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8/16/2019 Holidays for Couples - April - September 2016
1/148Apr-Sept2016
A U
D / N Z $ 8 . 8
0
in Maca
and what)(and what)
BalBride
Where to tie knot on the Isla
of the Go
MOZART
MARIA MARIA
Salzbur
SIAM GLAOld-school style in Bang
LET IT SNOHit the slopes in France & Aust
SRI LANKTrains, taxis & tuk-tuks for
The 5 hottest resorts in
MALAYSIA
The 10places you
have to seein 2016
ASIAN SENSATIONS
SECRET PARISRomantic spots
you've neverheard of
9 771445 410006
01
ISSN 1445-4106
P
P
4 2 4 0 2 2 / 1 5 2 4
Where to e
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It’s not just one thing we do that makes Spicers special. It’s everything we do. It makes our retreats
the perfect place to fall in love again. And we do it so well that one of our retreats was voted the
Number One Destination in Australia for Romance (TripAdvisor® Traveller’s Choice 2016).
STUNNING NATURAL SETTINGS. TEAM MEMBERS WHO KNOW YOUR NAME.
AWARD-WINNING FOOD AND WINE. PERSONALISED EXPERIENCES, AND THOSE VIEWS.
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THERE ARE ROMANTIC WEEKENDS AWAY . . .
and then there’s falling in love all over again.
To experience relaxed luxury at one of our six retreats,
call 13 77 42 or visit spicersretreats.com
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CONTENTS13 Secret Paris
Romantic spots you’ve probably
never heard of, in the City of Light.
21 Asian Sensations
The top 10 places you have to visitin 2016.
33 10 Hot DaysSri Lanka is hot in every sense of
the word.
39 Bali Love Where to say “I do” on the
Island of the Gods.
51 On the Menu in Macao Where to go and what to eat in Macao.
57 Crushing on Courchevel
Hitting the slopes in the French Alps.
63 Resort ReportThe coolest new hotels, trips and
events around the globe.
73 Cupid Lives HereThe five hottest resorts in Malaysia.
76 Walk on the Wild SideSun bears and sea turtles
in Sabah.
81 Retreat to Romance
Gorgeous boutiqueshort-break inspiration
in Australia.
94 On the TrailFollowing the Mornington
Peninsula Wine Food
Farmgate Trail.
13
21
73
51
76
holidaysforcouples.trave
F R O N T C O V E R P H O T O : F O T O L I A
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99
112
114
124
99 Schussing in ‘StraliaA couple’s guide to skiing in Australia.
104 Red Hot ChileExploring the delights of the capital,
Santiago.
108 Room for Two: Sofitel Macau
A touch of France in the Las Vegasof the East.
110 Room for Two: Club Med GuilinHoliday in one of the most
breathtaking parts of China.
112 Room for Two: O’Reilly’sFinding romance in the “Lost World”.
114 Solomon IslandsEight great reasons to visit.
119 Siam Glam
Stay in the past – in style – in Bangkok.
124 Something Good in SalzburgLet’s start at the very beginning...
130 The Magical Spell of CruisingA spellbinding Eastern Mediterranean
cruise – with Uncle Ted, aged 90.
135 Packed with LoveHoneymoon and destination wedding
packages from across the globe.
4
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Steve McKennaBritish-born travel writer Steve
McKenna had long been fascinated
by Sri Lanka. He grew up listening
to stories about the old Ceylon
from his grandfather, Jim, who was
posted there during World War II.
So it was a treat to finally travel
around this steamy tropical island.Heaps of things will stay in his
memory from this life-affirming trip:
gorgeous mountain scenery, candlelit
seafood feasts and the chilled-out
friendliness of the people. Steve will
not, however, miss the long, bumpy
bus rides. Celine, his par tner, agrees.
33 104
CONTRIBUTORS
39
Belinda LuksicIt was love at first sight for Australian
lifestyle and travel writer, Belinda
Luksic, who first visited Bali in her
twenties. Back then, mistaken for a
young Demi Moore in Ghost , she was
mobbed wherever she went: kayaking,
dinners – even a visit to Borobodur
ended up with 30+ Balinese chasingher around the temples chanting,
“Demi! Demi!”. These days, still in love
with its evocative charms and her
celebrity past behind her, she visits Bali
regularly without too much fanfare;
the last time for the beachside
wedding of two of her best friends.
Mark DaffeyMelbourne-based travel writer and
photographer Mark Daffey first
tried to get to Chile in the year
2000. But his timing wasn’t right;
it was the middle of winter and
he really wanted to head south to
Patagonia, where wild winds and
sub-zero temperatures prevailed.He settled on Peru instead, fuelling a
fierce desire in him for more things
South American. Even so, it took him
15 years to return. But this time he
made it to Chile – and to Patagonia.
He’s come back with a weakness for
the local reds.
114
Christine RetschlagChristine Retschlag is an award-
winning Australian journalist who has
worked in newspapers, magazines
and online for the past 25 years. She
adores exploring the Pacific region
in which she lives and jumped at the
chance to travel to the Solomon
Islands, not only for this magazine,but also to look for love and tales for
her travel and dating blog, The Global
Goddess (theglobalgoddess.com).
When not travelling the world, you’ll
find her happily lounging on the back
deck of her 1920s Queenslander
cottage in Brisbane with a cold beer.
6
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FROM THEPUBLISHERAustralians may love a sunburnt country, but the beach isn’t the only
place where you can get a bit of colour on your face: ski slopes can be just as effective. We always like to think of this as our Winter issue,
so what better time to highlight some destinations where it’s all about
the snow. But don’t forget the Factor 50.
Courchevel in the French Alps would have to be the most glamorous
ski resort in the world, so we sent our writer to “research” some of its
gorgeous hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and glam spas. Oh, and
to do some actual skiing. Check out her story on page 57. Meanwhile,
back at home, our couples’ guide to Australian skiing hotspots starts on
page 99. Compared to top international resor ts we might not have the
altitude, but we’ve still got the attitude.
There are so many extraordinary destinations in Asia it’s impossible
to feature them all in one issue, but we’ve narrowed things down a bit
with a list of the 10 must-see spots for 2016 (p21). From Danang in
Vietnam to Iran (yes, it’s in Asia), you’ll find some exotic new places for
your bucket list.
Still in Asia, we’ve also journeyed to Sri Lanka (p33), Macao (p51),
Sabah (p76), Malaysia (p73) and Bangkok (p119), plus we’ve got a
special feature on Bali for anyone planning a destination wedding
– or renewal of vows – on the Island of the Gods (p39).
If you’re heading north for the European summer and looking for
inspiration, check out our stories on Paris (p13), Salzburg (p124) and
cruising in the Eastern Mediterranean (p130). We’ve also covered
Santiago in Chile (p104), the Solomon Islands (p114), hot hotel openings
(p63) and, of course, romantic retreats in Australia (p81). Having just
returned from living in Macao for the past few years, I personally can’t
wait to rediscover this land of sweeping plains and rugged mountains.
Tanya Joslin
Publisher
holidaysforcouples.trave
Indian Ocean
www.wildlifesafari.com.au
1 800 998 558
Wildlife Safari offers the finest in luxury resorts in the
most idyllic and exotic islands of the Indian Ocean.
Contact Wildlife Safari, the Indian Ocean
specialists, for a copy of our brochure or
for details of our honeymoon packages.
MALDIVES, SEYCHELLES, MAURITIUS, SRI LANKA
AFRICA | INDIA | ARABIA | INDIAN OCEAN
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Holidays for Couples is a registered trademark of Prescribed Publications Pty Ltd. Copyright by Graphic Publishin g. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in par t thereof without permission is strictly prohibited.NOTICE: While every effort has been made to ensure that all information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility can be accepted by the publishers for entries suppli ed by organisations, firms or individuals. including copyright of supplied materialand/or typographical errors. Advertising enquiries: +61 7 3029 7700. Freelance contributions are welcomed by the magazine and submissions should be addressed to: [email protected]. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicitedmanuscripts, illustrations or photographs. This edition may contain competitions, special offers or surveys which, if you enter, may require you to give personal information to Graphic Pu blishing. This information may be used by Graphic Publishing andany companies supplying product or special offers, unless you advise us not to: phone +61 7 3029 7700. The opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writer s only, and not necessarily those of the publishers. The information contained
in advertising is the responsibility of the advertiser, and no advertisement is to be deemed as an endorsement by Holidays for Couples magazine. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of information and prices before going to pr int, noresponsibility can be taken for changes. Graphic Publishing, P.O Box 5601 West End, Queensland, Australia 4101, holidaysforcouples.travel
HolidaysforCouples holidaysforcouples @holidaysforcouples +HolidaysforcouplesTravel hol idaysforcouples .travel
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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PUBLISHER
Tanya Joslin
EDITOR
Ginny Cumming
ART DIRECTOR
Alissa Pittman
PRODUCTION SUB EDITOR Yvette Chapman GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jian Odessa ObaPRODUCTION MANAGER Zoe Kirby ACCOUNT MANAGER Amy Wilson
DIGITAL CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER Paul Sobczak DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER Nichola Davies
ADVERTISING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Lynn Hill ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Melissa BournFor all advertising enquiries, phone +61 7 3029 7700
OFFICE MANAGER Toni Turner ACCOUNTS & SUBSCRIPTIONS Hayley Newman [email protected]
OPERATIONS MANAGER Nikki Ernst
Graphic Publishing, publishers of HOLIDAYS FOR COUPLES holidaysforcouples.travel; GREAT DESTINATION WEDDINGS greatdest inationweddings.com.au ;QUEENSLAND BRIDES queenslandbrides.com.au; QUEENSLAND HOMES queenslandhomes.com.au
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Forget the usual cliches (as gorgeous as they are), and check out
some lesser-known romantic spots in the City of Light.
WORDS Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey
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P aris is a city that instantly conjures images of
romance: the sparkling Eiffel Tower, bridges
across the River Seine and views from the
rooftops. But according to the dictionary, romance
is: “A quality or feeling of mystery, excitement and
remoteness from everyday life.” While it can be difficult
to feel remote in Paris (as it’s officially the world’s
most-visited city, with more than 30 million visitors
every year), luckily there are still places that aren’t on
absolutely every visitor’s itinerary. Places that are full
of mystery, history and – of course – romance.
Here are some inside tips on where to experience
romance away from the madding crowds.
The KissThe Rodin Museum ( Musée Rodin, rodinmuseum.org )is easily one of the nicest museums in Paris. Rodin’s
former residence – which reopened in late 2015 after
a three-year restoration – is a beautiful, classical
mansion. It’s situated in a park dotted with his
sculptures, and features views of the golden dome of
Les Invalides, Napoleon’s tomb and the Eiffel Tower.
There’s a garden cafe selling decent croissants and very
good macarons – which alone are worth the visit. But
take a stroll through the gardens and you’ll also see the
well-known sculpture, “The Thinker” contemplating life.
Inside the exhibition area there is again, finally, “TheKiss”. The 1889 marble sculpture depicts the first kiss of
lovers Paolo and Francesca (from Dante’s Divine
Comedy ), who were slain by Francesca’s husband and
condemned to wander through hell for evermore. It’s
love, lust and romance (and, um, murder), all in one.
Maison MagicNext to lovely Parc Monceau, full of follies and even
a pair of tur tles in the duck pond, is the perfectly
preserved Musée Nissim de Camondo (lesartsdecoratifs.fr ),
the private mansion of a banking family who lived there
in the early 1900s. Moïse de Camondo had the villabuilt to house his collections, and a collector he
certainly was. From paintings and furniture to decorative
items and china, Moïse had it all . But the rich Jewish
family was destined for tragedy, with the heir Nissim
dying in World War I, and the daughter and her family
eventually dying in Nazi camps during World War II.
None of the Camodo family sur vived, and the house
was preserved in its original condition by Les Arts
Décoratifs foundation (lesartsdecoratifs.fr ). It’s an
amazing and touching insight into how this family lived
in early 1900s Paris.
The Rodin Museum
“The Kiss”
by Rodin
14
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Hidden OasisThe Museum of Romantic Life ( Musée de la Vie
Romantique; vie-romantique.paris.fr/en), at the foot of
Montmartre hill in the 9th arrondissement, is a hidden
gem amongst Paris’s museums. It’s not actually about
romantic life as the name may suggest, but rather the
artistic era of the Romantics. Nevertheless, it’s a rather
romantic place. Once the home of artist Ary Scheffer,
over the years it’s been the meeting place of
composers, artists and authors, including George Sand,
Chopin, Delacroix, Franz Liszt, Charles Dickens and IvanTurgenev. Accessed through a tiny, tree-lined alley
tucked away from the streets, the building stands in a
courtyard overgrown with flowers. There’s a shaggy little
garden with a small cafe, giving you the opportunity to
sit quietly in this hidden oasis in the middle of Paris.
Inside, the home has been left in pretty much its original
state, full of paintings and art, plus an extensive
collection about the life of female novelist George Sand.
It includes locks of her hair and a plaster cast of her
arm, as well as Chopin’s hand, the more sensuous body
parts reminiscent of their artistic work.The Museum of
Romantic Life
Musée Nissim de Camondo
holidaysforcouples.travel
EUROPE
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Wall of LoveIn the tiny Square Jehan Rictus, just across from thelovely metro stop Abbesses on Montmartre, is
Le mur des je t’aime – a black, 40-square-metre wall
made from enamelled lava tiles with the words “I love
you” covering it more than 300 times, in 250 languages.
It’s a pilgrimage place for lovers wanting to enjoy the
small park in historic surroundings, who look for “I love
you” in their language. From there you can take the
shady, steep steps up to the artists’ quarter, but it’s only
a mere saunter to the funicular train up to Sacré Coeur.
Tiny TempleAway from the crowds, the Buttes-Chaumont Park(Parc des Buttes-Chaumont) is probably the prettiest
park in Paris. Playground of Proust’s Albertine, who
took excursions to this park earlier last century, it’s a
lot more accessible from Paris today than it was then.
But otherwise it is unchanged. A famous feature is the
Temple of Sibilla (Temple de la Sibylle), a miniature
version of an Italian temple that sits atop a steep cliff
overlooking Paris, with great views across to Sacré
Coeur. The suspension bridge leading to the temple was
designed by Gustave Eiffel and stretches across a lake
that’s surrounded by grottos and waterfalls, undulating
hills that invite picnics, and even views into the Petite
Ceinture, an abandoned railway line that is now an
overgrown wonderland. Within the park is also one ofParis’s best-loved restaurants and bars, Rosa Bonheur.
Oldest treein ParisSouth of the Ile de la Cité, next to the famous
Shakespeare and Company bookstore and alongside
the path trodden by pretty much every visitor to Paris,
lies Square René Viviani-Montebello – though this tiny
park is often overlooked. Enter through the gate and
you’ll find the church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, one of
the oldest religious buildings in Paris. It dates back to the 1200s, around the same time as the imposing
Notre Dame, just across the river. You’ll also find the
oldest tree in Paris here. Given the amount of parks and
trees in the city, you’d be forgiven for thinking there’d be
plenty of ancient trees – but you’d be wrong. This tree,
propped up by an unsightly concrete crutch, was
planted in 1601, making it well over 400 years old.
Despite the distant chatter of visitors and chugging of
tour buses, the tree stands among tiny alleys and
crooked buildings, allowing an impression of ancient
Paris: the crooked and cobbled Medieval Paris that
“In the tiny
Square JehanRictus is
Le mur des je t’aime... with the words‘I love you’covering it
more than300 times,in 250languages.”
Le mur des je t’aime:
The “I Love You” Wall
16
EUROPE
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existed long before Georges-Eugène Haussmann
created the grand Paris that’s foremost in everyone’s
minds these days.
Ship of dreams Water and dreams is what you get when you stroll
towards the Parc de la Villette along the Quai de l’Oise,
an extension of the ever-popular Canal Saint Martin.
You’ll see one houseboat moored after another: some
contain restaurants and some bars, but L’eau et lesRêves (penichelibrairie.com) is a bookstore, or bookship.
The belly of the boat has been transformed into a
bookstore specialising in travel, anything to do with
water, coffee-table books of art and photography, and
a fantastic selection of kids’ books. L’eau et les Rêves
hosts exhibitions, author readings and theatre
workshops, all on the water. At the weekend there’s
also a great market next to the mooring, and there’s
hardly a better way to spend a morning in Paris than
to shop, eat, have coffee and watch the world go by
alongside a bustling canal.
Alfresco artButte-aux-Cailles (“hill of quails”) is a village in Paris,dating back to the 13th century. To call it a hill might be
pushing it, as its elevation is around 62 metres, but the
meandering little lanes, town hall, markets, and plentiful
cafes and restaurants invite a stroll and further
exploration. What makes Butte-aux-Cailles even more
special is the street art. Whereas all across Paris you
might see Space Invaders (made from ceramic tiles and
found in cities all around the world) or other small
plaques of art, here the artists have taken over entire
walls, lanes and house fronts to create some stunning
murals next to smaller pieces of art.
Clockwise from top left:
L’eau et les Rêves bookship;
the oldest tree in Paris
by the church ofSaint-Julien-le-Pauvre;
the Temple of Sibilla in
Buttes-Chaumont Park;
street art in Butte-aux-Cailles.
Getting there
Travel to Paris from the UK
and Europe with Rail Europe
(raileurope.com.au ).
holidaysforcouples.travel
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NEED TO KNOW
Stay
Maison Souquet: Don’t be fooled by the bland exterior
of this gorgeous hotel [pictured]. Although the front
door is decorated with only a couple of small redlamps, the interior defines opulence and romance.
The lobby is reminiscent of the palace in the movie
1001 Arabian Nights , while the cocoon-like rooms are
named after courtesans and are covered in silk
wallpaper individually handmade for each room.
There are secluded corners in which to drink cocktails
as you leaf through large coffee-table books, and
a spa that can be booked for just the two of you.
maisonsouquet.com
Hotel Récamier Paris: On the Left Bank, in a corner of
Place Saint Sulpice, right by the famous church, hides
this tiny boutique hotel. A mere 22 rooms are
connected by an amazing staircase and on each floor
there’s a bust of the hotel’s namesake, the famous
beauty and society salonist of the early 1900s, Juliette
Recamiér, as interpreted by various artists. There’s a
snug library full of coffee-table books and tiny places
in which to sit and relax. This little jewel is situated
right in the centre of all the shops, restaurants and
action of the arty Left Bank, and is a hop and a skip
from the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du
Luxembourg ). hotelrecamier.com
Eat
Le Bistrot des Dames: Voted by Time Out as one of the
100 best bars in Paris, this is a quirky, secluded place
to eat and drink in the up-and-coming Batignolles
area of the 17th arrondissement. The traditional
interior features eclectic retro decor, a bar that gives a
hint as to the extensive wine list, a hidden away
subterranean room, plus a lovely rear courtyard. They
make Le Bistrot des Dames a perfect place for lunch,
dinner and drinks – or all three in a row, if you get
stuck chatting and enjoying the surroundings. The
daily specials are superb, including great salads and a
tuna main course that’s listed as “undercooked” tuna,
which might sound dodgy, but is fantastic.
eldoradohotel.fr/en/le-bistrot-des-dames
Chez Julien: This former boulangerie features
1900s-style decor full of painted tiles, mirrors,
chandeliers and little architectural details. Situated atthe foot of the lovely Saint Gervais church between
the Seine and the Marais, you can sit outside on the
cobbled little street that meanders past the church.
Old local regulars mix with trendy young clientele,
allowing for a great blend of old and modern style. The
menu is a combination of French and Spanish, with a
few surprises thrown in. It changes seasonally, but
always includes fish and a daily dish, and a great
drinks list. It’s a place to linger, enjoy the food and
people-watch on a balmy spring or summer’s evening.
chezjulien.paris
18
P H O T O S P A R I S T O U R I S T O F F I C E L E S A R T S D E C O R A T I F S D R E A M S T I M E S H U T T E R S T O C K
EUROPE
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There are moments that pass in a second,
FOR BOOKINGS +960 664 1122 | [email protected] WWW.COCOBODUHITHI.COM
We all dream of our own imaginary tropical island, a perfect escape of flutteringpalms and impossibly white sands. At Coco Bodu Hithi, you will find this samesense of excitement in an invitation to kick off your shoes and create treasuredmemories to last a lifetime.
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WORDS Gemma Price
Easily accessible information
and convenient travel mean
we’re spoilt for choice when
planning a trip. Not only are
new flight routes putting
hard-to-reach destinationswithin our grasp, some
previously inaccessible
countries are opening their
borders and relaxing visa
regulations, emerging as
potential holiday spots in the
process. Here are 10 Asian
holiday destinations worth
considering in 2016.
Asian
SensationsGorgeous destinations to visit in 2016
holidaysforcouples.travel
ASIA
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Palawan,PhilippinesThe Philippines checks all the boxes for a
romantic tropical getaway, but the Province
of Palawan – comprising Palawan island and
its reef-ringed neighbours – goes above and
beyond. Not only is it visually spectacular
(in 2014 Condé Nast Traveller readers voted the island the most beaut iful in the world
for its aquamarine waters, jungle-carpeted
emerald green mountains and idyllic,
multi-hued fishing villages backed by
limestone cliffs), but there’s plenty to see
and do, too. Foodie hub, Puerto Princesa is
home to a UNESCO-inscribed subterranean
river, voted one of the New 7 Wonders of
Nature. You’ll find great places to sail and
dive as you hop from islet to island, and may
even sight rare species such as the Philippine
pangolin or tiny mouse deer. Palawan isn’t
short on luxe resort s – Amanpulo offers
beach, hillside and canopy accommodation,while each of the El Nido properties is more
gorgeous than the last – and as you can get
there by boat or a 90-minute flight from
Manila, it probably won’t be long before the
madding crowds roll up.
Amanpulo.
22
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Nestled at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers,
this former royal capital – and UNESCO World Heritage Site – is
a heady mix of well-preserved cultural tradition and colonial and
Laotian architecture. Colourfully garbed hill tribe women and
Mahayana monks clutching burnt sienna parasols walk along
bougainvillea-flanked roads, passing homespun eateries, little shops
and boutique hotels housed within gabled, timbered or
brick-and-stucco mansions. Villa Maly, a 33-room hotel anchored by
the 1938 home of Princess Khampieng and Prince Khamtan, embodies
the elegance of Indochinese-era living. Compared with neighbouring
Southeast Asian hubs, Luang Prabang is not that easy to get to – only
a couple of flights a day depart nearby Hanoi – although improving
connections may see that change. For now, though, you can enjoy the
300-step climb to Wat That Chom Si on the top of Mount Pousi Wat
and step beneath the low sleeping roof of 16th-century Wat Xieng
Thong to admire its vivid glass mosaics of Buddhist teachings and
King Sisavang Vong’s seven naga-headed funeral chariot, without
having to elbow through busloads of tourists.
2Cambodia
Laidback provincial town Siem Reap is
arguably best-known as Cambodia’s
gateway to the ancient Angkorian templecomplex, but its sophisticated restaurants,
boutiques and luxurious, pool-fringed
accommodation will keep you lingering
long after you’ve had your temple fix.
I love Belmond La Residence d’Angkor,
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and taking
time out to enjoy Wat Damnak’s local
produce-focused degustation menu.
Cambodia has lots more for couples to
explore – you can cruise up the Mekong,
go jungle trekking in Ratanakiri and
wander through gilded wats and striking
examples of 1960s New Khmer
architecture in the French colonial capital,Phnom Penh. From here it’s a 35-minute
flight (or 3.5-hour drive) to the southern
beach resort of Sihanoukville, named for
Cambodia’s former king. Song Saa Pr ivate
Island is the perfect set ting for couples
looking to escape, and when the
Kenzo-designed Arovada by Akaryn – the
first private island wellness retreat on Koh
Krabey – opens later this year, it’ll be one
more good reason to go.
3 LuangPrabang, Laos
Angkor Wat.
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D a
n a n g ,
V i e t n a m
Historically, Vietnam’s central coast
has been the seat of kings, emperors,
colonial administrators and war heroes
from both sides. Today, Danang’s
48-kilometre sandy shoreline (formerly
known as China Beach) – from hilly
Son Tra peninsular in the north to the
historic ancient town of Hoi An – is fast
becoming as famous for its sun, sand and
sea as its unique his tory: developers are
even tipping Danang as the next Phuket.
After the lull following 2008’s downturn,
things are start ing to pick up again .
The Meliá Danang held its sof t opening
there in 2015, while JW Marr iott , Hilton
and Sheraton will be online within the
next few years, and flights are gradually
being added from hubs all over Asia. For
now, though, the vibe is not too hectic, the
resorts are gorgeous (the all-villa Nam Hai
and high-style InterContinental DanangSun Peninsula Resort are my favourite
places to stay on the beach), and local
attractions – from cooking classes to
beach bars tucked away in small bays – are
myriad. At ancient UNESCO-listed
merchant town, Hoi An you can wander
charming museums, temples and eateries
set within 15th-century houses by day, and
eat at tiny eateries along lantern-lit streets
by night – don’t miss the chocolate duck
and mango shrimp at Mango Rooms or
a nightcap at opium den-inspired Q Bar.
The Nam Hai.
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kawasan pariwisata nusa dua
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and their logos are the t rademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.
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Bali While Bali’s charms may seem thoroughly documented (thanks,
Eat, Pray, Love) and regular visitors may grumble that it’s not the
untouched paradise they remember, the truth is that this Indonesian
jewel has been evolving since celebs such as Noel Coward and
Charlie Chaplin vacationed here in the Twenties and Thirties .
The upside is that no matter how many times you’ve visited Bali,
next time around there will be new places to check out – and check
in to. Last year, the 60-villa Ritz-Carlton Mandapa opened on the
banks of the Ayung River in Ubud, and Alila launched its fourthBali property in fashionable Seminyak; this year’s hotly anticipated
newcomers include Philippe Starck’s 12-villa property, The Stairs,
and all-suite hotel, The Katamama (run by the folks behind hip
Seminyak beach club, Potato Head). New restaurants pop up
every season, many from already successful Bali restaurateurs
– last year I loved Pirate Beach Club and Indonesian eatery,
Bambu Restaurant from the team behind popular La Lucciola.
The island’s well-established eateries a lso introduce new chefs
and new menus to complement their high-concept interiors
(check out the British colonial-era Shanghai vibe at Mama San
and rice-paddy vistas at Sardine).
And in addition to captivating visitors with its jungles, beaches and
spiritual sanctuaries, the Island of Dreams also inspires entrepreneurs
from all over the world to up sticks and try new ventures on itsshores. When not opening new boutiques or launching craft
cooperatives, designers – including those behind Australian brands
Ebony Eve, Shakuhachi and Nastasha – spend most, if not all, of their
time in Bali previewing new collections or releasing samples through
local shops. This means you’ll often snag one-off pieces for an
absolute steal.
And once you’ve had your fill of Bali’s social scene, ancient centres
of tranquillity such as Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and Uluwutu
temple, still hold new secrets to be discovered.
MyanmarEver since Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house
arrest, Myanmar’s star has been in the ascendant and
many travellers will tell you its top of their list. Historically,
Myanmar (formerly Burma) has been a popular
destination, particularly during its British colonial past (and
visitors can experience the luxurious accommodations of
that bygone era), but years of more recent isolation mean
that Myanmar still feels relatively untouched by the
fast-paced modern development characteristic of
neighbouring countries. Yangon, especially, is a beguiling
mix of European-influenced history and Myanmar
tradition. Victorian features at The Strand Hotel –
sweeping marble staircases; an ancient elevator – have
been well maintained, while rooms at the two-storey
1920s home of Myanmar’s former British governor, now
the Belmond Governor’s Residence Yangon, feature
canopy beds bordered by silk-panelled walls and views
over leafy treetops. But things are changing quickly and
new developments are mushrooming up everywhere.
Luxurious, safari camp-inspired Bagan Lodge opened in
2013 to give well-heeled visitors a place to stay just a few
kilometres from Bagan’s 11th-century plain of temples.
In recent years, several river cruisers have been launched
along the Ayeyarwady, including Belmond’s Orcaella and
Sanctuary Ananda, while Inle Lake and Ngapali Beach are
both hotbeds of development.
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MaldivesIn 2009, then-Maldives President, Mohamed Nasheed and his officials donned scuba gear and helan underwater cabinet meeting aimed at drawing attention to climate change. For locals of this
Indian Ocean Republic, the issue cuts close to home. The Maldives’ highest point stands only
2.4 metres, and its 1,200 gorgeous reef- and beach-fringed islands and atolls are threatened by rising
sea levels associated with global warming. Researchers have warned there will be no coral left in
30 years and that the Maldives will disappear completely by 2100, so local authorities and resorts
have taken a stand. For every is land being developed into a resort area, another island is being
preserved. All Maldives resorts are eco-resorts; the “biodegradable” Six Senses’ Soneva Fushi even
produces its own fresh water by desalinating ocean and lagoon water, and removes carbon dioxide
from the atmosphere rather than adding it. Many couples staying in the Maldives have been actively
helping to support the local economy and save the islands. And boy, are they worth saving. Go now.
va Fushi even
arbon dioxide
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As Krabi province is a little tricky to get to – the only
international flights serving Krabi airport are from
Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Darwin – it’s one of
Thailand’s more laid-back destinations. And compared
with Ao Nang and Phi Phi, Koh Lanta is even more
low-key. That’s not to say that there’s nowhere for
couples to stay (of Lanta’s five-star resorts,
we love the deliciously secluded mountain retreat ,
Pimalai Resort & Spa), but it does mean that the island
experience feels both relaxing and more authentic.
Lanta’s ethnically diverse inhabitants, comprising Muslim,
Thai-Chinese and Urak Lawoi sea gypsy communities,
are more likely to make their living from fishing,
prawn-farming and rubber-tapping rather than tourism.
Along the 25-kilometre west coast from northern Klong
Dao to Bamboo Bay in the south, you’ll find deserted
stretches of sand interspersed with day-into-night beach
bars frequented by locals and visitors alike. The action,
such as it is, happens around the concentration of bars,
shops and stilt-house seafood restaurants in the main
village of Baan Saladan, and there’s also great diving to be
had. Ko Ha Yai is known for its submerged caverns and
you can spot whale sharks , manta rays, and schools of
barracuda around the deep drops-offs of submerged
pinnacles, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.
Koh Lanta,
Thailand
8
Pimalai Resort & Spa.
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Once the capital of the 10th-century Indonesian Srivijaya Empire,
Surat Thani city is the hopping-off point for its eponymous province
and some of Thailand’s best-known islands, each of which has built
a reputation on offering either great diving, a castaway lifestyle, or a
party from dawn to dawn – and sometimes all three. Koh Tao is
credited as having the best diving in the Gulf of Thailand, and
gorgeous places to stay are legion. Koh Samui – par t of the
protected Ang Thong National Marine Park ’s 42-island archipelago
– is known for its high-end resorts and spas, but you can also find
nightlife along Chaweng’s main street and a more tranquil v ibe in
north coast fishing hamlet, Bo Phut. And while Koh Pha Ngnan is
best known for its infamous full-moon parties and less-raucous
half-moon parties, i t has a lot more to offer beyond the Hat Rin
debauchery. As 90 per cent of the island is covered in jungle and
40 per cent is protected by national park, wildlife abounds; if you
hike up Khao Ra, the island’s highest point, your pulse will likely be
raised by the jaw-dropping vistas as much as the incline.
You might not realise it, but Iran is also in Asia. It’s also set to be one of the must-go frontier
destinations for 2016. Most of the country is now considered safe: Australia has an embassy in
Tehran and after re-establishing its embassy there last summer, the UK is launching non-stop flights
from London this July – Iranian officials are hoping to welcome 20 million annual tourists by 2025.
But those going now will be among the first to experience the Islamic Republic’s diverse landscapes
and cultural treasures. You can hit the beach or go skiing (yes, you heard correctly). You can explore
19 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most of any Middle-Eastern country (Persian capital,
Persepolis was founded by Darius The Great in 518BC), and wander ancient Islamic prayer halls
illuminated by kaleidoscopic shafts of light lancing down from stained-glass windows. And after
a day’s sightseeing, you can turn your attention to Iran’s fabulous cuisine to the sound of Persian
pop or classical poetry – walnut pomegranate stew or hot and sour shrimp, anyone?
Surat Thani,
Thailand
Iran
9
10Chehel Sotoun Palace
in Isfahan, Iran.
30
P H O T O S A M A N P U L O
T A N Y A J O S L I N
I S T O C K
T H E N A M
H A I D R E A M S T I M E
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Meeting is fate. Marriage is choice. But falling in love
happens in a moment beyond your control.
LIVE AN ETERNAL MOMENT
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Over-worked and under-leisured, my partner Celine and I were desperate
for a holiday. We’d already narrowed it down to (a) somewhere exotic,
(b) somewhere neither of us had been before and (c) Asia.
After endless research and daydreaming one of us, I can’t recall who,
blurted out: ”How about Sri Lanka?” Condé Nast Traveller recently included
the island in its list of “The Top 16 Places to Go in 2016” – so we were
on-trend and on-the-move.
A few weeks later, we arrived at this teardrop-shaped island off the
south-east coast of India, clutching a 10-day itinerary that we hoped
would provide the perfect combination of activity and relaxation.
One of “The Top 16 Places to Go in 2016”,
Sri Lanka is hot in every sense of the word.
WORDS Steve McKenna
10 HOTDAYS
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Kandy
It’s hot and sticky in Sri Lanka, at least in its low-lying regions, and themugginess is enhanced when strolling beside Colombo’s traffic-clogged
streets. We quickly learn the error of our ways and decide to use metered
(and incredibly cheap) tuk-tuks instead of walking. While spread-out
Colombo isn’t as thrilling as cities like Bangkok or Hong Kong, there are
pockets of intrigue in areas such as its central business district, Fort, where
historic buildings from the Dutch (1656-1796) and British (1796-1948)
colonial eras are being revived. After mulling over the menu at the Ministry
of Crab – a stylish seafood eatery in the revamped Old Dutch Hospital
– we end up sitting under whirring ceiling fans at Pagoda Tea Room, feasting
on fragrant fish curry as we hum Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf ”
(the music video for the 1983 hit was filmed in this classic downtown
restaurant). While Sri Lanka is generally less hectic than neighbouring India,
our post-lunch dip into the sensory-jolting Pettah district was an exception
– with its sprawling markets selling everything under the sun. Our plan towatch the sunset from Galle Face Green – a family-friendly park hugging the
coast of the Indian Ocean – is scuppered by a tropical downpour, so we
hunker down nearby in the hotel, Taj Samudra, sipping coffee and cocktails
and reading Time Out Sri Lanka for travel tips.
DAY 1
Colombo
Our train to Kandy creaks out of the mildly chaotic Colombo Fort
Railway Station at 7am. We elect to travel first class, which, while hardly
Orient- Express standards, is comfy enough. Tea and snacks are provided, and
a raft of lush vistas keeps us entertained for the two-and-a-half-hour journey
– not bad for a ticket that only costs about 14 Australian dollars. The British
built this line in the 1860s and it’s a masterpiece of engineering, slicing through
long tunnels and along narrow ridges with heart-fluttering drops. Perched 500
metres above sea level, Kandy – the “cultural capital” of Sri Lanka – is a touch
cooler than Colombo. The banks of its manmade lake are dotted with sacred
sites including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic , which pilgrims believe
houses Buddha’s tooth. Our most vivid memories of Kandy, beyond just
sightseeing, are the organic iced coffee from National Coffee, the mountainous
plate of devilled chicken (a sweet and sour affair) that we consume in a
bustling side-street eatery, and cacophonous bird shrieks that pierce the night
sky – like something out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie.
DAY 2
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Polonnaruwa The name Polonnaruwa is such a mouthful that we initially refer toit as “Polyblablabla”. But, it’s worth learning how to pronounce the
name of this UNESCO World Heritage site, which is located about
three hours north of Kandy by taxi. We take the rickety, cramped
public bus which is only supposed to take three to four hours, but
thanks to traffic we arrive in Polonnaruwa almost six hours later.
While we chose the public bus, we’d opt for the taxi next time.
Dubbed Sri Lanka’s “Lost City”, Polonnaruwa is the former royal
capital of the Chola and Sinhalese kingdoms, and somewhere to
indulge your Indiana Jones or Lara Croft fantasies. Its jungle-fringed
collection of ruined temples, tombs, palaces and Buddhist carvings
date back almost a millennium, and there’s also an archaeological
museum brimming with monuments and statues. While some
tourists explore Polonnaruwa with a guide in a minivan, we prefer a
leisurely pedal around its picturesque relics on bicycle. Whenever it
gets too steamy, we retreat to shady trees where cheeky monkeys
frolic and affable vendors machete open coconuts for us to sip from.
Essentially, Sri Lanka is an early-to-rise and early-to-sleep country
with minimal nightlife. This suits us just fine because 7am starts and
busy days in the heat mean we’re usually blissfully asleep by 10pm.
DAYS 3-4
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Ella
UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sigiriya (otherwise known as “Sri Lanka’sMachu Picchu”) is a mesmerising spectacle. Like its Peruvian counterpart, it
was abandoned for centuries, only to be rediscovered in the 19th century.
“Ooh, I can feel me old heart beating,” says one Yorkshire tourist, as we
attempt to tackle the 1,000 or so steps leading to the summit of the
extraordinary granite outcrop, which soars almost 200 metres above flat,
forested plains that lie roughly 55 kilometres west of Polonnaruwa. Although
Sigiriya was inhabited in prehistoric times, its “golden era” was during the
reign of the parricidal King Kassapa I (AD477-495), who turned it into a
fortified citadel where he would receive various concubines and resist plots
from warring rivals. In a cave halfway up the rock, we survey an amazing set
of frescoes of buxom maidens before scaling the ruins of King Kassapa’s
Palace. The views of the surrounding countryside are magnificent: jungles,
rice paddies and streams covered with lily pads. Our only regret? We didn’t take a picnic.
DAY 5
Sigiriya
After overnighting back in Kandy, we venture higher into Sri Lanka’s
Hill Country, where narrow roads snake past sculpted tea bushes that
fan out photogenically from countless plantations that can be frequented
for tea sampling sessions. Many tourists stay in Nuwara Eliya, which is known
as “Little England” because British colonials set up camp there to direct the
booming tea industry and escape the sweatier lowlands of Ceylon
(the former name for Sri Lanka). We stay in Ella, a village nestled deeper in
the highlands. It’s a great place for travellers wanting to chill out, enjoy
massages and gorge on tasty homemade food. We indulge in some delicious
lamprais – slow-cooked meat, rice and vegetables wrapped in banana leaf.
The luxuriant, hiker-friendly landscapes on Ella’s doorstep are definitely
worth writing home about. Think: misty mountains, gushing waterfalls,
sweet-sounding birdlife and jaw-dropping views.
DAYS 6-7
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Mirissa& Galle We spend our last three days by the seaside. From Mirissa, one
of the burgeoning resort towns lining the south coast, we embark
on a whale-watching trip, hoping to see the mighty blue whale
(the world’s largest living mammal). We’re out of luck, but we do
spot a bashful Bryde’s whale, a leaping bottlenose dolphin, a few
manta rays and a beautiful whale shark that swims right up to our
catamaran. At night we have candlelit seafood dinners on Mirissa’sscenic white-sand beach, with its backdrop of soothing waves.
A two-hour tuk-tuk ride away is Galle, our final stop. Another
UNESCO World Heritage site, this delightfully picturesque old
town is wedged onto a peninsula jutting into the ocean. Gorgeous
heritage buildings shelter a slew of charming places in which to eat,
drink, shop and sleep. Ambling through Galle’s grid of cobbled
streets, past aromatic thickets of banyan, coconut and frangipani
trees, and happy-go-lucky teenagers playing cricket by the
grass-edged fortifications, Celine and I agree we chose wisely
with Sri Lanka. We just wish we could have stayed a bit longer.
DAYS 8-10
NEED TO KNOW
What to do
Wildlife Safari are experts
when it comes to Sri Lanka and
have a range of itineraries for
luxury private journeys perfect
for a honeymoon or holiday.
Alternatively, they can create a
Sri Lankan escape just for you.
Tel: 1800 998 558,
wildlifesafari.com.au
Climate
The climate is tropical, with a
number of monsoon seasons
that affect different areas of
the island at different times
throughout the year.
Currency
Like the Australian dollar, one
Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) is equal
to 100 cents.
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Where to say “I do” in one of the
world’s most beautiful places.
A happy couple at
the InterContinental
Bali Resort
BALI LOVE WORDS Belinda Luksic
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Bali. This island paradise in the Indonesian
archipelago has a balmy climate and all the beauty of a grand romance. It draws
you in with pretty, sun-kissed beaches and sweeping coastlines, courts you with
intensely lush rainforests and mirrored rice paddy terraces, and seals the deal
with rugged volcanic mountain ranges and dramatic skies. It’s soulful and sweet,
luxurious and friendly, and one of the more enchanting places to say “I do”.
No wonder it’s the go-to destination for couples looking to tie the knot.
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SEMINYAK, LEGIAN & BEYOND
LOVINAA thicket of bushy trees and palms edges
a narrow stretch of peppery black sandy
beach at Lovina. This sleepy fishing village
in Bali’s nor th-west, famous for the
dolphins that leap and splash about in
its deep-blue waters, is remarkable for
its low-key vibe, beachfront warungs
(shops) and distinct lack of tourists. It’s not
overly flash, but that’s half its charm.
It’s also a short 10-kilometre drive
from Bali’s only Buddhist monastery,
Brahmavihara-Arama. Perched on the
hillside with pretty views, this impressive
mini replica of Borobodur is where
couples keen for a non-traditional
ceremony can exchange vows.
This untouched wilderness may well be one of Bali’sbest-kept wedding secrets. One of the first (and premier)
diving spots, it’s a technicolour explosion of white sandy
beaches, coral reefs, crystalline waters, tropical fish, birdlife
and the wild deer the island gets its name from. It’s also
home to a trio of striking cliffside temples and a large-scale
Ganesha. A protected marine area that forms part of the
Bali Barat National Park, this tiny eco-wonderland of
mangroves and rainforest, a shor t 30-minute boat ride
off the north-west coast of Bali, is astonishingly beautiful,
uncrowded and chilled.
MENJANGAN ISLAND
Bali’s trendiest area is also one of its more popular wedding
destinations, in part due to the 12-kilometre stretch of
shimmering coastline and dazzling sunset views. From
Seminyak to Legian and beyond, the beach resort areas that
make up Bali’s south are an eclectic and cosmopolitan mix
of restaurants, bars, spas, clubs and boutiques. Seminyak, its
most swanky, has some of the island’s best restaurants and
is the place to shop for quirky local, Australian and
European designs. Legian, next door, is bursting with local
shops, spas and a mix of family-friendly beachfront eateries.
Further along, Kuta, chaotic, crowded and noisy, has the
distinction of being Bali’s first tourist hot spot and having
one of its best surf beaches for beginners. Between
Kerobokan and Echo Beach, the seaside village of Canggu is
the new frontier for do-it-yourself brides and grooms.
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The wedding boat at
InterContinental Bali
Resort; spectacular
settings at Kayumanis
Jimbaran (top right)
and Anantara Uluwatu
The gorgeous
Maya Sanur
SANUR
ULUWATU & JIMBARANAn enclave of luxury resorts and sleek
bars built higgledy-piggledy into the
cliffface, makes Bukit Peninsula a
standout wedding choice.This glamorous beach resort area
on Bali’s south-western tip is nature
at its best: jagged cliffs rise sharply
away from pounding surf beaches,
and incandescent sunsets seem to
drip candy colours into the sea.
Once popular among surfers in search
of the perfect break, the clifftop of
Uluwatu is a dramatic spot where
monkeys abound and traditional dancesare performed in and around its ancient
Hindu temple at sunset.
Nearby, Jimbaran, with its pretty beach,
is transformed nightly into a soft,
candlelit beach restaurant complete
with travelling minstrels.
There’s plenty to love about this
sleepy seaside town, not least its
unpretentious air and laidback charm.
Once the playground of the rich and
famous – Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall
exchanged vows here in a traditional
Hindu ceremony in 1990 – these days,
it has all the allure of Bali’s flashier
resort towns without the congestion
or the crowds. Just 30 minutes from
Ngurah Rai International Airport on
Bali’s south-east coast, Sanur stands out
with brilliant white sands, clear waters,
shady trees and a small, flat-water
beach protected by a reef. There’s
a good mix of bars and restaurants
fronting the sea, and a gorgeous
walkway that skirts the coastline. It
also delivers spectacular sunrise views.
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Stunning wedding set-ups
at The Laguna and St. Regis
Bali Resort (far right)
Romance goes five-star at Nusa Dua.
Named after the two islands it sits on, this
gated luxury resort town on the peninsula
of Bali’s south exudes exclusivity, eleganceand style. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, with
manicured gardens and lofty palms
framing golden-white sands and the
blue-green waters of the Indian Ocean.
A coral reef provides a gentle breakwater,
while meandering walks past temples
and shrines lead to majestic clifftop
views and hidden waterfalls. It’s stunning
and the perfect place to exchange vowsas the sun dips into the sea. Far from the
bustle and crowds, this private beach
enclave is home to sumptuous beachfront
resorts and villas, some with their own
wedding chapels.
For more destination wedding inspiration, visit our sister website, greatdestinationweddings.com.au
NUSA DUA
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www.thegangsa.com www.kayumanis.com
P. 62 361 705 777 F. 62 361 705 101
Sanur I Ubud I Nusa Dua I Jimbaran
an idyllic haven for your perfect romance
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Kayumanis Nusa Dua
Private Villas & Spa
WORDS Yvette Chapman
A vow renewal may not be legally binding like a marriage, but it is an incredibly
romantic gesture, a beautiful way to reaffirm your love – and a fabulous excuse
for a holiday! Destination wedding venues often have fantastic packages, so
narrow down your list to your absolute favourite spots, and then keep an
eye out for any packages with lots of extras thrown in.
THE A-LISTYou might invite some family, you might go it alone or you might take the
opportunity to throw the wedding you really wanted the first time around,
complete with full guest list. You might even spring a surprise vow renewal on
your partner. Whatever you decide, if you’re inviting guests to a wedding abroad,
be sure to give them plenty of time to organise time off (and start saving).
DO: Confirm the date and location at least six to eight months in advance
and send out save-the-date cards and invitations. But if you’re organising a
surprise for your other half, be sure to keep it on the low-down.
I DO... ROUND TWOThere are no legal requirements with a vow renewal, so you won’t need aregistered celebrant. There are also no rules when it comes to etiquette.
Some couples choose to incorporate aspects of their original ceremony,
rings are usually exchanged (or re-dedicated) and vows expressed.
DO: Add a special touch by writing your own vows.
PARTY TIMEPost-ceremony drinks are a good idea, followed by an after-party with dinner
and drinks for your group – or just the two of you.
DO: If you want to kick on afterwards, try an all-hours beach club or invite
the gang back to your resort for more drinks – but beware noise restrictions.
1The ceremony “We exchanged our vows at
Villa Anugrah in Uluwatu – a
beautiful stretch of beach on the
quiet, southwesterly tip of the
island. It meant so much more
this time, given the history that’s
passed between us. I re-dedicated
Jo’s ring, and also gave her a pair
of sapphire and diamond earrings
that she’d once hinted about.”
2The after-party “We had drinks at our villa,
followed by a superb dinner at
the hotel’s Piasan Restaurant. Iasked the chefs to create a cake
that looked like two gift boxes
tied together with ribbon,
symbolising the gifts that Jo and I
bring to each other’s life. It was
truly a work of art, and was a
stunning centrepiece at our
dinner. The biggest surprise was
when some of our guests got up
and made speeches that we totally
weren’t expecting – which made
them all the more touching.”
3The dress“Jo looked gorgeous in an
elegant, fitted dress, and the
other ladies in the party all wore
fabulous dresses that tied in with
our yellow theme. Gents wore
beige suits with yellow shirts to
the ceremony (but later changed
into shorts for the after-party).
The next day we ‘trashed’ Jo’s
dress in the sea at Nusa Dua,
then donated it to the
Kayumanis. They had it cleaned
and now it’s now available – for
free – to any other women who
want to renew their vows atKayumanis Nusa Dua Private
Villas & Spa.”
4 Memorable moment“It was when we had some
quiet time on the balcony of our
villa, admiring the beautiful
sunset. We could hear our guests
enjoying themselves below. No
words were needed in that
moment – we just chinked
glasses and exchanged a hug.”
Cliff & JoanneDate of renewal: 14 October 2015
Ceremony: Villa Anugrah, UluwatuAfter-party: Kayumanis Nusa Dua Private Villas & Spa
A true romantic, Cliff surprised his wife of 16 years, Joanne, with a
vow renewal last year in Bali – a place they’ve visited for more than a
decade. “It was the wedding we always wanted but couldn’t afford
the first time around,” says Cliff, who saw it as a gesture that would
show his wife just how much she means to him. Inviting 30 of their
closest friends from Europe to Kayumanis Nusa Dua Private Villas &
Spa, Cliff leaked the surprise to Jo just five days before the ceremony,
so she could have a dress made for the occasion. Awww!
e15
tu
A quick guide to renewing your vows
P H O T O S : K A Y U M A N I S N U S A D U A P R I V A T E V I L L A S & S P A
DESTINATION WEDDINGS
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Best Beachfront
Resort in Kuta
Discover a world with untainted andunrivalled beauty. Let us create yourpicturesque romantic journey.
Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, managedby Discovery Hotels & Resorts, is setamong spacious tropical gardens andon the sparkling beachfront. The resort International Airport. The resort encompasses 312 elegantlyappointed rooms and suites, 6 luxuryDiscovery Beachfront Villas, 7 food &beverage outlets and other stunningfacilities that will complete your romanticholiday with your beloved one.
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DESTINATION WEDDING PACKAGES – BALI
Exchange your vows in the amazing Skylight Rooftop
Bar at Sun Island Hotel. Gather together family and
friends, and share the happiness with a wedding
reception on the rooftop deck, while watching the
sun set. WEDDING PACKAGE: • “Topaz” package
• Floral arrangement and fruit basket in your room
• Wedding blessing/legal ceremony • Venue set up
with Western decorations • Bridal bouquet and
buttonhole • Wedding ring holder • Small,
one-tier wedding cake • Two Balinese flower girlswho will perform a traditional Balinese dance
• Sound system set-up • Honeymoon cake
after the wedding • Rooftop dinner for two,
with a bottle of local wine PRICE: USD1,890 net,
per couple CONDITIONS: Package is valid until
20/12/17. Price includes tax and service charge.
CONTACT: +62 361 761 818,
[email protected] , sunislandbali.com
BALI
Sun Island Hotel
White Rose Kuta Resort, Villas & Spa is the
ideal location for a garden wedding, and
its professional team is ready to provide a
completely bespoke service for you. WEDDING
PACKAGE: • Destination wedding for 20 people
• Legal wedding ceremony, with English
celebrant and marriage certificate • Choice
of Western or Balinese decor at garden
ceremony • Bridal bouquet and buttonhole
• Three-hour photography package (includesphoto album) • Choice of BBQ or international
buffet dinner • Three-hour free flow beverages
PRICE: USD4,900 per couple
CONDITIONS: Package is valid until 20/12/17.
Price includes government tax and service charge.
Each package is only valid for 20 people.
CONTACT: +62 361 761 818,
[email protected], whiterosebali.com
BALI White Rose Kuta Resort,
Villas & Spa
BALI
The Laguna, Nusa Dua
Enjoy a luxurious beach wedding for up to
100 guests at this Luxury Collection Resort & Spa,
which is architecturally designed to complement
the natural surroundings.WEDDING PACKAGE:
• Newlywed room • Wedding toast for two
with sparkling wine • English-speaking blessing
celebrant • Laguna blessing certificate • Frangipani
decorations (upgrades available) • Gazebo, altar
table and covered banquet chairs • Bridal bouquet
and buttonhole • Fresh flower ring pillow, aisleand shower • Balinese flower girls • Classic violin
player, acoustic guitar trio or sound system
• Souvenir PRICE: USD3,050 per couple
CONDITIONS: Package is based on availability and
is valid until 31/12/16. Price includes government
tax and service charge. Bookings must be made in
advance. CONTACT: +62 361 771 327, weddings.
[email protected] , thelagunabali.com
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LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit bali-uluwatu.anantara.com
CAMBODIA CHINA INDONESIA MALDIVES MOZAMBIQUE QATAR UNITED ARAB EMIRATES VIETNAM ZAMBIAOPENING SOON OMAN SRI LANKA
Start your romantic journey at Dewa Dewi Chapel, offering a one-of-a-kind wedding venue above Bali’s southern shore. Exchange your
vows and toast to eternal union with the unforgettable view of the IndianOcean and Uluwatu’s legendary breathtaking sunset as a backdrop.Create your love story at Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort.
Further information or reservations, please contact +62 361 – 8957 555,
Ised Celebrationat Dewa Dewi Chapel
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Tel: +62361 848 2200
Fax: +62361 848 2244
Email: [email protected]
Karma Jimbaran Resort, Jalan Bukit Permai, J imbaran Bay, Bali 80362 Indonesia
@KarmaJimbaranKarma Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia karmajimbaran
FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CONTACT :
Karma Jimbaran invites you to indulge in some much needed ‘us time’ in one of our intimate
and romantic private pool villas. Experience Karma Spa’s best treatments and dine at one of
our delicious international wine dinners. For the ultimate pampering, we’ll treat you to a
sunrise or sunset picnic for two on the beach at Jimbaran Bay.
Our two-night honeymoon package includes a romantic honeymoon set-up, daily
breakfast, canapés and a bottle of sparkling wine, gourmet in-villa dinner for
two, sunrise or sunset picnic on the beach at Jimbaran Bay and VIP airport transfer for only
USD975++ per couple. Booking code: KJHOLFC16
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www.plantationisland.comemail: [email protected]
*Conditions and block out dates apply.
Stay 5 nights, pay only 4
208/66 Moo 4, Maret, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84310 Thailand
Tel: + 66 (0) 77 960 555 | Fax: + 66 (0) 77 960 055 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.silavadeeresort.com
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Wining and dining on a culinary tour
of the Las Vegas of the East.
WORDS Juliana Loh
ON THEMENU IN
Macao
Cocktails at Heart Bar:
Negroni, anyone?
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ASIA
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With a rich history that spans centuries, Macao is home
to an intoxicating mix of Portuguese colonial heritage
and Chinese culture. The food here echoes influences
from India, Africa and Southeast Asia, incorporatingspices that made their journey on the Portuguese trade
routes across the world. Since 1999, when the
Portuguese handed Macao back to China, the country
has grown into an exciting, world-class entertainment
and dining hub, juxtaposed against centuries-old
colonial architecture and local eateries that have been
serving the same food for more than half a century.
Take a tour of these don’t-miss dining spots.
NEW & SHINYThe Cotai Strip is Macao’s equivalent of the Las Vegas
strip. Studio City Macau (studiocity-macau.com), amega-complex that opened in late 2015, is home
to Macao’s first Pierre Hérme macarons boutique
(pierreherme.com), while a restaurant from multi
Michelin-starred superstar, Alain Ducasse will open
later this year.
For beautiful, wood oven-roasted Peking duck, head to
Beijing Kitchen (macau.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/
BeijingKitchen) and watch the culinary action unfold in
the open kitchens while your duck is carved tableside.
Craving some noodles in the wee hours? Noodle &
Congee at Grand Lisboa Macau ( grandlisboahotel.com)
serves up al dente pulled noodles in its open kitchen
24 hours a day.
CAFE CULTUREKickstart your day at Greens Kitchen & Juicery
(1-A Calcada de Santo Agostinho) or The Blissful
Carrot (85, 79 R. Direita Carlos Eugenio, Taipa Village),
with organic cold-pressed juices, bountiful salads
and delicious wraps (including gluten-free and
vegan options).
Specialty coffee culture is on the rise in Macao,
moving on from the days of traditional, strong,
aromatic Portuguese pours. Enjoy the perfect
brew at Single Origin (Rua de Abreu Nunes 19)or Communal Table (29C Rua Formosa).
Enjoy pandan chiffon and kueh lapis – delicious
Southeast Asian cakes – over a cuppa at Café Philo
(17B Rua dos Artilheiros), with vintage records playing
in the background.
DRINKS WITH A VIEW Wind down at Heart Bar at Ascott Macau hotel
52
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(the-ascott.com) and enjoy alfresco sundowners
with sea views.
At The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge (ritzcarlton.com)
you can get the best gin and tonic in town, and there’shappy hour (with themed canapés) from 6-8pm
every Monday to Friday. Clink glasses while admiring
the panoramic sunset view over Taipa Village from the
51st floor, as live musicians play bossa nova and jazz.
MICHELIN TREATSGourmets will delight in Macao’s Michelin-starred
restaurants. The grande dame of French cuisine in
Macao, the three-Michelin-starred Robuchon au
Dôme ( grandlisboahotel.com), serves up classic dishes
and offers the city’s best and most extensive wine
list at gleefully reasonable prices.For a more contemporary experience, The Tasting
Room by Galliot (cityofdreamsmacau.com/en/dining/
detail/tasting-room ) offers wonderfully modern and
light creations with the best seasonal produce – and
has two Michelin stars.
For a lavish meal, head over to Golden Peacock at
The Venetian Macao (venetianmacao.com), the only
stellar (literally: it has one Michelin star) Indian
restaurant in Macao.
OLD MACAOStart the day like a local and have congee for
breakfast in a tiny alleyway. The proprietor at CheongKei Noodle House (68, Rua de Felicidade) sells out by
2pm. You’ll see snaking queues of locals waiting for a
table, or with their metal tiffin carriers for takeaways.
Want a great Chinese schnitzel? Head to Pui Kei
(25 Rua da Cunha, Taipa) and order the deep-fried pork
chop and egg noodles (“Gat Lei Zhu Pai Lou Meen”
– Cantonese phoenetics should help with ordering).
Nam Peng Cafe (54 Rua de Cinco de Outubro) has
been serving some of i ts customers for more than
50 years, so you can soak in the atmosphere and
pace of life of older-generation locals. The signature
dish is the sandwich, generously filled with luncheon
meat, BBQ pork (char siu) and an omelette, with amilk tea on the side. Service is brash and cur t, and
only in Cantonese, so it’s best for brave diners
looking for full immersion into the city and culture.
Dim sum options abound in Macao, but locals usually
gather at Portas do Sol at Hotel Lisboa Macau
(hotelisboa.com) for Sunday yum cha. Located in an
old ballroom converted into a makeshift restaurant,
the interiors feel like a 1970s movie set, but it’s the
food that counts.
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The St. Regis Macao
There’s no shortage of accommodation in
the city. The latest opening on the Cotai
Strip is the St. Regis Macao. The
400-guest room – the largest in the
brand portfolio – is located right in the
heart of Cotai, one of the best addresses
in Macao, granting easy access to all the
malls and dining options.
The St. Regis Macao has the feel of a luxury
residence – a home away from home.
The design and interiors feature subtle
influences from the golden era of the
St. Regis New York, but here they are
infused with classical Portuguese and
Macanese touches. Flooded with natural
light, the spacious rooms offer some of the
best views in Cotai, and all enjoy the hotel’s
signature personalised butler service.
Thoughtfully curated art pieces adorn the
property. Harmony (the mural at the bar
by Portuguese artist, Gil Araujo), features
8,000 sections of colourful painted glass
and signifies both past and present, and
the contrasting cultures of East (China)
and West (Portugal).
Like its sister properties, the St. Regis Bar
offers a special version of the Bloody
Mary cocktail. Maria do Leste (Mary of
the East) was inspired by Portuguese
sailors, and features spices and
ingredients from the trade route they
sailed. It’s served on
a tray decorated with
Portuguese tiled floor
motifs, and with a
slice of chorizo, a
Portuguese egg tart,
peppercorns and salt.
Don’t miss the
Champagne sabre
ceremony every
Thursday, Friday and
Saturday evening, and
enjoy a glass of Veuve
Clicquot over live music.
Foodies will love The Manor restaurant,
an all-day, all-in-one dining and
multi-experience venue, featuring
a private dining room, cosmopolitan
fine-dining and bistro-style indoor
garden experience.
An expansive outdoor pool deck boasts
more than 2,000 square metres of deck
space complete with private cabanas.
You can also kick back in one of the
seven suites at the Iridium Spa on the
38th floor. The salon carries Evo products,
and therapists offer consults for bespoke
therapy using gem stones.
St. Regis Macao; Estrada Do Istmo. S/N,
Cotai, Macau; tel: +853 2882 8898;
stregismacao.com
For a taste of authentic Macanese food,
Riquexo (69 Avenida Sidonio Pais) and Litoral
(261 R. do Alm. Sergio) serve up the best. Order dishes
like minchi (minced beef or pork) for an initiation into
the rich and complex flavours.
And for a sweet treat (and a delicious reminder ofMacao’s Portuguese influence), be sure to try an iconic
Macao treat: an egg custard tart. The best are at Lord
Stow’s Bakery (lordstow.com), Margaret’s Café e Nata
(17B Goldlion building, Rua do Comandante Mata e
Oliveira) or San Hou Lei (13-14 Rua do Cunha) in
Taipa Vi llage.
The latter is a Chinese confectioner that does a variety
of tarts including coconut, milk custard and bird’s nest.
Consider it a pastry-lover’s pilgrimage.
WHERE TO STAY
This page: an Airmail cocktail at Heart Bar. Previous pages,
clockwise from top left: pinchos and a Mary-Go-Round cocktail
at Heart Bar; delicious fare at the Golden Peacock; traditional
Beijing-style duck from the wood-fired oven at Grand Hyatt
Macau; cocktail preparation at Heart Bar; duck with classic
condiments at Grand Hyatt Macau; the interior of the Golden
Peacock; a Kentucky Apple at Heart Bar; The Ritz-Carlton Bar
& Lounge; a delicious dish from The Tasting Room; Heart Bar.
54
ASIA
P H O T O S H E A R T B A R
G O L D E N
P E A C O C K
G R A N D
H Y A T T M A C A U
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✓ Return economy airfares toHong Kong with Cathay Pacific.✓ Return ferry tickets fromHong Kong to Macao (with limotransfers to and from the hotel).✓ Four nights in a MetropolitanSuite at The St. Regis Macao.✓ One romantic dinner (with abottle of wine) at The Manor.
✓ An hour of complimentarycocktails at The St. Regis Bar.✓ Breakfast daily.✓ One 90-minute spa treatment in a couple’s suite.✓ A one-day sightseeing tour,including lunch and dinner.✓ Two A-Reserve tickets toThe House of Dancing Water.
WIN a romantic trip
to Macao
Win a dream holiday in Macao, thanks to theMacao Government Tourism Office, The St. Regis Macao,Cotai Central and Holidays for Couples .
Terms & conditions apply: see competition page on holidaysforcouples.travel for full details.
TO ENTER:Simply visit holidaysforcouples.travel and answer the following questions:1 Do you travel on an Australian passport?2 In one word, how would you describe Macao?3 In 25 words or fewer, why would you like tovisit Macao?
This lavish prize for two includes:
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Phuket’s Most Exciting and Stylish Contemporary Resort –
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Helen Hayes packs
her winter woollies,
throws her diet out
the window andexplores the many,
many delights
of Courchevel.
We realised we weren’t in Kansas anymore when we skied to the door of
Courchevel’s Annapurna Hôtel (annapurna-courchevel.com) for lunch. Instead
of clumping through a crowded buffet leaving a trail of snow behind us, we were
met by a lovely lady who explained we should take off our ski boots. We did.
She then gave us slippers to put on and said she would heat up our boots whilewe ate. What? Really? We then quietly went through to the stylish restaurant, past
the massive heated indoor pool, through the spectacular bar with coffee tables
made of redwood slabs and a counter topped with gorgeous ice-like glass, and sat
down at a table which had views looking up the impossibly pretty mountains. It was
that easy. From the slope to fine dining – with accompanying wines – in minutes.
Crushing onCourchevel
Charming chalets offer
ski-in/ski-out convenience.
EUROPE
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“ Allez, allez ”, and we crisscross the valleys heading up
La Tania gondola, up another two chairs and finally
up the Saulire tram to take in the view. We alight at
2,730-odd metres and have the world at our feet. We
stop for a hot chocolate at the Panoramic Restaurant
perched on the clifftop. It is absolute bliss. Francoise
points out Mont Blanc, Aguille de Fruit and other peaks
– the names mesmerising in her exquisite French accent.
She also shows us the way to Méribel, the next resort
over and par t of the mind-boggling Les Trois Vallées – the
biggest ski area in the world. The resorts of Courchevel,
Méribel, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Belleville and Val
Thorens are all linked, and a 3 Vallées (les3vallees.com)lift ticket allows you to ski at all of them.
Another “allez ” and we’re off again, past a giant red gorilla
that’s one of 10 animal sculptures that Parisian artist
Richard Orlinski has created around the resort. They
certainly make for good Instagram shots. We ski from the
top of Saulire, down towards the steep and short airport
runway where private jets and helicopters drop off the
rich and famous, and venture up and over to Courchevel
Moriond. Francoise waves au revoir as we hoon down
a host of big, beautiful runs – our favourites being
Chapelets and runs off the Pyramide t-bar.
On the SlopesOur lunchtime introduction set the tone for the rest of
ou