Asia- Pacific
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Bali Niksoma Boutique Beach Resort
The Bali Niksoma boutique Beach Resort is an outstandingly run resort that shows how effortlessly customer service should be. Hotels in Bali are officially on notice, as the Bali Niksoma sets the standard on how to treat their guests. The big advantage here is that there are only 57 rooms in this resort, so it doesn’t feel overrun with people and therefore no chance of becoming an invisible guest. The Bali Niksoma was designed by renowned Indonesian architect Hadi Prana who has created a contemporary boutique style resort that still retains traditional Balinese influences throughout. With beautiful immaculate gardens, two stylish restaurants, a large infinity pool and an enviable beach front…
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Great Places to Eat in Bali
Bali is not only about hitting the beach, shopping or sipping cocktails by the pool. Bali is also fast becoming a destination to experience some great dining too. So where are the great places to eat in Bali? The short answer is everywhere. From Ubud to Nusa Dua you will find some excellent restaurants upping the ante on quality dining but it is in Seminyak that you will find the most diverse and best choices. So here are my top six picks on where to eat – from casual beach cafes to exquisite fine dining. La Plancha The casual beach vibe of La Plancha is a must for anyone visiting…
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Where to stay in Bali
The beautiful island of Bali is an ever popular tourist destination for those looking for a little fun in the sun and a chance to recharge the batteries. As tourism in Bali continues to boom and Bali becomes more and more developed, you may find it hard to make a choice on where to stay in Bali as options grow. Tourism is mainly concentrated toward the South of the island where commercialism has met demand over the years and many beach villages have become somewhat urbanised. If you decide to head towards the centre of Bali, you will come across the more cultural side, with traditional Balinese villages, temples and…
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The famous Sunday Brunch at Mulia
The ‘famous’ Sunday Brunch at Mulia Bali is nothing short of a culinary masterpiece and something that should not be missed if you are visiting Bali. Whilst brunch is not a traditional Bali fare, you will find that Mulia has taken the brunch concept with both hands, made it their own and in the process has created something unrivalled. Talented world renowned chefs preside over the Soleil kitchen delighting foodies with their magnificent buffet, a classy a la carte menu, and a selection of dishes from the chef’s choice. The brunch can be enjoyed over four hours, with or without alcohol. The experience I first heard about the Sunday brunch…
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Rock Bar Bali: It’s all about sunsets and cocktails
When I mentioned to a friend of mine that I was going to Bali, she immediately said to me “if you do one thing only in Bali, then that one thing has to be visiting the Rock Bar in Bali. She then went on to say that I must be there for the incredible sunset and advised me to get there early. I then thought to myself “mission accepted”. The Rock Bar Bali is an open air bar that can only be described as a world class venue that is both visually stunning by day and equally so at night. The Rock Bar is nothing short of an architectural feat…
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The cheapest holiday destinations in the world
If you thought you couldn’t afford to travel overseas because it is too darn expensive – then think again! Below are eight budget friendly destinations that are going to give you a whole lot more bang for your buck. So what makes these the cheapest holiday destinations in the world? In a nutshell – that would be cheap flights, cheap accommodation and cheap food and drink. You could be enjoying a five star hotel for the first time at an affordable price or a four star hotel at an amazing price. In fact any accommodation you choose is going to be excellent value for money. Food and drinks can also…
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Phuket Islands boat tour with Hibiscus Tours
The one thing most people want to do when they are in Phuket is to take a Phuket islands boat tour. The most popular being Phi Phi Island. So how do you choose the right tour, or know who is a reputable company and what is a reasonable price. I had procrastinated for days about booking a tour with one of the many companies that line the streets of Patong Beach. There is literally a tour desk every second shop and as much as I wanted to enquire at a few to compare each, I just felt put off because of the prospect of a hard sell. So before you…
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Baan Rim Pa restaurant: Royal Thai cuisine
The Baan Rim Pa restaurant is one of those little hidden gems that can be found (if you are in the know) in Patong, Phuket. Baan Rim Pa is luxury dining – something that is hard to come by in Patong – and specialises in Royal Thai Cuisine. What is Royal Thai cuisine I hear you ask? Well it is food that was only ever created and served in the Grand Palace of Thailand for the royal family. I was recommended this restaurant by a couple of older ladies who were on my island tour the previous day. They had dined there the night before and had assured me that…
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5 super touristy things to do in Phuket
When in Phuket and particularly Patong Beach anything goes, and for some people that includes their sanity – of course in a good way! Here are five super touristy things to do in Phuket that will be sure to leave you with a smile on your face. 1. Have a fish pedicure I totally recommend that you do this at least once whilst in Phuket. There are fish spas everywhere and the going rate is around 100 baht for ten minutes. There are different prices for more time but I found that ten minutes is plenty of time to sit and have these fish work away on your feet. The…
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Visiting Bangkok for the first time
If you have never thought about visiting Bangkok believing it to be nothing more than a city of brothels and pingpong shows then I’m here to tell you that you will be not only wrong but you will be in for a pleasant surprise. Whilst there is that element of go go bars and girls if you wish to go seeking out the red light district but Bangkok is so much more than that. Visiting Bangkok for the first time may have you feeling a little overwhelmed due to it’s sheer size but within the first 24 hours as you explore this wonderful exotic city you will fast become at…