Quick Getaway - Tempat Senang

 Article and photos by Kimberly Norman

Do you need a short relaxing break that doesn't cost a bomb? The answer just might be a spa day in Batam, Indonesia. Tempat Senang is a spa in Batam, Indonesia that is easily accessible as a day ferry trip from Singapore. It is a lovely Indonesian inspired spa with Indonesian/ Balinese décor. I tried it out a few weeks ago, and was pleasantly surprised.

Treatments

There are many different treatments to choose from including: several different massages (Indonesian massages, Balinese massage, bamboo massage, shiatsu massage, sports message), several different facials (algae, seaweed, snail!), foot reflexology, hair spa (hair conditioning treatments), scrubs and wraps. The spa therapists are very professional and the spa facilities are clean and modern.


Half-Day (3-hour) spa packages are available, where you can mix and match three different categories of spa treatments from their spa menu with up to one body massage treatment (e.g. 1 x massage + 1 x body scrub + 1 x hot compress).

There is also a Full-Day (6-hour) spa package available, where you can mix and match six different categories of spa treatments from their spa menu with up to two body massage treatments (e.g. 2 x massage + 1 x body scrub + 1 x facial + 1 x hot compress + 1 x hair spa). A spa lunch is included with the full-day session.

All their spa rooms are designed as couples/group rooms so you or your friends/significant other can enjoy your spa session together.

Hotel

The spa has a few specially appointed hotel rooms. There are also a few small pools around the spa compound for optimal relaxation. I didn't stay at the hotel but have friends that have and they enjoyed their stay.

 


Lunch

The spa has a lovely dining area and the full-day spa packages includes a delicious Indonesian lunch (you have a few choices depending on what's on offer that day) or you can also order from a menu which includes Western and spa food. Alcohol is also available for purchase. We brought a bottle of champagne to Batam and the spa chilled it for us for our return ferry ride back to Singapore!

Booking and Payment

Advanced booking is a must as it's a very popular place. Tempat Senang takes credit cards (with a fee) or cash including Singapore dollars and Indonesian Rupiah. The ferry ride is one hour from Singapore and it departs from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal. For the full day package, take the 8:20 am ferry and return on the 5:10 pm ferry (this will get you into Singapore at 7:10 pm). Ferries need to be booked separately: http://www.batamfast.com/home/index.ashx (Harbourfront to
Sekupang return). Please note that Canadians do not need a visa for Indonesia.

For more information please visit: https://tempatsenang.com/

Penang – Malaysia

By Gemma Dean, teacher at CIS

Penang is a small island off the North coast of Malaysia. A hop, skip and jump away from Singapore and a perfect place to get away for the weekend. This was the first family vacation with our baby and we were excited to explore Penang. We were booked in for a one night stay at the beautiful Eastern and Oriental Hotel (E&O) situated in Georgetown, a UNSECO World Heritage Site. This hotel is a unique, historical building which is in keeping with the surrounding area and traditions. On arrival we were greeted by helpful, friendly staff, fresh cool lemon grass scented towels and a delicious cocktail. The hotel upgraded our room as it was our first family vacation. We explored the facilities of the hotel and found a relaxing pool area and quaint traditional English style pub bar, serving delicious drinks and yummy food to match. There is plenty to check out in the surrounding area, including street art, local markets and a variety of architecture. 
 
The remainder of our getaway was spent at the E&O sister resort Lone Pines situated at Batu Ferringhi beach. We received the same treatment as the E&O hotel on arrival with friendly staff and cocktails. The hotel was situated on the beach with magnificent views and many watersports to choose from. There is a night market right outside the hotel which stretches along the street starting around 7pm, which my husband explored one night, this was not a place to try and navigate the stroller through. Penang was quite easy to get around with a baby and the people were extremely friendly and helpful. We all felt very relaxed after our mini break away to Penang, well worth the visit.

Visting Vientiane

Laos (officially known as Lao People's Democratic Republic) is a landlocked country in the middle of the Indochinese peninsula of mainland Southeast Asia. Laos is surrounded by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. The capital city is Vientiane. Other large cities include Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Pakse. Like Vietnam and Cambodia, Laos was a French colony and it also was affected by the Vietnam war in the 1970s.

Vientiane is the largest city in Laos with an estimated population of 760,000 (2015). Vientiane is situated along the Mekong River. It has two seasons, tropical wet (monsoon season) between April and October and dry between November to March. Two or three days is enough time to see all of Vientiane. Some highlights of my visit to Vientiane were:

Patuxai : The most prominent landmark in Vientiane is the memorial monument Patuxai which began construction in 1957 and was completed in 1968. The design is like the Arc de Triomphe with additional Lao motifs including “Kinnari,” a mythical bird woman.

That Dam:
That Dam, in Lao means black stupa in Lao, is a large stupa located in the middle of the city. Many Laotians believe it is inhabited by a seven-headed nāga who tried to protect them from an invasion by the Siamese army in 1827.

Wat Mixai :
Wat Mixai is one of the many Buddhist temples along Setthathilath Road in downtown Vientiane.

Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) Museum and Centre :
COPE was formed in 1997 by agreement between the Ministry of Health of Lao PDR and a group of NGOs including POWER, World Vision and Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O). COPE provides Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) survivors with the care and support they require, including orthotic and prosthetic devices, rehabilitation and physiotherapy. COPE is also a resource for skills development and training, upgrading clinical skills in physiotherapy, occupational therapy and P&O within the government rehabilitation services.

One place that had rave reviews that we didn’t have a chance to visit was Buddha Park. Buddha Park contains a collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, scattered amongst gardens and trees. The park is 28 km from Vientiane at the edge of the Mekong River.

Patuxai

 That Dam

 
That Dam

Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise
(COPE) Museum and Centre

MYANMAR AS IT'S NEVER BEEN SEEN!

By  Heavens Portfolio
singaporeoffice@heavensportfolio.com    Phone: +65 6238 1718

The Grand Dame of the Ayeyarwady River, Belmond Road to Mandalay, will depart for it’s 20 Year Anniversary cruise on 1st October 2016. Marking two decades of exploring the magical rivers of Myanmar, the special four night, five day journey follows the route of the inaugural cruise from Bagan to Mandalay. With special thanks to the communities along the rivers that have generously welcomed Belmond’s guests for 20 years, five percent of the ticket price for this anniversary cruise will be donated to the Belmond Myanmar Foundation, to support the opening of a new hospital facility in Bagan.

The festivities begin with a traditional dance ceremony and cocktail reception on the banks of the river. For those with a head for heights, there is an additional option to choose a ride above the temples and pagodas with ‘Balloons over Bagan’ * or take a journey in a traditional horse and cart to visit the gilded Buddha statues.

At Taung Be village in Bagan, guests are invited to visit the free clinic where, Dr Hla Tun, the ship’s Doctor and inspirational leader of Belmond’s Myanmar Foundation, treats hundreds of patients in his free time – many travel great distances to receive his treatment.

Sailing aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay guests can relax and enjoy the hypnotic rhythms of the great Ayeyarwady river and the mesmerising views of golden stupas dotting the riverbanks; take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool and enjoy alfresco dining in the newly launched Bar & Grill serving local cuisine on the ship’s teak Observation Deck – the largest open space on the river. For health and wellbeing, guests can check into the spa for a traditional Burmese massage or join a sunrise yoga session.

The cruise culminates in Mandalay, with the first ever ‘Belmond Road to Mandalay Rally’ that will see guests try their hand at traditional Burmese skills and activities including driving an Ox and Cart, rolling Cheroots (cigars) and learning a Burmese dance. A prize giving ceremony will take place at the Gala Anniversary Dinner served under the stars.

Belmond’s 20 Year Anniversary cruise prices start from US$ 5,640 per person including 2 nights at Belmond Governor’s Residence in a Deluxe Garden room including breakfast, transfers to the hotel and onwards to Belmond Road to Mandalay based on two sharing Deluxe Cabin.


www.belmond.com

*additional charges apply for Balloons over Bagan.

Next stop – Phuket

Tucked away in a quiet corner of this idyllic island, Cape Panwa has long been recognized as the most precious jewel in Phuket’s crown. Overlooking a secluded bay of pure white sands lapped by the turquoise Andaman Sea and boasting some of the region’s most exhilarating diving, the flawless scenery around Amatara Resort a& Wellness is just breathtaking.

The resort features 105 rooms and suites, each with its own private balcony and sea view. The lush resort also offers the finest gourmet cuisines in the resort’s six food and beverage outlets.

With the 2000-sqm Amatara Spa overlooking the endless seascape, and open to the ocean breezes, the resort is the first and only luxury destination resort spa in Phuket. The Amatara experience is one of total wellness and includes five all-inclusive programmes. The newly extended spa facilities include the world’s first Thai Hamam, a combination of Thai and Turkish Hamam treatments, with a Salt Relaxation Room for asthma and allergies, and Rhassoul Clay treatments for improving the health and vitality of the body and skin.

For those who wish to venture out of the resort, Phuket offers plenty of activities and cultural attractions. Limestone cliffs and clear emerald water make Phang Nga Bay and its near-neighbour James Bond Island – where 'The Man with the Golden Gun' was filmed – a must-see for all visitors to Phuket. There are about 30 Buddhist temples to visit; each with its own quirks. Wat Chalong, with its gilt statues of two revered monks, Wat Phra Thong with its half-buried Buddha statue and Wat Phra Nang Sang; complete with 3,000 year old Buddha heads are among the most spectacular. Eight of the finest golf courses in Thailand can also be found on the island and cater for all skills and abilities.

Travel With A Conscience

By Heavens Portfolio

Iniala Beach House has brought a new level of luxury hospitality to the Phuket region with three beautifully appointed villas (each with three suites) and one spectacular penthouse suite. The residence is a masterpiece of design fusing traditional Thai architecture with organic, contemporary forms featuring the work of world-renowned designers. Each villa comes with its own spa and personal therapist, while three- star Michelin Chef Eneko Atxa from Spain oversees the on-property restaurant Aziamendi.

For little ones, Iniala boasts The Kids’ Hotel, a space for children of all ages. Children can even opt to sleep here as the space is fully equipped with bunk beds and miniature robes and slippers and Iniala is delighted to staff the Kids’ Hotel upon request, enabling the young ones to have a holiday all their own and allowing adults some precious time together. Founder Mark Weingard owned a house at the site that is now Iniala when the devastating tsunami hit the Phuket region in 2004. The house was badly damaged and Weingard began to rebuild, but he was struck with the idea to create what is Iniala with the imaginations, innovation and inspiration of renowned designers. Thus, 10 world class designers were given carte blanche to create the different spaces, with the brief that each room must be “out of the ordinary”, yet practical and comfortable. Iniala also has a strong charitable philosophy with 10% of all room revenues, and 5% of other revenues, going to charity. The Inspirasia Foundation was set up by Iniala’s Founder Mark Weingard 10 years ago and is committed to funding exceptional health, disability and education projects across Thailand, Indonesia and India.

Iniala Beach House is situated on Natai Beach just 20 minutes north of Phuket Airport, Thailand, with unobstructed views of the beach and the Andaman Sea. 

For more information please visit www.iniala.com and to see the work of the foundation please visit www.inspirasia.org

Phuket’s Newest Enchanting Escape

By  Heavens Portfolio

Positioned in the woodlands and nestled well 

away from the crowds on Phuket’s west coast, Keemala is close enough to the liveliness of Patong, yet far enough to enjoy thetranquil surroundings of the rainforest.

The soon to open resort, harnesses and celebrates the culture of four fictitious Phuket tribes, the ‘

Pa-Ta-Pea’ (Earth), the ‘Khon-Jorn’ Wanderers), the ‘We-Ha’ (Sky), and the ‘Rung-Nok’ (Nest) people. Their way of life is infused into the overall philosophy; the spa, holistic treatments, activities, gastronomy and villa designs all derive from tribal attributes - resulting in a magical experience for guests.

Shaded by an enchanted rainforest canopy and connected together by a network of jungle walkways, each villa has a private pool.

The enchanted garden at Keemala is not only a working garden but also a space for relaxation and getting in touch with nature for guests and visitors. Naturally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs are harvested and used within Keemala’s dining outlets and spa.

Throughout the year, the property will welcome special visits by world-renowned practitioners who specialise in holistic therapies and traditional healing including sound healing, shiatsu by a world-class master, somato-experiencing and trauma elease, traditional Chinese medicine, Mayan 

traditional massage, holistic cupuncture, aromatherapy, vibration attunement, Nia martial arts dance, Watsu and Maori traditional healing to name a few.  

Guests can also meet Keemala’s three resident water buffalos and learn about their daily routine and significance in Thai culture. Born in Phattalung Province in Southern Thailand, the trio was rescued from the slaughterhouse and now makes their permanent home at Keemala’s Enchanted Garden.

www.keemala.com

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For special offers and to learn more about the Grand Opening package, please contact Heavens Portfolio at :

singaporeoffice@heavensportfolio.com or call +65 6238 1718. 

A Balinese Sanctuary

Festive celebrations can leave you feeling a little guilty, sluggish and in need of some guidance for the mind, body and soul.  A new year, a new you perhaps?!

Nestled on the banks of the Ayung River on the island of Bali, Fivelements, Puri Ahimsa is an awarding eco-conscious wellness retreat deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of Bali, making it a peaceful sanctuary to embrace authentic Balinese Healing, Living Foods and Sacred Arts. This special resort features 9 spacious accommodations to offer their guests with holistic Balinese inspired therapies include a combination of yoga, meditation, water therapies, deep massage therapies and prama therapy. Fresh from their AsiaSpa Award for Spa Cuisine of the Year, the Sakti Dining Room delights their guests with the most rejuvenating yet mouthwatering vegan and raw living foods cuisine.

For those in need of rejuvenation and cleansing, Fivelements offers three Signature Retreats from seven to 14 nights.  Their Signature Detox Retreat – Tri Kaya Parisudha is a cleansing programme inspired by the ancient Balinese philosophy that promotes living with purity of thought, speech and action. The retreat includes traditional Balinese healing therapies aimed to detoxify and purify the physical body, as well as the non-physical mind and soul, unifying body and mind towards a natural harmonious state of being, and allowing an organic healing process to unfold.

From now until the end of May 2015, enjoy an exclusive 15% discount on Fivelements Signature Retreats when booking directly on their website www.fivelements.org.  Valid for stays until November 2015.

For more information, please contact Heavens Portfolio on +65 6238 1718 

Magical Marrakech

By Jacqueline Matthews

Somewhere in the foothills of the snowcapped Atlas Mountains, lies North Africa’s most energizing and breathtaking destination. The fourth largest city after Casablanca, Fes and Rabat, Marrakech has transformed itself from a hippy outpost -- into a vibrant hub of botanical gardens, upscale boutiques, deluxe hammams and gentrified riads. Yet it retains so much of its culture and history, attracting a mix of explorers and glitterati alike each year.

The Medina, which encompasses the historical part of the city, hijacks your senses with an amazing array of colours and smells as you weave your way through a narrow maze of souks, selling everything from traditional lanterns and embroidered slippers to handmade ceramics. In the main square, dancers, storytellers and snake charmers enchant passersby. 

From the outside, even the most discerning buildings hide exquisite interiors and experiences…

Royal Mansour is a unique retreat, nestled right within the ancient walls of Marrakech.  Meticulous design and pure Moroccan architecture make up the 53 private riads - each with their own private plunge pool, traditional Moroccan spa, mouth-watering restaurants and landscaped gardens.

From now until the end of the year, Royal Mansour offers newly weds the chance to immerse themselves in luxury, seclusion and romance of Marrakech with the Honeymoon Celebrations package.  This unique offer indulges couples with a four-night stay in a private riad, gastronomic adventures with celebrated French chef Yannick Alleno, spa treatments and outdoor adventures. 

A Taste of Penang

By Heather Michaud

A one of the more storied and colourful destinations you can fly to for a weekend getaway from Singapore is the island of Penang, off the west coast of Malaysia.  Recognized along with Melaka as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, the historic heart of George Town is full of exuberantly ornate temples and charming shophouses.  These provide the backdrop for what is undoubtedly the most popular pastime in Penang: EATING.

My husband and I traveled to Penang in early September and the Hungry Ghost festival was in full swing, with Chinese clans laying out spreads of food and incense burning in the alleyways to appease their ancestors. 

We were guided on our culinary quest for street food by our foodie friends and bloggers…and our eyes and noses.  Talk to anyone in Penang, and they’ll point you in the direction of a cart or hole-in-the-wall spot that serves up the best laksa, the best char kway teow, or the best cendol in town.  Locals delight in their island’s multicultural mix of Malay, Chinese, Peranakan, Indian, Thai, Portuguese, and more.

At the quaint Campbell House boutique hotel where we stayed, our host waxed poetic about the chicken rice in a nearby shop.  After breakfast, he walked us over to the place serving his favourite dim sum, wheeled through a crowded dining hall on

steaming, stainless steel carts.  After this second breakfast, we went in search of the famed coconut tarts at the local bakery.  We weren’t not able to sample them, however, as they are so popular that they sell out on weekends - by 9 in the morning.

For more information:

Reuter’s “Travel Postcard”:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/31/us-travel-penang-idUSBRE87U09Y20120831

Penang-based travel writer and foodie Robyn Eckhardt’s in the Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704113504575265443635851202.html