Around The Region

Executive summary by darmansjah

Candidasa Beach Villas

BEAUTIFULLY BRIGHT and airy, these three immaculately designed villas are set on Bali’s picturesque southeast coast. Each has a private entrance and direct  beach access, an infinity pool, and wide-open living spaces. Most of the bedrooms face to ocean and feature four-poster king-size beds swathed in plush sheets. Rustic furnishings are sprinkled throughout, adding touch of Balinese charm to state-of-the-art modern conveniences. A discreet 18-person staff, including private butlers, ensures that every whim is taken care of, from preparing meals in the fully equipped kitchens to arranging tours around the island. (Candidasa, Bali, Indonesia; 62-361/847-8197; candidasabeachvillas.com).

Ayodya Resort Bali

REMINISCENT of a Balinese water palace, the Ayoya Resort Bali is a 541-room property located in Nusa Dua. Set amid lagoon pool, stone statues, and landscaped gardens on expansive grounds, the resort’s grand scale is further accentuated by the Ayodya Palace, a private retreat for those seeking the ultimate indulgence. Tucked away in its own corner of the property, the 79-room Palace has complimentary food and drinks throughout the day, its own swimming pool and gardens, luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, and, of course, butler service. (Jl. Pantai Mengiat, Nusa Dua,Bali, Indonesia; 62-361/1771-102; ayoyodyaresortbali.com).

Metis Restaurant & Gallery

BRINGING the taste of French-Mediterranean haute cuisine to Bali, Metis is the brainchild of Chef Nicolas Tourneville  and Said Alem of Kafe Warisan fame. The 350-seat comfortably chic venue, featuring glass walls, sone, and bamboo combined with elegant colonial-style accents, serves sumptuous dishes like king crab and seaweed ravioli with white-truffle beurre blanc. The menu here features classic foods from Tourneville and Alems’s heritages, including a whole menu dedicated solely to foie gras. The courtyard restaurant overlooks lotus ponds that are floodit at night, while the venue’s wine cellar also serves as a private dining room. The sense of style is further enhanced by three boutiques offering Southeast Asian artisanal jewelry, accessories, artwork, and antiques. From the bar to the lounge to the alfresco-dining terrace, expect an alluring sensory experience, coupled with impeccable and discreet service. (6.Jl. Petitenget, Bali, Indonesia; 62-361/4737-888; metisbali.com).

TS SUITES

ENDLESS INDULGENCE awaits at TS Suites, the latest hip place to stay in the bustling East Javanese capital of Surabaya. Designed to cater to business and leisure travelers alike, the hotel is conveniently located in the heart of city at Town square Surabaya.

In addition to 68 non-smoking Executive Suites and 51 Premium Suites, three Prominent Suites and for CEO Suites have been launched, each decorated in a chic retro-minimalist style and outfitted with Wi-Fi and LAN internet connections, flat-screen TVs, rain showers, complimentary mini bars, and other modern amenities. The new suites also have small meeting rooms, Jacuzzis, and hybrid bicycles.

Offering tailored business solution, TS Suites can organized meetings and conference events across five meeting rooms, two boardrooms, and a VIP lounge. The hotel’s TS Café has a wide menu of delicious dishes. Guests are also well placed to take advantage of the plethora of restaurants, cafes, and specialty stores at the popular Town square mall, where live jazz and R&B is performed every weekend on the atrium stage. (JL. Hayam Wuruk No.6 Surabay, Indonesia; 62-31/563-1222; tssuites.com)