Travel Agent - August 18, 2008 - (Page 15)

The bedroom of a duplex suite at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan FOR DECADES THE TOWN OF UBUD HAS BEEN THE CENTER OF Balinese culture and philosophy, attracting expatriates and the finest Indonesian practitioners of the arts. Ubud, the cultural and artistic capital of Bali, lies 33 miles inland from Kuta and offers great shopping, a wide selection of hotels and nightly performances of Balinese traditional dance and music. Although the town might be similar to other destinations that have touristfocused neighborhoods, what sets it apart is the unique Balinese aesthetic, which combines the discipline of Japanese art with a sensuousness all its own. The main art museum, Museum Puri Lukisan, is a good place to learn about the influence various European artists had on young Balinese artists during the 1930s. It’s also a good place to begin your exploration of Balinese art. JL Raya Ubud is Ubud’s main street. During my visit, I dropped into Toko Antiques and was impressed by the quality of the items for sale; passed Ary’s Warung, a restaurant that wouldn’t be out of place in South Beach; and explored the outdoor market. I then stopped into the home of Balinese artist I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, who supposedly lived an astounding 114 years until his death in 1978. I strolled along the flower-filled courtyard examining the artwork as roosters in high bird cages crowed, laundry dried on bushes and a young Balinese man in sari and headscarf lounged on the verandah watching satellite TV. Although Ubud has scores of guesthouses, there are also five-star resort hotels only a short drive away. These are real oases of calm, and a very serene holiday might combine accommodations in one of these resorts with trips into town for live music performances, shopping and dining. An enjoyable side trip is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, which combines ancient temples in a deep forest with 400 Macaques monkeys. Visitors can purchase dwarf bananas from vendors and then stroll along stone walkways as dozens of monkeys watch for a glimpse of yellow banana peel. All you have to do is hold up a banana and a monkey will instantly climb your leg to take it from you. I was warned to put my glasses in my pocket—the monkeys are attracted to bright objects, and some guidebooks warn against feeding the monkeys by hand, citing their aggressiveness. As long as I held the banana loosely, everyone was happy. Where to Stay The most difficult times to book rooms in Bali are during the peak periods of July 21 to August 20, and from December 27 to January 4. Book three months ahead during these peak periods, and at least 30 days ahead the rest of the year. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (www. fourseasons.com/sayan) commands the crest of a lush gorge with scenic views of the Ayung River below. Guests will find it easy to get into Ubud, since the resort operates a complimentary 15-minute shuttle into town five times a day. The resort has 60 guest accommodations built along 18 acres of terraced hillside. Eighteen suites are located in the central building, while the remaining 42 villas (each with private plunge pool) are free-standing throughout the property. The very best accommodation at the resort is the Royal Villa. The three-room villa looks out on the Ayung River and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and river valley. Entering the two-level villa, you first pass a rooftop lily pond and private meditation area to a first-floor verandah. The stairway descends to a dining area for six, offering views of the Ayung River. Throughout the villa, you’ll find CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 August 18, 2008 TravelAgent | 15 http://www.fourseasons.com/sayan http://www.fourseasons.com/sayan

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Travel Agent - April 18, 2008 Online Now Contents From the Editor Pacific/Asia: Visitors to Ubud will Discover the Essence of Balinese Art and Culture Special Supplement: Malaysia Travel Planner New Zealand: There is Plenty to See and Do Throughout the West Coast of the Southern Alps Europe: Beauty, History and Culture Combine in Valencia, Spain Caribbean: Scrub Island is the BVI’s First Development in 15 years The Wyndham Rio Mar’s $40 Million Makeover is Well Underway in Puerto Rico The Latest on Grenada, a Caribbean Up-and-Comer Mexico: Big Hotel Plans are in the Works for the Riviera Nayarit Florida: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel turns Orlando into Italy Las Vegas: Dinner at these Restaurants Can Get your Clients into Vegas’ Hottest Nightclubs Cover Story: Medical Tourism Special Supplement: Destination Weddings Specialist 3.0 Hotels: Everything Old is New Again at New York’s Algonquin Cruise: Short Cruises Keep your Clients on the Move for Less Group Travel: Disney makes Exotic Locales Friendly for Family Travel Car Rentals: How Much Insurance Does your Client Need for a Rental Car? Agency Profile: Corporate Travel Sales are Rising at MTravel.com, a Division of Montrose Luxury Travel Expo Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Hyatt comes to Curaçao New Hotels and Resorts in Asia CLIA Tightens Qualifications for ID Tripology Links Agents to Clients In the Spotlight Agent Access Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - August 18, 2008

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