Travel

An Escape to W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak

Imagine. A magical beachside retreat in one of Bali’s opulent playgrounds, lush tropics and seductive seas. W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak, where the everyday is an urban myth. Surrender to the indulgence, where peace and tranquility are the utopian reality.

Imagine. A magical beachside retreat in one of Bali’s opulent playgrounds, lush tropics and seductive seas. W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak, where everyday is an urban myth. Surrender to the indulgence, where peace and tranquility are the utopian reality.

A romantic dinner under the stars by a secluded pristine beach? Room scattered with rose petals? A traditional Balinese dance lesson? A breathtaking helicopter escape for an bird’s eye view of Bali? Your wish truly is their command with their Whatever/Whenever service. They’ll make your special moment magical, and transform your dreams into reality. Anything you need, you just ask.

The beach beckons beyond W’s signature sleek designs. 237 retreats, suites and villas – including 62 Wonderful Garden View Retreats, 14 Spectacular Ocean Glimpse Retreat, 76 Spectacular Ocean Facing Retreats, and for a serious wow-factor there are 4 Marvelous Suites, 1 WOW Suite and 1 Extreme WOW Suite. For more privacy, we have 65 Marvelous One Bedroom Pool Villa, 10 WOW Two Bedroom Pool Villa and 4 Extreme WOW Three Bedroom Pool Villa.

W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak’s list of accolades continues to grow. On September 28th The exclusive club of Business Traveller Asia-Pacific’s magazine announced at a dinner ceremony at Conrad Hotel Hong Kong, the reward of W Bali as Best Resort Hotel in Asia-Pacific.

The function, which also marked the publication’s 30th Anniversary, has become the premier annual event for the past 21 years that the travel and hospitality industry looks forward to. The top places reflect the highest praise bestowed by Business Traveller readers on service providers, who have maintained impeccable standards that help make their journeys seamless and productive. The Readers Poll, conducted and interpreted by Ipsos, forms the ultimate basis for the results.

W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak opened on the 1st of March 2011, marking the debut of W Hotels Worldwide in Bali, Indonesia . Located in the pulse of the trendy enclave of Bali, the entry of W Retreat & Spa sets the tone of exuberance in Seminyak where designer boutiques, eclectic galleries, concept restaurants, chic cocktail bars and clubs predominate here. Owned by PT. Dua Cahaya Anugrah, W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak will feature a total of 152 Wonderful and Spectacular Retreats, 4 Marvelous Suites, 1 WOW Suite, 1 Extreme WOW (E-WOW) Suite and 79 Villa Retreats (65 Fantastic One Bedroom Villa Retreat, 10 Marvelous Two Bedrooms Villa Retreat and WOW Three Bedrooms Villa Retreat), distinct concept restaurants such as Starfish Bloo and Fire, destination bars – WooBar and Ice, W Lounge, WET outdoor pool, a signature Away Spa that is open 24/7, SWEAT state-of-the-art fitness center, W The Store, and Wired and Words business center and library.

Designed by Poole Associates Private Limited and AB Concept, W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak reflects inspirations of rich natural beauty, historical and cultural heritage of Bali, in synergy with playful twist of bold designs and textures that stimulate guests’ senses from every angle of the retreat. With the unique take of Balinese designs, each space is identifiable with playful touches and surprises.

Craig Seaward, the General Manager of W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak stated, “I am very proud and excited to see the property evolve and receive these recognitions at such an early stage of our inception. Our team works hard to create something unseen in Bali and the acknowledgement proves that all our efforts and hard work has and will continue to make W Bali a success.”

In addition to the many exclusive indulgences at W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak, the retreat will offer a full-service WIRED business center available 24-hours, 350 square meters Great Room with unique Sensory® Set Up, and the brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® concierge service, providing guests whatever they want – from discovery of Balinese customary ceremonies to VIP access to celebrated fashion showcases and parties – whenever they want it, as long as its legal! Retreats and suites, including one WOW suites and an Extreme WOW suite, will feature the W Hotels signature bed with feather-top mattress, 350 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and goose down comforter, creating the ultimate escape.

From the stylish architectural design, by Indonesia’s A.W. Lake, to the indulgent menu of signature services; AWAY Spa captures the playful, unique W experience, infusing it with Balinese elements to create an ‘escape within an escape’ for guests and visitors alike.

Since opening in March 2011, W Bali has also been awarded the following:

Conde Nast Traveler – Hot List 2012
#1 Trendiest Hotels In Indonesia & Top 25 Luxury Hotels In Indonesia, Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2012
Asia Spa Magazine – AWAY Spa – Best New Spa 2011,
Top 25 Leisure Resorts & Top 25 Spa Resorts 2011 + 2012, Smart Travel Asia
Best Guest Room – 31st Annual Gold Key Awards – Hong Kong 2011
Best Design Trophy – Hotels Over 200 Rooms, Design-et-al International Hotel and Property Awards , June 2011

W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak
Jl Petitenget, Seminyak, Kerobokan Denpasar,
Bali 80361, Indonesia
T (62) (361) 4738 106
whotels.bali@whotels.com
reservations.wbali@whotels.com
WHOTELS.COM/BALISEMINYAK
FACEBOOK.COM/WRETREATBALI
@WBALI
text and photos by W RETREAT & SPA BALI – SEMINYAK

Travel

Autumn in Istanbul: Fellow Travellers Share Turkish Delights

by Jing Ramos

Istanbul is a transcontinental city positioned between Europe and Asia, known for its rich history and upbeat modern identity. The city features a unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture and has a bustling metropolitan life straddled along the Bosphorus Strait. Like Rome, it’s an old city built on seven hills. In fact, Istanbul’s gradient characteristic originates from the Roman Empire. The cobblestone streets of Istanbul were crafted by Albanian craftsmen commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecit in the 19th century, giving the city an old-world charm.

The lobby of the Pera Palace Hotel exudes old world charm.

Stephen Aznar, who organized this brief interlude in Istanbul, couldn’t have chosen a more interesting address—after all, location is paramount. We were right in the heart of Beyoglu, a historic and vibrant neighbourhood on the European side of Istanbul. Cultural landmarks such as the Galata Tower, historical buildings, art galleries, numerous churches, and an engaging atmosphere of fascinating restaurants and cafés surrounded us. Not far from our apartment stood the iconic Pera Palace Hotel, built in 1895 for passengers of the Orient Express. Designed by French-Ottoman architect Alexander Vallaury, the hotel’s opulent architecture is a hybrid of neo-classical, art nouveau, and oriental styles. Famous names have graced the hotel’s registry, including Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey, and writer Agatha Christie, who reportedly drew inspiration from the hotel for her novel Murder on the Orient Express. Other notable visitors included Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, and Queen Elizabeth II.

Stephen Aznar by the Galata Tower in Beyoglu.

The interiors of the patisserie were given a facelift by renowned interior designer Anouska Hempel.

The china served in the cafe were naturally pink, a favorite color of the Atataturks.

Stepping into the patisserie of the Pera Palace Hotel is a journey into the Belle Époque—a dreamlike era when the art nouveau period flourished. This French-style bakery features a predominantly pink ambiance with cranberry tones, moiré silks, and velvet cushions. Interior designer Anouska Hempel refreshed the café’s interiors in 2013, enhancing its original design, and the result is “the glamour of a bygone era.” Dessert history spanning Istanbul to Anatolia includes a varied range of baklavas, rice pudding, and Turkish delights from the Ottoman Palace, as well as patisserie products, biscuits, tarts, and cakes that made their way to Pera in the mid–19th century. That particular afternoon, our guilty pleasure consisted of Turkish tea with a traditional caramel éclair and a lotus tart served on pink china—a favourite color of the Atatürks.

Tracey Emin’s Bazen/Sometimes, inkjet mounted on foam board 2009

The Elgiz Museum of Contemporary Art, located in Istanbul’s business district within the Beybi Giz Plaza building, is Turkey’s first contemporary art museum established to support the development of contemporary art. The museum is nonprofit, founded by Sevda and Can Elgiz, and houses the family’s private collection, showcases temporary exhibitions, and serves as a platform for young and emerging artists and curators.

Currently on exhibition is Season of Mirage, which explores the thin line between dream and reality through current works by Turkish artists and selections from the museum’s private collection. A journey through the layered world of art, the exhibition—named after a mirage—offers a visual feast shaped by artists’ observations of the modern world. The interplay between clarity and uncertainty provides viewers with an opportunity to transcend time and explore both past and present. And although the city of Istanbul remains deeply rooted in its glorious past, the present reveals a collective artistic voice expressing concern over societal challenges, vividly depicted in the images of Season of Mirage.

This writer, Jing Ramos soaking up the atmosphere at the Patisserie .

Lifestyle

Find Your Summer Spirit in Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Breathe in the tropical atmosphere, as you find summer joys through sight, sound and taste at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu. Poolside fun during the day, spent serenely and luxuriantly—a refreshment in hand. While the evenings are for outdoor family movie nights, with the ocean waves rippling in the background.

Summer is all of that, and more! Plan an extraordinary weekend with an array of exciting activities that await your arrival. Discover your #ShangriLaSummerSpirit from 15 July to 30 August.

Tiki Bar at Buko Bar

Epicurean Delights by the Pool

Keep yourself fueled up as you splish and splash with the whole crew. Take a quick break from all that summer jazz with Mediterranean and Polynesian-inspired bites exquisitely crafted for your palate. From rice balls and pastas, ice creams to sliders—indulge in tastes and aromas that transport you to a world of endless, golden summers.

Mediterranean Selections at Acqua

A Whimsical Touch

Make it a colourful summer for the kids! Let them explore their own version of paradise with whimsical floaties, sure to keep them happily afloat. Your little ones can now freely kick and play in the water with fun and fascinating, animal-shaped inflatables.

Pleasant Sundowner Tunes

Bid the sun adieu and embrace the sunset hues with live acoustics at the Main Pool from 4pm to 6:30pm.

Tiki Cocktails at Buko Bar

Champagne Bar at Acqua

A Toast to an Endless Summer!

Unwind and savour the tropical vibe as our expert mixologists craft refreshing Tiki cocktails and serve chilled bottles of exquisite champagne by the pool! With a backdrop of swaying palm trees and stunning ocean views, sip on delightful beverages and toast to unforgettable summer moments in paradise.

Family Outdoor Movie Night

Gather your nearest and dearest for an enchanting evening as we set up a large outdoor screen by the pool under the starry night sky. Cozy up as you enjoy a family-friendly movie that will delight both those who are young and young-at-heart at Treasure Island from 7pm to 9pm.

Surrounded by lush greens, let the experience bring you to a world of joy and laughter, creating cherished memories for you and the family. For more information on Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, you may contact (032) 2310288. You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort/ #FindYourSummerSpirit #FindYourShangriLa

inside

LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show

Dame Judy Dench (center in white) with gallery owner, Jerry Sibal, Edwin Josue, writer Eva Gullas and artist James Doran-Webb.

The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.

Princess Kate Middleton walking the booths at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Dame Judy Dench, who owns several of Webb’s pieces in her garden, with James Doran-Webb and Jerry Sibal discussing the works of James.

One of the flower arrangements competing at the show.

The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.

One of the floral gazebo displays recycled chairs and salvaged materials.

Shops at the Chelsea Flower Show are mostly from sustainable materials.

What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.

The impressive dragon of James Doran-Webb

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The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!