Blog | Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific

A special Elite 15% saving at AYANA Resort and Spa

Shaan Nicol — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:26 +0000

AYANA Resort and Spa: Named after a ‘place of refuge’ in Sanskrit, AYANA Resort and Spa Bali, Indonesia, is perched on limestone cliffs above the Indian Ocean near Jimbaran Bay on Bali’s south-western peninsula. The 77-hectare property enjoys majestic views and a secluded location across its 1.3 kilometre coastline, yet is just 10 kilometres from Bali’s airport. This is one of Bali’s most lauded properties.

When you book 21 days or more in advance, Elite can offer you a 15% saving on the Best Available Rates for all Villa bookings, or 10% off Rooms and Suites, with the Elite Advance Purchase Offer.Room rates start from USD$260 per night.

AYANA Resort and Spa: The expansive resort includes 78 freestanding private villas and a 290-room hotel. The 13 dining venues include the stunning new Rock Bar built on natural rock 14 meters above the ocean at the base of towering cliffs, and accessed via an inclinator; the ultra-chic Dava Restaurant; the pan-Asian melting pot of Padi restaurant; and sand-floored Kisik seafood restaurant over the beach.

Recreational facilities include the Thermes Marins Bali Spa with one of the world’s largest Aquatonic Pools and the spectacular Spa on the Rocks treatment villas; four freshwater swimming pools including a children’s pool; the stunning salt-water, infinity-edged Ocean Beach Pool; 18-hole golf putting course; tennis pavilion; fitness centre; children’s centre; and retail arcade. Also spread out across the property are five magnificent cliff-top wedding venues including two all-glass pavilions and the AYANA Wedding Gazebo within the grounds of AYANA Villa.

To find out more about this incredible Elite AYANA Offer, visit AYANA Resort and Spa today!

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Live Like a local

Elitist — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:00:33 +0000

“What is a city, but the people; true the people are the city”. Coriolanus

Have you ever wanted to slow down and stay in one place for a while, and maybe live like one of the locals? If you really care about the culture and spirit of a certain place, why not do just that? Livin la vida loca!

Many times during my travels I’ve found myself watching a city’s inhabitants wishing I could be as cool as they seemed to be. I wanted to dress, speak, and lounge around in bars and coffee shops with the easy body language of someone who was at one with a city they loved. It takes a certain amount of research and confidence, but you can do it.

Many years ago a good friend of mine relocated to Geneva and invited me to come and stay. She had only been in the city about a month, so together we set about discovering what it had to offer. We toured the beautiful streets and drove around the lake in a sports car making all sorts of mistakes, but because my French was rudimentary and she was just learning we were oblivious to the taunts of the other motorists. I loved going to the markets to buy the local delicacies, with much miming and playacting we managed quite well. We stopped being tourist and immersed ourselves into the everyday life of a Genevan; we went to French classes, watercolor painting, and flower decorating. In the evening we would sit in her garden smelling the roses, drinking wine, hoping to get a glimpse of her neighbor who was a well-known handsome French movie star, it was one of the best times I had discovering a city, not as a tourist but as a resident.

Of course staying with a resident of a city makes it all too easy, try staying in an apartment, or if you do have to stay in a hotel, choose a small one in a trendy neighborhood. Look around with a view to living there rather than just visiting. My travelling companion and I did that in Barcelona, it was actually an old equestrian club in an upmarket neighborhood, it was so much fun getting lost at every turn, discovering the local deli and convenience stores, and having dinner in the neighborhood tapas bars. We did something similar in New York and stayed out of town in a small hotel that was more like an apartment. Read the local papers and find out “what’s on” go for a walk or jog in the park, talk to the families and local characters walking their dogs; find out where their favorite eateries are. Cities have such a variety of free events, art exhibits, fairs, markets, parades…I’ve never been to New York when there hasn’t been some sort of a parade, especially during the festive holiday season, we even met a delightful family who invited us to their home for Thanks Giving, how wonderful is that!

Make the most of public transport, buses and subways, or otherwise walk everywhere, hire a bike and cycle around the city, go to the beaches and set up for the day with a picnic. Trawl through the local markets and buy the local produce to take home to your apartment and cook your own dinner. Within a very short space of time the shop keepers and barristers will get to know you and have your order waiting before you cross the road!

In Sydney we always stay in a serviced apartment right in the thick of things at Circular Quay, it’s in walking distance of some of the best bars, restaurants, and parks in town, not to mention one of the most spectacular views in the world. It’s so nice to sit on your balcony in the morning with your coffee and breakfast watching the commuter ferries glide through the sun spangled waters, or in the balmy evening watching the sun go down over the harbor while sipping a delicious glass of wine. We love the botanical gardens there so much we even have our own park bench, complete with a plaque dedicated in our name!

Of course if it’s your first time in any city sneak in as many must sees as you can and then return on local terms!

Have you had the pleasure of living in a city for an extended length of time? Tell us all about your experiences.

“Cities like cats, will reveal themselves at night” Rupert Brooke

The lost art of relaxation

Elitist — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:02:02 +0000

“Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream.” John Lennon

Are you addicted to stress, do you create your own brand of anxiety? We’re all guilty, as adults we judge, criticize, and doubt everything we do, with that kind of mindset we’ll never find contentment, but with time and practice we just may be able to find a saner way of life.

Have you ever watched children at play or applying themselves to a new task? They focus on what they’re doing and forget about everything else about them, it’s beautiful to watch, they‘re unconcerned about time or place, and the possibility of failing does not even enter their little heads. We need to reach in and reconnect with our inner child. Stop nurturing anger, grief, fear and the anxiety that is hurting us. Start by changing your perspective, alter your expectations and appreciate the people you have in your life. Don’t let stressful occasions such as Christmas or birthdays upset you. Live fully in the moment and try not to concentrate on the negative.

After a long flight home many years ago, I became very ill and took quite a while to recover, during my convalescence I was suddenly filled with a wonderful feeling of peace and well-being, I was calm relaxed and happy just to sit and listen to the sounds about me. I took long restorative naps and spent time alone thinking of nothing. When I recovered, I embraced my friends and family with renewed strength and calmness. It doesn’t take a serious illness for you to appreciate the small things in life, but sometimes we need a little jolt to remind us of what we have.

To help you reach a healthier level of sanity, learn how to breathe properly, by taking long deep rhythmic breaths that raise and lower your abdomen. Master the technique of mediation, start out small, five minutes a day and build on that. Eat a healthy well-balanced diet and eat with family and friends, walk each day, and smile and laugh. A technique I’ve found useful is mental visualization, a sort of holiday for your mind in which you imagine your own private paradise in precise detail, it takes practice but really works!

Stress and flying make for poor travelling companions. Some people are okay with flying but I know many frequent flyer’s that go the whole white knuckle route, for them flying is a tension filled drama. Remember you can’t control everything, so practice letting go. Put your faith and trust in the pros around you and lose yourself in a good book, music, or a movie, preferably one that isn’t a horror movie or involves an air disaster in the plot.

Most airlines advise their passengers to drink lots of water, which is sound advice, but I prefer a few glasses of champagne or wine, always guaranteed to help you relax and put you to sleep.   Keep warm and comfortable especially your feet, create your own personal cocoon, if the noise of the aircraft bothers you use earplugs or better still focus on the sound around you until your brain becomes bored and filters it out naturally. Believe it or not I find turbulence comforting, like the rocking of a ship, practice your deep breathing and relax the muscles in your entire body one by one, whilst visualizing your perfect destination.

Our modern day world is full of anxiety and tension; by focusing our energy on proven relaxation techniques we can improve the quality of our health. We all deserve to find peace of mind and a calmer saner way of life!

What is your preferred way of relaxing, please share.

If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath. Amit Ray

The Bale

Shaan Nicol — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:29 +0000

Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific presents The Balé

The Balé, is a unique boutique resort located on the hillside of Bali’s fashionable Nusa Dua area of Bali, overlooking the Indian Ocean, walking distance from white sandy beach of Geger. The resort boasts just 29 immaculately designed pavilions, each with a sleek modern interior and refreshingly simple garden, blissful daybed and its own private pool.

As a Friend of Elite you are entitled to a 30% reduction on the room rate with no minimum stay requirement. Airport transfers and a 6pm late check out are also available at no extra cost.

Its ‘no children’ policy allows a couple to really be a couple, and spend every moment reconnecting with each other. Superbly trained staffs are your personal 24hr butlers and pleased catering to your every need. Guests may want nothing more that yoga each morning and a massage each afternoon.

Personalised meals, private BBQ and candle light dinner are personally arranged by Hamish Lindsay and his culinary team using organic produce whenever possible and only serving fresher produce at all times.

The retreat offers the perfect romantic getaway from the pressure of life, and the change to relax and revitalise in style.

To find out more about this incredible Elite Resort, visit The Balé today!

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Eating on the streets, the best street food

Elitist — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 01:04:09 +0000

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” Ruth Reichl

When travelling, eating street food can be an exciting adventure, or a major mistake, but an experience you should not overlook! In Asia, street food is all about the culture and ingredients of the region, if you really want to taste the best food in town, head for the streets.

First light was not long off as we arrived at the train station in New Delhi. We were taking a train to Agra for the day to see the iconic Taj Mahal. My apprehension grew as an anaconda line of passengers hustled, stepping over sleeping humps in their wake. It was already hot and steamy, and with great relief we found our names on the manifest and boarded the train. Once we got moving, the next obstacle to overcome was the persistent food vendor, who would not take no for an answer. We finally realized the food came with the cost of the ticket (what strange foreign idiots would refuse food already paid for) so gingerly we took our little bundles of foil wrapped food and examined the contents. Mmm… Not so frightening, poori, fried Indian bread, accompanied by a spicy vegetarian patty, which turned out to be delicious!

Born out of desperation, the food vendors in India are squeezed into any little hole in the wall. The food differs from region to region and the selection is as vast as the country. Some favorite’s I’ve been tempted by and lived to tell the tale, Puri Puri…delicious fried dough balls filled with spicy potato and chutney, Aloo Tikki…curried chickpea and potato pancakes, Dosa…rice flour crepes and Bajji…deep fried vegetables. In Calcutta they have Rice Hotels, really just tiny portable vendors selling a cheap rice and curry meal.

When we first moved to Singapore, street vendors were quite common, as were hawker centers, one of our all-time favorites was the Satay Club. The Satay Club, quite a posh name for what was just a sprawling outdoor restaurant, served nothing but delicious satay. Housed in a bare allotment, where the Esplanade stands today, we had many memorable evenings with families, friends, and visitors to Singapore, gorging ourselves on chicken, lamb, and mutton satay with the most moreish peanut sauce I’ve ever tasted. It was embarrassing at the end of the evening when the satay man came around and counted up the sticks…did we really eat that many, not to worry, it was about 20 cents per satay, so who couldn’t afford to wolf down a few more!

Indonesia offers a movable feast with vendors on bicycles…Makanan. Satay and rice are great standbys, the satay man fanning his hot coals in his grubby vest and longi is a common sight throughout Indonesia. In Bali you will find many carts serving all sorts of fruit, drinks and snacks, but my fave’ place to eat local, is the road side Warungs, try the Fish Satay…Satay Ikan, or Balinese Chicken with spicy sambal and lime. Ayam Goreng…fried Chicken and Nasi Campur, banana leaf, noodles, chicken, peanuts and coconut. Suckling pigs are everywhere, but not for the faint hearted. For the veggies amongst us, the deep fried Tempeh…fermented bean curd is delicious.

In Japan, there are oodles of noodles…Ramen, Udon, and Soba. Yakitori is also a popular snack on a stick. Japan invented food on the go with their ever-present Bento boxes. The Philippines are another country that is fond of food on sticks, as well as other obscure snacks that I could never get my head around, let alone my teeth, like Balut, duck egg fetus, I’m sorry, but I’ll leave that for the extreme food adventurers.

As the sun sets in Thailand up pops the car park restaurants. Here you can try anything and everything from Pad Thai, Thai curries, satay, meat, veggies and noodles, the original plastic bag meals. My all-time favorite, Tom Yum Kung with rice, is an unadulterated taste of Thailand in a dish!

The Dai Pai Dongs, literally street side stalls, in Hong Kong sell anything you can put on a skewer, they also have the most heavenly dim sum, wonton noodle soup…silky egg noodles with yummy shrimp wontons, steamed buns with BBQ Pork and delicious seafood dishes, but be warned, the street stalls are disappearing fast, so you may have to search a little on your next visit! In Vietnam it’s all about the Pho, delicious soupy noodles another popular dish is Com Tam, a yummy broken rice dish, and of course you can’t leave without trying the delicious Banh Mi…traditional Vietnamese sandwich.

Street food is not about comfort or ambience, it’s about taste, authenticity, and adventure. Do a little research before you travel and use your common sense…go where the locals eat, choose one dish vendors, make it a movable feast and walk between stalls for each course, avoid flies, rubbish and have a sneaky look to see how clean the utensils, cooking pots and storage area is, if it looks dodgy, hightail it out of there to some place more salubrious!

Do you have a favorite street stall when travelling? Do tell!

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world” JRR Tolkien

Girl Power…Luxury travel for Women

Elitist — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 06:00:25 +0000

“Dreams… they are never in the place you expect them to be.” Shirley Valentine.

Recently I’ve encountered a growing number of young women, and women of a ‘certain age’ who for one reason or another, have chosen to journey through life without a partner. Throughout Asia more and more young women have decided on careers, rather than a more traditional role.

Most girlfriend getaways revolve around a spa, yoga, or shopping, and who wouldn’t enjoy a luxury retreat doing just that, but a growing travel trend is ‘women only packages.’ Women are expert at striking a balance between adventure, luxury, and a desire to be themselves. Many of the women only travel experiences fulfill a need for something a little different from the usual girly getaways.

I’ve never really learnt to ski well, in fact I think I hold the record for the most number of ski lessons one can take in a lifetime, so for me a women only ski camp sounds enlightening. So what if you fall down time and time again, the other girls won’t laugh they will offer you all the encouragement you need, so less humiliating than in front of a man!

Perhaps you would like to indulge in a little nostalgia, reliving the carefree days of your youth at an all-girl camp, with walks on the beach, kayaking, creative craft and painting, yoga, meditation, as well as nutrition and wellness coaching.   If you’re looking for an epic change in your life, why not try trekking in Nepal, horseback riding in Mongolia, learn to surf in Australia, snowboard and ski in Canada, or perhaps trekking in the beautiful English countryside, with dinner and wine by the fire of a traditional manor house, this is sure to bring back the color to your cheeks. The combination of a challenging new experience, relaxation, and luxury surroundings is certain to be monumental in building self-esteem and confidence!

If you already have an establish group of girls to share a getaway with, try thinking out of the box and do something a little different. How about renting a villa in the South of France or Tuscany in Italy, or perhaps a luxury villa in Bali, Sri Lanka, or Thailand, complete with a gourmet chef and resident masseuse. Women are choosy when it comes to spending their hard earned cash and are selective about safety, superior accommodation, and quality inclusions.

You don’t have to be at a major crossroad of your life to consider an all-girl vacation, but if you are it can’t hurt. Travelling with women can balance your emotional well-being. Women are expert at accommodating each other’s individual needs, and a little girl talk and lots of laughter is always uplifting!

Note to first timers, make sure it’s an all women vacation, I had a friend who went on a tour to Vietnam with two girlfriends…one unfortunately got sick and could not continue… the other met the man of her dreams and left her all alone for the rest of the trip… Plan carefully!

Do you have a favorite girlfriend getaway you would like to share?

“I’ve fallen in love with the idea of living.” Shirley Valentine

Bunga Raya Island – Stay 3, Pay 2 Nights

Shaan Nicol — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 01:31:27 +0000

Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific presents Bunga Raya Island – Stay 3, Pay 2 Nights

This special offer allows you to stay for 3 nights but only pay for 2 at this secluded island hideaway of 48 timbered villas, the resort is framed by white sand beach on one side and the centuries old virgin jungle on the other. Hillside private villas reflect the simplicity of the Borneo architectural style.

As sensual and exotic as the hibiscus flower that bears its name, Bunga Raya Island Resort is a romantic and luxurious jewel set on a coral reef island off the coast of Borneo. A secluded island hideaway of 48 timbered villas, the resort is framed by white sand beach on one side and the centuries old virgin jungle on the other. Hillside private villas reflect the simplicity of the Borneo architectural style.

Discover the resort’s tranquil surrounds, take a refreshing dip in the resort pool, enjoy an intimate picnic on the beach or set sail from the resort’s marina with Blue Water Sailing. Further immerse yourself in the relaxing seaside atmosphere with an indulgent spa treatment at our onsite spa or tempt your tastebuds with a delicious feast of fresh local seafood at our Merretts restaurant.

To find out more about this incredible Elite Resort offer, visit Bunga Raya Island today!

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FREE one year subscription to Asia’s leading property magazine

Shaan Nicol — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 06:00:59 +0000

Delivering all the latest insights and inspiration on property and interiors, award winning LOFT magazine is a must-read in today’s property obsessed market. As a “Friend of Elite” you are entitled to a free subscription of LOFT Magazine.

LOFT looks to uncover the latest international hotspots and serve them up with expert advice on where, what and how to buy.

Snooping into some of the world’s most beautiful properties, LOFT also features stunning interior ideas and practical advice on how to best decorate your home.

Subscribe today to get LOFT Magazine delivered free to your door four times a year.

Click here to log into your account, update your address details and tick the mailing box to receive your free subscription of LOFT.

www.loft-magazine.com

Welcome to the Elite Lifestyle

Shaan Nicol — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 07:26:56 +0000

We hope you are enjoying your weekly emails highlighting just some of our exquisite resorts and promotions on Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific.

To provide a better service to you, we’re introducing a password and username for your Friend of Elite account. This will allow you to update your details and opt in or out of certain communications.

Click here and log in to update your details and preferences to ensure you get the best out of your Elite experience.

We hope you enjoy the exclusive savings and benefits of being a Friend of Elite – the finest together.

Food & Wine Events at Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers

Shaan Nicol — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 02:00:36 +0000

Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific presents Food and Wine Events 2013 at Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers

The Food and Wine Events have a ‘Round the World’ theme this year, with cuisines from France, India and Italy on offer. Spend a delightful evening with your favourite guest chefs such as Rick Stein, Pete Evans or Nic Poelaert. As a Friend of Elite, you’ll be entitled to a Deluxe Suite when booking a Suite.

Guest Chef Pete Evans + Neudorf Vinyards at Kauri Cliffs 12 – 14 April, 2013

This is going to be one fabulous weekend of laughter, food and fun at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs! Award-winning Australian chef, author, and TV personality (My Kitchen Rules) Pete Evans joins with his mate and chef/partner in new Melbourne restaurant Little Hunter, Gavin Baker for a special dinner at The Lodge of Kauri Cliffs, along with one of the country’s top wineries, Neudorf Vineyards.

Dom Perignon Champagne Event at Kauri Cliffs 1 June 2013

We are excited to welcome this new event to the line-up in 2013! Dom Perignon’s reputation of excellence paired with Kauri Cliff’s award winning food will make an unforgettable experience. Enjoy Chef Barry Frith’s 5-course cuisine while tasting some of the world’s finest French champagne.

Bastille Weekend with Guest Chef Nic Poelaert at Cap Kidnappers 13 July 2013

Join talented French chef Nic Poelaert from Melbourne’s popular new restaurant, Brooks of Melbourne. Enjoy a fabulous French degustation dinner paired with exquisite French wines from Louis Roederer and Maison Joseph Drouhin.

Guest Chef Neil Perry Italian Dinner at Kauri Cliffs 27 July 2013

Famous restaurateur and Australian native Chef Neil Perry joins The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs to share his latest passion of Italian cooking. Neil will win you over with his favorite delicious dishes from his latest Melbourne restaurant, Rosetta.

Pinot Noir Dinner with Felton Road and Dry River at Kauri Cliffs 17 August 2013

Arguably two of New Zealand’s best producers, Felton Road and Dry River wineries will come together for the Ultimate Pinot weekend. Join winemakers Blair Walter and Ant Mackenzie for a special dinner prepared by Dale Gartland – a must for Pinot fanatics!

Celebrity Chef Rick Stein at Cap Kidnappers 22 – 24 August 2013

Famous chef, restaurateur and television personality Rick Stein returns to The Farm at Cape Kidnappers for an exclusive Indian cuisine dinner. Back from a recent trip to India, Rick is excited to share his favourite authentic dishes and stories from his recent travels. Make sure to be a part of this intimate and exciting weekend at “The Farm” with Chef Rick Stein.

Bell Hill Winery Dinner at Kauri Cliffs 7 September 2013

Marcel Geisen and Sherwyn Veldhuizen’s North Canterbury vineyards might be the best kept secret amongst the wine cognoscenti, but they are among the country’s best! Enjoy Chef Barry Frith’s superb menu alongside Bell Hill wine pairings for an unforgettable wine dinner at Kauri Cliffs.

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