Camps Bays Azamare Guest House has blown us away with our recent sublime stay…
Azamare is elegantly perched on a prime coastal real estate, overlooking the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, and cushioned by the fynbos-clad Twelve Apostles Mountains. Attention to detail is evident throughout, from the lush and luxurious finishes to the attentive and intuitive guest service we experienced.
This was a perfect nest from which we explored the famous Camps Bay strip and surrounding attractions, while still enjoying privacy and quiet from our cocooned abode. Not that we needed to get out much, to be honest…
The full English breakfast was scrumptious, and our laid-back wine time in the evenings was just surreal, especially paired with Cape Town’s pink and orange complimentary sunsets.
A special thank you to Jan & the Azamare team for going above-and-beyond in creating and hosting our magical travel experience
Reviewed By Elizma Graham – World Luxury Hotel Awards
To book, contact their team on +27 21 4390682 or info@azamare.com
Located in the heart of Cape Town South Africa Pepper Club Hotel & Spa is a prime business and leisure hotel
A glass of decadent bubbly and a warm towel to refresh as we entered the uber stylish and glamorous Pepperclub Hotel & Spa was a fantastic start!
High up on the 14th floor, we checked into our luxurious studio apartment overlooking the majestic Cape Point. A sliding door opening up onto our balcony welcomed the fresh Autumn air and the famous Lionshead and Table Mountain – Cape Town’s pride and joy!
Ideally located, we took a short stroll and explored the sights, smells, and sounds of bustling Long Street. We loved the energy of Long Streets diverse cultures and endless pubs, clubs, divine eateries and boutique shopping spots that line the pavements.
Prepare to be ‘wowed’ by the onsite restaurant, Sinatra’s, decadent buffet style breakfast! An over-the-top display of culinary genius is spread out for patrons… it never disappoints. Definitely, make a plan to dine here if you are ever in Cape Town.
Popcorn and front-row movie seats to the hotels private retro 60’s style cinema were definitely on the cards, competing with a quick dip in the hotels 8th floor heated swimming pool… a treat in the cooler Autumn weather.
Wellness is a priority at the Pepperclub, where we found the stunning Cayenne Spa which is incredibly serene and ultimately relaxing. We noticed some guests having a leisurely workout in their Fitness Centre which is fully furnished with the latest cardio and strength training equipment – all the while gazing over the pristine Table Mountain.
We checked out of this hotel with treasured memories and a great love for this exquisite property. We also would like to wish all the staff and management the very best for their 3rd season competing in the World Luxury Hotel Awards! It’s easy to see why the Pepperclub Hotel & Spa has won titles in both 2015 and 2016 – standing out as one of Cape Towns finest luxury hotels!
“From all of us at Pepperclub Hotel & Spa, we would like to thank the World Luxury Hotel Awards for this distinguished award, we are really honoured by your recognition. 2016 has been a great and successful year for our hotel, and we are proud of our team for their dedication, commitment and hard work. We strive to deliver on our service promise, and delivering exceptional service to our guests is our mission and commitment. -Says Josiah Montsho general manager of Pepperclub Hotel & Spa”
The Hanging Gardens of Bali is an architectural wonder, located in the heart of the Balinese jungle. The property and location can be described as sacred, as it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful regions in the world. Nestled on top on a hill and surrounded by natural forest, the Hanging Gardens of Bali provides the essence of luxury, while still preserving Balinese history and protecting the natural environment.
With 700 local craftsmen using traditional materials and adapting indigenous ideas, the resort took shape in the heart of Ubud. A winding path of 88 steps leads from the reception to the restaurant; built with Feng Shui principles to mean infinity and stability of energy: an important factor when building on a 45-degree angle
The creation of Hanging Gardens of Bali also resulted in providing the first telephone lines and electricity to the local villagers.
Getting to the property is an exciting experience as you travel, away from the busy Denpasar centre, you enter the rural area which is decorated with an abundance of beautiful green rice lands and local villages.
While dodging a few local villagers on scooters, you will get to view village life, beautiful temples and Hindu offerings. Arriving guests will travel a narrow road the top of a hill to reach the reception of the hotel. Guests can then look forward to taking an outdoor tram to the different levels of the property. It is a unique and exciting experience.
The resort features a private boutique, a magnificent restaurant and deck that overlooks the legendary pool, 44 private villas as well as an out-of-this-world spa.
The property overlooks the ancient holy Dalem Segara Temple. The resort offers guests the option of a personal chef to serve an exclusive and private gourmet dinner at the temple or you can experience one of the 6 dining areas in the resort.
The luxurious Spa Collection combines natural, local ingredients and ancient techniques, to create beauty therapies and treatments that soothe the mind, rejuvenate the body and energise the soul.
The property offers a variety if authentic Balinese experiences, from private cooking classes to a picnic by the river and even embarking on a spiritual journey and teaching of the Balinese Blessing.
“The owner and staff of The Hanging Gardens create a once in a lifetime experience. I consider it a privilege to have visited a place of such beauty and spiritual wellness”
Michelle Snyman – Brand Manager at World Luxury Hotel Awards
Contact Hanging Gardens of Bali
To book contact reservations@hanginggardensofbali.com
Or view this beautiful award winning hotel online via www.hanginggardensofbali.com
Upon arrival, the sheer size of the resort is soon revealed – 120 hectares of absolute bliss! Spanning two large beaches (one situated in a marine park), a vast mangrove forest, cliff-side views, hiking trail, spa-village and several restaurants, Constance Ephelia certainly leaves one spoilt for choice.
Our spacious senior suite was on the north beach and had a very large balcony with views overlooking the picturesque Port Launay bay. A pillow menu was provided to ensure optimum rest – essential if one aims to explore all that Constance Ephelia has to offer.
The boathouses and fitness centers ensure hours and hours of activities – from zip lining and rock climbing to diving and sailing. Canoeing is a must! From an exclusive mangrove tour to the gentle sway of the open ocean, the views are a sight to behold. The Ros Lepa hiking trail will take you back in time to the age of discovery through lush palm groves, ancient boulders, and wild vanilla.
When you’ve had your fill of action packed adventure, head to the secluded spa village for some well-deserved relaxation, where you are sure to be pampered with exotic natural products by the finest masseuses.
Situated on the western side of the island, Constance Ephelia makes for breath-taking sunsets. When the day is almost spent, head to the helipad for an intimate picnic as the hues of twilight adorn the evening sky overlooking the bay. For a more festive sunset experience, Seselwa Bar at the north beach is the perfect place to kick off your shoes and embrace the night ‘a la Creole’ style!
The resort has 5 fine restaurants to choose from, each with different themes – from the signature dishes at Cyann to the buffet at Corossol. A truly entertaining culinary display are the chefs at Asian restaurant Adam & Eve, as they lure the enormous flames from the fire pit to the wok to achieve a smoky taste otherwise unattainable.
As with everything at Constance Ephelia, the breakfast buffet certainly presents a luxurious selection with a variety of exotic fruits.
With several boutiques at your disposal selling day to day necessities and handmade traditional crafts to a unique line of clothing, be sure to take a little bit of Constance Ephelia home with you when you leave. A magical place to revive the senses indeed!
Guest Signe Da Silva – Awards Representative
Contact information
To book contact Info@epheliaresort.com
Or view this beautiful award winning hotel online via www.constancehotels.com
Port Dickson, 14 March 2017 – Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson is now the official proud record holder of Guinness World Records for achieving “The most swimming pools in a resort at 643” and “The most overwater villas in single resort at 522”. These records were determined by a research which was verified on 14 October 2016.
YB Dato’ Mas Ermieyati (2nd right) and Swapnil Dangarikar (2nd left) flanked by Dato’ Low Tak Fatt (L) and Mandy Chew Siok Cheng (R) with the achievement plaques
In a ceremony witnessed by Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism YB Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin representing Tourism and Culture Minister YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri b Abdul Aziz and amongst other high-profile guests, the event saw Mr Swapnil Dangarikar, representative from Guinness World Records handing over the two plaques to YBhg Dato’ Low Tak Fatt, managing director of Kuala Lumpur Metro Group, owner of Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson and Ms Mandy Chew Siok Cheng, President of Lexis Hotel Group, the operator of Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson.
In reading the minister’s speech, YB Datuk Mas Ermieyati said it was a proud achievement for the country to have obtained the accolades from a prestigious institution, known for its documentation of record-breaking feats.
“A rather lengthy process had to take place whereby an accredited consultant had to be engaged to study the attempt and comparison made with other such similar developments around the world. Not many people can boast of such achievements and I, therefore, encourage more Malaysians, whether as individuals or corporate companies, to emulate Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson. This will definitely help to put Malaysia in a positive spotlight and at par with the rest of the world.”
The triumphs by Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson further strengthens its commitment to promoting tourism in Port Dickson, which continues to see increased demand for luxurious accommodation from discerning travellers, covering business and leisure segments from both local and overseas. With plenty of job opportunities being offered to the locals, the resort has contributed positively towards the Malaysia tourism industry. As of to date, the properties within Lexis Hotel Group have attracted more than 3.2 million tourists from across 119 countries and in a short span of less than two years since its opening in 2015, Lexis Hibiscus alone had received more than 630,000 tourists. Lexis has also brought in tourism dollars to the state. Assuming a conservative expenditure figure of just RM1,000 per guest, Lexis have already contributed more than RM3.2 billion in tourism receipts.
In addition to the Guinness World Records achievements, Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson has also won other prestigious awards, such as the World Luxury Hotel Awards for the Luxury Water Villa Resort for Southeast Asia Category in 2016 and more recently, the BrandLaureate SMEs Signature Awards for the Best Brand in Hospitality for Hotels and Resorts.
Nestled along Pasir Panjang beach, the iconic Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson resembles the national flower of Malaysia and is the largest water homes development in the world, at 639 villas. Each of its spacious pool villas is tastefully decorated and comes with its own private dip pool and steam room for luxury and privacy – an unassailable achievement by any standard.
Complementing the villas are a host of exciting dining options, while Lexis Hibiscus’ range of function spaces are specially tailored for MICE needs. A diverse choice of recreational activities are available, from a spa providing rejuvenating treatments to a kids’ club well as a karaoke centre.
Sun and thrill seekers will have fun with a range of beach, water and team building activities, all focused around the tallest seawater fountain in Malaysia at 400 feet. The Hibiscus Walk, located at the beachside, provides guests a sampling of Malaysian cuisine as well as a wellness centre providing therapeutic massages.
Lexis Hotel Group provides discerning leisure and business guests with practical and luxurious accommodations across various properties in Malaysia. It is steadfast in offering professional management services for hotels and resorts and has successfully built a strong, profitable and visible premier niche brand in the hospitality industry especially in managing award-winning unique water chalets as well as pool villas. The brand currently manages three properties, namely Lexis, Grand Lexis and Lexis Hibiscus, all located in Port Dickson. Another upscale property, Lexis Suites Penang, opened for business in 1st quarter of 2016.
To contact reservations team please email: reservations@lexishibiscuspd.com
The meaning of Tintswalo is “The intangible feeling of warmth and gratitude you bestow upon someone who has given you a worthy and meaningful gift”.
Tintswalo Atlantic is a magical luxury escape with ocean-facing views in the Table Mountain National Park.
Upon arrival, we were greeted personally by the operations manager, Tatum. She showed us to our suite and gave us an interesting history of the property while making sure we were as comfortable as possible. Impeccably restored from the ravaging Cape fires – this exquisite lodge gleams with new dreaminess and luxurious flair.
We checked into the Ithica Suite, a gorgeous room designed in the traditional Greek blue and white colour scheme, also reflecting the ocean and its classic hues. The fireplace and 300-year-old tree just beyond our private balcony were my definite favourites.
Later we arrived for canapes and dinner to be greeted as well as served by the friendliest staff member, Vuyu. While we enjoyed some flavourful sundowners on the deck we took in the stunning sea views. To our surprise and absolute delight, we enjoyed front-row-seats watching whales splashing about from our table which was truly awe-inspiring. Life does not get better than this!
Sundowners with a view of the bay
The chef prepared an iconic South African inspired, 5-course meal with tastes to suit each palate, not a bite was wasted.
The special for breakfast was one of the most amazing meals my husband and I have ever shared.
During breakfast, we were greeted by General Manager Team Ryno and his lovely wife Melissa.
Upon checking out we were graciously met again by Melissa and we did the traditional wishing stone ceremony with her. Each guest who visits the boutique lodge is presented with a stone from the pebbled beach when they leave, it is then thrown back into the ocean accompanied by a special wish from the heart.
“My wish is to visit again! Thank you to the Tintswalo Atlantic team, your 5-star reputation is well deserved.”
Guest Adele Hamman
Book via Email: reception@atlantic.tintswalo.com or Website: www.tintswalo.com/atlantic
The Viceroy Bali is situated in the “Valley of Kings,” a name that was given to the area by locals as generations of Balinese royalty resided in nearby villages.
The resort is located near the charming village of Ubud and is known as one of the world’s most secret tropical hideaways.
“While we knew it would be an extraordinary experience to visit this resort, we really did not expect it to be so breathtakingly beautiful”
The Viceroy Bali had a view like no other, I could almost always see the tropical jungle, so raw, beautiful and untouched. Upon arrival we were greeted with big smiles, warm hearts and a flower necklace, we were then escorted to the highly acclaimed CasCades Restaurant for a refreshing welcoming drink.
“Our villa was something out of this world, the villa was spacious and offered everything one could need”
With a pool and a beautiful view, we spend most of our days enjoying the villa and all it has to offer.
The resort also offered complimentary transport to the magnificent town of Ubud and while we were excited to get to the town to explore, we were even more mesmerized by the stories that the drivers told us about Ubud and its culture. There truly is nothing quite like Balinese hospitality.
Viceroy Bali also offers a valley-top infinity pool, boutique, complete and modern gymnasium, library and the luxurious spa and beauty centre, Lembah.
The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay, the food was spectacular and the view was breath-taking. Everything about this property is phenomenal.
A special thank you to Diah who showed us around and told us the history of this amazing resort.
Guest – Jana Stoman
www.viceroybali.com Reservations can be made through the hotel at res@viceroybali.com
Ideally located, we took a short stroll and explored the sights, smells, and sounds of bustling Long Street. We loved the energy of Long Streets diverse cultures and endless pubs, clubs, divine eateries and boutique shopping spots that line the pavements.
Wellness is a priority at the Pepperclub, where we found the stunning Cayenne Spa which is incredibly serene and ultimately relaxing. We noticed some guests having a leisurely workout in their Fitness Centre which is fully furnished with the latest cardio and strength training equipment – all the while gazing over the pristine Table Mountain.
The meaning of Tintswalo is “The intangible feeling of warmth and gratitude you bestow upon someone who has given you a worthy and meaningful gift”.
