A Luxury Travel Blog

Kevin May is editor of Travolution, an industry-focussed magazine for online travel and division of Reed Business Information.  It consists of a blog, e-news service and a physical magazine, and is a leader in its field with an advisory board that comprises some of the biggest names in the travel industry.

What is it that you do exactly?

I am responsible for all editorial content on Travolution, including our magazine, website and blog. I also produce our fortnightly podcast, The Purple Pod, and organise our conferences and other events as well as oversee the Travolution Awards. It’s a busy job!

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

The most rewarding aspect of editing Travolution is being able to track and analyse such a wonderfully diverse and innovative industry as travel and its use of the web. Equally, as a journalist at heart, when we set the record straight or uncover a scoop still gives me an incredible buzz. I’m very lucky to work with some fantastic writers and reporters.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Hanoi: easily the most fascinating city I have ever visited. My wife and I stayed there during a seven-month jaunt around Asia in 2000. We were mesmerised by the colour and smells, the French and traditional Vietnamese quarters, and - whether it exists in reality or not is another question - a sense of proud nationhood. A remarkable capital in a remarkable country.

Varanasi (Benares): This central Indian city is an assault on the senses and consciousness. Despite it being a place where many people come to die (simply because of its proximity to the holy Ganges river), life abounds everywhere. The customs associated with death, while perhaps alien and odd to some westerners, are seen as life affirming to Hindus, giving it the feeling of being a place where people actually come to celebrate life. My wife was also taken very ill here so I have the utmost respect for Indian medical staff forced to work in, er, challenging conditions.

Lake Toba, Sumatra: The most beautiful place I have had the pleasure of visiting. Once a sunken caldera (super-volcano), currently a giant lake, Toba has incredible feature, plant life and a real feeling of isolation. There are few places on earth that have had such a dramatic physical history and the laid-back attitude of the people is in absolute tune with the environment around them. An almost perfect location on many levels.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

I spent four days practically marooned on a slow boat travelling across the Tonle Sap lake in Cambodia. I ate rice every meal as - being a strict vegetarian - the boiled ’something’ didn’t appeal and there was absolutely nothing else to eat. After finally arriving in Siem Reap, I ate almost everything I could on the menu at the guesthouse - mounds of vegetables, a huge omelette, slice after slice of bread, any fruit I could get my hands on, cereal, yoghurt… everything. It might not sound like a feast for a king, but it tasted so good.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful and talented people through work or when travelling, although I have a tendency to steer away from so-called celebrities, even when given the opportunity. In fact, most of the “richest” people I’ve met are probably those that have created a fantastic business and subsequently reaped the rewards for their innovation and passion for travel and the Web.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

I am currently at that stage, with a young family, where I am yearning to return to places I have visited previously, primarily - though not guaranteed at all (!!) - in the vain hope of sharing the experiences I had. I hope to return to Angkor Wat in Cambodia one day and also trek the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal (a three-week hike). Egypt, Mexico, Peru and New Zealand would also make my current wishlist.

Unfortunately the overseas trips of a business magazine editor these days consist primarily of enjoying the inside of some very nice hotel conference suites. A shame really…

Thank you, Kevin. And keep up the good work at Travolution!

If you are looking for something different from your next luxury vacation, then spare a thought for the world’s only interactive elephant experience.  The Elephant Safari Park Lodge in Bali opens on 1st March 2008, and gives its guests the opportunity to live among 27 endangered, indigenous Sumatran elephants and, by doing so, to learn about all aspects of their behaviour.  The lodge has 25 air-conditioned rooms with LCD televisions and WiFi, a safari-themed spa, a wedding gazebo, a bar/lounge and a restaurant.  Introductory offers include transfers to and from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) which is just over an hour away in Denpasar. Go for the Taro Suite - it comes with a private butler.

Suite name: Dalem Jiwo Suite
Resort: Amanjiwo, Central Java
Size of accommodation: 1,300 sq m
Cost per night: £1,278 per night (Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 11% government tax. Rates include airport transfer.)
What makes it special? Amanjiwo is set in the countryside of Central Java with clear views of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world. Amanjiwo has 35 suites, 34 of which encircle the main building and offer both interior and exterior living areas.

Amanjiwo is set in the countryside of Central Java with clear views of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world. Amanjiwo has 35 suites, 34 of which encircle the main building and offer both interior and exterior living areas.

Entry to each suite is by sliding glass door that provides a light filled living and sleeping area. The king size bed is positioned in the centre of the suite beneath the high ceiling and doomed rooftop. The bathroom has twin vanities, a dressing area, shower, and leads to a small courtyard revealing an outdoor sunken bath.

The Dalem Jiwo is set in a discreet compound ensuring the utmost in peace, privacy and luxury. The Dalem Jiwo two bedroom suite is a discreet compound, complete with a private entrance, a classically styled rotunda and surrounding terrace with two separately walled bedrooms. Each bedroom has stone steps descending to the suite’s private 15 meters pool finished in a green Javanese stone known as Hijau danau and is surrounded by rice terraces. The Dalem Jiwo butler, always on call, has separate quarters in the compound.

Concierge.com, the online home for inspired travel from Conde Nast has posted its picks for the third annual World’s Sexiest Beaches list.  Beaches are both on and off the beaten path and are chosen for their beauty, buzz factor and overall steamy appeal.  Here’s their top ten:

1. Caprera Island, Sardinia, Italy
2. Salvador, Bahia, Brazil 
3. Cousine Island, Seychelles 
4. Playa de los Lances, Tarifa, Spain
5. Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas 
6. Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia
7. South Beach, Miami, Florida 
8. Pigeon Point Beach, Antigua 
9. Bodrum, Turkey 
10. Santa Maria Beach, Ilha do Sal, Cape Verde

Tanya Schliff is founder of DirectoryofHotels.com, a unique hotel guide focusing on global travel.  She started the site because she found that, when researching her own travels, there were very few resources that gave her direct access to the hotel for questions and reservations. She favours independent travel rather than using booking agents or travel agents and believes that travellers benefit greatly from having direct contact with the hotel they have chosen.

What is it that you do exactly?

As Founder and Editor, I write reviews and report on “all things” travel for our blog, TravelerWIRE and our monthly newsletter, answer questions from our readers and am constantly researching new and exciting places of interest.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I am not going to lie, traveling is a blast and I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I do. In addition, I get great pleasure from having the creative freedom to write about, promote and support the hotelier, especially bringing light to the small to medium properties.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

It is very difficult to pick just three, as every travel affair will always have a place close to my heart.

Four Seasons Bali at Sayan and Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia - I had the pleasure of staying at both properties in Bali, they are each different experiences and not to be missed. Jimbaran Bay brings traditional old world charm, cool breezes, sprawling grounds, rocky peninsula and gorgeous views of the vast blue sea.  The villas are over 2000 square feet, comprised of three thatched roofs including an outdoor living area, the abode with a king-sized canopy mosquito-net bed, sandstone floors, indoor/outdoor shower and each with a private plunge pool. Sayan is situated close to Ubud, an artist´s colony in hills, and is structured with modern lines.  The entryway is stunning, and infinity edged lotus pond overlooks the Ayung river and surrounding rice fields. Again the villas, are striking with a modern Balinese twist, outdoor dining area, deep soaking tubs, separate dressing areas, private outdoor plunge pools.  No stone left unturned.

Maroma Resort & Spa, Mayan Riviera, Mexico  - a secluded oceanfront resort and spa where everyone calls you by name.  One sip of there house margarita, scented with anise, and you won’t want to leave. My favorite experience was the Temazcal where I endured an extraordinary ancient Mayan rebirthing ceremony (reminiscent of a North American Indian sweat lodge) where super heated lava rocks doused with herb-infused water create an intoxicating and healing experience.

Il Pelicano, Porto Ercole, Italy - a stylish and exclusive retreat with an outstanding restaurant and wine cellar and an equally profound and intimate bar. Surrounded by centuries old olive trees and situated above the Mediterranean Sea with a path that leads down to a heated seawater pool and beyond a sunbathing rock platform by the sea.  The property was awarded the “Purple Lily” by Relais & Chateaux and exudes old Hollywood glamour filled with romantic history.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

I have had the pleasure of dining at some wonderful places, but this little restaurant in the medieval village of Capalbio, Le Mura, was something special. Delivering a surreal and intimate dining experience, Le Mura’s hosts, a husband and wife team, where Roberta cooks and Gerry guides you through local history in their cozy home, formerly the castle bakery.  There is no menu at Le Mura, only four tables each night and everything is fresh and made to order. Even as the only guests that night, our experience lasted no less than 5 hours. If you are lucky, like I was, Roberta took me into the kitchen where I threw on a chef’s cap and she taught me her recipes for the evening. All local delights and masterful creations like wild boar, rabbit and freshly made pasta. Magical! Guests have included the likes of Mario Batali.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

Living so close to Los Angeles, where my husband is a native, it is not difficult to bump into celebs from Madonna at L’Orangerie, Paris Hilton at Peninsula Beverly Hills to Gwyneth Paltrow at Esperanza Resort.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

I have always dreamed of hunting the winter white truffle in Piemonte, Italy.

Thanks, Tanya. Le Mura sounds like a fascinating little find… how did you get to hear about it?

Romina Cambiasso is General Manager of Las Balsas in Patagonia, Argentina. Born in Buenos Aires, she majored in Tourism and has extensive experience in the industry, including posts at Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, The Aryaduta Jakarta and Iguazu Grand Hotel Resort & Casino, among others, prior to moving to Las Balsas.

What is it that you do exactly?

I manage a Relais & Chateaux in Patagonia. It´s an incredible property of only 15 rooms by the lake in the middle of a forest, surrounded by mountains. I´ve been working here for 8 years. Since last year I’ve been living between Villa La Angostura and Buenos Aires. In BA we have our sales & marketing office.

Normally when I’m at the hotel I wake up not very early in the morning and the first thing I do is call my assistant to find out if there is anything urgent to take care of. After that phone call, I have “mate” with my husband, who happens to be the executive chef, and then go straight to my office where I drink my first decaf of the day with the papers. Then it depends on the needs but as being in charge of everything in a small hotel I do always have meetings to attend, lunches with guests, discuss the day’s work with staff and late in the evenings I assist to my regular political meeting. I’m at the board of a political party in my small town. When I’m in Buenos Aires I go to the office very early in the morning and do presentations to potential clients.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

To be honest I enjoy many things. But to name two I would say: to make my guests’ stay as special and unforgettable as I know it is and to train young people to be ready for their future as potential leaders. Most of all to let them understand what is important in serving other people. Of course it is very exhausting because it takes much more time and energy but the result is amazing and when people tell me what great team I have I know is because of that.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Fernando de Noronha - a small island in Northeast Brazil. The sunsets and deep blue sea are so romantic… I love scuba diving and this is one of the best places ever!!! And it was part of my honeymoon…

Paris - I just simply love it… everything there is great… classy and
beautiful. Whenever I can I go there.

Perito Moreno Glacier - an enchanting place. It is where I met my husband. Incredibly energetic…

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

That’s a tough question… Pablo, my husband is an incredible chef, so creative; and we enjoy eating very much… his food is my favourite. But I would say in 2003 on our honeymoon we went to a small restaurant that belongs to a famous photographer in Pipa (Brazil) called Beijupira. We were alone and we took the tasting menu. Everything was delicious and the ambiance was so romantic with candles and everything. It was the warmest night. When we took our credit card to pay, the waiter who was really kind told us that they did not accept credit cards… we started laughing because we thought we did not have enough cash to pay the bill. Fortunately, everything was solved but we offered to drive our waiter back to his house because our cash was not enough for the tip!!!!!!!

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

We welcome a lot of rich and famous guests because the hotel is very exclusive and private due to its location. Queen Beatrice of Holland, Princess Maxima and Prince William of Holland, Sir John Major, Jaques Laffitte, to name a few. They choose to come here because they feel safe and comfortable. It is like being at home… and last year in our International Congress in Monaco, we were with Princess Stephanie and Prince Albert. 

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

I would say Israel & Egypt. The first one for a religious matter and the second one is because of its culture. South Africa for the safaris and the south of Italy because my family comes from there.   

Thanks, Romina.

Outrigger Enterprises Group has announced its second project in Bali: a brand-new luxury resort condominium within dense rainforest on the Bukit Peninsula. Currently under development, it will be called the Outrigger Panorama Bali Resort & Spa and the group will own 35 of the proposed 170 units. The newly opened Bvlgari Resort and other resorts operated by Alila, Angsana and Banyan Tree will be close neighbours. The Outrigger O-CE-N Resort in Legian, Bali is also being managed by Outrigger and is due to open later this year.

Suite name: Presidential Villa
Resort: Maya Ubud Resort & Spa, Bali, Indonesia
Size of accommodation: 360 sq m
Cost per night: 11,000 RP. (approx. $1200)
What makes it special? Beautiful scenery of river valley and private pool.

Leisurely spread throughout hillside gardens, between a steep river valley and gently swaying fields of rice, Bali’s award-winning Maya Ubud Resort & Spa is a masterpiece of contemporary wonder and ethnic chic. Natural colours and local materials have been blended to harmonise with the environment; three exceptional restaurants offer specialties from around the world; and the delightful accommodation includes individual Balinese-style villas, many of which boast private pools.   

Shaded by verdant jungle foliage, the enchanting Spa at Maya offers exotic and invigorating treatments in calm seclusion, its thatched pavilions overhanging the fast flowing Petanu River as it carves its way through the valley below. 

Favoured by honeymooners and holiday makers alike, Maya Ubud is an ideal choice for those looking for luxurious facilities in a special piece of untouched Bali; a wedding destination or a romantic hideaway, where guests can experience peace and tranquillity in beautiful surroundings with personalised service and excellent food.

Tahnya Butterfield is ‘Head Honcho’ for Style Clinic by Astin Brown Inc., having previously worked in the hotel industry, human resources and organisational development consulting. She is a relentless collector of successful talent who immerse themselves in generating dynamite bespoke luxury shopping tours, style guides and precision personalised itineraries.

What is it that you do exactly?

My days are surrounded by laughter, good music and by about 4pm the urge for an equally good glass of wine.  Some of my time is spent trailing intrepid stylists and shoppers around the world - email and Skype keeps me on their shopping and lifestyle heels to find the best places for shopping and culture devotees to shop, curl up and be indulged. I enjoy pouring over the generosity of luxury travel and fashion writers to help unearth treasures for our itineraries. I feed my market information to the gorgeous Wendy Tomlins who develops and hots up our group and personalized itineraries. Teasing and introducing the travel trade and those who search for the best in bespoke travel planning is my job too.  I dedicate time for Blue Sky planning and keep up the daily actions to expand and grow the business.  I also look for opportunities to develop and facilitate style clinics to help support the campaign “Stopping Violence Against Women, In Pakistan”.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love discovering new, known and unknown places to shop, eat and be spoilt. My radar is always on.  I enjoy hearing people compliment what we do, receiving unsolicited feedback that we have created an experience that they never though about before. Knowing that the experience we dream up then go on to create will be logged in someone’s memory and every photograph taken or note written will be a trigger and story that will be shared and revisited.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

1. The Four Seasons Sydney with full frontal penthouse view of The Harbour Bridge and Opera House on New Years Eve is like cracking magic.
2. I rarely revisit resorts and normally steer clear of  destination resorts. I am definitely a switcher but I have done two repeat 4 Night stays in 2006 with my beautiful family at JW Marriott Resort, Phuket, Thailand. The rooms are gloriously large, spotlessly clean and maintained like no other given that it gets plenty of family traffic. The Children’s Club is organized with loads of well planned activities for all age groups. The restaurants are sumptuous and score above average. We particularly like the sense of space, you never get the feeling of full occupancy. This resort makes place for families, gen X ,Y and boomers. There is the dreamy SPA and it offers one of the best cocktail lists I have seen in a long while.
3. The Presidential Suite - the Maya Ubud Spa and Resort, Ubud Bali - magnificent. A sumptuous bungalow, an over-the-top sized pool and staff who spoil you. If only all that was my home!

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

I would say dining alone in QANTAS first class - like a star studded celebrity sipping bubbles by the bottle.  Never has a twelve hour flight passed so quickly!

More recently the most overlooked experience was drowning a glass of red wine without realising that at $26US it was the cost of a good bottle of Chianti. Somewhere posh in Boston my sister took me.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

The US President Bill Clinton sat next to my table at the celeb-frequented Manta Ray, Cowpers Wharf, Woolloomooloo when he was last in Sydney. I did notice that he didn’t bring attention to himself with his small security entourage, he has a great contagious laugh, would not be described as tall and appears to be a fan of plaid shirts and chino’s aka middle American’s fixation with Ralph Lauren’s uniform.

I was in Chicago - looking for the freeway exit to the airport, running late as usual and trying to find out where to return my hire car. In front of me was a yellow Ferrari slowing the pace of the building traffic. People were hanging out of their car windows trying to get an autograph, waving and horning - for who, I wondered. As the traffic slowed Michael Jordan reached out to passing cars with his autograph,