Ocas Orchestra from Asturias To Perform in Ambon, Sigi, Parigi, Palu, Pekanbaru & Jakarta, To Commemorate 60 Years of Indonesia – Spain Diplomatic Ties
THE Ocas Orchestra from Asturias, Spain is back with a series of concerts in collaboration with local musicians. The series of concerts, which has been dubbed Vinculos Untuk Indonesia 2018, or Vinculos for Indonesia 2018, is to be held in several provinces: Maluku, Central Sulawesi, Riau and DKI Jakarta throughout August. After a successful string of concerts collaborating with local musicians in North Sumatra and the Thousand Islands last year, Vinculos Untuk Indonesia returns courtesy of Orquesta De Camara de Siero (or Siero Chamber Orchestra) or Ocas. The group will present more than a series of collaborative concerts this time around; Ocas will also give educational workshop and be involved in a number of cultural and social activities in the city of Ambon, Sigi and Parigi Moutong regencies, the city of Pekanbaru and in Jakarta Province.
Director General of Cultures, Hilmar Farid said, “We are very pleased that Ocas returns to our country. We are also really excited with Vinculos Untuk Indonesia 2018 concerts. With the theme that champions the spirit of solidarity, peace, and unity in diversity, Vinculos Untuk Indonesia 2018 will kick off in Ambon, the city which has been planned to become International City of Music by UNESCO in 2019. From Ambon, OCAS will visit Parigi Moutong Regency, Sigi Regency and the city of Palu in Central Sulawesi, Pekanbaru in Riau Province and in DKI Jakarta Province.”
“Ocas will once again collaborate with local musicians from each region. With Vinculos, Indonesia through the Education and Cultures Ministry is showing strong commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Spain. Vinculos is also an effective and productive strategy for improving Indonesia’s participation and active role in the world’s cultures. This activity also coincides with the commemoration of 60 years of diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and the Kingdom of Spain.”
Ocas will collaborate with local musicians, and with the people of Ambon, Ocas plans to hold a flash mob or mass dancing at Maluku City Mall, followed by a grand concert at Taman Budaya Ambon.
Hilmar expressed his appreciation for the assistance and participation of all parties involved in the series of cultural events, notably the regional governments, BPNB Maluku and BPCB North Maluku office, the Embassy of Spain in Jakarta and all Ocas musicians from Spain, for Vinculos Untuk Indonesia 2018.
A list of activities has been scheduled, including a series of visits, workshop & concerts at Islamic State Institute (IAIN) and Christian State Institute (IAKN) Ambon. Ocas will collaborate with local musicians, and with the people of Ambon, Ocas plans to hold a flash mob or mass dancing at Maluku City Mall, followed by a grand concert at Taman Budaya Ambon. Various cultural activites are planned for Palu, Sigi Regency and Parigi Moutong Regency, comprising workshop, social visits, mass dancing and collaborative concert. Special events planned for Central Sulawesi include collaborative concert with Palu Percussion which will be held at Kota Kaombona City Forest and a concert at Vula Dongga Festival in Parigi Moutong Regency.
Enjoy 73% Off Room Discount at Golden Tulip Passer Baroe
Have any plans to celebrate the national holiday August 17, 2018?
Celebrating the73thindependence of Indonesia, Golden Tulip Passer Baroe presents a variety of promothat can be enjoyed by the community to stay with family or just hanging out with friends.
Nasi Pejoeang
Golden Tulip Passer Baroe participated by giving Promo Gebyar Merdeka, room price discount of 73% from publish price.
Naga Bonar
“We would like to invite hotel guests to be happy and grateful that many things can be enjoyed after Indonesia’s independence,” said Willy Suderes, General Manager of Golden Tulip Passer Baroe Jakarta. To add to the excitement of staying at his hotel, Golden Tulip Passer Baroe also offers special food and beverage promo during this August.
Drink fresh dragon juice, Naga Bonar drink comes with a price of Rp 45.000net / glass. Also enjoy the rice menuof Nasi Pejoeang served with fried chicken, empal, sambal goreng ati, sate lilit and urap, which is priced at only Rp 73.000net / portion from 01-31 August 2018.
New “Jom Makan” campaign allows visitors to learn all about Penang’s gastronomy, from hawker stalls to cooking classes
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang is inviting food lovers to discover the amazing flavors of Penang with a journey of discovery into the island’s unique culinary scene.
Part of Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT), this stunning seafront resort is the perfect base from which to explore the gastronomic culture of Penang, which is often labeled the “Culinary Capital of Malaysia”. The new “Jom Makan” (Come Eat) campaign will allow guests to uncover the island’s most mouth-watering attractions, from bustling markets to sizzling street food stalls, exquisite restaurants, creative cooking classes and much more.
With its rich cultural diversity, including Peranakan, Indian and Chinese influences, plus a tropical climate and abundance of local seafood, Penang has developed a vibrant food scene, which stimulates the senses with its fantastic flavors, colors and aromas.
The island’s most famous dishes include nasi kandar, or rice served with various choices of curries; laksa, the famous spicy noodle soup; char koay teow, a fried flat noodle dish; a popular Penang version of Hokkien me featuring yellow noodles in prawn soup; and the local tandoori chicken.All of these delectable dishes, and many more, can be discovered at the street food stalls and local restaurants of Penang’s capital, Georgetown, and the popular beachfront area of Batu Ferringhi.
The launch of Jom Makan also coincides with the Penang International Food Festival (PIFF), a culinary extravaganza that returns to the island this September. This annual event is a celebration of Penang’s street food, with 16 days of mouth-watering food and drink on Georgetown’s Lebuh Pantai (Beach Street). Guests can immerse themselves in a carnival of cuisine, including an invasion of more than 150 food trucks, themed dining experiences, mini festivals and a professional chefs’ challenge.
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang offers regular complimentary shuttle bus services to and from Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi, allowing guests to experience this free culinary fiesta and other events such as the Georgetown Festival, which returns this summer.
“Every visit to Penang is a feast for the senses. At DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang, we are proud of this rich culinary heritage and encourage our guests to experience every mouth-watering delicacy the island has to offer,” said Jamie Mead, the resort’s Regional General Manager. “Our own chefs present an array of authentic local dishes at Makan Kitchen, our lively all-day restaurant. Alternatively, guests who want to learn more about the island’s food can ask our concierge who will be delighted to recommend the best places to discover local cuisine.
“I would like to invite all guests to jom makan – come and eat with us here in Penang, the culinary capital of Malaysia,” he added.
Visitors who want to discover daily life in Penang can choose to visit the island’s markets such as Chowrasta Bazaar, where locals flock to buy fresh meat and fish, along with a wide range of sweets and pickled fruits. Then after dark, Macallum Street Night Market is the perfect place to savor incredible local street food in a vibrant and colorful setting.
Guests can also experience a wide variety of hawker stalls and charming family restaurants in World Heritage-listed Georgetown, while the Long Beach Food Court in Batu Ferringhi allows diners to choose from an amazing array of delicacies.
Finally, guests can completely immerse themselves in Penang’s culinary culture with a cooking class. The Tropical Spice Garden Cooking School provides the perfect introduction to the island’s most popular dishes, while Nazlina’s Spice Station takes guests on a tour of the local food markets before returning to Georgetown for an atmospheric alfresco class.
Meanwhile, the Kid’s Club at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang hosts children’s cooking classes, introducing a new generation of potential chefs to the wonders of Malay cuisine.
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang is inviting guests to discover everything that Penang has to offer with special rates that include daily buffet breakfast for four people, plus warm chocolate chip cookies upon arrival. To learn more, please CLICK HERE.
LUXURY travel brand Belmond has chosen two talented young designers to bring their creative vision to life at its historic Cadogan Hotel in Chelsea when the property reopens later this year.
Mac Collins, a product and furniture designer and soon-to-be graduate of acclaimed design institution Northumbria University, and Antonia (Toni) Packham, a champion of sustainable design fresh out of Brighton University, were both chosen from more than 3000 designers who displayed their work at the New Designers exhibition in Islington in July.
Pestle and Mortar
Collins’ statement chair design ‘Iklwa’ – a visually intense ultramarine throne, informed by the aesthetic of Afrofuturism and created to inspire empowerment – was praised by judges as “a thought-provoking, culturally enriched and beautiful piece of craftsmanship that demonstrates in its exciting use of colour and considered appreciation of shape an understanding of the power of design to evoke emotion, capture the imagination and pay homage to heritage.”
In selecting the winner of Belmond’s inaugural award, the judges were seeking to find a talented designer whose product embodies the authentic and timeless, luxurious and soulful nature of the brand. Such was the calibre of talent on display at the New Designers event that the judges also selected Toni Packham as their winner.
Packham’s forward-thinking and environmentally conscious approach to design has resulted in the highly innovative use of plastic found polluting our oceans to create unique, hand-finished and ultra-high-quality products, including kitchenware, using a highly skilled and zero-waste production process. Collecting discarded rubbish from the shores of beaches across the UK, Packham’s beautiful designs and intricate details captured the judges’ eye while the story of sustainability and craftmanship spoke to the spirit of the Belmond brand.
MacCollins
Collins and Packham will now have the opportunity to learn from Belmond’s in-house bench of design experts, as well as its wider network of leading creative professionals, craftsmen and women. They will then be commissioned to design a bespoke design to be manufactured for and featured in the Belmond Hotel Cadogan – making it a central part of Belmond’s art and design-led portfolio.
Arnaud Champenois, Senior Vice President Brand & Marketing, Belmond, said, “We were blown away by Mac and Toni’s raw talent and fresh-thinking approach to design. We are extremely excited to champion two young British designers who we believe are set to shape the future of creative design industry. Their work will now feature in one of the most beautiful hotels in London.
“At Belmond all of our properties, wherever they are in the world – from the Hotel Cipriani in Italy to the Copacabana Palace in Brazil – celebrate design and local craftsmanship with a quirky and contemporary twist.
“Which is why it has been brilliant to engage with the emerging new trends in creative design – something we are passionate about at Belmond – from 3D printing, to socially responsible design and multi-sensory experiences. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with New Designers to find more future stars of the industry and to ensure that Belmond’s designs continue to capture the imagination of tomorrow’s discerning travellers.”
Toni Packham
Belmond assembled a panel of expert judges from their extended family of leaders within the design and creative industries to help select the award winners. Savina Torrisi, Architect, Senior Tutor and Graduating- Year Programme Leader for the Innovation Design Engineering Programme at The Royal College of Art, and Inge Moore, founder of renowned interior design studio Muza Lab, joined Belmond’s very own Art and Design Director, Joe Ferry – himself a former winner at New Designers – to discover and kick-start the career of one of the freshest new creative minds.
“I feel excited and overwhelmed to have been chosen by Belmond” Packham said. “I think it’s amazing that a luxury brand is supporting new designers like myself and championing creative innovation. My designs are all about taking a waste material of apparently no value and turning it into something functional, individual and aesthetically beautiful. It has been said that waste is the result of poor design – by working with Belmond, I am excited by the opportunity to address this and raise awareness of the value of waste material.”
Collins added, “To have the opportunity, straight out of university, to create a product in my workshop in Newcastle and have it featured in a Belmond property in London is incredible. I want my work to connect with people in the real world and cannot wait to design something for a brand that shares my passion for heritage and love of true materials.”
Craftsmanship and design is central to the identity of Belmond’s family of 47 properties, trains and cruises across the globe. The company is a champion of the best designers around the globe, and has worked with a host of renowned designers and craftspeople – including famed British designer Matthew Williamson who recently designed the stunning Suite ‘No. 67’ at Belmond La Residencia Hotel in Deià, Mallorca.
British designer Matthew Williamson said, “It’s fantastic to see Belmond’s commitment to developing the next generation of young British designers. An opportunity like this has the potential to jump-start a very successful career.
“The British design scene is thriving with a diverse range of really exciting talent pushing new frontiers with innovative ideas. We need to see more businesses like Belmond backing home-grown design and craftsmanship through partnerships like this.“
Elsewhere, Belmond has collaborated with other remarkable creative talents, including British Designer Tara Bernerd and French mosaicist Jérôme Clochard on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express.
The Cadogan has been closed since 2014 and is currently undergoing a £28 million pound refurbishment, designed to preserve the unique heritage of the Queen Anne Style property dating back to 1887, whilst updating the property to ensure its design retains a modern-day relevance. The iconic London hotel is steeped in history: it was famously the scene of Oscar Wilde’s arrest in 1895, as well as home to actress Lillie Langtry where she courted the future King of England.
The property is due to reopen in December, with London-based British talent and Head Chef of The Frog Adam Handling as Executive Chef, bringing his traditional yet modern British cuisine and zero waste philosophy to the Cadogan Hotel.
TAKING a holiday with your family is an opportunity to spend quality time bonding together. At Alila Anji, it can also be a time to get creative together, thanks to its new program of art workshops curated to inspire guests of all ages.
The workshops will be conducted by Alila Anji’s artist-in-residence, Arlyna. A Chinese-Filipino who has been living in Shanghai for almost 18 years, Arlyna describes herself as a designer and entrepreneur by day, and a mum, artist and crafter by night. From knitting, crocheting and sewing to scrapbooking, journaling, sketching, painting and calligraphy, she can turn her hand to them all, and loves nothing more than sharing the joy of creativity.
The workshops will cater to different age groups – 3 to 5 years accompanied by a parent, 6 to 10 years, as well as teens and adults.
Younger members of the family can enjoy creating art inspired by nature in activities such as Sunprints, Leaf Prints and Collage from Nature, where they can collect flowers and leaves to create delightful prints and artworks on paper or canvas bags. In Sidewalk Painting, kids can decorate the “streets” outside the Play Alila kids’ club. And who needs a paintbrush when you can have much more fun painting with ice cubes in Painting with Ice?
Amid Alila Anji’s beautiful landscape, teens and adults will find endless inspiration to express their creativity without boundaries. Activities include Watercolour Painting in different spots around the resort, Mixed Media Collage, and Crafting Art Journals.
For those who love to capture life through the lens, the Travel Journal Workshop will appeal. Participants will use their phone to document their day at Alila Anji, then print their photos and incorporate them into their own handmade journal for a wonderful story and souvenir of their stay.
“Through our artist-in-residence program, we hope our guests will have fun getting in touch with their creative side while making precious memories together,” said Jack Widagdo.
“As a father myself, I find art a wonderful way to add playful joy to the holidays for kids. It’s also something parents and adults can enjoy too. Through our artist-in-residence program, we hope our guests will have fun getting in touch with their creative side while making precious memories together,” said Jack Widagdo, General Manager of Alila Anji.
The artist-in-residence workshops at Alila Anji will be conducted on selected weekends between 28 July and 23 September 2018. Guests may join in any of these “a la carte” workshops during their stay, price at CNY198++ or approximately is USD30++ per class for 1 adult or 1 child, or enjoy a creative getaway package that includes a 2-night stay for two adults and up to two children under 12 years old plus a workshop, priced from CNY 3,720++ or approximately is USD550++.
Brings to Bali a balance between the healthy cafe culture of Australia and the delicious decadence of France.
NEWLY launched at Berawa Beach, Canggu, Two Trees Eatery represents a collaboration between French duo Laura Derepas and Chloe Malaplate and Motel Mexicola’s Adam Hall to create a café with something for everyone, every day and every meal.
“With a name like Two Trees Eatery, inspired by the trees located at the front of the restaurant, we have a responsibility not only to be environmentally friendly but also to be conscious of what is good for your body,” said co-owner Laura Derepas. “We don’t however want to stray too far away from our natural tendency to be a bit naughty from time to time, so we wanted to provide customers with everything from the very healthy to the very naughty depending on your mood. One tree for the healthy you, one tree for the naughty you!”
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menus have an emphasis on healthy deliciousness, with the majority of dishes free from refined sugars and artificial ingredients, being prepared wherever possible from locally and ethically sourced ingredients, thoughtfully combined to promote optimal digestion. Two Trees Eatery offers a myriad of light and healthy options that feel positively restorative with emphasis on wheat/dairy/sugar free and vegan options. There are also plenty of decadent choices for when customers are done with being healthy for the week and want to let loose!
The interior design of the Eatery feels fresh, clean and bright, with an atmosphere that encourages relaxing and lingering. The space has a natural, warm feeling with hardwood timber tables offset by plenty of lush potted plants and bright splashes of yellow. Being small and intimate,Two Trees Eatery has a comfortable, homely feeling perfect for meeting friends for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks.
Menjanjikan hubungan yang lebih dalam dengan penggemar dan mitra di Indonesia
Klub sepakbola Perancis, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), mengumumkan secara resmi peluncuran kantor Asia Pasifik di Singapura, 27 Juli 2018.
Dipimpin oleh Sebastien Wasels, Direktur Utama Paris Saint-Germain Asia Pasifik, kantor pusat regional ini memastikan tujuan PSG untuk membangun kehadirannya pada skala internasional akan tercapai. Selain itu kantor Asia Pasifik juga berperan dalam meningkatkan visibilitas nama klub, menumbuhkan kemitraan baru dan memelihara basis penggemar signifikan yang dimiliki di wilayah tersebut.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Pemilik dan Pejabat Eksekutif Tertinggi Paris Saint-Germain, menyatakan: “Asia adalah pasar prioritas utama kami. Kami memiliki banyak penggemar di wilayah ini dan melihat bakat luar biasa yang dapat kami kembangkan melalui program pelatihan terbaik kami, serta mempromosikan nilai inti identitas Paris.”
Dengan lebih dari 5 juta pengikut di media sosial, Indonesia membentuk basis penggemar terbesar untuk klub di wilayah Asia.
Al-Khelaifi menambahkan: “Kami sangat antusias membuka kantor internasional pertama di benua Asia dan berharap untuk membawa Klub PSG lebih dekat kepada para penggemar kami.”
Sebagai salah satu klub sepakbola dengan pertumbuhan paling cepat di dunia, Paris Saint-Germain telah menarik banyak pemain hebat termasuk Ronaldinho, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, dan terakhir, Neymar Jr., Kylian Mbappé, Edinson Cavani, serta Thiago Silva. Basis penggemar internasional Klub PSG sekarang adalah yang terbesar ke-7 di dunia, dengan lebih dari 55 juta pendukung secara global, di mana 17 juta dari jumlah itu berada di Asia.
Dengan lebih dari 5 juta pengikut di media sosial, Indonesia membentuk basis penggemar terbesar untuk klub di wilayah Asia. Pada tahun 2013, Paris Saint-Germain meluncurkan situs web berbahasa Inggris untuk para penggemar dan pendukungnya dan pada tahun 2016 menandatangani perjanjian kemitraan global dengan PT Multistrada Arah Sarana Tbk. Klub ini juga meluncurkan Akademi Paris Saint-Germain di Bali pada bulan Desember 2016.
Menyoroti pentingnya Indonesia bagi Paris Saint-Germain, Wasels mengatakan: “Indonesia adalah salah satu pasar pertama yang kami masuki di Asia. Penggemar Paris Saint-Germain di Indonesia terinspirasi oleh pemain kami dan oleh ambisi klub ini. Dengan peluncuran kantor pusat regional kami, kami berharap dapat memperdalam hubungan dengan Indonesia dan dengan para penggemar kami di seluruh Asia Pasifik. ”
Pembukaan resmi kantor Paris Saint-Germain bertepatan dengan Tur Asia dimana PSG akan bermain di International Champions Cup di Singapura, diikuti oleh Trophée des Champions pada Sabtu, 4 Agustus di Shenzhen, China.
Tentang Paris Saint-Germain
Klub sepakbola Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) didirikan pada 1970. Sejak QSI membeli klub tersebut pada tahun 2011, Paris Saint-Germain telah mengubah dirinya menjadi salah satu klub sepakbola terbaik dan merek olahraga global di dunia. PSG telah terhubung kembali dengan Paris, yang merupakan jantung organisasi, di bawah filosofi satu kota unik, satu klub unik. Dan ini baru permulaan. Pusat pelatihan dan pengembangan baru akan segera dibuka.
Klub PSG mencakup sepakbola pria, sepakbola wanita, bola tangan, judo, dan esports. PSG telah memenangkan 19 piala dalam tujuh tahun, 37 secara total selama sejarah pendiriannya. Paris Saint-Germain adalah klub dengan gelar terbanyak di Prancis.
Klub PSG telah menarik at minbanyak pemain hebat termasuk Ronaldinho, Beckham, Ibrahimovic, dan saat ini Neymar, Mbappé, Cavani, Thiago Silva, dan lain-lain.
Sejak 2011, Parc des Princes, kediaman bersejarah Klub PSG, telah mengalami transformasi dengan investasi lebih dari €80 Juta. Saat ini kediaman tersebut menjadi stadion seni dengan 5.000 kursi VIP dan 900 didedikasikan untuk keluarga dan anak-anak.
Paris Saint-Germain bermain di kandang sendiri di stadion yang selalu penuh penonton. Pendapatan yang dihasilkan dari penjualan tiket dan perhotelan telah meningkat empat kali lipat dalam tujuh tahun.
Klub PSG telah menarik at minbanyak pemain hebat termasuk Ronaldinho, Beckham, Ibrahimovic, dan saat ini Neymar, Mbappé, Cavani, Thiago Silva, dan lain-lain.
Di luar lapangan, Paris Saint-Germain adalah salah satu klub sepakbola dengan pertumbuhan tercepat di dunia, mencapai lebih dari US$1 miliar pada 2016/2017 (menurut Brand Finance).
Pendapatan klub telah meningkat lima kali lipat selama periode tersebut, tumbuh dari €80 juta menjadi lebih dari €500 juta, sementara pendapatan dari sponsor meningkat sepuluh kali lipat antara tahun 2011 dan 2018. Klub ini memiliki kesepakatan sponsor tingkat atas dari beberapa merek terkemuka di dunia.
Popularitas internasional Klub PSG tidak pernah berhenti berkembang. Basis penggemar berkembang secara eksponensial dan sekarang PSG adalah salah satu klub yang paling banyak diikuti di dunia, berkembang dari nol menjadi komunitas lebih dari 60 juta pendukung dalam waktu kurang dari tujuh tahun.
Akademi Paris Saint-Germain terus berkembang dengan lebih dari 12.000 anak peserta per musim di 12 negara, dengan lebih dari 60 lokasi, 35 kota, dan 150 kamp.
Amal kepada komunitas adalah hal mendasar bagi Klub PSG yang telah mendirikan sebuah yayasan yang didedikasikan untuk hal tersebut. Untuk tujuan ini, di antara sekian banyak proyeknya, proyek Sekolah Merah & Biru memungkinkan klub untuk melayani kaum muda yang kurang mampu.
THE Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is one of Earth’s most fabled destinations – a place of pristine natural beauty and cultural authenticity, where happiness is valued more highly than monetary gain.
Justifiably wary of the outside world and its fast-paced modernity, the sole-surviving Buddhist Kingdom was cautious in opening its doors to the rest of the world. Only a trusted few helped launch its fledgling tourism industry in the early 2000s, and Aman was the first international hotel collection to be granted permission to operate within its borders. Beautiful valleys score the Kingdom’s mountainous terrain, and Amankora’s five intimate lodges (Paro, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Thimphu) facilitate a kora, or ‘circular journey’ of discovery throughout central and western Bhutan.
Amankora guests can choose a journey entailing all or a combination of these lodges, ensuring a seamless unveiling of this remarkable Kingdom on top of the world.
Punakha Dzong
Combining pared back luxury with exceptional cuisine, cosseting spa treatments, one off cultural encounters, unique sightseeing and breathtaking adventures in nature, Amankora continues to open up ways in which to discover and experience this unique destination. Amankora has introduced new helicopter transfers between lodges, a series of Michelin-starred chef residencies at Thimphu Lodge, a unique helicopter breakfast experience at Twin Lakes, forest and prayer flag bathing experiences, immersive wellness retreats with visiting specialists, four new suites and a swimming pool at Punakha Lodge, poppy treks and a matsutake experience.
Thimphu Lodge Suite Interior
Amankora Helicopter Journeys
With elevations in the thousands of metres, Bhutan’s beautiful valleys are accessed via winding mountain passes offering breathtaking views and dramatic drop offs. The transfers between Amankora’s five lodges are an integral part of the Amankora journey, yet when time is of the essence, covering the same distances by helicopter allows for more exploration on the ground. Aman has partnered with Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services to offer Amankora Helicopter Journeys from lodge to lodge revealing awe-inspiring Himalayan vistas and a new perspective of this remarkable Kingdom.
The Short Loop Journey of seven nights offers a three-valley experience with two nights each in Thimphu and Punakha, and three nights in Paro, while the Classic Loop Journey of nine nights enables a four-valley experience with two nights each in Thimphu, Gangtey and Punakha, and three nights in Paro. The Country- wide Loop Journey of 12 nights facilitates an experience of all five valleys: Starting in Thimphu, and journeying east to Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang, before returning back to Paro.
Paro Living Room
Michelin-Starred Guest Chef Series
Amankora is delighted to present a series of culinary evenings at Amankora Thimphu this July, August and September, hosted by three renowned Michelin-starred chefs. These gastronomic feasts will each include a multicourse degustation menu prepared by Chefs Bryce Shuman, Joshua Brown or Shinobu Namae together with Amankora’s own culinary team. Drawing inspiration from the Kingdom’s mountainous environment and the abundance of fresh local produce, each Chef will bring their own distinctive style to the Kingdom, ensuring a unique experience all round.
Showing off the creative flair that garnered him a Michelin star, three stars from The New York Times, and Food & Wine Magazine’s ‘Best New Chef’ accolade in 2015, Chef Bryce Shuman of the acclaimed Betony in New York City was at Amankora Thimphu on the 13 and 14 July. The 10 and 11 August will welcome Chef, Joshua Brown of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago and one Michelin-star restaurant CUT in Singapore. Two-Michelin-starred Chef Shinobu Namae of The Fat Duck and L’Effervescence will round off the series on the 14 and 15 September.
Paro Spa Treatment
Breakfast at Twin Lakes
Experience the morning sun gilding over Bhutan’s second highest peak, Mount Jomolhari, during a sumptuous breakfast in the crisp morning air. A short helicopter ride from Amankora Paro takes guests up the Paro Valley over lush forests and remote hamlets before embracing stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas along the Bhutan-Tibet border. The breakfast spot rests between two turquoise lakes above the Jomolhari Base Camp at Jangothang, where views of this 7,300-metre monolith – sacred to Buddhists as the abode of Earth protector Jumo – are unparalleled. After breakfast, guests can explore other sacred sites nearby including Jomolhari Temple, the meditation caves of Milarepa and Gyalwa Lorepa, and the spirit lake of Tsheringma. The return flight takes in stunning views of Singye Dzong, the legendary Lion Fortress.
Punakha Lodge Swimming Pool
New Suites and Swimming Pool at Punakha Lodge
Visiting Bhutan in the winter (September to February) is appealing for many reasons: days are crisp with cobalt blue skies; nights reveal a universe of twinkling stars; temperatures are a pleasant 12-20°C during the day; occasional snowfall on the mountain peaks makes for breathtaking vistas across the valleys; and the magical morning light is ideal for photography. As March melts into May and spring becomes summer, Bhutan’s temperate climate sees daytime temperatures climbing to 26°C – ideal weather for relaxing in the sun and swimming.
Aman’s first swimming pool in the Kingdom will open in mid-June at Amankora Punakha, the mid-point of a circular pilgrimage incorporating all five lodges. The 30-metre infinity pool is surrounded by rice paddies and fruit plantations and boasts 360° mountain views. Occupying a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse near the Mo Chhu River in one of Bhutan’s most fertile valleys, the eight-suite lodge is also presenting four brand new, additional suites this summer (mid-June).
Forest and Prayer Flag Bathing Experiences
Amankora’s unique outdoor bathing experiences employ no bath towels, soap or water. In fact, they simply involve being in the present moment, alone, in nature. Forests lend themselves innately to quiet reflection, and the Himalayan Forest Bathing experience involves slow and tranquil walking through the pristine forest wilderness. Drawing its name from the Japanese phrase shinrin yoku, meaning ‘absorbing the forest atmosphere’, the practice is effortless, whilst the forest itself bestows its peaceful rewards through sight, sound, smell and touch.
Prayer Flag Bathing shares this simplicity and soul-boosting outcome, but its focus is on listening to the sound of prayer flags flapping in the wind – often the only sound present. Mounted for happiness and longevity, luck and prosperity, prayer flags represent the Buddhist belief that prayers can be carried by the wind, and that any person touched by this wind will be uplifted. Bathing in the rippling sound of fluttering prayer flags is deeply calming – a spiritual immersion in the manifested well wishes of those thankful for every blessing.
Bumthang Suite Day
Wellness Retreats with Visiting Specialists
Each of Amankora’s lodges offer a peaceful spa, but it is their tranquil natural settings that provide the real frame for regular immersive retreats. Hosted by renowned wellness experts from around the world, these retreats are designed to balance body and mind through different practices, whether yoga, meditation, discussion, silence or therapeutic work.
From 15 to 22 September, Dr. Buathon Thienarrom will be leading a retreat entitled ‘Enriching Life’ based on the concept that awareness of the body can be a tool for transformation of the mind. A highly regarded holistic practitioner from Thailand, Dr. Thienarrom has an extensive knowledge of alternative and Tibetan medicine, as well as Taoist practice. She uses her signature method ZenNaTai to help the body release tension and generate the flow of qi, unlocking positive energy from within. The retreat includes three nights at Thimphu, four nights at Paro, a 60-minute spa treatment and all meals, road transfers and sightseeing.
Amankora will also host ‘The Inner Light Immersion’ from the 1 to 31 October. Designed to reveal the ever deeper and richer layers of our spirit selves, to discover inner wisdom through a series of spiritual healing treatments. This highly personalised immersion includes two nights at Thimphu and Punakha, and three nights at Paro, all meals, three 90-minute specialist therapies, one 60-minute Amankora holistic massage, one 60- minute traditional hot stone bath, a Buddhist blessing and ceremony, a 108-butter lamp offering at Taktsang Monastery and all transfers and sightseeing.
Poppy Treks and Matsutake Season
Bhutan’s white, red and pink poppies are a rare sight to behold, carpeting the landscape at elevations of 3,000 – 4,500 metres in one of the world’s most inaccessible terrains. This year, from the 1 June to 15 July guests of Amankora have the unique opportunity to witness this seasonal display of Bhutan’s national flower. Guests will trek through the remote and untouched Haa Valley and spend either two (Red Poppy Trek) or three (White & Pink Poppy Treks) nights in tented accommodation as well as two nights at Amankora Thimphu and Amankora Paro lodges.
The highly sought-after matsutake mushroom is another seasonal delight that emerges in in the Bhutanese wilderness countryside in the late summer. This year, from the 1 August till 15 September, guests of Amankora will have the chance to observe and indulge with a four-night tour at Thimphu and Paro lodges, which includes an exclusive trip to the hamlet where the mushrooms are traded, plus all meals including matsutake menus, and a private driver and guide for traversing this fascinating country.
At FOLIE, they are madly in love with good food and the pleasure of eating, after all in French, the word ‘folie’ means love to the brink of madness. The Canggu eatery’s philosophy is that there should be no guilt involved when enjoying one of life’s greatest pleasures.
FOLIE is owned by FrenchChef, Stephane Simond, whose fascination with fiery Asian flavors has created a love child between two grand food cultures, neither East or West, but an elegant fusion that comfortably sits in between.
“I’m deeply French as a chef but I love Asian food,” says Chef Stephane. “The excitement and stimulation for me comes from the fact that I’m using all my skills, experience and kitchen partners to create our food style. This is the most exciting and challenging part and is why I’m so passionate about my job.”
Chef Stephane’s culinary career began at the age of 15 with an apprenticeship in l’Auberge Lamartine, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant in his hometown in the heart of the French Alps. After working in establishments across France and Switzerland, his love for travel took him to the Caribbean where he worked in the kitchens of the beautiful Hotel Le Toiny on the island of St Barthelemy, and La Samanna Hotel in St Maarten. In 2008 he became Executive Chef at the renowned Cassis fine dining restaurant in Jakarta, Indonesia, staying for 5 years before relocating to Alila Villas Uluwatu, where he fell in love with Bali and his Balinese wife and made the island his permanent home.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, FOLIE offers a wide range of dishes with a French flair married with the freshest local ingredients.
Breakfast might be Croque Madame with fried egg, smoked ham, Bechamel sauce and Emmental cheese or French Toast with caramelized banana, passionfruit, chocolate crumble and homemade brioche whilst lunch could be Orange Marinated Indian Ocean Red Snapper with tiger prawn gravy reduction and red and green tomato tartare or Angel Hair Pasta Aglio e Olio with dried tomatoes, fresh basil, grilled prawns, crispy pancetta and garlic. The dinner menu offers the choice between a sharing degustation experience and an a la carte menu with a range of delicious seasonal dishes.
FOLIE has a wonderful selection of house made pastries and sweet temptations to enjoy all day as well as tasty options for the kids to enjoy. A range of delicious iced teas and energy giving concoctions such as a Red Sour with watermelon, fresh strawberries, lemon juice and honey sit alongside an enviable selection of signature cocktails and mocktails, and a carefully curated wine list.
Bright and airy with indoor and outdoor seating options, FOLIE is filled with colour and tropical plants, drawing inspiration from a jungle house in the heart of Kaba Kaba village, Bali. A spacious car park and parking attendant adds to the convenience.
Grand Activities And A Host Of Offers To Mark The Celebrations
ALILA Fort Bishangarh, the only known warrior fort in India to have been converted into a heritage hotel, celebrated its first anniversary on July 15, 2018. Over the course of the past one year, Alila Fort Bishangarh has bagged multiple awards and recognition across various categories from national and international entities of repute. It is named Best New Hotels in India by Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2018 and most recently Best Restoration Projects by Hospitality Design Awards USA 2018.
The gradual setup and subsequent operations of the Fort as a distinct heritage hotel in the country have also led to the evolution and enhancement of the village – Bishangarh, an integral part amongst the many propositions of the property. Situated on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the quaint village of Bishangarh, the fortress mirrors the rural simplicity. Over the course of seven years, the property restored its structure, where the original fort was left intact, with much care given to ecological restoration and the reconstruction of new residential areas, to recreate the courtly flavor of Shahpura’s royalty.
Situated on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the quaint village of Bishangarh, the fortress mirrors the rural simplicity.
Spanning across 59 majestic rooms, each aesthetically different from the other, the spacious heritage rooms built around the original walls open to lush Rajasthani landscapes. Housing an array of indoor and outdoor specialty restaurants such as Amarsar, Nazaara and Haveli, guests can experience dining the royal style, with menus innovatively curated by Chef Ranveer Brar.
Alila Fort Bishangarh is all set to welcome its anniversary with a host of celebratory activities on its anniversary’s eve. These include live local performance (Kacchi Ghori) upon arrival for each guest, Bishangarh Mela at Haveli Courtyard, flute performance at Kachchawa courtyard amongst several other events.
Additionally, as part of the anniversary celebrations, Alila Fort Bishangarh is offering exclusive stay. With the ‘Weekend Anniversary Celebration Package’, guests can enjoy an additional complimentary night’s stay at the property when they book two nights during the anniversary weekend. Guests can save 25% with the ‘Anniversary Celebration Offer’ when they book directly from Alila Fort Bishangarh’s website for stay until September 30, 2018.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Binny Sebastian, General Manager, Alila Fort Bishangarh expressed, “It gives us immense joy and a deep sense of gratitude when we look back at the year gone by. At the outset of this ambitious project were some challenges and questions but the cumulative effort of everyone involved in this property makes us feel proud today. Behind the robust frames of the mighty fortress is a laborious tale of hard work meticulously put in by innumerable individuals.”
Mr. Sebastian added, “It is truly heartwarming to be able to celebrate this occasion with our indispensable workforce and loyal guests who have been the reason of our successful journey over the past year. We would like to thank everyone in the Alila Fort Bishangarh family for their support and look forward to creating more success stories as we move ahead on our growth trajectory.”
Director General of Cultures, Hilmar Farid said, “We are very pleased that Ocas returns to our country. We are also really excited with Vinculos Untuk Indonesia 2018 concerts. With the theme that champions the spirit of solidarity, peace, and unity in diversity, Vinculos Untuk Indonesia 2018 will kick off in Ambon, the city which has been planned to become International City of Music by UNESCO in 2019. From Ambon, OCAS will visit Parigi Moutong Regency, Sigi Regency and the city of Palu in Central Sulawesi, Pekanbaru in Riau Province and in DKI Jakarta Province.”
“Ocas will once again collaborate with local musicians from each region. With Vinculos, Indonesia through the Education and Cultures Ministry is showing strong commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Spain. Vinculos is also an effective and productive strategy for improving Indonesia’s participation and active role in the world’s cultures. This activity also coincides with the commemoration of 60 years of diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and the Kingdom of Spain.”
