Around the Region

Executive summary by darmansjah

4S VILLAS AT SEMINYAK SQUARE

STYLISH SIMPLICITY and an unmatched location in vibrant Seminyak make 4S Villas the perfect choice for your next Bali holiday. Set 500 meters from the beach, this quartet of villas-amed Sun, Sea, Sand, and Sky-features private swimming pools, open-air living rooms, and contemporary furnishings by Russians designer Tatiana Minina. All this combines to create a tranquil oasis that is just steps away from some of the island’s most popular shops, cafes, and nightspots. Nightly rates begin at US$295++; mention Destin Asia, and you will get a fifth night for free when booking four nights for stays before December 19,2012 (Jl. Laksmana No.58, Seminyak, Bali; 62-361/847-8197; 4svillas.com).

HOLIDAY INN RESORT BARUNA BALI

BUILT IN TRADITIONAL low-rise Balinese style, Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali is the perfect choice for a laid-back tropical holiday. With spacious rooms overlooking Kuta Beach or a landscaped swimming pool, this sun-kissed property caters to both romance-seekers and families, offering amenities  that run the gamut from kids’ and teens’ facilities to the soothing Tea Tree Spa. For extra excitement, the shops and cafes of Kuta are just a stroll away, though the resort’s own dining options-including beachside grills and Asian fare at palms-will have you coming back for more.  Nightly rates start from only US$149++ (Jl. Wana Segara 33, Tuban, Bali: 62-361/755-577; bali.holidayinn.com).

SWISSOTEL SYDNEY

A HIDDEN GEM in the heart of Australia’s most dynamic city. Swissotel Sydney is situated amid Sydney’s prime tourist, shopping, and entertainment districts, putting guests within easy reach of such attractions as the Rocks and Darling Harbour. Sleek rooms and personalized, efficient  service only add to the appeal of this five-star deluxe address, as does the Endless Weekend package, designed to provide a delight full new approach to weekend escapes by allowing guests to sleep in till noon on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Prices from AUD289 per night, the package combines a stay in an elegant Classic Room with daily in-room breakfast available till noon, complimentary lat checkout at 2 p.m., and complimentary use of the hotel’s heated outdoor swimming pool, fully equipped gymnasium, and heat and aqua facilities. You can take advantage of this offer throughout the year, though bookings or subject to availability.

For reservations or inquires, please e-mail res.sydney@swissotel.com or visit the website below. There’s really no better way to stretch out your weekend in Sydney. (68 Market St., Sydney, Australia; 61-2/9238-8888; swissotel.com/Sydney).

THE HILL VILLAS

IF YOU ARE LOOKING for a Balinese hideaway, look no further than the Hill Villas in the exclusive enclave of Nusa Dua. Featuring all the comforts and amenties of a five-star resort, the property is offering 50 percent off published rates for a minimum two-night stay, plus an additional 5 percent off for a minimum three-night stay or an additional 10 percent off for a minimum five-night stay. Each of the nine villas is decorated in luxurious Balinese style and has private butler services. Indulge and relax at the spa or take advantage of the chauffer service, which offers bespoke day tours of Bali (Jl. Taman Giri, Nusa Dua, Bali; 62-361/847-8888; the hillvillas.com).

VILLA KOMEA

COMBINING TRADITIONAL Balinese and modern elements in a harmonious way. Villa Kome is an atmospheric complex of seven komea-wood villas, each individually designed and boasting its own tropical garden. This beautiful, nuanced property is situated amid the rice fields of Canngu, within walking distance of Kayu Putih Beach and closer still to the services and sports facilities of the Canggu club (Jl. Subak Sari No.7, Tegal Gundul, North Kuta, Bali: 62-361/738-509; komeabalivilla.com).

Discovery KARTIKA PLAZA HOTEL & VILLAS

BEST BEACHFRONT LOCATION IN KUTA set amid an eight-hectare oasis of tropical gardens and swaying coconut palms, the Discovery kartika Plaza Hotel & Villas offers a mix of 318 ocean-facing and garden-view rooms, suites, and luxury villas. The property is conveniently located within walking distance of the shopping and entertainment venues of south Kuta, and the international airports is minutes away.

All guest quarters have the best in modern amenities and every room is furnished with a minimalist elegance, with graceful teak furniture enhance by a creamy color palette. For extra privacy, the exclusive Discovery Beachfront Villas are magnificently spacious and have tow master bedrooms, kitchens, outdoor tropical showers, and manicured gardens punctuated by plunge pools. The villas are steps away from the beach and also come with 24-hour butler service.

Radiating with charming Balinese hospitality and offering a wide selection of dining, lounging, and fun-filled activity, the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel & Villas is an attractive home away from home for travelers with different interest and needs. (jl. Kartika Plaza, South Kuta Beach, Bali Indonesia; 62-361/751-067; discoverykartikaplaza.com).

Special Deals. Couples looking for intimate moments can stay three nights in an Ocean Front Room, starting from US$995. The deal includes a romantic dinner and a couple’s aromatherapy massage.

Dinning La Cucina services up homey Italian favorites, while Tepan Noodle has a sushi and sashimi bar and a teppanyaki table. Offering an impressive breakfast buffet selection. The Pond is an elegant venue with views of the ocean.

Meetings There are several convention venues available at the hotel. The Kharisma Ballroom is modeled after a Balinese palace and can hold up to 800 peoples. Five smaller meeting rooms have a capacity of between 90 and 200 people.

Weddings The Beach Gate, which overlooks the ocean, is a beautiful backdrop for that ultimate seaside ceremony and the private gardens and gazebos of the Beachfront Villas are ideal for receptions.

Recreation There is a lot of fun to be had for the active travelr. Aside from the beach volleyball courts an tennis tables, water sports like parasailing, pleasure cruising, or wave riding can be booked through the hotel’s activity center.