BALI BECKONS Travel
Edited by Emma Wilson travelwellwithemma@gmail.com
THE warmth of Samanvaya’s hospitality begins long before you even set foot in Bali. A week prior to our arrival, the resort’s friendly staff reached out offering to arrange dining and spa reservations, ensuring a seamless travel experience and creating anticipation. More inside.
SYDNEY HOTEL WITH VIBE
The spectacular Samanvaya Resort, Bali.
with Emma Wilson
A TRANQUIL ESCAPE - Luxury and sustainability at Samanvaya Resort, Bali
THE warmth of Samanvaya’s hospitality begins long before you even set foot in Bali. A week prior to our arrival, the resort’s friendly staff reached out offering to arrange dining and spa reservations, ensuring a seamless travel experience and creating anticipation. This level of communication continued throughout our stay, with quick responses via WhatsApp or the in-room iPhone provided in each villa— personal touches that made us feel like valued guests.
Nestled in the rolling green hills of Sideman Valley, Samanvaya Luxury Resort is the sanctuary you’ve been searching for if an adults-only tranquil escape is your idea of bliss. Located about 90 minutes from the bustling crowds of Denpasar, Sideman (pronounced see-da-men) feels like a hidden gem, where traditional villages, lush rice terraces, and a grounded pace of life define the landscape.
The resort driver greeted us warmly upon arrival, followed by the reception team, who welcomed us with smiles, cool lemongrass tea, and chilled hand towels setting the tone for a special stay. Visiting in mid-January, our concerns about the rainy season were soon dispelled by the resort’s warm energy. Mornings were clear and mild, perfect for exploring, while afternoon showers added a misty, dreamlike atmosphere.
Accommodation: A Fusion of Nature and Luxury
Samanvaya’s accommodation is a beautiful union of traditional Balinese design and modern comfort, blending into the surrounding landscape. Walking through the resort feels like stepping into a hidden oasis—lush tropical palms, vibrant flowers, flowing water channels, and intricately designed pathways guide you to your villa. The attention to detail is exceptional, with each villa incorporating locally sourced materials, handcarved wood accents, and elegant bamboo architecture. The bathroom took our breath away with a sink carved from a large crystal gem, an elegant private hot tub featuring an opening in the bamboo architecture revealing the night sky. Geckos and frogs from the surrounding garden negated the need for music manifesting a harmonious mood.
The resort offers a mix of newer and more tradition-
al-style villas, each thoughtfully designed to provide an immersive experience in nature while maintaining a high level of luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the rice fields, while nearby plunge pools, as well as a stunning resort infinity pool add to the feeling of seclusion and serenity. The designers have thought of everything here, including a linen draped bed featuring integrated air conditioning. The commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of the design, from eco-friendly toiletries to the use of local resources and labour.
Every space feels intimate, intentional, and designed with relaxation in mind—whether you’re lounging on comfortable villa furniture, taking in views from your balcony or soaking in a tub under the stars. Whatever you choose, the friendly and efficient team will bring you a world class cocktail to enhance the vibe. Samanvaya blurs the line between room service, well-appointed venue and pool side hospitality, whatever we needed was replied with a friendly ‘yes’. Everything just flows.
Samanvaya has a distinct personality, shaped by its Kiwi founders Tracey and Rob, who have infused the resort with a genuine passion for the region. The team members operate as a family and demonstrate authenticity and care, only possible based on the role that Samanvaya plays in the broader valley community.
Asri Dining: Local Flavours, Flawlessly Executed
Dining at Asri, the resort’s paddock-to-plate restaurant, is a sensory experience. The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including chilies, green beans, and rice from the resort’s fields. Dishes are indulgent yet wholesome, leaving you satisfied but refreshed.
Breakfast featured many options, including fluffy banana pancakes drizzled in local honey and flavourful Mie Goreng noodles. Evenings were a delight, with standout dishes like artisan bread with cinnamon butter, Beef Rendang, and Balinese curry. The Tuna Tartare highlighted the fresh seafood available in the region. Conscious travellers will appreciate the plant-based and sustainably sourced options. Samanvaya also offers a surprising selection of locally produced wines made from Australian grapes, alongside international varieties. Every meal feels like an experience, whether you’re dining with a view of the misty valley or enjoying one of the venue’s many garden nooks.
Ananda Spa: The Ultimate Rejuvenation
No luxury escape is complete without a visit to the spa, and the Ananda Spa at Samanvaya does not disappoint. Nestled amidst the lush greenery, the spa offers a range of treatments designed to soothe, rejuvenate and restore.
authenticity of the interactions makes for a far richer and more meaningful experience.
What truly sets Samanvaya apart is its deep-rooted connection to the local community. The team here is genuinely engaged, warm, and eager to share their culture. Almost all staff members are from the Sideman Valley, and their pride in their home is visible. They’re not just employees— they’re storytellers, eager to share insights about their traditions, history, and way of life.
I opted for the Anti-Fatigue Massage, a heavenly experience that combined deep-tissue techniques with a choice of aromatherapy oils to melt away any lingering tension. The Salt Scrub was another highlight, leaving my skin feeling refreshed and renewed. Each treatment is performed by skilled therapists who seem to have an intuitive understanding of exactly what your body needs.
The spa itself is a sanctuary of peace, as soft Balinese music and singing bowls play in the background, the gentle sounds of nature completing the experience. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring or simply to indulge in a moment of self-care.
Support Sideman: A New Sustainable Tourism Model
Forget the cookie-cutter hospitality of a five-star chain—there’s no “tropical kabuki” (as humorously depicted in The White Lotus series). The
Beyond exceptional service, Samanvaya has implemented an inspiring initiative known as the Support Sideman program. This unique program allows visitors to contribute to environmental and educational efforts in the region. One particularly impactful project involves an innovative recycling-for-rice exchange, where locals collect waste in exchange for much-needed rice. During our visit, we learned that over 15 tonnes of waste had been collected, leading to the distribution of 3 tonnes of rice to local families.
The resort is also actively involved in maintaining the valley’s ecological integrity by supporting reforestation efforts and advocating for responsible tourism development. As more travellers discover Sideman, Samanvaya is playing a crucial role in ensuring that growth is sustainable and beneficial for the local community, mitigating risks of overdevelopment as is common in other parts of Bali. Guests are encouraged to share their ideas. A recent visitor and ‘animal lover’ funded a local vet to sterilise and immunise dogs in the area.
Final Thoughts: A Transformative Stay
Samanvaya Luxury Resort is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. My husband and I left with a sense of healing, harmony, and happiness far beyond our expectations.
It’s a place to slow down, reflect, reconnect and immerse yourself in the heart of Bali. For those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the usual tourist crowds, where luxury meets sustainability in the most beautiful way, Samanvaya is nothing short of perfect.
For more info visit: www.samanvayabali.com/
with Emma Wilson
Nevada - Your next family destination
Lake Tahoe
Right up there with the world’s greatest destinations, Lake Tahoe is a must for all natural wonder lovers. As one of the 20 oldest lakes on earth, created from glacial erosion filled with 99.9% pure water Lake Tahoe is simply breathtaking. In winter white snow capped craggy alps form a rim as far as the eye can see. If you get up close to the lake shore you can see through to the bottom of the lake.
Summer
In summer the lake comes alive with a multitude of activities, SUP, canoeing, swimming and boating with towns and villages supporting tourism on the lake. Bars, restaurants and parks to enjoy picnics dot around the lake, there is a distinct ‘summer camp’ vibe as well as an American Indian influence.
Lake Tahoe was home to three Tribes - Washoe, Maidu and Paiute who reportedly came to the lake seasonally to hunt, fish and gather medicinal plants. As you move about Lake Tahoe you can observe American Indian influences, different motifs, reference to totems and there is a sense of respectfulness to nature and the American Indian influences here.
The gorgeous surroundings make it clear why people live in this region of the USA. It is home to some of the wealthiest American billionaires with huge stunning timber mansions right on the lake and when you watch the sunset over the water and witness the snowcapped Sierra Mountains turn orange you’ll be thinking how you can move here too.
Polar Paddles at Sand Harbor State Park are offered by Clearly Tahoe.
Winter
Nevada snow resorts are simply incredible, you really are spoilt for choice. The ideal scenario would be to spend several weeks here to experience them all. Here’s the short-list:
Diamond Peak
Diamond Peak is a local community-owned hill and if you’re staying at Incline Village it will be a 2 minute drive up the hill - and yes - you will check your map twice like we did because how can a ski resort be 2 minutes uphill from a stunning lake, but it is. It’s a bit of a secret gem, Diamond Peak might not be as widely known
as some of the others, this resort has very decent backcountry access, steep runs, wide intermediate runs, easy learning areas and - the piece d’resistance - the most incredible downhill intermediate run skiing down towards Lake Tahoe that is simply breathtaking and worth experiencing for this alone. Money-saving tip: Diamond Peak has three day passes that are great value. I recommend staying in the area, get a couple of families together to share local accommodation that comes with a kitchen to keep meal costs down and spend the other couple of days exploring Lake Tahoe activities, walks, shopping and daytrips.
Mt Rose
If this resort isn’t named because it’s as lovely as a rose - it should be. On an average snow day the runs are generous in size, great groomers, non-crowded slopes and runs for all abilities. When the powder falls, the Mt Rose chutes come alive and the snow frothers (expert ski enthusiasts) come out of the woodwork to enjoy them. There is great back country access here and the vibe is authentic Nevada. Enjoy a coffee out in the sunshine or a beer in the salon-style bar. No shiny showoffs here.
Heavenly Resort
If you have an Epic pass, the charm of this expansive resort is skiing from Nevada state to California and skiing downwards from great elevation towards the lake. Staying at or near the Nevada-side casinos is good value. The local area and resort feels very local-oriented and low-key.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
Surrounded by forest and close to the lake is the lovely Hyatt Regency. A great place to base yourself to explore the area, this hotel is a destination in its own right. Interestingly, it’s a great location for a solo holiday or as a solo parent because of the activities on offer and the shuttle bus system, you’ll be kept busy and everything is organised for you.
The outdoor pools and spas are great and include a swim-up pool (swim from inside the hotel to outside) Activities - like archery are on offer near the pool. Please note that during extensive renovations any activities on the beach side of the property will be impacted.
Most hotels claim they have a gym and it’s generally tokenistic but this hotel gym is extremely substantial and includes online programs to choose from. On-site are 5 restaurants and an amazing spa offering cryotherapy (cold therapy helping muscle ache) and float therapy. The selection of activities on offer is insane - everything is free or attracts a small fee - from snowshoeing, hiking, art (soap making, pinecone art, postcode workshop, yoga, soundbath or cocktail making. The hotel provides S’mores kits (marshmellow, chocolate and biscuits) you can toast on the hotel firepits on site or a 3 minute walk down on the beach (renovation pending so please check).
Snow Resorts - you can access Diamond Peak from the Hyatt Regency
regular shuttle bus service. Mt Rose is an 18-20 minute drive up the hill.
Accessibility
Again, accessibility for disabled travellers can often be tokenistic but this Hyatt is thorough in this regard. Public spaces - swimming pool, exercise equipment, bathrooms, reception and restaurants have been taken into consideration.Contact the hotel for more information.
111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, Nevada email hyattlaketahoe@ hyatt.com for bookings and enquiries or call +1 775 832 1234 for more info.
Getting There and Away
You can get to Lake Tahoe via a four hour drive from San Francisco or change planes in Los Angeles to fly to Reno (1-1.5 hours or less) or San Francisco to Reno is just 45 minutes. North Tahoe Express is the shuttle between RNO and North Lake Tahoe.
TART Connect is the free on demand transportation service across the North Shore.
Roadtrip
It’s a great experience to do a road trip through Nevada in fact there are 10 designated road trips to choose from if you’re heading to Utah, Seattle, Southern California or beyond. Check out Travel Nevada Roadtrips for trips such as; Travel Nevada Loneliest Road in America, Lake Tahoe Loop, Extraterrestrial Highway, Great Basin Highway, Neon To Nature, Rubies Route and the Free-range Art Highway are some of these routes. Depending on the route, you can expect state parks, museums, beautiful mountain views, ghost towns, Sagebrush Saloons and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
To start planning your Nevada adventure check out travelnevada.com.
with Emma Wilson
Thinking of skiing New Zealand in 2025?
IF you’ve always been curious to experience skiing or snowboarding in New Zealand, now is the time to think about your trip. Southern Hemisphere winter will be here before you know it.
Cardrona Snow Resort is the best place to start your NZ snow experience with 20% of terrain beginner, 25% intermediate and 30% advanced terrain and the
scenery, skiing above the river, fields and mountains below is absolutely stunning. The exciting news for this well-known snow resort is brand new terrain opening up (150 hectares) called Soho, including a new high speed 6 seater chair.
Kids programs for 2025 include 4 day programs for skiers (age 5 and over), snowboarders (age 7 and over) from $NZ570 - incredible value for
Aussies with the same instructor and group all week including lunch. Multi-day passes for adults start from NZ$390 for 7 days (blackout dates apply). Cardrona has on-mountain childcare for ages 3 months to age 2 and ski kindy from 2 -4 so everyone is up on the mountain at the same time. For more info on passes, accommodation recommendations and more visit cardro-
na-treblecone.com
Cardrona has free mountain shuttles and bus transport to and from Queenstown and Wanaka. Check out cardrona-treblecone.com/ mountains/transport.
The Sydney Airport Hotel with the VIBE
What is a Moxy?
SYDNEY is lucky enough to have a Moxy hotel, have you heard of them? Moxy Hotels are the Mariott Bonvoy’s incredible young and vibrant group of hotels located across the world with a focus on fun and stylish communal spaces with smart rooms with tucked away furniture, walk-in showers, a cool laundromat and eye-popping interiors.
THE HOTEL
This is an airport hotel with a difference and you won’t want to go anywhere during your stay. The vibe is friendly and relaxed and the ground floor has an extensive section of coffee table, art and design books, a plethora of family games and a great bar for breakfast and dinner. This cocktail bar serves up great dinner from 5pm including wholesome quinoa bowls, burgers, linguine, gnocchi and delicious cauliflower gnocchi.
Setting the tone of how things roll at the Moxy, you are gifted a signature cocktail or mocktail upon arrival. Enjoy happy hour at the bar between 4-6pm for $7 beers and wine and if you’re looking to let off steam, bicycles are available for use as well as a well-equipped gymnasium. Refill your water bottle with filtered water on every floor, every aspect of this hotel is well-thought out with a travel themeeven the carpet has an airport runway theme and nothing is missed from a design eye- the shampoo and conditioner in the showers are cool and room furniture is designed to fold up and be
stored on the wall. ‘Thoughtful, spirited and fun’, this particular Moxy opened in August 2023 and has regular on-site activations with a focus on playfulness. The hotel’s extensive artwork includes work from local artists Elliot Rutledge and Evi O.
An Incredible Deal
Leading the way with what travellers actually need, you can stay at
Moxy and park your car for 5 nights for free. Secure, hassle-free valet parking with an inclusive return airport shuttle absolutely free of charge. The car park is protected, keeping your vehicle safe from the elements with 24/7 CCTV surveillance. After these 5 free nights the daily rate is from $15 a day, $100 weekly or save up to 20% on extended monthly stays. Please check re larger vehicles like
4WD and with with modifications like bull bars or longer and wider than 2.3m x 5.3m).
More than just a hotel, Moxy Sydney Airport has become a traveller favourite. It is celebrated for its award-winning design and signature energy that turns a stopover into a memorable part of the journey. 56 Baxter Road Mascot www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sydxp-moxysydney-airport/overview phone 9132 4800
