By Susan Kurosawa
AT a cool elevation just 45 minutes by road north of Denpasar and the holiday coast of Bali, Ubud conforms to the classic hill-station template of clean and crisp air, gentle pace and deep green views.
Ubud has been a haven for foreign artists and creative castaways since the 1930s, when it must have seemed like Shangri-la.
Ubud has also been a travellers’ getaway since (at least) the 1970s but the hippie flower-power atmosphere has been replaced with a smarter vibe and cafes are as likely to serve excellent espresso and wines by the glass as they are mango juice and herbal teas.
Today, the main streets are a jumble of shops that may not be all that different to their coastal counterparts in Kuta or Seminyak but the methodical fossicker will be rewarded with good antiques and hand-made finds, especially wood carvings.
Best annual event: The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (September/October each year), founded by Australian expatriate Janet De Neefe, is a lively litfest of panels, workshops, book launches, lunches and performances, many in exquisite garden or temple settings. This year’s attendees included 2006 Man Booker prize winner Kiran Desai and Australia’s Richard Flanagan. www.ubudwritersfestival.com.
Source: http://www.news.com.au/travel
November 6th, 2007
Swiss Grand Bali is a four star boutique resort that envelopes you in luxury, blending traditional Balinese friendliness with tranquil elegance and personalized service. Our resort instills the island’s artistic culture in very aspect of its facilities, delivering service with distinctive Balinese style. We are within a pitching wedge shot from the 1st tee of the renowned ‘ Bali Golf & Country Club-, a short walk from Bualu Village, ‘Bali Collection shopping and Entertainment Complex-, and the Bali International Lawn Tennis and Lawn bowls.
Swiss Grand Bali resort boasts the largest rooms in Nusa Dua, 52 square meters. All rooms at Swiss Grand Bali include a private balcony and are decorated to the highest standard, combining natural colors and a rare and unique earthy yellow bamboo flooring. The predominant use of natural materials creates a distinctive Balinese ambiance, offering the perfect choice of resort room comfort.
The Telaga Waja restaurant at Swiss Grand Bali is located in a romantic setting on the ground floor of the resort alongside the twin pools and is open from 7am to 11pm, serving Indonesian and International cuisine. There are regular Poolside Barbeques and special buffets served with the A La Carte menu and magical musical accompaniment from the resorts resident quartet band.
Source: http://www.pr-inside.com/
November 6th, 2007