge.
Waist not, want not: Leave the
weight-watching and the niggling
guilt at home. When confronted
with a galaxy of gastronomic
options like The Mulia, Mulia
Resort & Villas has, the stars dictate
that you should eat with wanton
abandon. We had dinner at The
Café. An entirely unique ethnic-
gastronomic restaurant concept, The
Café serves the biggest buffet on the island. The Café offerings are designed to suit the most discerning
guests. Each station is dedicated to
preparing authentic cuisines from
selected regions, ranging from fresh
sashimi, oysters, and sushi rolls
in the Japanese corner, Chinese
barbequed duck and pork, my
personal favourite, the tasty tom
yum goong and Thai salads at
the Southeast Asian station, exotic
butter chicken and naan from the
Indian section, to a la minute pastas
in the Western corner. The dessert
section is heaven for a sweet tooth,
from chocolate fondues, homemade
ice cream and sorbets, to heavenly
cakes and mousse. Every single
dish was done to perfection.
superbly designed rooms and suites,
including the Lagoon Suites, Mulia
Resort is a chic luxury getaway.
Let me put it this way, the only way
you can truly experience The Mulia,
Mulia Resort & Villas is by staying
at all three properties, and then you
can discover which one you like
the most. One thing is for sure, no
matter which one you choose, you
will have an unforgetable stay at
this amazing resort.
When talking about The Mulia,
you have to mention the food. But
while our time here unequivocally
revolved around becoming
eminently sated at the hotel’s renowned dining spots, there were
plenty of other things that kept us
full and fulfilled during our stay.
Location, location, location: Located
The resort draws crowds from all
over Bali to dining establishments
like Edogin, which offers a
complete range of Japanese
delicacies, to the signature seaside
Mediterranean and Pan-Asian
restaurant Soleil. The Bar presents
an al fresco dining experience for
enjoying special beverages and
delicate desserts. Sky Bar by the
tranquil Indian Ocean is the ideal
choice for afternoon tea or pre-
dinner drinks. In the evening, ZJ’s Bar transforms into an incredibly
stylish and hip sanctuary for the
fashionable crowd. And just in
case you are still feeling a bit
hungry between meals, go to Mulia
deli and savour a wide variety of
luscious French pastries, exquisite
truffle delights and gourmet meals
to go.
And while a meal at any of these
fine venues will undoubtedly
leave you rather pleased with
yourself, take a ti p from us: book
yourself a stay so that you can
feast, retire to your room, indulge
in a little resort R&R, feast again
and repeat.
We had a great time at The Mulia,
Mulia Resort & Villas. The resort
is a slice of paradise. Although
the property is massive in size, the
attention to detail is superb. Be
pampered. Be spoilt. Be indulged.
Nestle yourself in a blend of luxury
and nature only at The Mulia, Mulia
Resort & Villas.
The Mulia, Mulia Resort & villasJl. Raya Nusa dua Selatan
Kawasan Sawangan, Nusa dua
Bali – IndonesiaReservations:The Mulia +62 361 302 7777
Mulia Resort +62 361 301 7777
Mulia Villas +62 361 846 7777
www.themulia.com
89
91
decorated to reflect modern
sophistication with a combination
of grey tones and rich woods, the
rooms at Pullman Jakarta Central
Park are a perfect place to conduct
business as well as a superior
location for leisure time with
family and friends. Each suite has
unparalleled views of Jakarta for a
memorable stay in the city.
-----------------------------------------------DINE
-----------------------------------------------Collage, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, has a comprehensive
range of international dishes
prepared by the hotel’s expert
culinary team. Choose from the
a la carte menu or indulge in
the buffet. With an open-kitchen
concept, live cooking shows and
relaxed ambience, this restaurant
will spoil all your senses. Next, chill
out at BUNK, a trendy two-storey
lounge. Savour the canapes and
signature cocktails as you enjoy the
distinctive raw industrial interior
design concept and artwork from
local artists, with live entertainment
every Thursday to Sunday evening.
BUNK is the perfect location for
casual business discussions.
Pullman Jakarta Central
Park Hotel is part of
the Podomoro City
Super Block, 21 hectares
in western Jakarta of
apartments, a shopping mall, office
space and, of course, an up-scale
hotel. Just 25 minutes from Soekarno-
Hatta International Airport, and easily
accessible from the Sudirman Central
Business district, this award-winning
property has captivated residents and
travellers alike. The adjoining Central
Park Mall, the new shopping icon of
Asia, has won several international
awards. Pullman Jakarta Central Park
Hotel itself recently received several
prestigious awards, including “Best New Hotel Construction and design
for Indonesia” at the Asia-Pacific
International Hotel Awards, and “Best Business Hotel in Indonesia” from
Hospitality Investment World 2013.
This award winning momentum
has surely proven the track record
of exceptional guest service and
facilities, both for business and
leisure travellers.
-----------------------------------------------ACCOMMODATION
-----------------------------------------------Pullman Jakarta Central Park
welcomes travellers who want
to enjoy Jakarta up close and
personal, with its prime location
adjacent to shopping malls,
education centres, a hospital, office
buildings and much more. Guests
get the chance to experience
Jakarta and be a part of its daily
life. This modern hotel offers
195 deluxe Rooms, 67 Executive
deluxe Rooms and 54 Executive
Suites, with spectacular park
and city views. It also boasts
the Central Park Suite for an
exceptional experience.
With its “Industrial RAW and Pop
Art” concept, all 317 Pullman
Jakarta Central Park rooms feature
contemporary urban art, stylish
furniture, rain showers, LCd TVs,
iPod docking stations, high-speed
internet access/wi-fi and floor-to-
ceiling windows with spectacular
city views.
Executive Club Rooms and Suites
are also fitted with an in-room
espresso machine. Its guests can
also enjoy access to the Executive
Lounge, which offers high tea from
2:30 pm to 5 pm and evening
cocktails from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Ideally located in vibrant West Jakarta, PULLMAn JAkArtA CentrAL PArk offers guests a surprisingly tranquil and relaxing escape. This is where business meets pleasure.
Text by dennis Latif | Photos courtesy of Pullman Jakarta Central Park
The GreatEscape
-----------------------------------------------SPA
-----------------------------------------------Spa lovers will swoon for the newest
treatment at the Fit & Spa Lounge,
the Vichy shower. This unique spa
treatment is originally from Vichy,
a town in central France known
for its mineral springs. Since the
time of ancient Rome, Vichy water
has been famous for its beneficial
properties. These benefits include
reducing toxins and waste,
stimulating the skin, boosting the
immune system, improving skin
and muscle tone, and reducing
stress. A trained therapist will
assist guests to choose the perfect
temperature and pressure to ensure
they enjoy all the benefits of the
Vichy shower. The treatment is in
conjunction with a body treatment
such as a Salt Scrub, Body Wrap or
Body Massage.
-----------------------------------------------FUNCTION ROOMS
-----------------------------------------------Pullman Jakarta Central Park offers
state-of-the-art conference and
banquet facilities with more than
5,000 square metres of pillar-less
Grand Ballroom and six function
rooms, designed to cater to a wide
spectrum of corporate and social
functions. Pullman Grand Ballroom
is the second largest in Jakarta. No
wonder it is famous for hosting
events such as concerts, exhibitions
and weddings. That is why Pullman
Jakarta Central Park is the ideal
choice for your meeting, seminar
or event.
Pullman jakarta Central ParkPodomoro City
Jl. Let. Jend S. Parman Kav. 28
Jakarta – IndonesiaPhone. 6221 292 00088 www.pullmanjakartacentralpark.com
-----------------------------------------------FACILITIES
-----------------------------------------------There is so much to do at
Pullman Jakarta Central Park and
the nearby area that guests will
never run out of experiences.
Shopping lovers will want to
explore the adjacent Central
Park Mall or go to Mal Taman
Anggrek, a seven-minute walk
from the hotel. Or stay closer
to home and explore everything
the hotel has to offer.
Keep up with work in Pullman’s Business Centre. Located on the
Upper L Floor, this innovative
facility offers business support
and chill-out space for your
convenience, and the hotel’s professional and courteous
associates are ready to assist
you with all your needs. Private
meeting rooms equi pped with
complimentary high-speed
internet access are available at
the Executive Lounge. Located on
the top floor, the Executive Lounge
offers a serene atmosphere with
a modern design, providing the
ultimate in comfort and privacy.
Relax and refresh at Pullman
Jakarta Central Park’s outdoor
swimming pool and sunbathing
terrace, which offers a panoramic
view of the Jakarta skyline.
Or enjoy free classes such as
Hatha yoga, tai chi, wushu and
kickboxing at the Fit & Spa
Lounge. There is also a 24-hour
state-of-the-art gym so guests can
stay fit and healthy.
After a good workout, guests can
relax in Zen Garden, a beautifully
designed garden with stunning
views of the city.
“Pullman Jakarta Central Park welcomes travellers who want to enjoy Jakarta up close and personal, with its
prime location adjacent to shopping malls,
education centres, a hospital, office buildings
and much more.”
93
-----------------------------------------------jEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU RESORT,
FIjI ISLAND-----------------------------------------------Surrounded by stunning white sand
beaches and crystal blue sea, Jean-
Michael Cousteau Resort is located
on 17 acres of former coconut
plantation on the island of Vanua
Levu. Guests can enjoy the serenity
of the poolside, a seaside massage,
yoga, a sunset sailing adventure or a
romantic dinner on the pier. Voted
as the best resort in Fiji, the resort
promises an unforgettable beach
getaway filled with relaxation, tons
of fun activities and stunning luxury
accommodation. The resort also
gives back to the local community
through a charity foundation.
-----------------------------------------------SPICE ISLAND BEACH RESORT,
ST. GEORGE’S -----------------------------------------------Spice Island features spacious eco-
friendly accommodation, a stunning
natural spa and world-class dining
that uses only fresh, organically
grown food from the resort’s garden. A pioneer in environmentally
friendly practices, the resort has
taken the initiative to make the
entire area a smoke-free zone. The
winner of a 2012 award for best
eco resort in the Caribbean, Spice
Island Beach Resort was the first
property in Grenada to be Green
Globe certified and is still on a
mission to offer guests the greatest
eco experience in the world.
-----------------------------------------------SONEvA FUSHI,
MALDIvES-----------------------------------------------Soneva Fushi has always been an
innovator in the responsible tourism
movement. They encourage guests to
participate in their green programs
to reduce the carbon footprint. To
keep guests entertained they offer
a mix of eco-friendly activities
such as treetop yoga, sailing, open-
air cinema, a private sunset dolphin
cruise, romantic candlelit dinners
and night snorkelling with an in-
house marine biologist. The hotel
spa uses only ingredients produced
by locals, and the resort works
closely with the local community
and educates them about eco-
friendly practices.
-----------------------------------------------HOTEL SEzz,
ST. TROPEz, FRANCE -----------------------------------------------A fashionable and glamorous resort,
Hotel Sezz offers tranquillity and
rejuvenating escapes. Hotel Sezz
uses extra thick walls and windows
with integrated filters to absorb
ultraviolet rays, energy-saving
equipment and natural spa products,
and bikes are offered for guests who
want to go to the nearest beach.
Guests can relax by the Azure
pool, a stunning pool surrounded
by stylish white lounge chairs and
a Mediterranean garden filled with
exotic flowers and plants.
-----------------------------------------------INKATERRA MACHU PICCHU
PUEBLO HOTEL,PERU
-----------------------------------------------Named the top eco resort in South
America, Inkaterra is nothing less
than paradise for travellers in search
of an eco-luxe escape. Created
to resemble an Andean village,
the resort is home to hundreds
of butterflies, birds and orchid
species. There are spa treatments
using sublime 100 per cent natural
products and first-class dining
experiences with breathtaking views
of the rushing Vilcanota River. The
hotel amenities are made from
locally recycled materials. Guests
are welcome to visit the resort’s tea plantation and teahouse, as well as
nearby archaeological attractions.
Nestled into terraced hills where
sacred energy flows, Inkaterra
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a
one-of-a-kind destination.
Green is a mind-set and a way of life, and the hottest new trend in travel. These top eco-friendly properties are not only a great destination, but also emphasize organic products, help conserve resources like water and blend luxury accommodation with natural surroundings.
Text by Abyana M. Nizam | Photos courtesy of each property
Eco-Luxe Escapes
95
A hotel is no longer just a place to spend a night when far from home. For lovers of labels hotels have become destinations where you get to sleep in style and experience the living luxury of your favourite designers.
Text by Abyana M. Nizam
Haute CoutureHotels and Suites
More and more
of the world’s fashion legends
are stepping away
from the runway to
design the interiors of hotels. Guests
at these haute couture hotels are
not only invited to sleep, eat, wear
and breathe the brand, but they can
also purchase hotel accessories and
take home a fashionable souvenir.
From romantic beach resorts to
extravagant palaces, here are our
top five haute couture hotels.
-----------------------------------------------TORTUGA BAy,
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC-----------------------------------------------Tortuga Bay is a Caribbean retreat
with a perfect five-star rating on
TripAdvisor. That is one of the
reasons why Oscar de la Renta
proudly chose Tortuga Bay to
celebrate his dominican heritage.
This luxury boutique hotel has
been honoured with the prestigious
Commitment to Quality Award by
the Leading Hotels of the World.
Tortuga Bay has unsurpassed VIP
service, including a private car to
ferry guests through the beautiful
dominican countryside on the way
to the resort. A personal concierge
will welcome you and check you
into your villa, and you get your own
golf cart for convenient travel around
the compound, which includes 30
suites in 13 luxurious beachfront
villas, and stunning seafront golf
courses offering serenity, privacy and
a world-class vacation experience.
The resort is surrounded by palm-
shaded beach and tropical flowers,
and caressed by calm ocean
breezes. This ultimate escape
offers nine world-class restaurants
with a selection of cuisines from
Mediterranean to Italian to delicious
local seafood.
Oscar de la Renta’s simple yet
elegant style brings upscale casual
charm to the resort’s suites. He
chooses a palate of warm hues like
white, coral, cream, sand and warm
yellow to create a fresh vibe that
blends perfectly with the natural
surroundings and the private deck
overlooking the dazzling blue sea.
Each suite is complete with fresh
flowers and a complimentary bowl
of tropical fresh fruits to welcome
guests. www.puntacana.com
-----------------------------------------------SCHLOSSHOTEL,
BERLIN -----------------------------------------------The historic Schlosshotel was built
a century ago as a palace for one
of the Kaiser’s confidantes and
advisors, and was later restored
under the eccentric German-born
designer and Chanel director, Karl
Lagerfeld. The hotel features an
excellent luxury spa and first-class
dining experiences.
The exclusive 54-room property
is ideally located just outside of
Berlin in one of its most exclusive
suburbs. This inspiring hotel is
decorated in an eclectic style of
dark grey meets modern fashion.
Tradition meets contemporary
with remarkable details in its high
ceilings, marble floors, enormous
fireplaces, dramatic chandeliers,
antiques and ornate staircases, all
illuminated with natural warm light.
Guests can immerse themselves in
the sophisticated Lagerfeld lifestyle
with spacious suites, fine linens
and elegant fabrics. The designer
transformed the interior of the
hotel to reflect his refined personal
taste. Guests can even request
Lagerfeld’s personal suite, which is
filled with his personal furniture.
www.schlosshotelberlin.com
-----------------------------------------------PALAzzO vERSACE,
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA-----------------------------------------------Palazzo Versace Gold Coast
opened in 2000. It reflects the
distinctive vision of donatella
Versace and is a tribute to her
late brother, Gianni Versace.
Everything at the Palazzo, from the
drinking glasses to the towels, luxury
linens and carpets is etched with an
image of Medusa – the well-known
Versace logo. The hotel features
three award-winning restaurants –
Vanitas, Vie Bar + Restaurant, and
II Barocco.
Famous celebrities from Hollywood
and around the world have
experienced the Palazzo. The
200 lavish bedrooms inside the
glamorous Palazzo Versace will
amaze guests with their mind-
blowing architecture and interiors.
This truly is a palace fit for a king.
www.palazzoversace.com
-----------------------------------------------ST. REGIS,
NEW yORK CITy-----------------------------------------------Grey is a cool, sophisticated colour,
which is why Christian dior chose
calm, whispering grey shades to be the
main colour of the 1,700-square-foot
dior signature suite at the St. Regis.
Attention is paid to every corner of the
room, from the furniture to the paint,
rugs and curtains. The living room is
decorated with artistic watercolours
as a tribute to dior glam.
Located on the 12th floor, the
suite boasts spectacular Manhattan
views. St. Regis partnered with dior
to create an elegant suite consisting
of a master bedroom, one and a
half bathrooms, a dining room and
living room. Whether you love
couture or are simply just a lady at
heart, it is tough not to be charmed
by the gorgeous dior suite. www.
starwoodhotels.com/stregis
-----------------------------------------------HALEKULANI HOTEL,
HAWAII-----------------------------------------------Halekulani is rated as one of the
50 most romantic destinations in
the world. Guests can experience
canoe rides, take surfing lessons,
go snorkelling and sailing, or try
some deep-sea fishing. The “For You, Everything” program offers
Halekulani guests complimentary
tickets to visit the Honolulu
Museum of Art, Bishop Museum,
doris duke’s Shangri-La estate, the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and
Iolani Palace. Besides easy access
to Honolulu’s many attractions, the
hotel also offers the one of a kind
Vera Wang Suite.
Vera Wang is best known for
her exquisite bridal designs. The
designer’s fashion sensibility is
translated to the decor of a Hawaiian
beach resort with understated
beauty. Guests who book this suite
are entitled to dedicated 24-hour
butler service, a complimentary
welcome aphrodisiacal menu,
complimentary French Champagne,
and last but not least, a 24-
hour dining menu of sweet and
savoury selections chosen by Vera
Wang and served on Vera Wang
tableware. www.halekulani.com
PAUL GERT BEUCHEL,NEW DIRECTOR OFFOOD AND BEvERAGEAT jW MARRIOTT HOTEL jAKARTA
JW Marriott Jakarta is pleased
to welcome its new director of
Food and Beverage, Mr. Paul Gert
Beuchel. Paul started his career in
2005 at Kempinski Hotel Julai’a Kuwait as an Assistant Restaurant
Manager. He then pursued his
dream to various countries around
Asia. Now he cannot wait to
contribute his expertise to bring
the JW Marriott Jakarta to new
heights. As a Food and Beverage
professional, Paul believes in the
power of teamwork. For him,
team means “together everyone
achieves more.”
THE WESTIN RESORT NUSA DUA, BALIWELCOMES CHEF vALERIOTO ESTABLISH PREGO
The Westin Resort Nusa dua, Bali
takes great delight in welcoming
Italian Chef de Cuisine Valerio
Pachetti to its culinary team.
Born in Colombia, South America, to
Italian parents, Chef Valerio enjoyed
a multi-cultural childhood where
good food was the focal point
of his daily life. Upon graduating
from a private culinary school in
Rome, he went on to enhance his
skills at a number of pizzerias and
seafood restaurants in Rome. For
the next few years Chef Valerio
travelled extensively and accepted
a succession of culinary roles in
exotic destinations such as Brazil,
Myanmar, Vietnam, India and the
Caribbean. After exploring the world,
learning about different cuisine
styles and cultures, he decided to
perfect his technique by returning
to his Italian roots in a Michelin-
starred restaurant in Sicily.
Chef Valerio has come to the island
of Bali to oversee the set-up of
Prego, a Westin concept restaurant
that puts the fun back into Italian
dining. This family-friendly venue
will be part of a brand new wing
that is currently under construction
at the resort and will be operational
in August 2013.
GRAN MELIá jAKARTAAPPOINTS jOACHIM FELBERAS EXECUTIvE CHEF
Gran Meliá Jakarta is proud to announce the arrival of newly
appointed Executive Chef
Joachim Felber. Bringing with
him a great deal of experience,
he is well regarded for his ability
to lead culinary teams in various
renowned hotel restaurants.
Chef Felber brings more than
30 years of experience in
luxury hotels and restaurants
to his role, including an
Executive Chef position at a
five-star property in Japan and
Culinary director positions in
Thailand and Tai pei. A Swiss
citizen, born in Lucerne, the
most populous city in central
Switzerland, Chef Felber has
travelled from Europe to the
Middle East and Asia, and has
found more challenging and
exciting experiences in this
part of the world. “I also have found it easy to build good
relationshi ps with Indonesians
and communications go really
well,” said Felber. His strong
background in luxury hotels
and exceptional taste will
further enhance the dining
experience at Gran Meliá Jakarta’s restaurants.
MESA HOTELS AND RESORTS APPOINTS NEW GENERAL MANAGERS
Mesa Hotels and Resorts Group proudly announces its new management
teams for Grandkemang Hotel Jakarta and MesaStila – Magelang, Central
Java.
Michele Meoni, an Italian national, has been appointed the new General
Manager of Grandkemang Hotel Jakarta. With his solid background
in the hospitality industry and his experience in Italy, Egypt and the
UK in various top management positions, Michele is responsible for
establishing Grandkemang Jakarta as a leading hotel in Kemang.
Completely renovated, the hotel is located in the hub of great shopping,
dining and entertaining venues.
Muhammad Isa M. Rauf has been promoted to General Manager of
MesaStila – Magelang, Central Java. He had been Regional director
of Sales for Mesa Hotels and Resorts since 2007, and now has been
trusted to develop MesaStila into one of the leading wellness resorts in
the region. As General Manager, Isa will oversee operations, customer
service and public relations. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to
serve as the General Manager of MesaStila and work with the team as
we continue to provide the excellent service and accommodation that
our guests have come to expect from MesaStila,” said Isa.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, jAKARTAAPPOINTS CHRISTIAN DOLENCAS DIRECTOR OF ROOMS
Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta has
announced the appointment of Mr.
Christian dolenc as director of
Rooms. Christian has 11 years of
experience in the luxury hospitality
industry. His career with Mandarin
Oriental Hotel Group began in
2010 when he held the position of
Front Office Manager at Mandarin
Oriental, Hong Kong. While there
he contributed to an increase in the
hotel’s Guest Satisfactory Scores and
other key performance indicators of
the department.
ANTHONy O’CONNELL,NEW DIRECTOR OFCULINARy SERvICESAT THE PAPANDAyAN
The Papandayan in Bandung is
proud to welcome its new director
of Culinary Services, Mr. Anthony
O’Connell. He is originally from
Australia and discovered his love
of cooking at a very young age.
He brings with him more than
20 years of culinary experience
and management skills, coupled
with an award-winning menu
preparation background.
Anthony’s career started at an early age as an apprentice
cook at Wellington’s, a small
but highly regarded and award-
winning fine-dining restaurant
in Perth, Western Australia. His
career has since taken him to
major international hotels like
the Hilton, Hyatt and Rosewood,
and now to The Papandayan
as the director of Culinary
Services.
WHO’S NEW
100 101
BANyAN TREE TIANjIN RIvERSIDE DEBUTS IN HISTORIC PORT CITy OF NORTHERN CHINA
Opening in the historic yet vibrant city of Tianjin, Banyan Tree Tianjin
Riverside sets a significant milestone as Banyan Tree’s first luxury hotel in northern China and the group’s tenth property in the country. Building on the group’s unique urban resort concept, the property combines luxurious resort amenities and experiences with metropolitan
living.
Banyan Tree Tianjin Riverside, located in the former Austrian concession
district, is adjacent to the Italian part of the city, a picturesque region
of European-style villas, historic bridges and churches. Guests can enjoy
leisurely strolls along the many vibrant thoroughfares and waterfront,
such as Hai River Promenade and Italian Street, and experience an
exotic journey in Tianjin’s urban centre. Additionally, the Mazu Temples,
built during the Yuan dynasty, add a sense of awe and wonder to every
guest’s journey.
ESTONIA OFFICIALLy OPENS HONORARy CONSULATE IN jAKARTA
The official opening ceremony
for the Honorary Consulate of the
Republic of Estonia was held at
Gran Meliá Jakarta on Thursday, 4 April 2013. The memorable evening
was officiated by Mrs. Adriana Sri
Lestari, MBA, the Honorary Consul
of the Republic of Estonia to the
Special Capital district of Jakarta.
Mr. Marko Mihkelson, Chairman of
the Foreign Affairs Committee of
the Estonian Parliament, attended
the event and praised the bilateral
cooperation between Indonesia and
Estonia. diplomatic partners and
VIP guests were invited to the event,
including Mrs. Christien Suriadjaja
from PT Suryalaya Anindita
International and prominent
Indonesian fashion designer
Mr. Harry darsono. diplomatic
relations between Indonesia and
Estonia started in 1993. Bilateral
cooperation has intensified since
early 2012 with the conclusion of
economic cooperation, investment
and taxation agreements. On 31
July 2012, Mrs. Adriana Sri Lestari
was appointed Honorary Consul.
SHERATON BALI KUTA RESORT WELCOMES TRAvEL INDUSTRy PROFESSIONALS TO SHERATON FRIENDS GATHERING
To launch the resort and start
building a relationship with travel
industry players, Sheraton Bali Kuta
Resort presented “Sheraton Friends Gathering,” which was attended by
more than 150 professionals from
the travel industry. The honoured
guests were hosted by the resort’s management team, with a variety
of entertainments and the signature
Sunset Gathering culinary rituals on
offer. They also had the chance
to admire the mesmeric beauty of
Kuta Beach and the astonishing
sunset from the elevated location
at the resort’s Lounge and Social Courtyard.
Located above the beachwalk, an
open-air shopping complex featuring
more than 200 luxurious retail
shops and entertainments, Sheraton
Bali Kuta Resort also presented the
Sheraton Journey, a personalized
tour focused on storytelling about
the resort’s design, culinary offerings and decoration concepts. The tour
took guests to the resort’s various facilities, leaving them with a clear
imprint of what Sheraton Bali Kuta
Resort is doing – creating the new
Kuta experience.
HSBC vISA SIGNATURE: DISCOvER A WORLD OF EXPERIENCES
HSBC Visa Signature is a new premium credit card for affluent
customers to enjoy a lifestyle of privilege and luxury, reaffirming its
position as a leading international player in the premium credit card
segment in Indonesia.
Not only does HSBC Visa Signature Card allow valued customers to
discover a world of experience, but it also benefits cardholders with
rapid reward point accumulation and unmatched value in reward
point exchange. Cardholders will also have access to more than 600
domestic and worldwide airport lounges and can experience signature
dining around the world. The card also gives them access to a wide
array of local travel, dining and shopping offers.
SPICE ISLAND TREASURES
Teluk Jailolo Festival is an annual event organized by the Tourism department of West Halmahera, in the
Maluku Islands, to promote the natural resources, culture and tourism potential of the island. The festival offers
a variety of fun events, such as a spice parade, spice expo, spice garden walks, fishing, swimming and rowing
contests, fun dives, the Sigofi Ngolo sea ritual and a beach party with traditional foods and 10 tonnes of fish to
be grilled up. Teluk Jailolo Festival was held this year on 16-18 May.
The theme for the 2013 festival was “The Treasure of the Spice Islands.” One of the highlights of the event
was the big closing show, which was performed on a stage built over the sea. The closing show, and a music
and dance number titled “Sasadu by the Sea,” were the creations of Eko Supriyanto, Oleg Sanchabakhtiar and
dimas Leimana.
WHAT’SHAPPENING
102 103
LEADERSHIP AND THE ART OF STRUGGLE: HOW GREAT LEADERS GROW THROUGH CHALLENGE AND ADvERSITyBy Steven Snyder
Leadership is often a struggle,
and yet strong taboos keep us
from talking openly and honestly
about our difficulties for fear of
looking weak and seeming to lack
confidence. But Steven Snyder
shows that this discussion is vital,
and that adversity is precisely what
unlocks our greatest potential.
Using real-life stories drawn
from his extensive research
studying 151 diverse episodes
of leadership struggle, as well as
from his experiences working
with Bill Gates in the early years
of Microsoft and as a CEO and
executive coach, Snyder shows
how to navigate intense challenges
to achieve personal growth and
organizational success. He details
strategies for embracing struggle
and offers a host of unique tools
and hands-on practices to help you
implement them. By mastering the
art of struggle, you will be better
equipped to meet life’s challenges and focus on what matters most.
CREATING PERSONAL PRESENCE: LOOK, TALK, THINK, ANDACT LIKE A LEADER By Dianna Booher
Personal presence is difficult to
define but easy to recognize. People
with presence carry themselves in
a way that turns heads. When they
talk, people listen. When they ask,
people answer. When they lead,
people follow. Personal presence
can help you get a date, a mate,
a job or a sale. It can help you
lead a meeting, a movement or an
organization.
Presence is not something you are
born with; anyone can learn these
skills, habits and traits. Award-
winning speaker and consultant
dianna Booher shows how to
master dozens of small and
significant things that work together
to convey presence. She details
how body language, manners and
even your surroundings enhance
credibility and build rapport. You
will learn to use voice and language
to demonstrate competence, deliver
clear and memorable messages,
and master emotions. You will
learn to think strategically, organize
ideas coherently and convey to
others genuine interest, integrity,
respect and reliability.
LEAN IN: WOMEN, WORK,AND THE WILL TO LEAD By Sheryl Sandberg
Thirty years after women
became 50 percent of the
college graduates in the United
States, men still hold the vast
majority of leadership positions
in government and industry. This
means that women’s voices are still not heard equally in the
decisions that most affect all
of our lives. In Lean In, Sheryl
Sandberg, the COO of Facebook,
examines why women’s progress in achieving leadership roles has
stalled, explains the root causes
and offers compelling, common-
sense solutions that can empower
women to achieve their full
potential.
Sandberg provides practical
advice on negotiation techniques,
mentorship and building a
satisfying career, urging women
to set boundaries and to abandon
the myth of “having it all.” She describes specific steps women
can take to combine professional
achievement with personal
fulfilment and demonstrates how
men can benefit by supporting
women in the workplace and at
home.
PT. XPS LINK DenpasarKompleks Pertokoan Citra Bali No. 19Jl. Bay Pass Ngurah Rai, Kelan-TubanDenpasar - Bali 80362P +62 361 703 568F +62 361 702 686E [email protected]
PT. XPS LINK Cabang JakartaJl. Taman Kemang II, Block D-7Kemang - Jakarta SelatanP +62 21 719 9050F +62 21 719 8140E [email protected]
PT. XPS LINK Cabang BandungJl. Sari Rasa Blok 1 No. 2ASari Jadi - Bandung 40151P +62 22 201 8458F +62 22 201 8458E [email protected]
HAPPYHOURS
104
With 20 luxurious
boutique villas
set amid 2.5
hectares of
b e a u t i f u l l y
arranged gardens, The Royal Santrian
promises a tranquil and relaxing
retreat. Whether you choose a
Royal Villa or a deluxe Villa, you
are guaranteed a superior level of
comfort and exquisite amenities, an
open-air gazebo and large daybed,
and a private garden and pool for
the ultimate tropical experience.
This Royal Santrian is also the
destination of choice for exquisite
wedding celebrations, from intimate
parties for 30 to outdoor events for
up to 300 guests. Spa packages
are also available for the bride
and groom-to-be, honeymooners or
anyone who wants to experience
the ultimate in pampering. Enjoy the
Love Eternity Wine Spa Treatment
or the Prince & Princess Treatment
for couples. Satisfy your appetite at
Allspice restaurant, with its selection
of mouth-watering Japanese, Thai
and Western dishes. There is so
much to do at The Royal Santrian,
simply choose one of these special
packages: Honeymoon in Paradise,
Eat Pray and Love, or Luxury Escape.
A stay at The Royal Santrian is an
experience to treasure forever.
The Royal SantrianLuxury Beach villasJl. Pratama Tanjung Benoa
Nusa dua
Bali – IndonesiaPhone. +62 361 778181www.theroyalsantrian.com
Experience stunning views of the Indian Ocean, walk along the golden sands with a loved one or simply enjoy the solitude of lush tropical gardens and true Balinese hospitality. Whatever your holiday pleasure, the royAL sAntriAn promises an unforgettable getaway in the heart of Nusa Dua, Bali.
Photo courtesy of The Royal Santrian - Luxury Beach Villas
The Royal Santrian L u x u r y B e a c h V i l l a s
ADVERTORIAL
105
FEATURE
Ketel One Vodka, which
was recently voted the
World’s Best-Selling
Vodka at the World
Top 50 Bars Survey
2013, proudly announced the launch
of the new Copper Kettle Serve last
month. This is a unique theatrical
cocktail experience for consumers.
By using chunks of dry ice and, of
course the signature Copper Kettle,
which has been designed to reflect
Ketel One’s unique taste, heritage and the modern craftsmanship that
goes into the making of each bottle,
the serving of Ketel One Vodka has
never been this exciting. Experience
the unique taste of Ketel One Vodka
in a mild haze from the dry ice.
“The Copper Kettle Serve allows
bartenders to demonstrate the
craft of modern mixology at its
best,” said denis Tamse, Ketel One
Vodka distillery Ambassador. “Be it a special occasion or just an
impromptu evening with friends, we
believe customers will be ‘wowed’ by the spectacle of the Ketel One
Copper Kettle Serve.”
Ketel One Vodka is a sophisticated
and crisp wheat-based, super-
premium blend crafted from small
batches, using copper pot stills as a
part of the process. A member of
the Nolet family, which has owned
Ketel One for 11 generations, still
approves every final production of
Ketel One Vodka to ensure that
it is worthy to bear the Ketel
One name. It makes the premium
quality and originality of the brand
unquestionable.
What is the most important element in the art of drinking? The smell, the taste, the presentation, or a combination of all three? For cocktail lovers, Ketel One Vodka will elevate your drinking experience to a whole new level.
A Theatrical Cocktail
Experience106
ARIES Courage-----------------------------------------------You are always strong when you
need to be strong, but you need
a challenge to motivate you. You
always need dragons to slay.
The time is right for you to find
someone to protect. When you
do, you will remember how strong
you are when it comes to standing
your ground. Never question your
integrity; you are as firm as you
always have been.
TAURUS The Seer -----------------------------------------------This is the perfect time to gain
more knowledge about yourself,
to understand how life works and
to accept that you are part of a
greater plan. Take some time off
from work or your routine and
find a serene place where you can
meditate. Whatever is on your mind,
it is time to work it out.
CANCER One of Air-----------------------------------------------When you need a new challenge,
life will present you with one.
Whatever you do and wherever
you go, you will be so inspired that
you will always come up with new
plans and projects. Think outside
the box and release your creative
juices. You will feel full of fuel, so
start your engine and go.
LEO Goddess of Earth-----------------------------------------------You always enjoy life and what you
need now is the chance to pamper
yourself. Take your family on
vacation or get involved in activities
that will elevate your sense of
togetherness. Singles may find this is
a good time to find someone special.
When you feel good about yourself,
you will attract more goodness into
your life.
vIRGO Four of Fire-----------------------------------------------It is time to be at peace with
yourself. You need to see things
from all perspectives, analyse every
aspect and make a solid plan. Try
going for a walk, feeling every step
you take and grounding yourself.
It is also a good idea to see some
greenery or even eat some green
vegetables. A healthy body creates
a healthy mind.
LIBRA Goddess of Water-----------------------------------------------You are in control of your emotions
right now. You know how to act
and behave. Life will be more
harmonious when you take the time
to understand every feeling. People
will come to you for consolation.
You seem to have a special insight
and your words reach people
easily. Even when you are in a
bad mood, you can shake it off and
still shine bright.
SCORPIO Two of Air-----------------------------------------------There might be a chance to prolong
the fun, but the road is wide open
and requires you to walk the walk.
Now is the time to start planting
seeds for the future. If you feel
restless, remember to keep the seeds
alive. do you have the courage
and conviction to get the gold you
long for?
SAGITTARIUS Ten of Water-----------------------------------------------You are happy and that happiness
will spread. Your loved ones, your
children, your co-workers, almost
everyone around you will feel this
joy. Enjoy this time and be grateful.
It is also wise to give back to the
people around you.
CAPRICORN Six of Pentacles-----------------------------------------------It is about helping or being helped.
do not worry if you get in trouble;
help will always come. Perhaps
some mail will get lost, so be extra
careful. do check and re-check
all your correspondence. Re-send
when in doubt. This month learn
not to be greedy; it is one of-the
deadly sins.
AQUARIUS The Serpent -----------------------------------------------Everyone knows you are capable of
twisting logic and taking advantage
even in a dreary situation. It is
fine when you use this power for
good. But remember that not every
good intention ends well, let alone
ill intentions.
PISCES Nine of Fire-----------------------------------------------Being rich in imagination is a
wonderful gift. This month you
are inclined to go the other way
around. Never lose sight of your
destination. Hope is always there
when you need it. Avoid going out
at night alone. Avoid being alone
at all. Watch movies with happy
endings. Always remember to smile
before bed.
GEMINI Six of Air-----------------------------------------------Your life seems to work out the way it was meant to. Ideas flow freely
and you need to grab them immediately. You will find support from
the people around you. You might go on a business tri p and achieve
your target. This is generally a good month for work and career, so
take advantage.
TAROT
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