This Way Out

The Jakarta Post | Sat, 06/28/2008 5:00 PM | This Way Out

LANDMARK LUXURY

Jakarta already has more than its fair share of five-star hotels, but another lavish property is set to open its divine doors very soon. The Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, the refurbished and renovated property that was once the Hotel Indonesia smack in the heart of Jakarta, boasts 289 rooms and suites (including a lavish Presidential Suite protecting potentates with bulletproof glass), tons of F & B outlets and a grandiose 3,000 sq m ballroom with stunning Swarovski chandeliers. It’s part of the 7 hectare Grand Indonesia complex, so shop-til-you-drop opportunities await. Marie Antoinette, you died too soon.

SOME LIKE IT HOT

Rabid spa-goers would surely love to know that three of Bali’s spa establishments have made it to Conde Nast Traveler’s annual Hot List. Seventy-six special spas from around the world earned coveted spots in the list, and these three from the Island of the Gods made the cut:

•The Luxe Lounge Spa at the Sentosa Private Villas in Seminyak was shown some love, along with its Chocolate Fondue Body Indulgence, described by reviewers as “a full-body mask intended to release endorphins that mimic love”.

•Meanwhile, the Kriya Spa at the Grand Hyatt Bali impressed with its aesthetics, wowing the panel with its architecture inspired by Balinese water palaces and “hand cut white Palimana stone walls and fish ponds”.

•The newly opened Safari Wellness Spa in Ubud’s Elephant Safari Park Lodge also earned a mention for its novel concept – a spa set within an elephant park – as well as its Wild Yam Skin Nourishing Signature Ritual, a two-and-a-half hour “super-softening massage, scrub, body mask, and hot-bath medley”.

BAG IT

Blame it on alcohol-swigging celebs and their DUI charges. Lindsay Lohan wore her alcohol monitoring cuff like a fashion accessory last year and the look has no doubt inspired the Chanel 2.55 Ankle Bag (US$1,325). A worth travel companion, this baby fits on your ankle and is the perfect size for your cards and foreign currency. Laugh if you must, but anything that gives our eyes a break from hideous fanny packs is all right with us.

CALL WAITING

The St Regis Bali isn’t quite open yet, but its reservation lines certainly are. The resort, which opens later this year opened reservations lines in May and is taking bookings for stays from 15 September. Need further reason to start planning for a stay at the Nusa Dua resort? The luxury digs boast 81 oversized suites, 42 villas and pool lovers will lap up every inch of the swimmable lagoons throughout the property.

For bookings and more information, visit your travel agent or book directly with the hotel at Tel: (361) 8478 111 ,or www.starwoodhotels.com

TIGER, TIGER BURNING BRIGHT

Golf enthusiasts who can’t quite get enough of Tiger Woods will soon be able to check into the champion golfer’s very own boutique hotel. Set to open next year, The Tiger Woods Dubai, whose golf course will be the first to be designed by the man himself, will feature a professional-staffed golf academy, a clubhouse, high-end spa, a 360,000 sq ft boutique hotel and 100 luxury villas. Real Tiger Woods fanatics can even own a piece of property on the iconic development; there are 22 palaces and 75 mansions up for grabs on the on the 55 million sq ft grounds.

+Chan Hse May