THIS EXHILARATING TWO-DAY ACTIVITY IN SANUR WILL GET YOUR BLOOD PUMPING FOR SURE! KITE SURFING IS BOTH EXHILARATING AND FUN TO LEARN REGARDLESS OF YOUR EXPERIENCE LEVEL IN THE WATER. THE BEST PART IS THAT YOU DON’T EVEN NEED TO STAND UP ON THE BOARD TO HAVE AN ABSOLUTE BLAST. BUT WHEN YOU DO, IT’S A THRILL OF A LIFETIME!

See ya!” That was the last thing we heard before Mario, our Level 3 instructor, was whisked out of the boat and rocketed three stories high into the air. Moments later he landed gently like a feather on the calm waters of the Sanur lagoon.

We looked at each other in disbelief before realizing that he did it all for show – very impressive! Shortly after, we headed back out in the small boat towards the reef to practice maneuvering the kite with a control bar at kite surfing speeds as it flew high above our heads. Mario looked at me with anticipation in his eyes and a smirk on his face and said simply, “Wanna fly?”

KITE SURFING

Being from California, I’ve spent most of my life in the water. From being a junior lifeguard as a kid to surfing here in Bali, I belong in the ocean. For Dana, my good friend from Prague who joined me on this adventure, it’s a different story. However, we both found that kite surfing is both exhilarating and fun to learn, regardless of your experience level in the water. The best part is that you don’t even need to stand up on the board during your first few lessons to have an absolute blast. But when you do, it’s a thrill of a lifetime!

Our adventure started with a 20-minute classroom session at the Rip Curl School of Surf on the beach in Sanur. In the Level 1 course they provide an informative introduction booklet on kite surfing basics that covers the history, equipment, safety, wind, and more importantly the principles of flying these specialized kites.

After the classroom session it was time to set up the equipment on the beach and practice flying two different training kites in the comfort and security of the soft white sand. The power of holding the wind in your hands with these kites is a rush in itself, even while just standing on the beach!

2-DAY PACKAGE

Our lessons were part of their two-day package deal – three levels of approximately two hours each. It’s a pretty simple formula: Level I - Essential Basic Kiting, Level 2 - Water Control (Body Dragging and Board Starts), and finally Level 3 - Riding.

With the harness system it doesn’t take much upper body strength, as it’s all about finesse. Once you learn to let the kite lift you onto the board, it’s time to start slicing across the tropical waters of the Sanur lagoon under the power of a kite. This is one Bali adventure that you don’t want to pass up.

The beauty of learning to kite surf is that it’s truly about the journey. Just to fly one of these kites from the beach or to practice being pulled through the water by the wind is well worth the price. I recommend their package deal where you get Levels 1-3 for Rp. 3,000,000. This includes everything you need, but if you want more time, you simply tack on one or two more lessons before you’re on your own.

Once you’re a kite surfer, Rip Curl carries the latest range of equipment for rental or purchase. And when you want to keep honing your kite flying skills, Rip Curl allows their students to come by and practice anytime, free of charge.

IKO CERTIFIED

Dotted with colorful kites on the beach, the Rip Curl Kite Surfing School is impressive. No wonder it is Asia’s leading educational water sports center. With all IKO (International Kite Organization) certifi ed instructors, top-notch equipment and even showers for a post lesson rinse, there’s a great buzz of energy and activity all around the center. They even have a grassy area next to the beach with beanbags for resting after a long day of kite surfing.

Safety is their first priority, and with the new advances in gear, this sport has never been safer or easier to learn. The setup is a snap and the curriculum they’ve created to teach kite surfing is quick and effective. I was up and riding for a short distance the very first day, and by the second day I was riding all the way across the beautiful Sanur lagoon and loving every second of it. I never imagined that within the fi rst four hours of instruction I’d be a kite surfer. I’m hooked!

PEOPLE ARE ALREADY BUZZING ABOUT THE SOFITEL BALI NUSA DUA BEACH RESORT DESPITE IT BEING ONLY IN ITS SOFT OPENING STAGE. WE PAID A VISIT TO THE NEW PROPERTY TO SEE WHAT THIS FRENCH LUXURY HOTEL BRAND IS BRINGING TO THE ISLAND.

Upon entering the BTDC area in Nusa Dua, guests are greeted by the sight of a garden fountain and winding pathways that practically beg passersby to take a leisurely afternoon stroll or go for a jog. This clean and beautifully manicured area is home to some of Bali’s best resorts, including the new Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort.

The resort is already bustling with activity even though the grand opening has yet to take place. From traveling European couples to large conference groups to Indonesian families taking advantage of the school holiday, the guests who choose to stay here are a diverse lot, and to say the resort is “busy” is really an understatement. There is still construction taking place (namely at the Nikki Beach Club, the wedding chapel and the Vietura Aesthetic Lifestyle center) but guests seem to hardly notice the occasional hammering sounds coming from beyond the temporarily-erected barriers.

From what we saw during our visit, the guests looked to be more concerned with getting their fill of omelets, cured meats and cheese, dimsum, curries, and sushi at Kwee Zeen, the 160-seat Pan Asian restaurant where Sofi tel Bali guests take their breakfast.

Located below the resort’s lobby (which is decorated with scenes depicting the “Balinese circle of

life”), the extensive buffet at Kwee Zeen is set up in a circular fashion and the attitude of the staff there is truly commendable. Despite the high traffic, never once did they look flustered. They greeted guests warmly and sat them promptly, moved quickly to clear tables, relieved guests of their food-laden plates (carrying them the rest of the way) and helped “lost” children find their way back to their tables. And they did this all with lovely smiles on their faces.

If this is the kind of service that guests can expect when visiting the Sofitel Bali’s other food and beverage outlets or when using the ballroom and meeting facilities, then they surely won’t be disappointed.

LUXURY AT ITS FINEST

The Sofitel Bali has 415 rooms including 17 private villas. Their standard rooms are known as “Luxury Rooms” and there are 398 in total (the rest of the rooms comprise of suites). These Luxury

Rooms are decked out in an eye catching contemporary style, mixing wooden details with vibrant pops of color such as teal and orange.

The bathroom boasts a marble vanity, a rain shower and luxurious bathroom amenities. It is separated from the bedroom by a beautiful wood-carved sliding door inspired by Indonesian batik. The bedroom has a cozy corner sofa for lounging and wall paneling that is reminiscent of Japanese origami. Out on the balcony, there is an inviting rocking chair and an intriguing hanging rattan cage chair. A portion of the Luxury Rooms also offer lagoon pool access.

The level of comfort and luxury in these rooms would make it difficult for anyone to tear themselves away, but a rumbling stomach never fails to get feet moving. Aside from the all-day dining at Kwee Zeen, there is also the option of dining at the exquisite Cut Catch Cucina (CCC). This is an Italian Osteria, steakhouse and sea grill all in one, and we recommend you try their 350 gram Wagyu Sirloin with 5-6 marbling. This gigantic steak is grilled to perfection, comes with your choice of sauce and side, and will certainly not disappoint.

WELLNESS & MORE

Guests who are focused on well being can balance out their dining indulgences by doing some laps in

the outdoor swimming pools or by paying a visit to the So FIT gym. Afterwards, there’s the So SPA to look forward to, which offers a selection of effective treatments combined with refined French cosmetology. Experiencing the spa is not to be missed.

The cheeky spa menu draws inspiration from a French gastronomic restaurant, with “Starters” like the Balinese Boreh Scrub and “Mains” like Shiatsu or their popular Balinese Healing Massage. The “Dessert” menu offers the likes of Milk & Spice Infusion Body Wrap and Clarins Luminous Eyes treatment.

Also coming soon will be the Vietura Aesthetic Lifestyle center, which promises an entirely different range of services from So SPA. If age defying treatments are your cup of tea, the opening of this center is something that you can look forward to.

We were impressed by the way the Sofitel Bali blended French luxury and sophistication with warm Balinese hospitality, and we hope the superb level of service will continue into the future. If you are interested in experiencing the resort yourself, their “Magnifi que Escape” is something worth considering. The deal starts at Rp. 2,200,000++ and will be running for a limited time only. Contact the resort for more details.

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort

BTDC Lot N5, Nusa Dua

(0361) 849-2888

www.sofitel.com

Bali is not just a tropical getaway and a honeymoon hotspot, it’s also a paradise for surfers! Bali and the surrounding islands have some great surfing beaches, with beach breaks for beginners and huge barrels for the pro’s.

You need to know the characteristics of the waves to find a surfing spot that fits your level so you don’t end up in a whirlpool of thundering waves. Here are the best five surfing spots in Bali based on their level of difficulty.

In all cases: Respect the local surfers (don’t drop in before them) and be careful around shallow water!

Surfing Kuta Beach : Beginner-Intermediate

The easiest and most beginner friendly beach to try your surfing skills is Kuta beach. The beach is close to the nightlife and tourist center of Legian, hence the beach is always crowded. As a surfing spot, Kuta is very appropriate for beginners. The soft tide and average height of the waves make it a good first step for beginner to try out white water surfing (surfing the waves after they break and roll towards the beach). The good thing here is that there are plenty of lifeguards on the lookout, might you get into trouble (the undertow can get quite strong). Also, it might be a good idea to follow a surfing lesson (just ask one of the surfing dudes renting out boards at Kuta beach). For experts, Kuta beach’s swell will be to easy to defeat.

Surfing Canggu Beach : Beginner-Intermediate

Canggu beach is slightly more challenging, depending on the tide. Canggu is located close to Seminyak, about 30 minutes from Kuta. Canggu is a popular spot to surf just for everyone, both experienced surfers and beginners surf in Canggu. There is a variety of beach and reef breaks, with a few soft rolling waves that are ideal for beginners and some fast, rippable peaks, for experts. Canggu will be a place to have a relaxing surf with waves that aren’t that extreme (but can get rather fast!). But, when the tide is up, it can be a real challenge even for the professionals. For beginners, Canggu is also a friendly beach. The soft waves and medium tide makes learning how to surf more fun. It’s usually more quiet than in Kuta, there’s a warung that sells some snacks, but that’s about it.

Surfing Uluwatu Beach : Intermediate-Expert

Mysterious Uluwatu is the next spot to try. Go to the Uluwatu temple and walk down the reef through the famous cave. Be prepared for the reef and take reef booties and a good leash. Uluwatu might be the most famous wave in Bali and hence is always crowded. There’s always some swell and there are several waves to try. The Peak, in front of the cave is the most consistent. Racetracks is good for tube riders. Outside Corner only works with big swells or low tide. Uluwatu is only for intermediate surfers, be careful at high tide to make it back to the cave. Uluwatu has several risks that include shallow water, reefs and lots and lots of other surfers. Uluwatu is especially crowded in the high waves seasons around August to September.

Surfing Keramas Beach : Intermediate-Expert

Keramas beach is located passed Sanur, in the direction of Gianyar. This once secret hide-away is now one of the most popular surf spots on Bali. Keramas has an excellent reefbreak, and one of the few rights on Bali. It is definitely a wave for professional surfers. Keramas beach promises constant waves and a big swell, as long as you get up early, after 07.00 a.m the onshore wind might affect the barrel. The end section gets really shallow and you should be careful with the sharp reef and annoying sea urchins. The location makes this beach less crowded compared to the others, so, if you’re looking for a world-class wave without having to battle to stand up on your board, Keramas is the place to be.

Surfing Padang-Padang Beach : Expert

Padang-Padang beach maybe the most famous surfing beach in Bali, nicknamed the Balinese Pipeline. You will find Padang-Padang on the Bukit Peninsula, opposite of the Padang Padang bridge. There are a lot of surfing competitions held in Padang-Padang. This ‘gnarly’ left hand point is strictly for professional surfers because this is the most dangerous and probably the most hollow wave in Bali. The size ranges from 4 to 12 feet (don’t even try entering the water in the latter case!) Things to be cautious with include shallow water (coral) and fellow surfers (Padang-Padang gets seriously busy). Luckily there is also a gentle right hand wave that breaks on the beach here, a great beginners wave, especially at high tide.

Batik has become the cultural heritage of the archipelago. Even the world also has recognized Indonesian batik belong. It could not be separated from each region who have batik as a traditional craft that has been attached. Not wanting to miss the other areas of Lombok also apparently have so exotis batik. Sasambo Giri Menang is one of batik name of Lombok.

Sasambo is a combination of three ethnic groups inhabiting the earth NTB - Sasak in Lombok, Sumbawa Samawa, and Mbojo in Bima. The third tribe united in terms of traditional handicrafts and batik made sasambo as a medium.

To motif, batik motif sasambo have sasambo, motifs made sahe (a cow), motive kakando, and uma lengge (in the form of a tradional house with a dome that resembles a cone). Batik from each region can be distinguished from the patterns and colors produced.

Fine fabrics and artistic motifs can be the determining the selling price of batik sasambo, ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. The duration of the process of making batik price sasambo was made to be very expensive. It becomes natural to see the resulting fabric and intricate manufacturing process.

Batik sasambo still processed using traditional techniques. The hands of the craftsman expertise needed to make patterns, motifs, and the colors in batik sasambo. There are unique when the release of colors in batik sasambo. Pieces of iron that has been heated edges will be affixed to the fabric to remove the wax as a color separator in batik sasambo.

Being relatively close to the islands of Bali and Java, many holiday makers on Lombok choose to explore the Indonesian attractions on the surrounding islands. Bali is perhaps the most famous of all the Indonesian islands, and with such a wealth of beautiful beaches and coastal attractions, is understandably a popular excursion from Lombok and holiday destination in its own right.

There are many appealing attractions that reside on the eastern side of Java island (west of Lombok), being within reasonable reach. Also within reach is the island of Komodo and its world-famous dragons, and the leading surfing hotspot of Sumbawa.

BALI

The attractions on Bali are almost endless, with sun seekers tending to favour the sands of Kuta Beach, Lovina Beach and Sanur Beach. For something a little different on Bali, head to Ubud and enjoy the neighbouring villages and mountainous scenery. In the Ubud area, the Bedaulu Village is home to the elaborately decorated, 1,000-year-old Elephant Cave, which is another 'must see'.

EAST JAVA

East Java is where you will find the Baluran National Park, as well as the very sizeable cities of Jombang, Malang, Rembang and Surabaya. Around the coastline of East Java, a series of beaches present themselves, such as the Sukamade Turtle Beach (south of Banyuwangi) and the Pasir Putih Beach at Situbondo. Other attractions include mountains, volcano craters, lush plantations and temples, including the ancient remains of the 13th-century Singosari Kingdom.

KOMODO (PULAU KOMODO)

Komodo is a fairly desolate island close to Lombok, being also near to Flores, Rinca and Sumbawa. Most visitors take an excursion to Komodo to view the iconic Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Komodo dragons are actually the biggest lizard on the planet and a full-grown specimen really is quite a sight, since it can measure more than 3 metres / 10 feet in length, being known to feed on large mammals, such as deer. The Komodo National Park is where these pre-historic giants reside and encompasses not only the island of Komodo, but also Rinca and a number of surrounding smaller islands, famed for their coral reefs and legendary scuba diving.

SUMBAWA (PULAU SUMBAWA)

Lying directly to the east of Lombok and separated by nothing more than an extremely narrow stretch of water, the island of Sumbawa is quite rugged in its appearance. Sumbawa features a mixture of mountains and projecting peninsulas, and whilst this is a very beautiful part of Indonesia, it is really rather a poor island. The main attractions of Sumbawa are its strong waves, and keen surfers tend to form the majority of the travellers who venture here, heading straight to the Huu and Sekongkang areas.

There is no denying that Lombok is a very multicultural island, and its rich Indonesian heritage is preserved at a number of different museums and similar attractions, such as art galleries and handicraft centres.

Regarded by many as the premier museum-type attraction of its kind on the entire island of Lombok, the State Museum of West Nusa Tenggara certainly does come highly recommended, and rightly so.

Housing an impressive collection of geological exhibits, historical artefacts and cultural treasures from both Lombok and Sumbawa, the State Museum of West Nusa Tenggara is also often referred to as the Lombok Art Museum, since it features such an extensive collection of decorative arts.

STATE MUSEUM OF WEST NUSA TENGGARA (MUSEUM NEGERI NUSA TENGGARA BARAT)

Address: Jalan Panji Tilar Negara, Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia, ID

Tel: +62 0370 632 519

The State Museum of West Nusa Tenggara lies within the city of Mataram, in the South Ampenan area, and boasts many landscape paintings of Indonesian village life. Of further interest are the displays in the Permanent Exhibition Hall, which range from fossils, huge photos, and palm-leaf manuscripts, to weaponry, pre-historic hunting tools, historical earthenware, stone statues, musical instruments and even traditional wedding outfits worn by ethnic tribes, such as the Mbojo and the Sasak.

Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday - 08:00 to 14:00, Friday - 08:00 to 23:00

Admission: charge

LOMBOK POTTERY CENTRE

Address: Jalan Sriwijaya 111, Cakranegara, Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia, ID

Located within the Mataram region of Lombok and standing in the town of Cakra (Cakranegara), the Lombok Pottery Centre is well worth looking out for. The Pottery Centre is easy to find, standing close to the Hotel Sahid Legi, and is brimming with all kinds of Indonesian ceramics, many of which are perfect for souvenirs or holiday gifts, being competitively priced.

Open hours: daily

Admission: free

LOMBOK HANDICRAFT CENTRE

Address: Sayang Sayang, Lombok, Indonesia, ID

The Lombok Handicraft Centre is to be found just 2 km / 1.5 miles to the north of Cakranegara, in nearby Sayang Sayang. Selling a wealth of Indonesian handicrafts, originating from the area and across Nusa Tenggara, the Handicraft Centre contains everything from hard-crafted wooden face masks and jewellery, to colourful plates and beautifully carved wooden gecko lizards.

Open hours: daily

Admission: free

ART MARKET (PASAR SENI)

Address: Jalan Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia, ID

The Art Market of Senggigi is known locally as the Pasar Seni and provides a good alternative to the large-scale shopping malls, being considerably more atmospheric. Situated on the main thoroughfare (the Jalan Raya Senggigi), the Pasar Seni is close to the Dive Indonesia office and is brimming with local handicrafts, which really do come in all shapes and sizes, and costs.

Open hours: daily

Admission: free

ASMARA COLLECTION

Address: Jalan Raya Senggigi, Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia, ID

Tel: +62 0370 693 619

Close to the Pasar Seni art market and also based on the Jalan Raya Senggigi, in Senggigi, the Asmara Collection is sited directly next to a restaurant, which also goes by the same name. The Asmara Collection contains some very appealing tribal art works, along with detailed weavings, ornamental wooden carvings and handmade furniture.

Open hours: daily

Admission: free

The various landmarks of Lombok are particularly plentiful around the Mataram region of the island, where the most striking of these structures include the Mayura Water Palace, the Pura Meru temple and the Pura Lingsar temple.

Close by and also around Mataram, further Lombok landmarks include the temples of Pura Surandi and Gunung Pengsong, while in Senggigi, the Pura Batu Bolong appears to be precariously perching on a rocky volcanic outcrop, overlooking the shoreline, and comprises a series of small pagodas. Of note, temple etiquette on Lombok and throughout Indonesia generally involves dressing quite conservatively and covering up bare flesh, such as legs and arms.

PURA BATU BOLONG

Address: Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia, ID

The Pura Batu Bolong is a fairly modest temple, situated in the Senggigi area of Lombok. Due to its coastal setting, it is not unusual to spot small crabs scurrying around amongst the statues. Holiday makers will also enjoy the beach below, as well as the distant views of the Gunung Agung mountain, on the neighbouring island of Bali.

Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 19:00

Admission: free, donations suggested

PURA MERU

Address: Jalan Selaparang, Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia, ID

Situated alongside the Mayura Water Palace, the Pura Meru is a prominent temple and the biggest of its kind in the whole of Lombok. The Pura Meru was completed in 1720 at the request of a wealthy Balinese prince, who wanted to improve relations between Bali and Lombok. Dedicated to the Hindu gods of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu, the Pura Meru temple has a spacious outdoor courtyard, where large ceremonies are often staged, including the full moon celebrations in June. Inside, the inner court features more than 30 different shrines and plenty of lavish decor to go around.

Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:00

Admission: free, donations suggested

MAYURA WATER PALACE

Address: Jalan Selaparang, Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia, ID

Located in Lombok's capital city of Mataram, the Mayura Water Palace dates back to the middle of the 18th century and once belonged to the royal court of the Balinese kingdom and the princes of Bali. This charming landmark remains in a very good state of repair and features a small artificial lake, which is popular with local fisherman and comes with its own floating pavilion (bale kambang). In 1894, this Mayura Water Palace was a site of major conflict between the Balinese and the Dutch.

Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 19:30

Admission: charge

PURA SURANDI

Address: Near Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia, ID

Enjoying a scenic countryside setting, the Pura Surandi is an important holy temple, and known not only for its architecture, but for its beautiful landscaped gardens and natural spring. The gardens are well maintained and have restored baths with a number of rather elaborate Balinese sculptures, adding further interest. These pools are home to numerous holy eels, which are clearly visible wriggling around in the water.

Open hours: daily - 07:30 to 18:00

Admission: free, donations suggested

PURA LINGSAR

Address: Near Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia, ID

The Pura Lingsar is to be found on the very outskirts of Mataram, where it was built around 300 years ago. This vast temple is considered to be Lombok's holiest and combines the religions of both Wektu Telu and Bali Hindu. Designed in two individual sections and constructed on different levels, the Pura Lingsar features a small pond, with holy eels that can be fed with boiled eggs. To enter the actual temple, you will first need to rent a sash or sarong. Each year in the middle of December, the temple of Pura Lingsar plays host to a colourful procession, after which the Hindus and Wektus celebrate by throwing parcels of sticky rice at each other.

Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 18:00

Admission: free, donations suggested

GUNUNG PENGSONG

Address: Near Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia, ID

The Balinese temple enjoys a stunning hilltop location, with enviable panoramas of the surrounding rice fields, distant volcanoes and the Lombok strait. Most people choose to travel to the Gunung Pengsong temple under their own steam, since the public transport connections are a little lacking. To climb to the top of the temple will take approximately 15 minutes, during which time you will likely be joined by some inquisitive tame monkeys. Of interest, a group of Japanese soldiers hid in the Gunung Pengsong during much of the Second World War.

Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 18:00

Admission: free, donations suggested

MOUNT RINJANI (GUNUNG RINJANI)

Address: Gunung Rinjani National Park, Lombok, Indonesia, ID

An active volcano and one of Indonesia's tallest mountains, the Gunung Rinjani is the namesake of the Gunung Rinjani National Park and measures in at just over 3,700 metres / 12,140 feet in height. The Gunung Rinjani attracts lots of visitors throughout the year, although the best time to climb the mountain is between April to November, when the weather is quite reliable and guides are at their most available. Senggigi and the village of Senaru are particularly close to the base of the mountain.

Open hours: daily

Admission: free

Lombok really does have the feeling that it is about to become a booming Indonesian tourist destination, with comparisons to the Bali of yesterday. The island's overall infrastructure and quality of attractions are beginning to reflect its up-and-coming popularity.

The tourist attractions are spread around the main island of Lombok, with further sightseeing to be found on neighbouring islands, such as the Gili Islands, Gili Pentangan and Gili Sulat. On mainland Lombok, the top attractions are located at Kuta, Lembar, Mataram, Praya, Senggigi and Tetebatu, often being of a coastal nature.

SENGGIGI

The westerly coastal resort of Senggigi enjoys a splendid position, being fronted by a number of scenic sweeping bays. Senggigi serves as the main tourist strip on Lombok and offers plenty of beach-related attractions and good-value hotels. Scuba diving trips from Senggigi are always popular and usually head off to the nearby Gili Islands, although there is quite reasonable snorkelling available next to the Windy Cottages. The Balinese temple named the Pura Batu Bolong is also of note, as is the nearby beach of Mangsit and excursions to neighbouring weaving villages.

GILI ISLANDS

The Gili Islands are to be found just a short distance off the north-westerly shoreline of Lombok, close to the port of Bangsal, and have long been something of a Mecca for backpackers. Comprising three islands, the Gilis each come with their own pristine beaches and outlying coral reefs, where colourful marine life is just a snorkel away. Each of the Gili Islands has its very own character, with the Gili Trawangan being the most developed, with countless villas and an upscale resort. Close by, Gili Air is near to the mainland, while Gili Meno is the smallest of these Indonesian islands and relatively low-key, with its main attraction being the Taman Burung Bird Park. Twice a day, a boat service visits all three of the Gili Islands, meaning that island hopping is both popular and easy.

GILI SULAT / GILI PENTANGAN

The islands of Gili Sulat and Gili Pentangan lie alongside each other and roughly 1.5 km / 1 mile off the eastern coast, where they are famed for their glorious sandy beaches and uncommercialised nature. These islands are quite uninhabited and also feature good coral reefs, with the subsequent marine life in the clear waters being easily viewed by snorkelling. Boats to these islands can be chartered from either Labuhan Pandan or Sugian.

KUTA

The magnificent expanse of soft white sand that is Kuta Beach is really not to be missed under any circumstances. Often compared to the Kuta Beach of Bali, Lombok's Kuta Beach is known for its strong waves, which break on the coral reefs and are considered by experienced surfers to be nothing short of world class. Surfers of all abilities come to Kuta Beach each year to take advantage of the reliable waves, including those nearby at Gerupak Bay (Teluk Gerupak). In general, this coastline is quite undeveloped, and that is part of its charm and appeal. Lifeguards are never far from hand on Kuta Beach and hawkers are usually commonplace.

LEMBAR

A busy harbour city lying on the south-westerly coast of Lombok, Lembar is the island's main port for Bali, with passenger ships and ferries arriving and departing on a regular basis. Lembar's harbourfront is particularly beautiful, since its backdrop comprises verdant hillsides and plenty of tropical greenery. There aren't really any attractions as such to speak of in Lembar, and so most tourists don't stay here for long, instead using the city's public transport to reach nearby Mataram or Senggigi.

MATARAM

Mataram is the capital of Lombok and the largest city by far, with a population fast approaching 400,000 people. Although very much categorised as a city, Mataram is in fact made up of three adjoining towns - Ampenan, Cakranegara, and Mataram, which is an important administrative centre. These towns are linked by one main road, which starts its life as the Jalan Pabean, before changing to the Jalan Langko, the Jalan Pejanggik and then finishing up as the Jalan Selaparang. There are many fine tourist attractions spread around the Mataram area, with the best including the Mayura Water Palace, the Pura Meru Hindu temple and the popular Museum Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat. Lots of further sightseeing opportunities surround Mataram, such as the acclaimed Taman Narmada (Narmada Park), which lies approximately 10 km / 6 miles to the east and dates back more than 200 years, being designed to recreate the summit of Mount Rinjani (Gunung Rinjani). To the north is the market town of Sesaot, the Balinese hilltop temple of Gunung Pengsong, and the numerous pottery workshops within Banyumulek.

PRAYA

The principal town in southern Lombok and often classed as the island's number two destination, Praya is rather spread out and is based around a series of tree-lined avenues. There are some very attractive, historical Dutch buildings and structures within Praya, although the most noteworthy attractions lie outside of the town, such as the Penujak pottery, the Sasak houses in Sade, and the traditional houses in Rembitan. Also in nearby Rembitan is the pilgrimage mosque, the Masjid Kuno, which comes complete with thatched roof and pleasant gardens.

TETEBATU

Nestled on the lower slopes of Mount Rinjani (Gunung Rinjani), Tetebatu is an appealing rural retreat, with a refreshing climate and outstanding panoramas, overlooking rice paddies and green expanses of tobacco fields. The village of Tetebatu also features excellent views of Rinjani and the distant sea, and is a good place to base yourself. Various hiking trails are close by, leading to cascading waterfalls, handicraft villages and the Monkey Forest (Taman Wisata Tetebatu) and its inquisitive black monkeys.

THE LUXURIOUS TASTE OF THE ORIENT ENJOYED IN UBUD’S SHIMMERING RICE FIELDS

Immersed in the culture rich heritage and luscious countryside of Ubud’s fringes, the former private estate of Hendra Hadiprana – esteemed Indonesian architect and owner of one of Indonesia’s largest private art collections – has magically morphed into a GHM-brand luxury boutique retreat, The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah.

The estate’s five acres of seclusion includes working rice fields that surround the 20 villas and suites, then stretch out to the coconut palms and mystical volcanoes, providing a mesmerizing distraction and connection with nature. That goes for The Spa as well, with two private Spa Suites, spacious and open sided, directly facing and edging those emerald green paddies.

Both luxurious suites come equipped with a separate bathroom, which includes a steam shower and grooming area (with a choice of three different styles of disposable underwear!) and a treatment room that extends out to a verandah with a sunken terrazzo bathtub and unobstructed views.

Like other GHM brand spas, the therapeutic massages, treatments and indulgent rituals are inspired by the healing traditions of the East. GHM prides themselves on using pure, organic and sustainably sourced products and boutique brands such as ILA. This superior UK spa brand’s organic products are harvested in select regions of the planet using the most ethical and environmentally sustainable methods.

HEAD TO TOE

Each GHM menu presents a core range of treatments, but each individual spa offers unique signatures that refl ect the destination. Here the signature treatment is The Chedi Oriental Ritual (150 minutes for US$ 230/ Rp. 2,700,000++), a holistic yet utterly lavish head-to-toe indulgence that kicks off with a cleansing Aromatherapy Foot Polish and chilled herbal drink out on the open verandah.

Retreating inside to the treatment beds, fanned by field breezes, the deliciously soothing The Chedi Jade Massage has two therapists massaging the upper and lower body with balanced movements, incorporating lomilomi, Balinese, Thai, Swedish and Shiatsu techniques, then slathering the skin with essential oils that are bursting with sandalwood and ylang ylang and infused with energizing jade stone.

The Naturelle D’Orient Facial, with organic Argan oil sourced from Morocco, is filthy rich with Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids and minerals for anti-aging and cell renewal, mixed with orange blossom essential oil. Essentially a “dry” oil, Argan is one of the most benefi cial and purest of  moisturizing oils, so this facial is the ultimate for a replenishing boost.

Simultaneously, the second therapist administers a Thai-style Foot Refl exology. Thank the Gods, it is more forgiving than the familiar Chinese version! By gently pressing the feet’s Marma points (linked to problematic zones in the body) with a wooden dowel, it helps to increase blood circulation.

Then it is back to just a single therapist for the half-hour Himalayan Crystal Body Polish. Besides some serious detoxifying and exfoliating, this invigorating, mineral-rich scrub with pure Himalayan salts assists the lymphatic system, balancing the body’s bio-energy field, taking out nasty positive ions, reloading healthy negative ions and feeling oh so good.

All of this leads to the finale – the blissful Oriental Bathing Ceremony. Revel in twenty minutes all to yourself, luxuriating in a decadent blend of cedarwood and rose otto aromatherapy oils and Himalayan bath salts in the verandah’s couples-sized bathtub strewn with rose petals.

Left alone with a pot of ginger tea and tropical fruits to contemplate up-close the lovely rice fields (the ripe stalks end up served as organic red rice at The Chedi Club’s excellent restaurant), it is like being on the set of your very own nature film. At sunset you’ll watch the rice field workers and a flock of birds overhead close out the day. After darkness descends, the paddies are illuminated by lanterns and fireflies that will accompany you along with a nighttime soundtrack of croaking frogs and village Hindu ceremonies.

If you’re too “loved up” as a couple – especially honeymooners – you may prefer the privacy (but alas, not the open rice fi eld views) of one of The Chedi Club’s three, one-bedroom Spa Pool Villas (from US$ 670++ per night, minimum four-night stay with inclusive Club Benefi ts). The villas have been recently renovated and the nightly rate is inclusive of one-hour daily Balinese massages for two in your own personal massage room; outdoors, a private pool and terrazzo tub await for deep soaks a deux.

The Spa at The Chedi Club

Tanah Gajah

Jalan Goa Gajah,

Tengkulak Kaja, Ubud

(361) 975-685

www.GHMhotels.com