Virtuoso Best of the Best 2009 - (Page 54) the oberoI, LoMbok Medana Beach, Lombok, Indonesia This idyllic Indonesian hideaway offers 50 villa and pavilion abodes set amidst tropical gardens, lush rainforests and shimmering golden-sand beaches – all with romantic bedrooms under thatched roofs, genuine Indonesian artifacts and sunken marble garden baths (some also offer a private swimming pool). Pinklimestone walls surround each retreat, ensuring total privacy. You’ll stay well connected with the outside world, if you like, with broadband Internet access and direct-dial telephones. The pampering continues at The Oberoi Spa, where an exotic blend of treatments recalls the traditions of Indonesia. dIStAnCe FroM MAtArAM AIrPort (AMI): vIrtuoSo AMenIty Fresh fruit and flowers daily and when staying two nights or longer, a candlelight dinner for two (excluding beverages). In the know Take a hike around Mount Rinjani, a still-active volcano and Indonesia’s second-highest peak – the views are simply spectacular. 45 minutes 54 AS I A & PACIF IC AMAnwAnA Moyo Island, Indonesia Known for its premier diving opportunities, Amanwana occupies an enviable location off the coast of Sumbawa, east of Bali. Here, avid divers and snorkelers have access to the Sea Wall and Turtle Street, home to hawksbill and green turtles, moray eels, lobsters and black-tip and white-tip reef sharks. (If you prefer to view your marine life from above, there are cruising and fishing excursions readily available.) Accommodations are luxurious tents, each with a coral-stone deck, air conditioning, a sitting area, a king-size bed and hardwood floors. Choose an oceanview tent or one closer to the lush jungle. dIStAnCe FroM SoLo CIty AIrPort (SoC): vIrtuoSo AMenIty Complimentary dive for two at Amanwana’s sea wall, once per stay. In the know Join a resort guide on a challenging trek to a cave inhabited by seven species of bat – definitely not for the faint of heart! 65 minutes hyAtt reGenCy hAkone reSort And SPA Hakone, Japan The area around the Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa is renowned for its natural hot springs, making this a most enjoyable spa destination. Here, just an hour and a half’s drive from Tokyo, spa enthusiasts have access to eight luxe treatment rooms, each with a walk-in mist sauna and shower. A lengthy menu of treatments uses the resort’s own vegetable and fruit oils made from avocado and kiwi extracts, among other local produce. And of course, there are two thermal hot springs baths (onsens). Wander around the on-site lake, where you’ll find the Hakone-Jinja shrine; pick up traditional charms or a fortune card. dIStAnCe FroM tokyo AIrPort (nrt): vIrtuoSo AMenIty Lunch for two (excluding alcohol, tax and gratuities), once per stay. In the know Take the Hakone Ropeway (aerial tram) to OwakudaniSounzan to see the bubbling mud and clouds of steam from the Hakone Volcano. 180 minutes
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