Surfing in Bali

Many die-hard surfers have a similar item on their bucket list: a chance to surf in Indo!! This comes as no surprise as Indonesia is the world’s largest Archipelago and it has more islands than any other country in the world.

Bali, Indonesia’s crown jewel travel destination, is an important part of the surfing scene. Although not home to the most challenging of waves, Bali has the whole package of sun, sea, sand, cuisine and culture. And when you throw in surfing for all levels, it makes it more complete still.

Here’s a look at surfing in Bali, courtesy of Best Destination TV Travel Guide.

Eco fans should head to Costa Rica!

By Helen Cross | December 14, 2010

Any true eco enthusiast should make Costa Rica the top of their travel wish list. One of the most ‘green’ countries in the world, Costa Rica has unparalleled eco credentials and is doing the upmost to protects its ‘rich coast’. This is a country that:

• Was named the best country for eco-tours in Treehuggers ‘Best of Green’.
• Is ranked 3^rd in the world in the 2010 Environmental Protection Index
• Aims to become the first carbon neutral country by 2021
• Is ranked 1^st in the Happy Planet Index.
• Contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity
• Has 25% of its land protected in National Parks

However, as with anything that makes money, the term ‘eco’ can be subject to abuse and has been used to justify charging inflated prices for underwhelming experiences. $50 eco walk anyone?! Here are the crème-de-la- crème of environmentally conscious activities in the country:

• Ziplining and sky walks

The best way to get up close to the cloud forests of Costa Rica; ziplining provides an adrenaline fuelled trip through the canopy for those who wish to fly through the trees a la Tarzan whereas sky walks provide a more sedate experience from bridges suspended at dizzying heights.

Bali Hotels hit by Eat Love Pray fever

By Dian Hasan | September 3, 2010

The “Eat Pray Love” frenzy continues and for those who have been inspired to set off on their own soul-searching adventure in Bali’s Kamandalu Resort has come up with their own version of Elizabeth Gilbert’s story. The “Eat Pray Love” package starts with your choice of private luxury villa (Garden, Pool, or Deluxe Pool) and includes a variety of goodies all for both you and a guest including daily breakfast, cycling to see the Eat Pray Love movie sets in nearby Ubud, a romantic Italian dinner in the garden, 30 minute spa treatments for each of you, an outdoor activity of your choice (trekking, cycling, village or Royal Palace visit), and a trip to see Elizabeth Gilbert’s palm reader. Plus plenty of extras like bottled water in the room, comfy robes and slippers, transportation, and free drinks and coupons at the lounge.

The package is available from September 2010 thru July 2011 and sounds like a nice balance of experiencing the movie’s theme while still leaving room for a personalized experience, and if you were really inspired by the movie you can enter their contest and potentially win a trip for free. Otherwise there’s a minimum two night stay required with rates ranging from $280 – $440/night, depending on which villa you choose. Let yourself go!

Inspiration: Luxist and Unique Travel Destinations

Green & Rustic | Veranda Natural Resort, Kep, Cambodia

By Dian Hasan | September 1, 2010

A high-end nature retreat on a quiet hillside location, mere minutes from the beach, the resort presents a unique concept with raised wooden walkways, stonewalls surrounding by stunning natural beauty, in Asia’s best-kept travel secret, Cambodia.

A nature lover’s retreat, Veranda Natural Resort is a 3-hectare compound with bungalows open-air veranda, luxury private rooms, restaurant, bar-cocktails, bakery & ice-cream and a boutique shop housing the accommodation.

This little hideaway invites you to relax and discover the untouched beauty of the surroundings and the extreme view of the Ocean, sunset and Bokor mountain. Bokor was popular Hill Station (elevation: 1,080 m) during the French occupation and reached its height in the 1920s.

Veranda comprises bungalows constructed of indigenous building material. All bungalows are linked with raised walkways that were built to keep the natural contour of the hotel site.

Green & Chic | Boca de Iguanas, Costa Alegre, Manzanillo, Mexico

By Dian Hasan | August 31, 2010

Boca de Iguanas (Mouth of the Iguanas) boutique hotel is a small property that dazzles with a cool concept of rustic and eco-chic to create the perfect hideaway adventure.

The stylish 12-room retreat lies on an unspoiled beach along Mexico’s Costalegre, North of Manzanillo facing the Pacific ocean, offering the perfect modern and rustic blend inspired by the magical natural surroundings of this ecologically sound development. Rooms feature bedspreads and pillows with bold, geometric prints, plush bathrobes and extra large bath sheets, air conditioning and overhead fans. But reminders of Mother Nature are everywhere: handcarved tree trunk tables, baskets woven from coconut palm husks, all natural soaps and shampoos, and indoor/outdoor living spaces that surprise and amaze.

Room names reflect nature, as well as their unique differences: “Selva Suite” (meaning jungle) features an outdoor soaking Jacuzzi tub hidden along the edge of the mangrove estuary, and “Palmas” overlooks a stand of coconut palms. Guests in “Agua” luxuriate in an oversized Jacuzzi tub, while “Noche” invites guests to climb a spiral wooden staircase to a terrace and bed under an awning of celestial stars by night, or an incredible blue sky during the day.

Found on secluded bay along Mexico’s Costalegre just 40 minutes north of Manzanillo International Airport (ZLO), Boca de Iguanas Beach Hotel offers rustic but luxurious and stylish accommodations that deliver an ultra-chic vacation in a pristine ecological setting – with equal portions of stimulation and relaxation.

An adventure activity menu includes an onsite 50-foot high natural rappeling wall, ocean kayaking, birdwatching and jungle hiking. The beach club restaurant offers a healthy and tasty menu featuring the freshest local ingredients.

Boca de Iguanas takes its eco-responsibility seriously, and separates them into the following three related areas:

Sustainability
To maximize on the “greenness” of the community, Boca de Iguanas uses its own solar power array for supplemental electricity as well as solar hot water, and plumbing connects to community gray water recycling system, and sewage treatment plant.

Conservation
Biologists oversee the mangrove conservation efforts and patrol the beach for the seasonal turtle camp. Habitat is created for the local iguana and tropical bird populations and a community wide recycling program are ways we integrate the development into nature.

Preservation
Natural surroundings are kept in a largely untouched state, juxtaposing the striking ocean and tranquil beach with a mangrove ecosystem that will also provide a backdrop to many of the development’s eco-focused lifestyle. Cars will not be allowed: a covered parking area is located at the entrance of the development. Walking & jogging paths encourage a healthy lifestyle, and electric carts will deliver owners right to their front doors.

Green & Chic | Kahanda Kanda, Galle, Sri Lanka

Kahanda Kanda, among Sri Lanka’s newest boutique hotels, offers the indulgent luxuries of a private villa with the service of a five star hotel, and is situated near the southern coast not far from Galle. Five air conditioned suites with breathtaking panoramic views of palm fringed jungle and the Indian Ocean promise stylish, spacious interiors, ideal in which to unwind – the perfect example of getaway boutique hotels.

Overlooking Koggala Lake and surrounded by the lush greenery of a working tea estate, my home turned award winning boutique hotel offers discerning travellers a unique wellness escape with quick access by charming tuk tuk to timeless treasures inside Galle Fort as well as some of the world’s best beaches, for which Galle and Sri Lanka are so well known.

Peaceful, tropical ambience, world class heartfelt service and fresh fusion cuisine that lures guests from surrounding hotels in and around Galle, Kahanda Kanda is an idyllic environment for a wedding, a honeymoon or a holiday of absolute relaxation, all on a working tea plantation.

Green & Chic | Raas Haveli, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

By Dian Hasan | August 31, 2010

Some of Asia’s most historically impressive destinations (save Bali, Bangkok, Luang Prabang & Kyoto) have often lacked accommodation that matched the magic of the place. The choices were mostly limited by large and unimaginative chain hotels, or a coterie of humble abodes for the backpacking crowd. And nothing really in between – a stylish small and personal hotel that breathes and oozes the place. Personality was missing big time. Such condition afflicted Jodhpur, Rajasthan, one of India’s most alluring destinations!

As the Indian economy continues to forge ahead, minting a new monied crowd with a lifestyle appetite to explore the continent’s diverse offerings, tagging with it an international clientele that seeks the chic and hip. The right hotels are coming on stream. Raas Haveli is one such fine pedigree! The age of the Boutique Hotel has arrived!

Situated at the foot of the mighty Meherangarh Fort, in the heart of Jodhpur’s Walled City. It is the only luxury hotel to be based in the old town, and the views directly up to the fort, which looms above you, are quite spectacular. It is situated in the prestigious north-eastern quarter of the Walled City, just a stone’s throw from the Clock Tower. One may simply wonder out into the surrounding maze of streets to explore the markets. The hotel comprises four charming 150-year old restored buildings in Jodhpur’s very own ‘rose-red’ sandstone.

This is combined with stylish, contemporary new buildings which have been designed by an acclaimed architect. In its entirety the Ras Haveli (as it was originally called) remains today the best preserved, largest and most complete urban noble residence perhaps in all Rajasthan. This exquisite little hotel is Jodhpur’s first eco friendly boutique hotel in the true sense of the term.