Holidays for Couples - April - September 2016

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


2/148

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.


3/148

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


4/148


5/148

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


6/148

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


7/148


8/148

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

n u e o u r s e l

AW A RD W I N

N I N G L U X U

R Y I N

MAIN ROAD, MURI BEACH, RAROTONGA +682 22 551 | [email protected] | ww w. ru mo ur s- ra ro to ng a. co m

BOOK 7 NIGHTS OR M ORE IN A BEACHFRONT OR PL ATINUM VILLA

FOR A FREE SIMPLICIT Y WEDDING PACKAGE

www. ru mours -rarot onga .c om

gg || gg

Not compatible with any other offer. Subject to villa availability. PHOTO: Nathalie Ponga www.ncapturephotographyrarotonga.comMAIN ROAD, MURI BEACH, RAROTONGA | +682 22 551 | [email protected] | www.rumours-rarotonga.com


9/148


10/148


11/148

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


12/148

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

10

Just me.Just you.

...and this view!

to book or for further information

www.yasawa.com

[email protected]

phone 679-672-2266

For the perfect getawaywith the one you love,plan your island escapeto Fiji.

Yasawa Island Resortoffers couples the mostidyllic, romantic andserene piece of paradiseto spend time enjoyingeach other’s companyin a stunning settingwith all inclusive meals,non-alcoholic beverages,most activities (excludingscuba diving, gamefishing & spa).

A honeymoon, vowrenewal or long overduegetaway at Yasawa isyours to create – andwe are here to make itas personal, unique orelaborate as you are!

Includes: all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, all activities, trips and tours (except scuba diving, fishing and spa),

S t a y 7 n i

g h t s,

o n l y p a y

f o r 5 B L A

C K O U T D

A T E S A P

P L Y !

N o t v a l i d

w i t h a n y

o t h e r

s p e c i a l s e

x c e p t t h e

U l t i m a t e S

p a B o n u s

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Rhonda Bannister

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

Sign up toThe Weekly Edition for inspiration, offersand prizes – straight

to your inbox:holidaysforcouples.travel


13/148


14/148


15/148

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


16/148

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


17/148

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


18/148

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


19/148

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 ).



20/148

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


21/148


22/148

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.


23/148

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


ASIA


24/148

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


25/148

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.


ASIA


26/148

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.

24

ASIA


27/148

kawasan pariwisata nusa dua

lot s6, bali, indonesia 80363

www.stregisbali.com/en/weddings

+62 361 8478111

a legacy of luxury.

now at over 30 of the world’s

finest hotels & resorts.

africa the americas asia

europe the middle east

stregisbali.com

SAY “I DO”

AT BALI’S FINEST ADDRESS

A St. Regis Bali wedding is a celebration

beyond expectations. Every detail is attendedto with our legendary bespoke service and

intimate touches. Epitomizing the idyllic

wedding, every moment is a cherished

memory in the making.

Indulge in an enchanting beachfront wedding

on our soft white sands, exclusively set

against azure waters and complemented by

a gentle sea breeze that truly defines sultry

island romance.

©2015 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis

and their logos are the t rademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.


28/148

www.furama.com/ubud www.furamaxclusive.com/ubud Jalan Raya Mambal - Ubud, PO Box 80571, BaliTel: (62) 361 8988 688 | Email: [email protected]

Wedded Bliss at Furama Exchange your vows surrounded by padi fields and the song of birds...

The perfect beginning to forever...

Special offers

available

from $150 AUD

per room / per night

pullmankhaolak.com


29/148

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.

5

6holidaysforcouples.travel

ASIA


30/148

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

28


31/148

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.


ASIA


32/148

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

ASIA


33/148


34/148

Meeting is fate. Marriage is choice. But falling in love

happens in a moment beyond your control.

LIVE AN ETERNAL MOMENT


35/148

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


ASIA


36/148

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

34

ASIA


37/148

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


38/148

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

36

ASIA


39/148

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.


40/148


41/148

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.


DESTINATION WEDDINGS


42/148

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.

40


43/148

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.




44/148


45/148

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




46/148

www.thegangsa.com www.kayumanis.com

P. 62 361 705 777 F. 62 361 705 101

E. [email protected]

Sanur I Ubud I Nusa Dua I Jimbaran

an idyllic haven for your perfect romance


47/148

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




48/148

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.


49/148holidaysforcouples.travel

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


50/148

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,

[email protected]

Ised Celebrationat Dewa Dewi Chapel


51/148

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


52/148

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


53/148

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?


ASIA


54/148

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


55/148

(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.



56/148

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


57/148

✓ 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:


58/148

Phuket’s Most Exciting and Stylish Contemporary Resort –

A culmination of a passion aimed to highl ight the joy of life – Delici ously

comfortable i t features sleek yet sensual minimal ist inter iors –

A fashionable beach club, the ul timate in intimate seaside soph istica tion

– Enormous swimming pools – Lushly landscaped tropical water

gardens – Staff that continues to be the epitome of kindness and

thoughtful unpretentious service that is so unique to Twinpalms

Phuket Resort... and these are just some of the reasons to stay at the

privately owned, passionately run Twinpalms Phuket Resort in Thailand.

www.twinpalms-phuket.com

t +66 (0) 76 316500, f +66 (0) 76 316599, e book@twinpalms-phuket .com w twinpalms-phuket .com

E XPERIENCE PHUKET AT ITS BEST

1.808.924.6453

Stylish hotels with plenty of personality,perfect for the savvy traveller.


59/148

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



60/148

“ 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

Documents

Holidays for Couples - April - September 2016