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!

Semara Luxury Villa Resort would like to offer all Elite members an exclusive offer – the “Garden Terrace Suite Special”. When you stay for 5 nights, you’ll only pay for 4 with a minimum stay of 5 nights. See below for offer details.

With magnificent panoramic ocean views and seven unique, oversized, and architecturally refined 5-bedroom villas nestled into 7.5 acres of perfectly manicured tropical gardens, Semara Luxury Villa Resort is very much a place for the dedicated few. Each villa is an exclusive haven of privacy with 30 meters of cliff frontage and a private infinity pool overlooking the ocean. The resort also includes Selatan Restaurant at the cliff top, the now famous Finn’s Beach Club on its own private beach, tennis courts, spa, pools, and gym.

The ocean view manicure and pedicure room at Semara Spa is a favourite of guests for hen’s parties or for just relaxing to the sounds of nature. Guests can also enjoy pampering spa treatments within their own villas or at the beachside treetop bales.

For a day away from it all, take the inclinator down to the beach at Finn’s Beach Club. Spend your day kayaking, exploring tide pools, simply lazing away on sun loungers, or sampling the delicious Finn’s menu choices.

Stay in your luxurious ocean view villa and have a meal prepared by your villa’s chef. For those staying in suites only, room service may be delivered to your suite or to the villa dining room.

Perched on the cliff top, Selatan Restaurant offers a sophisticated setting in which to enjoy exquisitely prepared dishes complimented by an extensive wine list. Dine alfresco or in air-conditioned comfort

Garden Terrace Suite Special – Stay for 5 nights, pay for 4

Get a special discount in the amazing Garden Terrace suite with minimum stay of 5 nights.

Terrace Suite Inclusions:

• Welcome refreshment and cold towel upon arrival,
• welcome fruit basket,
• continental breakfast,
• 10% discount voucher for all spa treatments,
• complimentary gym access,
• complimentary Wi-Fi access,
• complimentary use of tennis courts, putting green, 28m infinity pool,
• complimentary use of inclinator to Finn’s Beach Club and
• turndown service

Click the Email Now button below and quote “Elite Special Discount Garden Terrace Suite Offer” to book your special discount.

To find out more about this incredible Elite Resort visit Semara Luxury Villa Resort today!

Make a Reservation:

REFLECTIONS is an ultimate beach haven which will boast exclusively nine private-pool villas and four ocean view apartments – a strong focus on creating a relaxed beach holiday feel with generous personal space and privacy. Travellers everywhere are now discovering the island paradise of Lombok. It’s located just across the water from Bali, is similar in size and boasts an unsurpassed natural beauty and a unique diverse culture all of its own.

An Exclusive Elite Offer

Elite Living brings you an extra incentive to purchase soon. For the first two years Body Corporate and Maintenance fees will be taken care of (value depending on residence purchased). Added to which you’ll receive a US$1,000.00 food and beverage voucher for Reflections Restaurant. Lastly a US$500.00 Spa treatment voucher for the Reflections Spa for you to relax in style. This Elite Exclusive Offer will finish on the 30th June 2012.Please quote ‘Friend of Elite’ when enquiring about this offer to ensure you are recognized as an Elite Living member.

In response to the growing need for luxury accommodation, property developer – PT Orisun – has set out to create a benchmark in lifestyle investment and holiday experience for this area. The company’s first Lombok development – REFLECTIONS Beach Villas and Spa, due for completion mid 2013, this boutique villa resort is well positioned to take advantage of the impending growth, offering a location that is hard to beat – ocean views, direct beach access in the heart of Kuta’s restaurant precinct.

Visitor numbers are rapidly increasing due to the opening of the new international airport in the South of the Island. This has put the beachside town of Kuta Lombok in the spot light being only 15 minutes from the airport. This southern end of Lombok has always been something of a legend with surfers worldwide for its pristine surf, white sand beaches and jaw dropping scenery.

Whether you prefer the idea of an ocean view apartment complete with private balcony spa or spread out a little and include family or friends to enjoy your three bedroom private pool and spa villa. You can be assured of all round quality of product, lifestyle experiences and investment. Each villa has been superbly designed with high quality fixtures, fittings and furnishings. All the comforts of home are included; LED televisions, DVD player, cable TV, sound system, wireless high speed internet and fully equipped kitchen.

Make an Enquiry:

Plan your Elite Living Lifestyle today with Reflections Beach Villas and Spa, Indonesia

Elite Living is the showcase of only the finest of quality luxury lifestyle-living available throughout our world.

Elite Living is the opportunity to search, display, connect and secure premier quality Resort Residences and Vacation Homes from throughout the Asia Pacific region.

As ever our newsletter comes with the regular insider profile – a one-on-one interview from a hotel management exclusively written for Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific. This week we feature the Captain of Silversea’s Silver Cloud, Marco Sangiacomo.

Keep up to date with Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest & Linkedin.

Latest News

Spa Etiquette: a Spa for Dummies guide. Are you intimidated by spas? shy about taking your clothes off in front of a stranger? Fear no more, Elite has all the secrets!

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Featured Resort

Jetwing Lagoon Negombo is nestled between the Indian Ocean and a tranquil lagoon on the West Coast of Sri Lanka, a spa resort of exceptional beauty awaits

Featured Elite Episode

Orion Expeditions has released its incredible schedules for 2013! Enjoy the sites sounds, history and nature of the the diverse journeys to Borneo and the Forgotten Islands.

LATEST OFFERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Show Mum your love & appreciation with her own Ploh pillow & embroidered case that says it’s hers alone

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Reflections Beach Villas & Spa: Imagine owning your own slice of paradise in Lombok for as little as USD139,000

Jetwing Lagoon: Discover this hidden gem in Sri Lanka with a special 50% discount on your booking

Elite Living

Now you can truly be at home at Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific with our ever-expanding possibilities for Elite Living home ownership. Reflections Beach Villas & Spa: Special pre completion villa prices range from US$139,000 upwards

Elite Recommends

This iconic New Zealand lodge lies superbly within 17-acres of manicured grounds beside the hypnotic turquoise green waters of the Waikato River in Taupo. Famed for its unrivalled location and generous hospitality since the 1920s, Huka Lodge offers 18 Lodge Rooms, one suite and two exclusive cottages. Every last detail has been considered to ensure guests enjoy superb cuisine, and seamless service.

DISCOVER, EXPLORE & EXPERIENCE

Elite Insider: Marco Sangiacomo of Silversea

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Singapore has a beautiful harbor to sail into and out of, and the new cruise terminal in Marina South will be stunning. Keppel Harbor, where Silversea is currently docked, is also a stunning location and scene of our departure on Silver Shadow Voyage 3208, Singapore to Singapore.

The wonderful thing about Silversea is that each time you board it’s like coming home, they never forget you, and this voyage was no different. The affable cruise director David met us on the gangway with a genuine welcome back, followed by a glass of champagne, before going directly to our cabin. I love the verandah suites, spacious with a walk in closet, bathroom with shower and a full size tub, but my favorite spot to sit, read and dream is the verandah. On days at sea there is no better place to quiet your mind, its hypnotic to watch the sea roll by, and at night there is nothing more soothing than the gentle lap of the water against the hull of the ship.

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.

Like all beautiful woman, by night the ship dons her elegant finery. With a range of dining options you are spoilt for choice, we tried them all! You decide where and when you want to dine, alfresco with a hot rock BBQ by the pool, authentic Italian in La Terrazza, International cuisine in The Restaurant, or a six course degustation menu in the Le Champagne. You can have an intimate table for two or make new lifelong friends at a table for 4, 10, or more. The guest list is truly international and I promise you, you will leave with a list of contacts you will vow to cruise with once again!

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!

Jetwing currently has 14 properties spread across the island as well as an overseas presence in 3 countries; namely New Zealand, Laos and Vietnam. In addition, many more projects set to launch in the next two years in locations such as Yala, Colombo, Jaffna and Kandy.

The Blue Lagoon was the first resort in Sri Lanka, designed by the great Geoffrey Bawa is now being re-launched as Jetwing Lagoon. Located between the Indian Ocean and the Negombo lagoon, Jetwing Lagoon offers a blend of rejuvenation and relaxation with a unique restaurant called Geoffrey’s by the Lagoon, offering Geoffrey Bawa’s favorites.

Boasting the longest pool in the west coast complimented by a spa and sporting activities in the lagoon, this is the ideal location to rest, relax, and energize in the privacy of your spacious individual villas. It is without doubt the finest Lagoon Spa Resort in the west coast.

Elite Episode

Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific are delighted to offer its members and exclusive offer to discover this hidden gem in Sri Lanka with a special 50% discount on your booking from the 1st of May to the 31st of October.

Make A Reservation: 

To find out more about this incredible Elite Resort, visit Jetwing Lagoon today!

What is Ecotourism? In simple terms, Ecotourism is a knowledgeable awareness when visiting natural regions, and travelling with an aim not to disturb or alter the integrity of the fragile eco system. Ecotourism offers the opportunity to travel to diverse and remote locations rarely visited previously.

The perception of ecotourism for many large tourist operations is to preserve natural regions, while at the same time profiting from them. Venturing forth into protected areas requires infra-structure… transport facilities, hotels and resorts, this so called preservation can in fact be extremely damaging.

Deceitful assertions and the overhyping of sustainable travel, makes the whole idea of being green positively bilious. Is the concept, “help us to reduce waste “just a ploy to make us feel self-righteous? The most destructive thing to the eco system is people, we drain resources and contribute to vast amounts of waste, if we really wanted to be green, we wouldn’t fly at all! So many environmentally sensitive claims are insincere, how can interacting with any animal held in captivity been seen to be environmentally friendly?

On the other hand, green tourism can bring much needed resources to struggling economies, employing local staff and giving back to the indigenous population. Smaller operations are more suited to support sustainable tourism. Gayana Eco Resort & Spa, in collaboration with Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu Malaysia, are involved in giant clam propagation, while the Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa in Queensland, Australia was listed as one of the top 100 “Green Hotels” in the world. Showing a genuine commitment to sustainable marine tourism, is Orion Expedition Cruises, they were named “Best Responsible Cruise Operator” and the only cruise line with an “Earthhcheck” certification.

It’s just not enough anymore to re-use the towels or throw them in the tub. How many of us make a conscious effort when travelling to use less toilet paper and conserve water? Have you, been subjected to the growing practice of “Eco Bullying?” While in a restaurant in Ko Samui Thailand, I visited the toilet where I found an offensive smelling basket, the sign above the door encouraged the occupant to “re-use the paper or use once and discard into the basket”… recycled toilet paper, you must be kidding! A hotel in Australia had an aggressive sign in the bathroom, informing the guests, “Any heavily soiled or stained towels would be subject to a hefty surcharge”… what do people do in these hotels?

So Eco Tourism, fad or fact? I have always had a green conscience, I also like idea of luxury with a conscience, either way I’m determined to tread lightly and reduce my carbon footprint whilst showing a genuine commitment and concern to the environment and the communities I visit… how about you?

The Ploh Group brought the Ploh luxury lifestyle brand to life when the founders set out to create a premium brand of bedding that would resonate with discerning individuals with discriminating taste. Ploh’s passion for quality and craftsmanship – and things that feel superb – is rendered into sumptuous white goose down pillows and duvets and other high-touch items including bed linens with exquisite hand, pampering robes and fine cashmere pieces.

The company partners with luxury and boutique hotels around the world to enhance the guest sleep experience. It also offers up their finest selections through niche retailers and via Ploh’s online boutique to complement exclusive residential living around the world.

Drawing from the intersection where style meets substance in the bedspace, this luxury brand offers The Art of Bedscape™ by Ploh. Enticing during the day as it is comforting at night, each bedscape enhances the personal sleep experience and celebrates the bed with its elements as a vital ingredient in fully living.

Explore Ploh’s luxury bedding collections online to create your own bedscape at home and surrender to the touch of Ploh.

Mommy’s Pillow by Ploh

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and in association with Elite Luxury Alliance, Ploh offers the perfect piece of luxury for the occasion. Show Mom your love and appreciation with her own Ploh pillow dressed in an elegantly embroidered Egyptian cotton case that says it’s hers alone.

To find out more about the Mommy’s Pillow gift set and other luxury bedding items from this Elite Luxury Alliance Partner, visit Ploh today!

Make an enquiry:

For a novice, the spa is a minefield; so many things can go wrong, it only takes one bad experience! My first spa experience was in Asia many years ago, I was young, naïve and desperate to appear cool and sophisticated, I was instructed by the female masseuse, who was European, to strip naked and stand before her so she could check my posture. I did as I was told, but I must admit felt extremely uncomfortable. Once the massage began in earnest I tried to unwind, things were going well until she started swooping down to my nether regions. Without even asking, she suddenly flung her leg across my back straddling me! She pulled and prodded my body like a resistant bit of dough, before contorting my joints into positions you wouldn’t even find in the Kama Sutra. All the time my little voice kept screaming inside my head, this doesn’t feel right! The session ended and I crawled out of there with my dignity dragging behind me.  Strangely enough, two weeks later, the masseuse in question had her work permit revoked and asked to leave the country for inappropriate behavior with a client. The moral to the story… Speak up!

In Europe, nudity is all the rage, spas are mixed and extremely casual about nakedness, and nobody really looks at you.  A male colleague and his CEO were in a very posh and well-renowned Swiss Spa, they both emerged from the changing rooms in swimming trunks, whilst everyone else in the sauna, male and female, lounged around naked. Neither of these He-Men wanted to expose their genitalia to each other, after all, they did have to face each other across the boardroom table the following day, so they sat around looking slightly depraved, not knowing where to look!

We should be more like the Europeans, we worry too much, women prefer female masseurs because they worry a man will judge their body. Men worry if the guy is gay and the women worry if he is not. Spa technicians are very aware of boundaries, they have the draping technique down to a fine art, they allow you time to disrobe and jump under the sheets before you are caught, and they supply disposable undies for those of us who just can’t face being completely naked.

I have a friend who hates the couple’s spa experience; she tried it once and went to a beautifully appointed spa in Bali. Her hulking great husband emerged from the changing room, without taking a shower, wearing the female disposable G-string, leaving the boy shorts for her to wear. She was so worried that while the nubile young girl was massaging him something salacious might occur, but all that happened was he fell asleep and snored before finally waking himself up with a loud fart!

In Turkey, the massage is not for the faint hearted, you lie naked on a marble slab while a mustachioed woman with forearms like hams, pummels you like a piece of chicken, before flailing your skin with a double-handed loofah. It’s brutal but boy do you feel good afterward!

Once you let go of your hang-ups like I did and discover the joys of the Luxury Day Spa, you will never look back. One of the most enlightening experiences I had was at the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai Thailand. I was fascinated by the Ayurveda treatment called Shirodhara, known as the Third Eye treatment of Lord Shiva, it makes lofty assertions;  improving the functions of the five senses, curing insomnia, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Sounded good to me, but it does have a dark side; it also claims to uncover forgotten memories, good and bad!  The oil pours continuously onto your third eye in a seductive hypnotic sway, resulting in a sense of deep relaxation and well-being. My anxious mind was stilled. I felt serenely peaceful, calm, and within reach of the legendary Nirvana!   My advice is to let yourself go, strip naked, and explore the world of Luxury Day Spas, all you have to lose is your inhibitions!

Seychelles offers so much to do and experience – it will take a lifetime to discover it all. From sailing the azure waters, diving with the fish, dolphins and turtles to sampling the local flavours and savouring the culture, this is paradise found. With 115 other islands to explore Eden Island has got to be the ideal place to live. With owners and their families entitled to apply for residency of Seychelles and ownership secured on freehold title, this is a lifestyle that could be yours forever.

Eden Island, the residential marina development in the heart of the Seychelles islands, offers a broad selection of luxury freehold title homes for sale. Located just a few hundred metres off the largest Seychelles island, Mahé, and connected to it by a bridge, Eden Island presents a unique combination of accessibility and privacy to those wishing to acquire property in the Seychelles.

Every Eden Island property comes complete with its own private mooring either in front of the unit or close by. The international Eden Island Marina located on Eden Island is a deep water marina that plays host to super yachts of up to 100 metres in length. Eden Island consists of 16 hectares of private waterways, giving its residents direct water access to their properties. Frequent international flights into Seychelles International Airport on Mahé – a mere ten-minute drive away from Eden Island – make flying to the Seychelles a simple exercise.

Make an Enquiry: 

Plan your Elite Living Lifestyle today with Eden Island, Seychelles

Elite Living is the showcase of only the finest of quality luxury lifestyle-living available throughout our world.

Elite Living is the opportunity to search, display, connect and secure premier quality Resort Residences and Vacation Homes from throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Savills is a global real estate services provider listed on the London Stock Exchange with an international network of more than 200 offices and associates throughout the Americas, the UK, continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, offering a broad range of specialist advisory, management and transactional services to clients all over the world.