The insider

Como Shambhala, a gorgeous property in Ubud, Bali, has created four different packages to cater to every traveller. Opting for the Culture package will get you a tour of the Bedugul Mountains as well as cookery lessons; the Romance package includes a candlelit dinner, couple massage and private yoga sessions; the Spa package lets you try both Como Shambhala's massages and facials; and the Family package bundles white water rafting and elephant rides for the family. All packages start from US$825 (S$1,1017) for a two-night stay in a terrace room, and are available from July 1. Visit uma.com.bz for details. Le Meridien Chiang Rai has unveiled its Taste Of Chiang Rai package where guests can get a true taste of the city and its cuisine. Besides a private tour of an outdoor market, herb picking at Prince Chakraband Pensiri Center For Plant Development, you'll try your hand at cooking Lanna, Thai or Western cuisine. The package starts from 7,000 baht (S$283) per night and includes daily breakfast for two and a complimentary upgrade to a Deluxe River View room. Visit www.lemeridien.com/chiangrai for details and reservations. As in the Suite Life you'll encounter when you book the Vertigo Suite Package at Hangsar Bangkok, the boutique property comprising entirely of 94 suites. Priced at 24,900 baht for two, the package packs a punch with complimentary airport transfers in a BMW 5 Series, a two-night stay in a Vertigo Suite, a Luxsa spa session for two every day, complimentary drinks during happy hours, breakfast, as well as guaranteed late checkout till 6pm. Offer ends July 31. To book, log on to www.hansarbangkok.com. You can get to Europe from just S$1,299 - if you strike fast enough. Lufthansa Great Europe Sales is on until June 22 and has flights covering more than 20 European destinations. Flights to Munich are S$1,299, Barcelona at S$1,409 and Rome at S$1,405. All air fares include taxes and surcharges. Travellers must depart by Sept 30 and return before Dec 29. A minimum of a six-day stay is required. Book your tickets online at www.lufthansa.com/sg. It's never been easier to fly to South America, and if you're heading for Brazil, the iconic Rio hotel Copacabana Palace is offering its Rio Escape Package, which includes city tours and buffet breakfast for US$595 a night for two. More daring souls can opt for the Cataratas Adventure package at Hotel das Cataratas, the only hotel located right beside the falls in the Brazilian National Park.

Ubud – A Cultural Center of Bali Island | indonesianvisit.com

The saying “meet the artists in Ubud” might be true. Many painters, writers, craftsmen, carvers, expatriates, and creative individuals choose Ubud as their base. Located in the heart of Bali Island, within one hour driving from Denpasar City to the north, Ubud is widely known as an artistic area and a center for cultural attractions and art creations. Apart from that, Ubud is engaged by the cultural and religious life of the communities. Art plays an intense role in Ubud’s daily life. The forms of art can be seen everywhere, from local residences to public areas. Indeed, Ubud is a beautiful place to watch the Balinese’s rich culture in more comprehensive views.

Shopping in Ubud is quite exciting. Especially if you would like to purchase paintings, galleries and art shops in Ubud are the perfect places to conduct your search. Be it classic, vintage, contemporary, or abstract artworks, all can be found when you roam throughout the city of Ubud. Even if you look for folk art and ornamental wall panels, you can easily find them in Ubud. There are countless galleries and reasonable art shops where you can buy Bali’s souvenirs and unique art creations. If you have unlimited budget then shopping in the fine art galleries would be perfect as for those with limited budget, they will find the price in the galleries may not be negotiable.

If you would spend a night or two in Ubud, whether you stay at private villas or cottages, then you will really experience staying in a haven of peace and tranquility. Most Ubud luxury villas are perched high above a rich green valley, away from the residences and wrapped and walled by tress and terrace-gardens in a charming hanging architectural concept. Moreover, villas in Ubud feature contemporary Balinese-styled design, both in architectures and interior designs. A villa in Ubud is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Bali nature, to spend some quality time together with the beloved one.

As Ubud is blessed with cool atmosphere, when you stay at luxury villa with private pool, you would love to dip and chill out only at day time since it will be freezing at night. Thus, Ubud Hanging Gardens Villa will excite you. All the villas at this superb place have private pools that are heated to 29 degrees Celsius, so that you can comfortably dip at night or day, anytime you like it. Just like other private villas in Ubud, Ubud Hanging Gardens offer the fresh and refreshing mountain air, making it a great treat for the eyes which get used to metropolitan views.

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Uma Ubud Address: Jalan Raya Sanggmgan, Banjar Lungsi Kedewatan, Ubud, ... bar, swimming pool, yoga pavilion Rooms: 147 villas Opening date: 2004 ...