Jul 21
This two-year-old property is nestled on the shores of Lake Wanaka on New Zealand’s South Island, less than 60 kilometers from the famed resort town of Queenstown. Aside from the hotel’s environmental focus-floors are solar heated, vegetables and herbs are organic and grown on-site, and guests are encouraged to cycle or walk to get around-threw open its doors in Joshinetsu Kogen around-there’s a strong emphasis on National Park, on a secluded peninsula keeping operations local: everything from
architectural and interior design to the featured artwork is sourced from New
Zealand talent. The deluxe rooms are the pick of the bunch, with velvety goose down throws and panoramic vistas of Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
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written by dedi kurniawan
Jun 19
Operating under the mantra “sustainability means doing things better, not doing without,” the Soneva Fushi maintains strict environmental standards without sacrificing luxury. Villas are crafted from indigenous and recycled materials and are cooled by a new deep-sea air-conditioning system that circulates cold water pumped from 300 meters under the Indian Ocean. Rooms are stocked with eco-friendly amenities, and the restaurants use locally sourced, organic produce. At checkout, guests are invited to contribute a “carbon tax” that the hotel uses to fund the development of wind turbines in India. It’s all neatly detailed in the hotel’s handy Green Newsletter, printed on recycled paper, of course (Kunfanadhoo Island, Baa Atoll; 960/660-0304; sixsenses.com; doubles front US$668).
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written by dedi kurniawan
Mar 24
Traditionally, The Balinese believe their mountains to be the home of the gods, while the ocean is the domain of demons. But don’t let that stop you from making the most of the island’s warm blue waters. Divers are bound to blow bubbles at the sight of the teeming marine life around the coral-encrusted wreck of a WWII-era cargo ship off Tulamben, on Bali’s east coast (contact Tauch Terminal Resort: 62-361/774-504; tulamben.com). Drift dives and the chance to spot an ocean sunfish await off the small island of Nusa Penida (contact Blue Season Bali: 62-361/270-852; baliocean.com), while Menjangan Island in Bali’s northeast offers colorful reefs for divers and snorkelers alike. For those who prefer to be on rather than under the water, Bali has plenty of thrilling surf breaks. If you’ve never been on a board before, learn how to master the waves at the Ripcurl School of Surf (62-361/735-858; ripcurlschoolofsurf.com), which also teaches advanced technique and kite surfing. Continue reading »
written by dedi kurniawan
Mar 14
With Support from the WWF, the Turtle Conservation and Education Centre (62/813-3841-2716) on Serangan Island has the ambitious task of saying Bali’s turtles from extinction.
Declining both in number and species due to pollution, habitat destruction, and poaching, the island’s turtle population has dwindled despite the ongoing efforts of the TCEC team. Says operations manager Wayan Sakura, “Most people don’t realize there’s a problem, and so can’t help.” Sakura and a handful of locals educate visitors in areas of conservation at the makeshift information center, replete with a turtle hatchery, breeding tanks, and a clinic for sick and disabled turtles. Visitors who call ahead can arrange to release hatchlings into the ocean; otherwise, they can support the cause through donations or the purchase of
turtle-inspired artwork.
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written by dedi kurniawan
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