Indiana Kenanga: A World Away from Bali
By Di Thompson
ITWPA Member
Perched on the west-facing Jungutbatu beach, well-known for its world-class surf breaks and tropical sunsets, a luxurious new experience awaits the traveller in search of rest and 5-star relaxation on Nusa Lembongan Island.
There are many beautiful spa resorts in Bali; now Nusa Lembongan Island has stepped up from her standard beachfront hotel reputation to introduce Indiana Kenanga villas, spa and restaurant. The ambience is Indonesian chic with a dash of European panache. The moment you step inside the open-plan retreat, expect to be greeted with a warm Balinese smile, the gentle waft of incense and the aromas of fine French cuisine.
Here at Indiana, there are two superbly appointed villas and six private bungalows. The villas are pavilion-style layout with two large bedrooms, each with semi-outdoor ensuite. All rooms include a well-equipped kitchen and bar with a large lounging area for family or entertaining. A 10m pool surrounded by tranquil Balinese gardens with a huge sitting Buddha complements the open villa space, for that extra element of peace and harmony.
The bungalows have their own private courtyard with striking outdoor furniture. Entry into the boudoir is like stepping inside a private healing retreat. Soft furnishings in shimmering metallic and shades of plum provide an instant calm to the senses. The bathrooms have an extra large bathing tub and separate semi-outdoor shower with a pebble-stone floor.
The front of the house, consisting of a dining area, bar, kitchen and reception office, is separated from the accommodation by a pool which spans the width of the complex, uniquely accessed by a garden bridge that is flanked by decorative Balinese payung (umbrellas).
A few steps further and you are almost on the beachfront where the high tide laps serenely onto the retaining wall. Here in the front garden, you will find a small bungalow with a selection of gifts for sale including locally-made jewellery, hats, sarongs, and bikinis from the latest range exclusive to Indiana Kenanga.
Wayan Kayan, Director of Indiana, is Balinese and along with his native Indonesian and English, can speak Italian and Spanish and French. There are 17 staff working here with all of them being born and bred on Nusa Lembongan. “We recruit and train our staff on-site. This way they are aware of the level of service that is expected of them,” explains Kayan.
Fouquere Clément, a joint-owner of Indiana Kenanga, spent 13 years working in Michelin-starred restaurants in Scotland and Europe prior to finding his own slice of paradise here in Indonesia. Growing up in Lake Annecy-France, Clément travelled and worked around the world, most recently living in Tahiti. So how does Indiana Kenanga compare to the many places he’s lived in and travelled to in the past?
“I have everything I need here -- why would I want to leave?” Clément said.
If you go:
Indiana Kenanga Luxury Villas & Spa
Nusa Lembongan Bali
+0062 819 3604 3335
+62 366 244 71
+62 812 364 43503
indianakenangavillas@gmail.com
Bungalow rates: US$130
Villa rates: US$300
Getting there: Scoot cruises leave daily from Sanur Beach 0361 285522 / 0366 24499
Or Bluewater Express departs daily from Benoa Harbour +62 361 723 479 / +62 8133 841 8988
Bookings required.
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Vancouver’s North Shore: Where You Really Can Ski, Golf and Kayak All in One Day
By Robyn Heron
There are few places in the world that can legitimately claim something this bold, and you won’t have to travel as far off the beaten path as you think. North and West Vancouver, also known as the ‘North Shore,’ provide the picture-perfect backdrop for Vancouver, British Columbia -- host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Mountains, valleys, rivers, ocean inlets, cityscape views… sightseeing and activities abound in this naturally beautiful community. 
To start, there are three ski hills (that’s right… three!), all with amazing views overlooking the city. Depending on the snowfall, the season runs from early December to late April.Cypress Mountain, the Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics, offers some great downhill and cross-country terrain. Seymour Mountain offers downhill, snowshoeing and a tubing/toboggan park. Last but certainly not least is Grouse Mountain, perhaps the best-known of them all. Grouse is a four season resort that offers winter activities such as downhill, snowshoeing and skating, and summer adrenaline adventures like zip lining, paragliding and helicopter tours. Throughout the year, their Wildlife Refuge provides a natural sanctuary for orphaned grizzly bears and gray wolves.
There are three golf courses to choose from on the North Shore. Seymour Golf & Country Club and Northlands Golf Course are both 18 holes, while Gleneagles Golf Course is 9 holes. All have a challenging layout and beautiful views. There are also two delightful Par 3 Pitch & Putts, Ambleside and Murdo Frazer, for those short on time or just wanting something a bit more casual. You are able to golf at most of these courses throughout the year, as long as the snow stays off the ground. (It does snow regularly at higher elevations, but rarely in town.)
Vancouver is definitely a water-logged city and the North Shore is no exception. If you fancy trying some canoeing or kayaking, there are some wonderful locations to inspire and challenge any skill level. The most popular is Deep Cove, along the quiet shores of Indian Arm. It is a paddler’s paradise any time of the year due to its sheltered, calm waters. This hidden treasure of a village, on the furthest east side of North Vancouver, is worth a stop just for the scenery. Of course there is always the option of the open waters of the Burrard Inlet in West Vancouver or the Capilano and Seymour rivers, for the more experienced paddlers.
You’ll love the diversity of the North Shore. No matter your activity or reason for visiting, its rugged and natural beauty will rejuvenate your spirit. Discover Vancouver’s best kept secret for yourself.
If you go:
From downtown Vancouver, a short drive across the Lions Gate Bridge or the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge will land you in North and West Vancouver. If you prefer public transport, a scenic 15-minute water-taxi on the Seabus will take you across the Burrard Inlet, whisking you away from the city’s busy downtown core to North Vancouver’s Quay.
For more information:
North Vancouver Tourism
www.vancouversnorthshore.com
Super, Natural British Columbia -- North Vancouver
http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/RegionsCities/NorthVancouver.htm
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History and Romance of Paraty, Brazil
By Celso Bressan
You might ask what history and romance have in common. Paraty, Brazil has both, and you’ll quickly realize it when you walk on stone-paved roads from the last century, through the midst of the town’s oldest buildings. This inviting and lovely town is situated 250 km (180 miles) away from the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and was founded in the turn of the 17th century by Portuguese navigators enchanted by the natural beauties of the wonderful bay city.
Slowly, this settlement grew until it became a very important “villa” in the beginning of the 19th century when its port was used to ship gold to Portugal and, later, to transport coffee beans to Europe.
At its peak, Paraty had 16,000 inhabitants and was the second most important port in Brazil. Gradually, it lost its appeal down to the point where only 600 people were living there. For almost 100 years, it remained forgotten and stopped in time until a decision was taken to “freeze” the town as it then was and transform it into a tourist area called the “Historic Center.” Only renovations of the existing buildings were allowed and any new buildings were to be built outside the center. Because cars cannot be driven within the closed perimeter (it would be almost impossible, as the alleys are narrow and motor vehicles would destroy the stone-cobbled pavement), only donkey carts and bicycles are allowed to transport goods and people.
Today, the colorful houses offer restaurants with delicious food, arts and crafts stores and clothing. Local music permeates this romantic atmosphere as you stroll along on the ancient stones.
A must see and taste is the popular and renowned “cachaça” (liquor made from sugar cane) with its different varieties, colors and flavors. It’s best to resist cachaça in its pure -- and strong -- form, but don’t miss the “caipirinha,” a refreshing mixture of cachaça, mashed lime, a bit of sugar and ice that you can have before the meal at a restaurant or even with a group of friends that share the same glass.
If you like special events, choose May for the Feast of the Divine, a religious feast that literally shakes the whole population, which crams into the small church for the ceremonies. Or choose June, when Flip, a literary festival, doubles the population of the city.
Outside the Historic Center, a small, narrow harbor holds dozens of boats that provide remarkable trips around the many islands of the bay through the blue and green waters. On one of the small islands you’ll find an even smaller restaurant offering delicious and very fresh seafood (most of the time caught right there) in a romantic and quiet oceanfront setting.
Finally, if none of the above really gets your attention, just drive around a few kilometers from Paraty and you’ll see gorgeous and calm beaches and, in the surrounding forests, relaxing waterfalls.
If you go:
The boat trip is a must but make sure to negotiate the ride price with the owner and pilot of the boat and have a 5-hour ride for as little as US$45 apiece.
Hotels and hostels are not located in the city center and their prices vary depending on the season and quality of the service but you can get a very clean bed and breakfast with air conditioning from US$40.
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