JAPAMALA RESORT PAHANG,MALAYSIA
Situated within the bustling Mall of Asia Complex, Conrad Manila is the premier haven for smart luxury amid panoramic views of Manila Bay and its famed sunsets while being just minutes away from the domestic and international airports, business and leisure districts.
BREATH - TAKING
SPOTS
This small and exclusive resort of 13 rooms is hidden amidst 11 acres of lush tropical rainforest where charming Malay village-style villas and chalets are positioned at the most breath-taking spots.
Best described as an ‘eco-luxe’ resort, Japamala transcends the experience of living close to nature by redefining it with a touch of luxury. Designed by natural streams, steep cliffs, towering boulders and where no trees are felled, the entire resort borrows from nature its elements to offer an exceptional sense of paradise and freedom from the real world.
Many say Japamala is not just a place, but a state of mind.
ECO-LUXE RESORT
AMILLA MALDIVES RESORT & RESIDENCES MALDIVES
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A NATURALLY LUSH PRIVATE PARADISE
Explore one of the largest and most spacious five-star resorts in the Maldives. Taste the true luxury of space, with just 67 villas and residences, all featuring large outdoor areas and private plunge pools. More than 70% of the island is untouched jungle fringed by brilliant white sand.
Seven restaurants will inspire you with a range of indulgent cuisine, as well as dishes made from ethical, homemade and homegrown ingredients. The Wellness Your Way menus offer the Maldives’ widest range of ‘eating lifestyle’ dishes. These separate menus are available in each restaurant for vegan/vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free and low carb/ke-
The array of live entertainment, events, activities and authentic cultural immersions are unbeatable. Amilla is an inclusive Maldives resort, welcoming all guests, including those with disabilities.
More than 70% of the island remains a naturally lush paradise, interwoven with verdant walking trails and white sand beaches unspoiled by construction. The only footsteps are your own
UNSPOILED BEACHES
VICTORIA KRUSE
OF AMILLA MALDIVES RESORT & RESIDENCES
DIRECTOR OF S&W
Could you tell us more about the history and background of Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences?
The resort opened 8 years ago and was built by a local family with a long history of running resorts in the Maldives. 3 years ago it underwent a revitalisation under the leadership of the new General Manager Jason Kruse. The island itself is an old agricultural island and to this day it maintains 70% of the natural jungle.
What makes Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences such a special location?
The resort is located in Baa Atoll which is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The surrounding waters teem with marine life and offer crystal clear waters for snorkelling and diving. The resort is also just 10 minuets from world famous Hanifaru Bay. Known as one of the top ten snorkelling sites in the world from July to October each year.
Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences has embarked on an exciting journey of sustainability, could you tell us more about this journey?
The journey began three years ago and since then we have in place more than 30 different concurrent sustainability projects. From using materials made from ocean bound plastic in the manufacture of bags used on the island to making as much as possible on the island to reduce packaging. We have also built a coconut processing facility to use the bounty of the more than 2500 coconut trees on the island so that we can make our own coconut milk and even rope. Our marine biologist works with guests to propagate coral as well as looking after the endangered bird nests on Amilla, the Long Tail tropic bird. We are a Manta Trust partner and Olive Ridley Turtle project island. In 2023 we will be beginning our journey towards more sustainable energy by installing solar panels onto the roofs of our team village to direct feed energy into the generators.
As an island resort, how do you and the team keep such impeccable luxury standards while keeping the island feeling?
It all comes down to our team. You can have the most beautiful building in the world but if your team doesn’t care about the guests and enjoy serving them you will never truly have luxury. Our team are empowered to find golden nuggets of information about a guest and then find ways to create special moments for the guests.
What goes into the creation of a successful experience for a guest at Amilla?
It starts with a guest preference questionnaire to find out what the guest likes, or doesn’t. We then work to make the arrival experience tailor made. When we are planning events or even walking the resort each day, we look at things from the guest point of view, pre-empting what the guest might need if they are lying on the beach or in their room.
Could you tell us more about your journey to being at Amilla?
I was lucky enough to visit Amilla during its opening phase and we feel in love with the island then. Then three years ago when we were looking for our next resort we wrote a list of our top five resorts. Amilla was on that list and shortly after the owners contacted my husband, Jason Kruse, to come and manage the resort.
Prior to Amilla we have worked in resorts in Bali, Langkawi, Fiji and another resort in the Maldives.
What does your day to day look like at Amilla?
Up at 6am to either farewell guest on an early seaplane or to workout. Then after our management meeting I spend time with guests during breakfast. During the day I alternate between my office, the resort grounds, the team and guests. The day ends with restaurant check and a final check on guests.
What does the future hold for Amila?
We are in the midst of planning our events for 2023 with the major events of Easter and Festive. We will continue to evolve our sustainability and wellness programs through the year as well.
V VILLAS PHUKET - MGALLERY THAILAND
V Villas Phuket is a luxurious, exclusive all private pool villas resort located 39m atop a private hillside overlooking sparkling Ao Yon Bay.
Architecturally-designed to highlight the unique hilltop elevation and fully-immersed in nature, the resort offers 1-, 3- and 4-bedroom villas featuring a private infinity pool, seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces and panoramic Andaman Sea views.
Discreet, personalised 24-hour butler service ensures an indulgent and memorable stay. A masterful culinary team curates regional and European coastal cuisine at Yon|Ocean House. Soaring 55 metres above sea level, AKOYA|Star Lounge offers an intriguing mixology and sky experience with 360° night sky and ocean views.
European and eastern healing therapies, including the age-defying attributes of local Andaman Sea pearls inspire the resort’s integrated wellness program.
FULLY IMMERSED IN NATURE
BLISS SANTUARY
FOR WOMEN SEMINYAK
The gorgeous Bliss Sanctuary for Women Seminyak Villa has been completely renovated and furnished by the creator of Bliss, Zoe and merges a unique luxury, Boho & Sanctuary feel. Bliss Seminyak has been very popular with bliss guests; offering an amazing vibrant location yet so peaceful.
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Bliss Seminyak Villa is located in a mostly quiet cul-de-sac away from the tourist attractions but still within walking distance to shopping strips, cafes, beach clubs and the beach. The décor is contemporary luxury beach bohemian with added features like an infrared sauna, onsite yoga studio and mineral healing pool water.
Featuring outdoor ensuite bathrooms fitted with large stone baths for a luxurious soak surrounded by tropical gardens, you are certain to find your bliss as Bliss Sanctuary for Women Seminyak.
Provided By Bliss SanctuaryABSOLUTE BLISS
VILLA CAEMILLA BEACH BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Welcome to Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel, The Boracay Island boutique hotel that offers guests award-winning luxury on the White Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Perfect for families, couples and honeymooners, weddings and events, the luxury hotel has everything a boutique hotel can offer to make a stay as comfortable as possible.
The Villa Caemilla Family is ready to give guests the holiday they deserve or how they say it “Your home away from home”. Affordable luxury is available with different room types and don’t forget the beachfront suites with a balcony and a direct view onto white beach.
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YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME...
How did you get to where you are today?
It's a long story, but we started sharing our travel experiences on our Instagram @saltinourhair. From that, we received so many questions that we started writing down all of our travel tips on our website so we would share the articles instead. Now, 5 years later, we've grown Salt in our Hair into a full-service travel content creation company working with companies to promote destinations all over the world.
Name your favorite country you've traveled to and tell us why?
This is simply not possible to answer. Every country is so unique!
I will pick one of our recent new favorites, and that is Colombia! It is extremely diverse, from the desert, cities, and jungle to the beaches. Highly recommend having a look in our Colombia guides for some inspiration.
List the top 3 countries on your bucket list and why?
- Guatemala
We've been wanting to discover all the colorful streets and nature spots in the country for so long.
- Azores
It's Europe but completely different from everything we know about Europe. Haven't found the right opportunity to get to the islands!
- Croatia
I mean, Google it; why wouldn't it be?!
What is your most favourite and least favourite part of your job?
Meeting people along the way, either locals or travelers, who stay friends forever. That's the best part!
Our least favorite is that work can go on 24 hours, 7 days a week. Luckily, we were able to setup
If you could pick a celebrity to travel with, who would it be and tell us why?
It would be David Attenborough - he's done an impressive amount of traveling and has great knowledge and an even better perspective on the world. I'd love to take on his mindset and spread his drive to change the world.
Without giving away too much, what does your daily work routine look like?
There are two routines; the first one is while traveling. We mostly work in the afternoons for about 3/4 days a week.
When we're not travelling for some weeks (either, we're at home or working somewhere around the world) we basically work 6/7 days a week from 8 AM - 4 PM
Tell us why you love what you do.
Freedom and making an impact. Working whenever and wherever we want, doing the things we love is the best. And now that our platforms are pretty big, we're able to make an impact with our sustainable guides (like wildlife tourism, or plastic-free products)
Do you have any exciting trips coming up and could you tell us more?
We're currently in Thailand and doing some pretty unique trips in the northern part, where not that many tourists go. After that, we'll be spending some time in Indonesia!
CORA CORA
MALDIVES SCAN ME
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Cora Cora Maldives is a five-star resort located in the pristine Raa Atoll.
The resort offers a one-of-a-kind experience! The accommodations echoes a contemporary Maldivian experience in 100 beautiful villas surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Freedom and wellbeing are the true essences, and this is evident throughout the island with four restaurants serving an array of international cuisine and catering for a wealth of dietary requirements.
Cora Cora Maldives also serves a range of healthy options, including home-made vegan ice cream. These are all part of the extensive and unique Gourmet Meal Plan®. Combined with MOKSHA® Spa & Wellbeing Center, a place to energise and replenish, to chill out and have fun, to explore and discover, for kindness and self-care, the TGI Dive- & Watersport Center as well as the CoRa Kids® Club, the resort offers something for young and old.
Cora Cora Maldives has been designed with freedom in mind and provides the perfect blend of luxury, romance and fun family-friendly options. Cora Cora Maldives is also the first resort in the Maldives to showcase a licensed art gallery and museum! With over 400 incredible local artefacts in the collection, guests can explore the rich history of the Maldives.
IN THE NEXT EDITION...
BIG CITY LIGHTS
From New York to Bangladesh, we take a look into the hottest city hotels next month...