Wednesday 28 August 2013

Bali Adventure Tours - ITB Asia 2013: 23-25 October 2013 at Suntec Singapore




Bali Adventure Tours will be attending ITB Asia in Singapore from 23-25 October. So if your company is attending, make sure that you make an appointment to see them, or just drop by, and hear about the new Ubud Adventure Centre that opened in July. Bali Adventure Tours is an award-winning adventure operator with world-class whitewater rafting, jungle trekking, river kayaking and mountain cycling. Their sister operation, the Elephant Safari Park & Lodge in Ubud, is a superb base for your clients who wish to combine adventure with luxury and, of course, meet, feed and ride the elephants who live in the grounds of the lodge. If you are able to extend your visit to the region and want to experience the adventure centre and the lodge on Bali, contact Mr Arifin Tirta Wijata, the Director of Sales and Marketing, on arifin@baliadventuretours.co.id to arrange a site visit.


Bali Adventure Tours Open Magnificent New Ubud Adventure Centre

An Opulent Multi Level 5 Star Destination for Adventure, Dining, Spa and Leisure





11 July 2013 –Bali Adventure Tour operators and Elephant Safari Park & Lodge owners, Nigel and Yanie Mason, have yet again propelled the adventure industry to luxurious new heights with the opening of their magnificent new Ubud Adventure Centre located on the main road of Kedewatan in Ubud.
Set on split levels overlooking the stunning Ayung River jungle gorge, the 4000sqm majestic and opulent four storey mega-complex will serve as the new check-in facility and finish point for the company’s premier luxury White Water Rafting operation.  It is also home to nine separate leisure destinations and state of the art services and facilities that completely revolutionize the rafting industry and its’ guests experience.
Surrounded by bountiful gardens and water features the Centre includes a list of enviable locations such as Yanie’s Restaurant & Grill, the Sushi Attack Bar, the spectacular Blue Bar Cocktail Lounge and Sunset Terrace, and Bali’s first authentic  Japanese inspired Spa,  Shinto Spa.
Additional facilities include the House of Yanie Gift Shop,  ArtSpace Gallery and the Gallery Coffee spot as well as the Dewatan Deli and Bakery and an impressive garden rooftop function area ,the Canopy which also serves as our lunch venue for  rafting guests.
Accommodation is offered for those wanting a full adventure experience with a stay in a choice of two decadently appointed Adventure Suites located on the complexes sub levels complete with a private outdoor dining pavilion and swimming pool.
The multi-faceted complex also offers the largest parking facility in the area with two-levels of underground parking large enough to accommodate up to 60 cars, an internal 12 person lift which accesses all levels of the Centre an ATM machine and a helipad.
Taking three and a half years to build, the incredible facility is by far the grandest venture of its kind in Bali and a fitting testament to the company’s 25 years of unrivalled adventure experience blending a bevy of unique services to greatly improve the rafting experience of guests.
State of the art technologies have been incorporated within the innovative design to streamline check in facilities for White Water Rafting guests, including the introduction of the most advanced digital electronic locker bracelet security system to secure guests belongings and luxury shower and changing room facilities. 
The new Ubud Adventure Centre also operates as a luxurious new hub for the area with easy transfers and connections to access all other world class Bali Adventure Tours and Extra Value Packages located in Ubud such as the award winning Elephant Safari Park & Lodge in Taro, Safari Under the Stars Night Safari, Mountain Cycling and Jungle Trekking Tours.

Managing Director Nigel Mason says, “We have surpassed even our own high standards of excellence in the adventure industry with this new multimillion dollar facility and have outclassed ourselves with the dynamic range of facilities we offer.  Attention to detail has been used at every turn with this building to deliver a truly five-star world class venue that is built to last for our guests, whether they tour with us, or simply choose to have lunch, dinner or a spa treatment.”
The new Ubud Adventure Centre is opened from 8.00am to 11.00pm daily.
                                                                                                                                                                                               
Phone:                 +62 361 721 480     Fax:   +62 361 721 481
Email:    info@baliadventuretours.com or www.baliadventuretours.com

THE NEW UBUD ADVENTURE CENTRE DESTINATIONS
A Centre of Culinary Adventures - The Ubud Adventure Centre opens a whole new world of culinary adventures to all guests visiting the Ubud area.  With ample underground parking facilities for guests, our spectacular ‘open to the public’ dining destinations offer a choice of six different culinary experiences and a variety of cuisines and menus to satiate any palette whether you choose a casual breakfast, lunchtime affair or a sophisticated dinner.  Spread over three air-conditioned levels and outdoor garden rooftop and bar areas, the Ubud Adventure Centre presents the largest and most versatile choice of eateries found anywhere under one roof in the entire Ubud area. 
Our gastronomic state of the art kitchens serve the best there is in global fare with Asian and Western menus and a special Sushi Attack Bar headed by our in-house Japanese chef. 
Our world famous Yanies Restaurant & Grill is the star attraction with its vast all day dining menu offering Indonesian, Japanese, Asian and Western specialties, including a separate outdoor barbecue and grill station that sizzles with sumptuous alfresco fare.  Our magnificent Blu Bar & Terrace Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy all day drinks, sunset aperitifs or post dinner cocktails.  Decked out in magnificent blue and black marbled granite, it features a sprawling lounge and terrace area with its own Baby Grand Piano and dance floor overlooking the beautiful jungle tree lined tops of Ubud.
All our dining areas have unique works of art collected from around the globe and feature luxurious interior settings and ultra contemporary decor. A spectacular hand-painted Japanese mural at the Sushi Attack Bar overlooks the main dining area, enhanced by three original 90 year old Japanese painted panels from Kyoto, Japan as well as a range of decorative artifacts and stunning finishes.
Gallery Coffee, Gift Shop and Artspace - Enjoy a freshly brewed coffee from the Gallery Coffee stop overlooking artworks at our beautiful exhibition ArtSpace on the Mezzanine level or browse for a variety of gifts from the House of Yanie Gift Store.  Freshly baked pastries and sweet and savory delicacies can also be experienced or ordered to take home from the Dewatan Bakery and Delicatessen located nearby.
The Canopy - Our sleek new building is crowned by our spectacular culinary centre’s multipurpose garden rooftop Canopy which features a state of the art Kevlar inner skin that filters out 100 percent of the sun and rain allowing for all day dining, functions or cocktail parties and events. White Water Rafting guests are also served a buffet lunch from the Canopy whilst overlooking the jungle gorges of Ubud.
SHINTO SPA - Experience the Luxury of Bali’s First Authentic Japanese Spa - Step into a private Zen inspired haven of serenity, harmony and relaxation at Shinto Spa, Bali’s first and only authentic Japanese Spa.  A place to beautify and pamper oneself in a stunning setting suspended above the lush jungle tops of Ubud. 
Among peaceful suites, gardens and water features, you can reflect and relax as you inhale our pure mountain air and gaze out to deep tropical gorges and an abundance of natural beauty.
Named after the indigenous spirituality of Japan which celebrates the spirit of nature, Shinto Spa offers a sanctuary in which to discover a renewed state of harmony and bliss.
The Spa Treatment Rooms - A sensory focus on body and a blissful state of mind is created through physical touch in an elegant and visually balanced environment of five soothing double and two single treatment rooms.
Experience a variety of Japanese and Asian inspired therapies from behind beautiful shoji paneled screens in our treatment rooms.  Contemporary and Zen like in their simplicity and marked by Japanese design flourishes and silhouettes, the space is embraced by walls covered with natural textures such as stone and bamboo, woven tapestries, and artwork inspired by Japanese flora which adds a transporting visual element to your experience.
Our unique Reflexology and Beauty areas feature custom designed reclining chairs set in arc like formations and cocooned behind floor to ceiling crescent shaped bamboo booths sheathed in cool white drapes.  Here you can enjoy our signature Hot Stone Foot treatment or a precision manicure and pedicure as you embrace the sounds of nearby trickling water features and soothing piped music.
The Japanese approach at Shinto Spa is designed with total purity of neutral and delicate surrounds. Natural tactile elements such as tatami-matted suites, smooth rocks, cotton loungewear and sunken massage beds created from bamboo hued timbers create an authentic Japanese atmosphere from which to indulge in.
Spa Bathing Rituals - Experience our take on the traditional Japanese Onsen bathing ritual. Bathe in beautiful circular deep wooden tubs in our outdoor garden bathrooms. Purify yourself in one or our richly appointed Steam Rooms or in our state of the art Jacuzzi that features its own in tub sound-docks.

Shinto Spa opens 9.00am-9.00pm daily and offers a menu of body and beauty treatments for men and women including reflexology, manicure and pedicures, facials, body massage and conditioning scrubs. Select from a range of signature treatments like Shiro Hachisu – a White Lotus Purification Ritual, the Furo Eternal Youth Anti-aging Treatment or the Chikyu Earth Gift treatment purposefully designed to bring you to a state of bliss.

Bird Fair, Rutland Water Nature Reserve





Took most of last week to recover from a weekend working at the Bird Fair held at Rutland Water Nature Reserve. This event does what it says on the tin - it is a fair about all things 'bird'. The fair was a huge success and we very much enjoyed representing our client,Trans Niugini Tours of Papua New Guinea.  PNG is a wonderful destination to promote because of its gorgeous bird life - even the pigeons are stunning - but representing Trans NiuginiTours is great because they are the market leader there with 35 years' experience, and they also own atmospheric lodges and have their own fleet of planes, boats and vehicles ensuring complete control of the operation on the ground

The Bird Fair is open to the public, but we managed to link up with around 30 specialist travel companies, so some good potential for Trans Niugini Tours. We also introduced the new Port Moresby to Baliflight and the possibilities it opened up for tour operator programmes - a two-centre adventure and beach holiday.


Loved the opportunity to cruise Rutland Water for a bit of osprey spotting with the eccentric Johnny Kingdom. Sadly the osprey were camera shy!  

Friday 23 August 2013

Amanresorts to Debut Vietnam Hideaway

Set in a protected national park and overlooking a white sandy beach, a new hotel from Aman resorts is to open on the shores of the East Sea in Vietnam.
Amano'i has 31 guest pavilions, a number with private swimming pools, and five Aman Villas. The properties are positioned on a hillside overlooking the hotel, which has a lakeside Aman Spa and Beach Club.
The composite hotel includes a cliff side Central Pavilion which houses a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and terrace with great views of the surrounding countryside. At sea level down below, the Beach Club offers lounging and dining areas, a cooling rim-flow pool and the kit to go snorkelling or kayaking.
The setting is spectacular - overlooking Vinh Hy Bay, northeast of Ho Chi Minh City on the coast of the Nui Chua National Park. Inside the properties, guest can expect king-sized beds, a combined living and sleeping area with wifi, LCD TV and a sound docking system - plus timber sundecks with comfy sunloungers. Villas include a live-in housekeeper.
Elsewhere, set beside a lotus-filled lake, Amano'i's spa has five double treatment rooms with double bathtubs, two hydrotherapy suites, a number of relaxation lounges with tranquil views, and a wide range of treatments using Aman's chemical-free products. Nearby is a lakeside yoga pavilion, two outdoor tennis courts, plus a number of walking, running and trekking routes around the property.

Amano'i is due to open September 2013.  Rooms at start from US$750 per night, visit http://www.amanresorts.com/amanoi/home.aspx

Tuesday 20 August 2013

Luxury Travel Ltd. Wins the Most Prestigious Travel Award in Vietnam

The Luxury Travel Ltd. (http://www.luxurytravels.asia/ ) has been chosen for the most prestigious honor from the annual Guide Awards 2012-2013 (which are considered the “Oscars” of the travel industry) and has been named “The Finest and Most Innovative Travel and Tour Operator”.

Hanoi, Vietnam, August 16, 2013 – Vietnam's first luxury tour operator (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) has been recognized for excellent performance and included in the Best of the Guide Awards 2013. The Awards are sponsored by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations and the Vietnam Economics Association.

The Guide Awards is an annual event to celebrate the best products and services in Vietnam's tourism and hospitality sector. This year marks the 14th anniversary and will take place on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at Vinpearl Luxury Danang. The Guide Awards Ceremony is to honor excellent achievements in the tourism industry in 2012 – 2013, as well as the best travel agents/DMCs in the field.

The honorees are initially nominated by readers of the life style and luxury magazine, with the shortlist presented to the executive board of the Guide. Travel, hotel, restaurant and shopping experts are invited to assist the board in making their decision;this includes representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam.

This year Luxury Travel received a Guide Award with the title “The Finest and Most Innovative Travel and Tour Operator”. This recognition was due to the fact that Lux is innovative and creates a great working environment for its people, as well as applying new technology to improve quality and operations processes. The have been publishing new websites designed for travel sellers, publishing brochures and luxury travel guide books, and venturing into new markets. All of the innovation initiatives are aimed at delivering the most authentic luxury travel experiences for the most sophisticated travelers. This is the sixth consecutive year that Luxury Travel has been recognized by luxury travelers for excellent performance.

We are much honored to receive the Guide Awards 2013 for the 6th consecutive time. This prestigious accolade is a wonderful recognition of our pioneering role and continuous innovation in luxury tourism in Vietnam and in the Mekong sub region. We are proud of our 99% of satisfaction rate, yet we will keep aiming for double digit growth, as we have just set up a new premium travel company in Cambodia.” said Mr. Ha Pham, founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd.

Every year, the company sees growth of about 30% percent and serves some 10,000 travelers, ranging from high ranking diplomats to leisure travelers. Luxury Travel Ltd. has served the luxury travel industry for many years, and their staff has acquired first-hand knowledge about the luxury travel market in Vietnam. They have visited their recommended destinations, and have personally checked out the finest hotels, resorts and restaurants designed for discriminating travelers.

Education and continuous innovation are the lifeblood of our company. Our mission statement is to provide “wow” services to the most sophisticated travelers. Our goal is to continue to raise the bar in service and further develop Vietnam and Cambodia as luxury travel destinations. Our vision is to become the leading tour operator and DMC in Vietnam by our 15th anniversary in 2020 and one of the Asia’s leading luxury tour operators, with a potential IPO thereafter. ” added Ha

About Luxury Travel Ltd.

Serving today’s most sophisticated travelers, Luxury Travel is exceptional in designing tailor-made tours, providing unique travel experiences and luxury travel products in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand). Opened in 2004, the Luxury Travel Company Limited has its own offices, luxury vehicles, luxury travel advisors, and representative offices in California, London, Paris, Sydney and Argentina. The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill clients’ expectations.