Archive for October, 2007
The Marianas Visitors Authority recently promoted Saipan, Tinian and Rota at the PATA Travel Mart in Bali. The goal of the travel mart is to allow one-on-one business appointments during the show as well as showcasing the islands to the hundreds of buyers and sellers that attended the event.
The CNMI had 26 appointments with buyers from Europe and Asia. In addition, there were walk-in appointments from other buyers in the region. Most of these buyers were looking for new destinations for their clients.
During the meetings, MVA presented the CNMI as a new destination to the Asian region and as a long-haul destination to the European markets.
“It is always good for our islands when we have the opportunity to meet with industry partners individually,” said MVA deputy director Judy Torres. “This time allows us to answer specific questions relative to Saipan, Tinian and Rota and to promote our islands in a very direct way.” (MVA)
Source: http://www.saipantribune.com
October 8th, 2007
Kayumanis Jimbaran is a Bali private villas and estate on Jimbaran Tourist resort
Kayumanis Jimbaran spreads across a generous 22.000 square meter grove of coconut trees are 12 villas, each a timeless interpretation of a tropical home, attuned to the climate through the use of only the finest indigenous materials. These private villas provide sanctuary for those who enjoy life to the fullest. Kayumanis offers a luxurious shelter from the complications of the outside world to those guests seeking to experience a better quality of life.
Inspired by the sense of community experienced in a typical Balinese village, Kayumanis Jimbaran Private Estate is an exotic sanctuary set amidst a grove of dancing coconut palms. Just meters from a traditional fisherman’s beach, this collection of contemporary styled one-bedroom villas are a timeless interpretation of a tropical home.
The estate makes a statement about local sophistication and has elevated personalized service in Bali to daring new heights. Privacy is highly respected and guests’ are completely left to their own devices with time alone to do as they please.
Kayumanis Jimbaran is the ideal retreat to discover Bali, its fascinating culture and hospitable people.
Get discount rate at
www.hotels68.com/detil/1001/Kayumanis_Jimbaran/
Villas Facilities
Guest’s are treated to a personalized level of gracious Balinese hospitality when they choose to stay at Kayumanis Private Estate.
Each villa is secluded with a private Balinese compound and features:
- Air-conditioned bedroom/s with ensuite bathroom/s
- Integrated living room and dining room environment
- State-of-the-art gourmet kitchen with espresso machine
- Bose lifestyle entertainment system with satellite plasma television
- Additional flat screen television in the bedroom
- Broadband internet access
- IDD telephone and electronic safety deposit box
- Air-conditioned studio to be used as a study, yoga space or massage treatment room
- Private Library with selected books and DVD’s
- Flat screen TV with satellite channels
- Private swimming pool and sun deck terrace within a spacious tropical garden
- Total area minimum 500 square meters
Other Facilities:
- Laundry & dry cleaning service
- Tours & transportation
- Exclusive access to other Kayumanis properties
- Dedicated Club House for social interaction serving afternoon tea
- Spa facility devoted specifically to health, beauty & wellness
- Private Beach Club
- Restaurant specializing in Indonesian cuisine
- Meditation environment for yoga and quiet contemplation
Source: http://www.pr-inside.com
October 5th, 2007
JAKARTA: Real Madrid plan to open a soccer academy on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, a spokesman for the national sports council said on Tuesday.
“Their CEO came to visit yesterday (Monday) and told us about their intention to build their soccer academy in Bali later this year,” Atal Depari told AFP.
He was referring to Real’s local venture, Realino Sports Indonesia, whose boss Jose Euardo Nadal told the council that the academy would be Real’s second overseas development. The first is in Mexico.
“When I asked, ‘Why Bali?’, he said that Indonesia had a vast population and an equally vast pool of sports talent,” Depari said.
The academy will accept about 220 students between nine and 18 years of age, and train them for 10 months, he said, adding that the admissions process would begin in December. – AFP
Keeper Kahn ruled out for a month
BERLIN: Bayern Munich captain Oliver Kahn is to have surgery on his elbow that will rule him out for at least four weeks, coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said on Monday.
The 38-year-old aggravated an existing injury while warming up before Saturday’s match against Bayer Leverkusen and was replaced by Michael Rensing, his designated successor.
“He’ll be out for four to five weeks,” Hitzfeld told reporters in Munich. “The operation will be done as soon as possible.”
Rensing, one of Germany’s top goalkeepers who has only played occasionally at Bayern, had an outstanding match against Leverkusen. Bayern won 1-0. – Reuters
Source: ttp://thestar.com.my
October 5th, 2007
A literal ring of confidence - LBHRC road tests Bali wedding product in person
The Little Bali Hotel & Resort Company goes to great lengths when it comes to road testing its member’s products be that a new hotel facility, sampling a spa service, white-water rafting - and even getting married!!
Taking one for the team last week in Bali, LBHRC co-founder Brett Morgan applied the ultimate litmus test to a Balinese wedding ceremony when he and fiancée Karen Quarello exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony with close family and friends on Seminyak Beach.
Filing his report very late the next morning, the newly-married Mr Morgan and his French bride said the event had been impressive and well up to the expected LBHRC standard.
“But when you get married in one of the most romantic destinations you can find to one of the most beautiful women on the planet, it’s very hard not to be impressed,” he said.
The newly-wed Morgans are just one of several thousands of Australians visiting Bali this year to get married or enjoy honeymoons.
The increased figures are borne out by LBHRC member Bali Weddings International which has just concluded its busiest May-August wedding season in more than two years.
BWI owner Katrina Simorgankir said the increased Australian arrival figures for the year to date and the best forward bookings “we have seen for months” are all good indicators of a slow but steady return to business for Bali.
Ms Simorangkir said that while her Australian business was slowly picking up, it was still a long behind the business she is receiving from other markets.
“Bali was very much in vogue with many other nationalities, particularly Americans, British, French, Irish, New Zealanders and Swedes, all of whom were returning to Bali in much stronger numbers than their Australian counterparts.
The wedding specialist is offering free digital photography on all Legal or Balinese Blessing ceremonies* taking place between 01 October 2007 and 31 March 2008.
The offer includes the services of a professional photographer who will take 72 frames, a number of which will be placed in a simple album, and a CD containing all 72 images taken.
Australian-owned and employing several Western wedding consultants, BWI has, since its inception in 1992, become Bali’s biggest wedding and event organiser and has played a major role in helping to build the destination’s romantic travel market.
The company also owns and operates a purpose-built ‘Bali Bridal Boutique’ in Sanur complete with reception, lounge and change rooms.
*Conditions apply.
Source: http://www.etravelblackboard.com
October 4th, 2007
DENPASAR (Antara): Bali will host Fashion Week 2007 in Kuta next November, a spokesperson for the event’s organizers said Tuesday.
This year’s event will focus on local participants without neglecting foreign buyers, chairwoman of the event’s organizing committee Mardiana Ika said after a meeting with Badung district chief AA Gde Agung.
Mardiana said Bali Fashion Week would help promote the island and the country internationally because the event would be attended by foreign designers.
Gde Agung called on the organizer to involve local designers, saying the event was important to give them an opportunity to deal with international designers.
Garments from Bali have gained access to the European Union, the United States and other Asian nations with total revenue of US$89.2 million in the first eight months of 2007.
That amount represents a 10 percent increase from the same period in 2006 when the figure was $80.5 million.
Source: The Jakarta Post
October 3rd, 2007
JAKARTA (Thomson Financial) - Foreign tourist arrivals to Indonesia in the eight months to August through 15 entry points nationwide rose 13.5 percent year-on-year to 2.97 million, data from the Central Bureau of Statistics showed Monday.
The increase was driven by arrivals via Ngurah Rai airport in the resort island of Bali, which rose 34.5 percent year-on-year to 1.13 million in the first eight months of the year.
In August alone, nationwide foreign tourist arrivals stood at 405,604, down 4.2 percent from July. August tourist arrivals were 17.3 percent greater than the 345,900 recorded in the same period a year ago.
Source: http://www.forbes.com
October 2nd, 2007
Australians and Indonesians gathered to lay red, yellow and white flowers at the base of a wooden cross, in a solemn ceremony to mark the 2005 Bali terrorist bombings.
Four Australians were among 20 victims killed in the blasts, when three suicide bombers attacked popular seafood cafes at Jimbaran Beach and a busy restaurant in Kuta.
Representatives of the three countries which lost lives in the bombings - Australia, Indonesia and Japan - laid wreaths at the base of the wooden cross, in the new memorial garden at the Australian consulate in Bali.
Around 50 guests in the low-key service then lined up to place individual flowers at the cross, built after the 2002 blasts to commemorate the 202, including 88 Australians, who were killed in the bombings.
Tight security surrounded the service, which was intentionally low-key for security reasons.
No Australian relatives or friends of the victims attended the commemoration, although two Indonesian victims attended and spoke of their continuing pain.
Australians Simone Forrest, and her daughter Ilanah, were outside Raja’s restaurant when it exploded exactly two years ago.
It was twice lucky for Ilanah, who had been inside the Sari Club on October 12, 2002, when a bomb tore through the nightclub. She escaped without injury.
Her mother Simone, said attending the memorial was part of the healing process.
“It’s a funny feeling but you just have to come,” Simone Forrest said.
“We were over here for the memorial of the first bombing and we ended up getting caught in the second.
“We were outside Raja’s restaurant in Kuta when the bomb went off.
“We were just really lucky.”
She said the family was also keen to show support for the Balinese.
The combined impact of two terrorist attacks in three years devastated Bali’s tourism-dependent economy, and while tourist numbers have recovered and hit record levels this year, Australian visitors are still slow to return.
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, in a statement in Canberra, said Australia and Indonesia remained committed to defeating terrorism.
“The perpetrators of these terrible attacks follow their own twisted ideology of hate, which has no place in either Australia or Indonesia,” he said.
“Australia and Indonesia together remain committed to defeating terrorism and upholding the values of democracy, diversity and compassion.”
Next week, Australians will again gather in Bali to mark the fifth anniversary of the October 12, 2002, nightclub blasts in Kuta, where 202 people died, including the 88 Australians.
“My thoughts are with the survivors and the families who lost loved ones on those sad days,” he said.
Mr Downer at the weekend said Australia would not appeal to Indonesia to stop the executions of three men convicted of playing key roles in the 2002 Bali bombings.
Source: http://www.theage.com.au
October 2nd, 2007
Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel is a five star Bali Hotel in Sanur around 25 minutes from the airport
Rich in history and tradition, Inna Grand Bali Beach is more than a hotel.
Set in 43 hectares of beautiful tropical gardens fronting a long stretch of Sanur Beach, Inna Grand Bali Beach is the most complete resort in Bali with the most experienced hotel team on the island where guests can enjoy views of the blue sea or the lush tropical gardens from their room, featuring state-of-the-art visitor facilities, also numerous artistic amenities of Balinese people and their talented neighbors.
As Bali’s first luxury hotel, we at Inna Grand Bali Beach look forward to sharing them with our guest along with our longstanding tradition of excellent services with Balinese charm.
Inna Grand Bali Beach located on the site of Bali’s first five-star hotel - the Hotel Bali Beach founded in 1966 - is the most complete resort complex in Bali, featuring state-of-the-art visitor facilities, but also numerous artistic amenities that bring to life the cultural excellence of the Balinese people and their many talented neighbors.
Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Resort & Spa, Sanur Bali is is set on a wide stretch of white sand right at the heart of Sanur Beach Bali, featuring state-of-the-art visitor facilities, but also numerous artistic amenities that bring to life the cultural excellence of the Balinese people and their many talented neighbors.
More pictures on
www.easybali.com/inna_grand_bali_beach.htm
www.hoteldibali.net
Discount rates and booking
www.bali-travelnet.com/hotels/218/Inna_Grand_Bali_Beach_Hotel/
Sanur, Bali’s original seaside resort, has long been known for its world class facilities and an atmosphere of comfort and privacy. Only 20 minutes from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport this oasis of luxury offers a wide range of dining and leisure opportunities.
The Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Resort & Spa, Sanur is the Bali’s first five-star hotel. Founded in 1966 The Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Sanur is the most complete resort complex in Bali. Extensive gardens landscaped around mature trees stretch down to one of Bali’s favourite beaches - perfect for swimmers, surfers, sun-worshippers, snorkelers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
The Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Resort & Spa, Sanur comprises 574 rooms in 3 types of accommodation: 111 rooms of Cottages, 208 rooms of 4 blocks two-stores buildings and 255 rooms of a ten-stores tower wing including a Presidential Suite and 24 Executive Suites. The luxurious rooms at The Grand Bali Beach are spacious, well-appointed and comfortably furnished reflecting the most experiences 5 star artistic amenities blend with cultural excellence of the Bali. Guests at The Grand Bali Beach Hotel can enjoy views of the blue sea or the lush tropical gardens.
At The Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Resort & Spa, Sanur, Balinese dance performances by night are a welcome break from all that swimming, surfing, sun-bathing and snorkeling during the day. Landscape tropical gardens spread you over 45 hectares along the white sandy beach of the Sanur Lagoon makes The Grand Bali Beach the ideal venue for exitic theme parties.
Opened: Original on 1 November 1996. Relaunched, after major upgrading, on 4 October 1993.
Location: On the long, white sandy beach of Sanur from the luxurious ten-storey central tower building, the highest in Bali, landscaped tropical gardens spread out over 45 hectares, with a wide range of recreational facilities & the modern SPA.
RESTAURANT AND BARS
* Candi Oriental Restaurant
* Baris Karaoke Bar
* Rajapala Lobby Lounge
* Warung Beringin Indonesian Restaurant
* Bali Hai Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
* Bali Kopi Shop, 24 hours coffee shop
* Golf Restaurant and Bar
* Bowling Bar
* Baruna Poolside Snack Bar
* Room Service 24 hours
* Shinta Snack Bar
* Tirta Bar and Pizzeria
Source: http://www.pr-inside.com
October 1st, 2007
Michele Cempaka, Contributor, Bali
Imagine being surrounded by an abundance of tropical flora and fauna as you treat yourself to a day of total pampering.
While that day may seem perfect, it is soon forgotten as tomorrow arrives and you feel your former stress creep back into your muscles and mind.
Nowadays, spas are realizing that it is not enough to just offer massages and facials to people seeking deep relaxation, so they are creating innovative spa treatments that embrace the idea of health and wellbeing.
People want to feel that their experience has affected them at a deeper level that is lasting.
Two premier spas in Bali offer treatments that are truly special: Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay and the Spa at Bali Hyatt.
Both of these spas are set in spectacular natural environments that provide guests with peace and an opportunity to take part in a holistic spa experience.
The Spa at the Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay is currently offering two unique treatments that I had the pleasure of indulging in: Water Massage and CranioSacral therapy.
Water Massage is a gentle, nurturing therapy carried out in warm water, combining movement, stretches and cradling.
“Your body is gently massaged and moved, like a dance in the water”, said Elisa, the spa therapist who facilitates this wonderful treatment.
You are held in the arms of the therapist who gently moves your body to assist the expansion and range of motion in your spine.
During this blissful therapy it is almost like experiencing an embryonic state, as the therapist skillfully guides you in stretches and movements both on and under the water’s surface.
Water massage is excellent for clearing the mind and it enables you to experience a state of weightless meditation through floating. It also assists in facilitating natural healing in one’s body.
After this sublime treatment I was led into their indoor spa where I was asked to lay down on the massage table in readiness for CranioSacral therapy.
I was unsure about what to expect, but as Elisa, my spa therapist, began to do her magic, I felt an even deeper calm come over me.
CranioSacral therapy is a gentle method of detection and correction of energy blocks that can occur in one’s body, due to every day stress and exposure to environmental pollution.
“This powerful yet subtle therapy encourages your own natural healing mechanisms to dissipate negative effects of stress on your central nervous system”, said Elisa.
Many people have greatly benefited from this type of therapy by experiencing improved health and greater resistance to disease.
It has been known to be effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including arthritis, asthma, chronic fatigue, depression, digestive problems, dizziness, emotional difficulties. to name a few.
The effects of CranioSacral therapy are lasting and profound on one’s body and mind.
Heavenly Spa
The Spa at Bali Hyatt offers a beautiful spa room set in natural surroundings. They have created a space in which guests can experience an authentic Balinese environment while receiving a wide variety of spa treatments.
The two treatments I experienced were Path to Swarga Loka and their newest treatment, The Path to Ethnic Wellness. Every treatment utilizes aroma therapy which influences one’s mind, body and hormonal balance.
Swarga Loka means “the heaven” — aptly named as one experiences a heavenly 130-minute treatment that focuses on rejuvenation, relaxation and elimination of toxins from one’s body.
The treatment begins with a gentle foot massage, followed by your choice of body scrub that exfoliates your dead skin and leaves you feeling smooth and clean.
Afterwards, you shower and immerse yourself in a wonderful aromatic mineral bath, which aids in the elimination of your toxins and re-mineralizes your body.
While taking your bath you are served a delicious healthy jamu drink. Jamu are traditional drinks originating from Java and are known for their healing effects on the body.
The aromatic massage came next, which was a deeply relaxing experience as the highly experienced massage therapist used traditional Balinese herbs and massage techniques to ease away any remaining tension from my entire body.
The treatment concluded with a soothing face massage.
The Path to Ethnic Wellness is a 90-minute treatment that totally utilizes natural ingredients from the herbs and essential oils to the banana leaves that are wrapped around your body.
There are two varieties of this treatment: the slimming and the relaxing treatments. I chose the slimming treatment, which focuses on detoxifying your body.
Juniper oil is used for detoxifying and fennel oil is also used for slimming. The treatment begins with an amazing body scrub which is a blend of traditional candlenut and fennel essential oils.
The candlenut is a mild abrasive which leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. This was followed by an avocado and juniper oil body mask, which is cool and rejuvenating for your body.
Then your body is wrapped with banana leaves and tied with coconut leaves, which accentuate the ethnic feeling of this special treatment.
Guests are also treated to a soothing fruit facial massage, followed by a gentle face massage with candlenut oil and dried flowers.
The treatment concludes with an avocado and honey blend facial mask and frangipani moisturizing lotion, which is soothingly applied all over your body.
This is truly an olfactory experience!
While there are literally hundreds of spas in Bali to choose from, these two stand out because of their holistic approaches to health and well-being.
The spa at Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay offers some unique alternative therapies, and the spa at the Hyatt provides guests with a variety of treatments that utilize natural ingredients for cleansing, relaxation and rejuvenation.
The two are both well worth a visit.
Source: The Jakarta Post
October 1st, 2007
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