Is Lombok a sybaritic road less travelled or the new Bali? For many tourists and expats, Lombok has an understated charm of its own. We all love Bali; it has always been an island paradise, despite the recent ugly unfettered developments and gridlocked traffic. As tourist, we are still drawn to the culture, cuisine, and the genuine smiles of the local Balinese. It seems though, Bali’s little sister Lombok is about to come of age.
The shoreline of Lombok has an untamed beauty, with untouched sandy beaches and clean water. The coastline boasts spectacular surf with challenging rollers. The breathtaking views from the caldera and Mount Rinjani’s majestic glory are stunning.
For the indigenous Sasak, life has dramatically changed in Lombok, with ubiquitous souvenir shops sprouting overnight like mushrooms after a storm. So too the luxury resorts are starting to appear.
The Oberoi, a 5 star development was ahead of its time, and saw the potential of the island’s north shore long ago. The resort, set in 24 acres of idyllic tropical gardens, looks out over Medana Beach and has thatch-roof villas with expansive shaded terraced pavilions.
The picturesque Senggigi, with its protected beaches and stunning sunsets is the location for boutique Villas and stylish restaurants. The Gili Islands have always been a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Gili Trawangan, site of hypnotic dance parties is also earmarked for future development of Spas, Villas and Boutique Hotels.
For the complex cultural mix of local families, the new airport in the island’s south is still a novelty, picnics and a family day out have given it a carnival atmosphere. Just 15 minutes from the airport is the beachside town of Kuta Lombok. With its unspoiled beaches, spectacular surf and tropical scenery it has long been a favorite for surfers. In response to a growing need for luxury accommodation, Reflections Beach Villas & Spa will be due for completion in mid-2013.
Will Lombok be the next Bali, only time will tell, but for affordable luxury and a chance to explore the road less travelled, Lombok, like the girl next door, might just be the one!
Singapore’s grand plan to become the cruise hub of Asia is attracting a lot of interest from major cruise lines, but for me, my heart will always align with 
Each suite is serviced by your very own butler, about the only time you can get away with having a strange man come to your room and a good looking one at that! Your personal butler will take care of all your needs, unpack your suitcase, press your clothes, polish your shoes, deliver your bathroom amenities, fill your mini bar with your beverage of choice and set up your room service as required. Better than having a wife! Each day we were treated to a fresh bottle of Champagne and canapés, our clothes were pressed and ready for the evening activities, but best of all we were always greeted by name with a radiant smile. One of the true gems onboard is the service staff, all genuinely friendly and skilled in personal attention to detail.
For us, this trip was a nostalgic 7 day voyage to familiar ports of call, Phuket, Penang, Belawan, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and then back to Singapore with one day entirely at sea. The days at sea are my favorite, these days give you the opportunity to explore the ship’s treasures, maybe a massage at the spa, afternoon tea at leisure, attend the enrichment program or throw yourself into the many activities available throughout the day. Most guests laze by the pool with a good book or sit by the bar with the cocktail of the day… all very hedonistic.
No reservations required for the after dinner shows. The Show lounge features full scale sophisticated performances, enrichment lectures, classical soloists and feature film nights, a variety of entertainment. The young, classically trained singers from the U.S entertained us nightly with an amazing repertoire. You can also dance the night away in the Panorama Bar, or sing along with the cabaret in the Observation bar before heading to the casino to try your luck. The poolside buffet was a memorable evening under the stars, exquisite food, entertainment and dancing on deck.
The Silversea fleet is small and intimate, inspired by European luxury with highly personalized care. The staff to guest ratio is nearly one to one, creating a stylish ambience onboard. On our final day we were reluctant to leave, we had made so many new friends and they too did not want to leave the camaraderie and comfort of their new found home. Once we disembarked, reality set in, as we trawled along the slow moving taxi queue, I amused myself by planning ahead. Where would my next voyage of discovery on Silversea take me? It is after all the journey and not the destination that really matters, I can hardly wait!
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