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HOTEL KARMA KANDARA – BALI
BY STEVE THOMPSON THE BACKGROUND: On the tropical island of Bali, Karma Kandara is a resort made up of 46 luxury villas, all with private pools. The villas, which come in two-, three- and four-bedroom units, are set in beautifully tendered Balinese gardens. For those very- hard-to-please guests, there is the palatial five-bedroom Grand Cliff residence.
THE LOCATION: Karma Kandara occupies a spectacular cliff-top location high above the Indian Ocean at the farthest extremes of Bali’s southernmost tip. Ngurah Rai International Airport is around 20 minutes’ drive away, while the main tourist centres of Kuta and Seminyak are only around 30-40 minutes from the resort. Ubud, the spiritual centre of the island, is a two-hour drive.
THE ROOM: My villa comprised three double bedrooms, three bathrooms and a guest toilet. A beautiful walled Balinese garden surrounds the villa, together with a private pool, for ultimate privacy. Within the villa, the beautifully detailed traditional furnishings and well-appointed kitchen meant it was just as easy to cook (or have a chef prepare your meal) than go out – a home from home!
THE FACILITIES: As well as the villa pools and individual Balinese gardens, the resort boasts magnificent gardens which attract some fabulous local wildlife and furry creatures. There’s an infinity pool high above the Indian Ocean, together with a smaller pool for younger clients. The funicular takes you down to the safe, quiet private beach to soak up the Indonesian sunshine or to enjoy the warm sea and all its wildlife and watersports. Karma Spa at Karma Kandara offers a boutique menu of curative sessions that can be experienced in-villa or at the sublime cliff-hanging spa.
BARS & RESTAURANTS: The D’Mare restaurant sits 85 metres up a cliff with panoramic views of sea. Executive Chef Steve Granda combines locally fresh produce with premium imports to make a truly wonderful Mediterranean experience with an Asian twist. With an impressive 3000 wines in a fabulously stocked cellar to choose from, it all makes for a true fine dining experience. For something a bit more casual there is Nammo’s, the famous Bali beach club which is the ultimate in laid-back grazing and people watching. Then there’s the rooftop Temple Bar’s great
HOTEL PACIFIC – MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA, USA
BY ALAN ORBELL THE BACKGROUND: A Spanish adobe-style boutique property in downtown Monterey with 105 all-suite rooms around sheltered patio gardens. Public areas and rooms have original art, antiques and hand-tiled floors.
LOCATION: Its great location is minutes away from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the resort’s attractive Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row (made famous by Ernest Hemingway), Monterey’s best beaches, and other top area attractions. The hotel is next door to ‘California’s first theatre’ and across the street from the Monterey Historical Park. Walking tours around Monterey’s historic adobes and buildings are available. San Francisco is about 100 miles to the north and Clint Eastwoood’s home town, Carmel just four miles south.
CHECK IN: From the underground car park (for which there’s a charge) it’s just an easy level walk to the check-in which is a spacious lounge area with comfy sofas and open fire for chilly winter evenings. Check- in was efficient and speedy with clear directions to find our way through the up and down walkways (lifts are also available).
50 July/August 2011 •
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THE ROOM: Very spacious, even by the USA’s generous standards with two Queen beds and down feather bedding. (Some suites have a King bed). There’s a gas log fire with long tiled
hearth, a small glass table, three wicker chairs and two occasional chairs, sofa, wide-screen TV, CD Player (with three CDs purchasable from reception for just $25!), chest of drawers, coffee maker, iron/ board, safe, dressing gowns and small fridge. A small balcony overlooks trees and, just,
the ocean beyond. The tiled bathroom has a marble top and sunken sink, Rainkissed Leaves toiletries, bath with shower and then a separate walk-in shower and toilet. The room has lots of wood including
two substantial wooden roof support pillars, louvred doors and windows.
KEY FACILITIES: There’s a hot tub in the patio garden and there’s a comfortable and attractive lounge with sofas, comfortable sofas around a log fire and a selection of books. Wi-fi is available from $3.95 per hour, $14.95 for 24 hours or $39.95 for a week.
THE RESTAURANTS: There is no restaurant
range of drinks, including signature cocktails, sipped on a relaxed Moroccan styled terrace.
RECOMMEND TO: Any clients looking for a luxury escape in peaceful, lush surroundings. It feels like you are miles from anywhere, but a short taxi ride takes you to the heart of the action. It’s perfect for honeymooners.
RATES: Three-bed villas start from about £400pn, look out for special offers.
THE DETAILS:
www.karmakandara.com The Verdict
For the ultimate getaway in pure luxury, Karma Kandara is ideal. Traditional Bali meets and blends perfectly with western sophistication and luxury
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
but lots of Fisherman’s Wharf restaurants are less than five minutes’ walk. However, a complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon tea/coffee is served in the lounge.
RECOMMEND TO: Couples and families who like space and need a good base for touring this part of California's Pacific coastline.
RATES: Rates typically range from $159.
THE DETAILS: Tel: 001 831 373 5700; Email:
Reservations@HotelPacific.com www.hotelpacific.com
The Verdict
Hotel Pacific is considered a four-star/four-diamond quality hotel by AAA and Mobil ratings standards in the USA and it certainly warrants those ratings
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
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