Bali – the ‘Island of the Gods’. Step out of reality into this irresistible tropical gem, just one of over 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago. With a magic all its own, ablaze with colour in a landscape dominated by rice terraces and volcanic peaks, Bali is blessed with fabulous sandy beaches, warm seas, thousands of temples, great shopping and friendly easy going people for whom life and tradition are one, merged in a unique, everyday celebration of art, dance, sculpture, spectacular festivals and religious rituals.

Typical Balinese Landscape

There are many resort areas including Sanur, an established quiet location offering a variety of hotels, shops and restaurants and an excellent reef-protected beach. Nusa Dua is a purpose-built enclave that boasts a range of properties set beside its fine sandy beach. Jimbaran Bay is unspoilt and more isolated with just a few hotels overlooking one of the island’s best beaches. Seminyak is a trendy new area near the northern edge of busy Kuta, with its wealth of shops and nightspots. Ubud, home of Balinese culture and local handicrafts, is just an hour’s drive inland from the main beaches. For ultimate relaxation visit Tembok Bali on the northern coast – its aura exemplifies the Balinese way of life.

Take a further step from reality on the neighbouring island of Lombok, a 25-minute air hop from Bali, offering true tranquillity and charm beside secluded beaches.

Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali:

A secluded haven located along Bali’s exotic north-east coast of black sand, kissed by the deep blue Bali Sea. Set in a landscape of great natural beauty, the resort is the ideal environment in which to throw off the cares and stresses of the world and succumb to the pleasures of a range of programmes that have been created to restore what daily life takes from body and soul. At Spa Village Resort Tembok Bal, the gentle spirituality of the island weaves through every aspect of each spa treatment, producing a unique immersive experience that is the very essence of the Spa Village philosophy. Dedicated to Balinese healing, rejuvenation, wellness and spirituality, this quiet retreat seeks to not only restore body and mind, but also to replenish the spirits through a range of programmes that allow guests to embark upon a personal restorative journey of their choosing.

Spa Village at Tembok Bali Swimming Pool

A sanctuary set in a world of its own surrounded by a dramatic Balinese landscape of mythical peaks and a roguish sea, all under the dome of an azure sky. Located on the pristine north-east part of Bali, within the beautiful traditional village of Tembok, the spa resort is perfectly placed to help you become at one with the Balinese way of life. Intimate in nature, each of its thirty-one rooms resonates with a natural elegance. Kamar Rooms transform into private havens with each bedroom connecting to spacious marble bathrooms with private terrace or balcony opening up to the gardens and the sea. The two One-Bedroom Suites are sanctuaries of peace, each with their own private entry and plunge pool with unobstructed views of the ocean.

Conrad Bali Resort & Spa:

Secluded on 6.8 hectares of tropical gardens and lagoons with cascading waterfalls, the resort is complete with a pristine 350-metre beach in a sandy bay close to Nusa Dua. Conrad Bali reflects a contemporary style, timeless tradition, designed with a wide range of fine accommodation boasting panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. There is an infinity pool, lagoon pool, children’s facilities, fitness club and the Club Lounge provides an exclusive service for discerning guests. Try typical island cuisine alfresco, BBQs on the beach, the cool lagoon bar and elegant dining with stunning Indian Ocean views. Or relax in the luxurious Jiwa Spa offering a range of relaxing and pampering body treatments and massage therapies.

Conrad Bali Resort & Spa Main Swimming Pool

Each of the Conrad Bali’s 360 guestrooms and suites reflects the resort’s sense of space, luxury and style, with a private patio or balcony offering panoramic views over the resort, ocean, lagoons or gardens. Striking tribal Indonesian art is complemented by contemporary in-room facilities, including high-speed Internet access and flat-screen televisions. Exclusively for Club guests, the Club Lounge offers enhanced privacy and personal attention, along with breakfast and other complimentary benefits and services.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay:

The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay is nestled amid 35-acres of terraced hillside on the southern tip of the island, the landscaped gardens above the sandy beach offer stunning views. This expansive and elegant private resort is composed of clustered ‘villages’, housing richly-appointed Balinese-style villas with separate sleeping and living pavilions surrounding a bougainvillea-draped courtyard with a private plunge pool.

Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay Lobby

The dramatic hilltop dining venue, Taman Wantilan, is perched 30-metres above the shoreline, an open-sided pavilion featuring a two-tiered roof, modelled after a traditional village meeting place. Cooled by natural breezes and bordered by koi fish ponds, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of Jimbaran Bay. All the facilities including the luxurious spa, infinity pool and whirlpool are immersed in the mystique of this spiritual land. Romantic, stylish and a very special setting that superbly capture the beguiling magic of Bali.

Taking their inspiration from traditional Balinese architecture, the 156 villas and private residence at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay are housed within free-standing thatched-roof villas. Surrounded by lush gardens, each villa has its own courtyard and extensive indoor and outdoor living areas, including a private plunge pool from which guests enjoy infinite views of palm-fringed Jimbaran Bay. Bedrooms are air-conditioned, while the living quarters are open-air. The Balinese theme is carried through to the décor, from the handcrafted teak furniture to antique artefacts and exotic fabrics in rich, sensual colours. Each bathroom has a deep soaking tub and separate shower, with access to a secluded outdoor garden shower. Enhancements in all accommodations bear the thoughtful hallmarks of Four Seasons, including Bose entertainment centre and LCD flat-screen television.

The vast and colourful theatre that is India almost defies the imagination spanning more than a million square miles, from the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Its awesome physical scale and improbable contrasts are replicated in the staggering diversity, not just of its scenery but also of its vibrant cultures and exotic, sometimes baffling, customs and lifestyles born of five thousand years of continuous civilisation.

Incredible India

Elaborate palaces and ancient castles bring the echoes of India’s eventful history dramatically alive. The tropical forests and jungles of sprawling game reserves are the haunt of an array of fascinating bird species and sanctuary for unique wildlife, including the elusive tiger. On the south-west coast lies a tiny strip of land which is Goa, where the influence of its Portuguese past is still evident today. It boasts fabulous golden beaches, distinctive architecture, fine resort hotels and exquisite seafood. Further south, the coastal backwaters and shimmering beaches of the Malabar coastline give way inland to lush green plantations and hills. Everywhere flamboyant festivals and opulent temples reaffirm enduring traditions that punctuate so many aspects of everyday life.

The Leela Kempinski Goa:

The Leela Kempinski Goa is a lovely blend of South India’s temple traditions with Portuguese heritage offering a host of divine services. The resort is sprawled over 75-acres in idyllic South Goa, and boasts a 12-hole golf course. The fishing village along the Sal River also offers an insight into how the locals of Goa live. Dotting the lush gardens and sparkling lagoons are the cluster of plush accommodation. The resort offers a host of dining options with anything from Italian and Indian cuisine to Goan specialities and fresh seafood. The acclaimed spa is renowned for its extensive selection of Ayurvedic therapies and services. For those in search of the ultimate luxury, The Club at The Leela, perched on a cliff , offers privacy and a personal attention from your butler – this is where you truly belong!

The Leela Goa India Club

Taj Exotica Goa:

Located on the southwest coast of Goa, overlooking the Arabian Sea, this Mediterranean-style 5-star resort is one of the best five star hotels in Goa and has a way of slowing down time to a tranquil tempo. Set amidst fifty-six acres of lush gardens, Taj Exotica is a showcase for relaxation with tropical-inspired design touches, grand architecture, a sun-drenched atrium, wide shady corridors, and flower lined patios for a memorable stay. The Taj Exotica is subtly divided into the main hotel building with spacious deluxe and luxury rooms and two and four bedroom villas.

Taj Exotica Goa India Pool Villa

Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa:

Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa, located in the most idyllic area of South Goa, is a world-class resort set in forty-five acres of lush beachfront gardens and set on the pristine Arossim Beach. Reflecting Goa’s heritage are the charming Indo-Portuguese-style pousadas, comprising guestrooms with spectacular views. Featuring a unique village concept, with extensive spa facilities, Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa creates the magic and romance of a luxury boutique hotel while having the amenities and vibrant attractions of a resort.

Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa India Sereno Spa Lobby

Alila Diwa Goa:

Alila Diwa Goa is located in South Goa, along the coast of Majorda Beach, with panoramic views across the Arabian Sea. The resort blends contemporary Goan architecture with the magic of Goa’s cultural richness into a serene landscape of gentle verdant paddy fields flowing towards the pristine white sand beach. All rooms and suites are designed for modern living with an amazing bath experience, luxury bedding and a private terrace to capture the ocean breeze while taking in the magnificent views of the lush greenery. At the heart of the resort is an endless infinity pool that extends out into the paddy terraces where one may sip a martini within the lounge pool or just enjoy the tranquillity.

Enjoy Goan flavours and blended cuisine from the neighbouring coastline. The Spice Studio, the coastal speciality restaurant, offers local flavours. VIVO offers a relaxed ambience for all-day dining within its air-conditioned and shaded open-air spaces. On the menu is a delicious mix of international, local and pan-Asian flavours with plenty of healthy choices to suit every palate.

At Spa Alila, enjoy unique treatments from the heart, blending ancient Asian healing techniques with age-old beauty recipes featuring the curative benefits of fresh, natural, quality ingredients.

Planning your big day  does not have to be stressful- take some advice from the experts By Jonathan Morrow

Wedding Couple on a Seychelles beach

If you are planning a wedding, your mind is probably whirring with questions. What venue? What menu? What band? Flowers, favours, rings, readings… the list seem endless, not to mention daunting. Fear not though: the national wedding show is here to provide you with some tips to make sure you dream day becomes reality.

Firstly, it is important to establish the budget. There is no point in starting your married life in debt when there are ways to create your wedding day without having to rob a bank.

Once you know what you have to spend, the next step is deciding where you want to be – do you want a stately home such as the Ladywood Estate, Oakham or a chic urban hotspot such Altitude London? When you have decided, get on the phone pronto as some venues are booked up two years in advance.

The next step is to buy the dress. The best approach to finding ‘the one’ is to make appointment with different designers and boutiques so you can explore a range of styles.

From the traditional glamour of celebrity favourite Ian Stuart through to the vintage-inspired designs of Candy Anthony, the perfect dress is out there.

Pelican Hill LA, Wedding Couple

Bridesmaid dresses are often a cause for concern but, again, be open to trying different styles. Coast by Appointment is a new service launched by high street occasionwear specialist Coast which provides a complimentary in-store style adviser for both personal and group consultations to ensure your special ladies get a look everyone is happy with. It is important to book a florist well in advance as good ones are in high demand. One way of ensuring your budget stretches as far as your imagination is to use seasonal flowers, as award winning designer florist Zita Elze suggests: “In spring, go for bulbs, fresh foliage and sprouting twinges. In summer, go for generous herbaceous border types of flowers that exude sumptuousness, and use a lot of tea lights and candles.”

Then, of course, there is the party. You may want to go for a jazz band such as Sax and Honey, who can adapt the style of their music to your taste.

If a disco is more your thing, there are some amazing wedding DJs to choose from, such as DJs Inc, who even supply their own LED-illuminated dance floor.

A little careful planning can ensure your honeymoon truly is a trip of life time. Honeymoon experts’ www.luxuryholidaysdirect.com recommend three top tips for successful trip.

Firstly, check the seasons and the weather conditions for your desired destination in advance.

Secondly, be prepared for the cost of incidentals, food and drink, and factor this amount into your budget. Finally, register your honeymoon in advance and give your friends and family the opportunity to contribute towards the cost as a wedding present.

Most importantly, though, enjoy planning your big day and do not get too stressed out.

Note: This Article – First Published in Metro (16-02-2010) (http://www.metro.co.uk/home/)

Luxury Holidays Direct Wedding and Honeymoon

Luxury Honeymoon

Let LuxuryHolidaysDirect.com organise your dream Wedding or Honeymoon for 2010; Why are we the experts?

1)Our dedicated consultants will tailor-make all the perfect arrangements, offer all the necessary expertise and will source the best honeymoon to suite your needs!

2)We have exclusive honeymoon offers like; Bride stays Free, Complimentary Room upgrades, Complimentary Champagne and Massage in resort, Huge Honeymoon Discounts ‘We guarantee not to be beaten on price”.

3)If you are marrying abroad we will organise your Civil Wedding (including Registrar + licence fee only) to a special Wedding Package including additional transport to/from legal offices & personal extras. We will ensure a truly memorable wedding ceremony!

4)If you want to be inspired visit our ‘Celebrity Honeymoons’ Section http://www.luxuryholidaysdirect.com/celebrity-travel.html showing all the A list celebrities that have travelled recently with LuxuryHolidaysDirect.com – you could be following stars such as: Denise Van Outen to Labriz Seychelles & Laura Bailey to Fregate Island Seychelles or Chris De Burgh to One & Only Le Saint Geran Mauritius or Dita Von Tesse to Kanuhura Maldives!

5)See our unique ‘Destination Finder’ in association with YouandYourwedding.co.uk the number 1 Wedding title in the UK. All our honeymoons are in association with YouandYourWedding.co.uk http://youandyourwedding.luxuryholidaysdirect.com

6)Feeling Lucky – why not register at http://www.luxuryholidaysdirect.com/win-holiday.html where each month we are giving away a Luxury Honeymoon worth over £5000.

7)Worried that you cannot afford your dream honeymoon? Use our unique ‘Wedding Registry that allows friends and family to contribute. It is simple, just sign up at http://www.luxuryholidaysdirect.com/weddings/registry and use the site to announce to your friends and family, where they can contribute on-line and you can view all contributions via your unique log-in.

SEYCHELLES – ISLAND-HOPPING

Island hopping is the only way to see and experience the Seychelles.  With over 115 islands scattered like confetti across the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles has endless options for some great island combinations.  With frequent (and short!) flights connecting the smaller islands to Mahé, or private helicopter option, your holiday can be as leisurely as you choose.

Seychelles

We do recommend combining Mahé or Praslin with one of the smaller islands for a real ‘Robinson Crusoe’ escape.  Begin the journey in Mahé, the main island, and enjoy the tiny capital and the splendour of the luxury resorts highlighted in this collection.  Combine your stay with Cousine for the diving, Cerf Island for the immense nature reserve or even opt for a castaway experience at Denis Island or the magical Fregate Island – timeless in mood yet magically exotic – one of the most secluded island addresses in the Seychelles.

Seychelles and Beyond:

Combine the simple Indian Ocean charm of the Seychelles with the magic of Mauritius, the dramatic contrasts of Dubai with its iconic hotels and Arabian heritage, a place of thrilling innovation and luxurious excesses, or the spell of the Orient – a world of animated bazaars and markets; glittering pagodas and palaces; saffron-robed monks and elegant sarongs; traditional sampans and junks.

Seychelles and South Africa:

South Africa

Another popular combination is South Africa with its extraordinary safari and wildlife experiences as well as the buzz of Cape Town and the beauty of the Winelands and Garden Route.  South Africa, so much more that just another tourist destination, is a place where the joy of living is rediscovered, where senses are revived and spirits re-awakened.  A place like no other, it boasts a cosmopolitan combination of people and places against a backdrop of awe-inspiring scenic wonders and a proud heritage of culture and traditions.

The country embraces nearly half a million square miles, spanning rugged mountain ranges, sunburnt grasslands of the veld, the mellow charm of the sub-tropical Cape Province Winelands, the dramatic cliffs and beaches of the Garden Route and the Natal Coast, with busy modern cities and resorts, plus the ancient canyons and forests of Mpumalanga and vast national parks and game reserves.

Perfect Combinations:

Whatever your choice, LUXURYHOLIDAYSDIRECT.COM can design the perfect luxury holiday, and create a tailor-made itinerary to your exact specification.  Our extensive expertise and meticulous research underpin the superb portfolio of choice that we offer you.  LUXURYHOLIDAYSDIRECT.COM is about offering that something extra – with lifestyle luxury its theme and serious pampering its purpose.  We’re geared to meeting the needs of the discerning independent traveller.  We use only scheduled air services.  We’re flexible.  And we’re thorough.  If there’s such a thing as a designer luxury holiday, then here’s where you’ll find it.

No less importantly, LUXURYHOLIDAYSDIRECT.COM is firmly committed to providing the best in value – in short, on-line prices that simply cannot be beaten.  LUXURYHOLIDAYSDIRECT.COM – putting luxury at your fingertips…..

Luxury Holidays Direct

Welcome to LUXURYHOLIDAYSDIRECT.COM – the fastest and friendliest ‘one-stop’ route to the very best in luxury holidays to some of the most fabulous resorts worldwide. So what makes us different from the rest?

Well, as you might expect from the name, LUXURYHOLIDAYSDIRECT.COM is a facility that’s 100% ‘on-line’.
Easy to use. Instantly accessible around the clock. And purpose-created to provide that automatic first port-of-call when you want to fi d and book a luxury long-haul holiday on-line. The choice is enormous. The flexibility total. That’s because travel to faraway places is our speciality.

The Indian Ocean and Africa. India and the Far East. The Caribbean, the Americas and the South Pacific. We know them all and we know them well. Our extensive expertise and meticulous research underpin the superb portfolio of choice that we offer you.

We’re also about offering that something extra – with lifestyle luxury its theme and serious pampering its purpose. We’re geared to meeting the needs of the discerning independent traveller. We use only scheduled air services. We’re flexible. And we’re thorough. If there’s such a thing as a designer luxury holiday then here’s where you’ll find it.

No less importantly, LUXURYHOLIDAYSDIRECT.COM is firmly committed to providing the best in value – in short, on-line prices that simply cannot be beaten. LUXURYHOLIDAYSDIRECT.COM. Putting luxury at your fingertips…….

Where you design your perfect luxury holiday.

We know that the key to building the perfect holiday is all in the detail…

here’s what you will discover online.

FIND YOUR IDEAL LUXURY HOLIDAYS DESTINATION

Around the globe, whether it be an African safari, a New York city stay or a private island in the Maldives. Use our unique destination finder to search for destinations with beaches, wildlife, golf, spa and cultural activities. Look for destinations with activities catering to families, or remote locations for weddings and honeymooners. Browse through the events and weather to decide the best time for your journey.

SEARCH FOR YOUR IDEAL HOTEL

With our own unique highly critical ‘Star Ratings’ benchmark you can explore more than 600 hotels and resorts worldwide. Coupled with in depth information to include latest photography, specific room details, dining arrangements, entertainment, hotel facilities such as (internet access, restaurant details, room service and hotel activities such as (watersports, diving, golf, and wellness treatments), all of which will allow you to make that perfect informed decision to your forthcoming travel arrangements.

CHOOSE FROM AN ARRAY OF SPECIAL OFFERS

Our unique booking engine will deduct any hotel applicable discounts when presenting final prices to include, Short and Long stay offers as well as special interest family, honeymoon and spa offers.

BUILD & BOOK ONLINE

Our live online booking engine will allow you to customise all the elements of your holiday to suit your budget. Get instant access to hotel and flight availability and just point and click to BOOK!

Luxury Holidays Direct

Luxury Holidays Direct is your one stop shop for all types of luxury holidays to include City Breaks, Beach Stays, Cultural Tours, Weddings, Honeymoons and whether it be a Seasonal Family Holiday to celebrating that Special Occasion abroad. This site features over 400 luxury hotels & resorts in faraway destinations and we are always looking to expand our offering where in the early part of 2009 we shall be introducing Europe.

Our ‘Travel Consultants are recruited and trained to our very high standards in order to provide the specialist Destination & Resort knowledge, so when formulating your luxury holiday we will ensure that an experienced ‘Travel Consultant’ is on hand to guide you through the planning and booking procedure. Further to ensure all the featured hotels & resorts are adhering to our high standards, our product department use key indicators such in ‘Health & Safety’, ‘Service Expectations’, ‘Quality of Hotel & Rooms’ and ‘Overall Experience’ to determine whether that property remains within our portfolio.

Other Brands

Other brands within Sunset Travel Ltd include SUNSET FARAWAY HOLIDAYS, (020 8774 7100, www.sunset.co.uk ) This is the company’s TRAVEL AGENTS ONLY BRAND, therefore if you have a preferred independent travel agent please ask for Sunset Faraway Holidays Worldwide Luxury Brochure.

‘The SUNSET FLIGHT CLUB – 020 8774 4800’, our Flights Consolidation Department offers low price Flight Only options with many of the leading carriers to include Air France, Continental, Emirates, Air Seychelles, Air Mauritius, South African, Jet Airways, KLM, Sri Lankan Airlines, Thai Airways, Virgin Atlantic. We also have 60 seats per departure with Air Seychelles to Mauritius where prices can start from as low as £150 per person (excluding tax To Mauritius), This is exclusive to Sunset Travel Ltd and LuxuryHolidaysDirect.com utilizes all such deals to ensure our ‘PRICE WATCH PROMISE, WHERE WE GUARANTEE TO BEAT ANY OTHER GENUINE QUOTE FOR THE SAME HOLIDAY’.

Quote/Booking:

To enquire about a holiday please contact one of our specialist consultants on 020 8774 7290 or Request a Quote For Luxury Holidays