Active and Zen in Bali !

Active and Zen in Bali !

by | Mar 15, 2017 | Uncategorized

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Fanny tests it out for you

Each week, our adventurer will take you on a voyage of discovery to a little corner of the globe. We start with Bali, the place she decided to stay awhile. We will discover this island of the Indonesian archipelago bit by bit, following the points of the compass.

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The first stage: the east of the country

We head to Mount Agung to get our exploration of Bali, baptised the Island of the Gods, off to a good start. This volcano that is sacred to the people of Bali dominates at 3142 m and, after a four hour climb, offers a breathtaking view of the island. From the summit, you can even see as far as Mount Rinjani in Lombok. One glance encompasses the magnificent natural scenery where idyllic beaches go hand in hand with the island’s volcanic nature. In the distance, you can see the paddy fields and forests that tinge green the scenery that seems to be composed entirely of curved lines.

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The ideal time to reach the top of the volcano is the early hours of the morning so you can watch the sunrise and then climb down again through the volcanic rock to Villa Lucia’s private beach.

Villa Lucia is the perfect place for a well-being break. Located in Amuk Bay, it’s ideal for a spot of snorkelling and lazing around. Just imagine: four bedrooms, a sea view, modern architecture worthy of Hollywood, a light colour palette, wood and deckchairs stretched out under parasols facing the boats. Quiet please, we’re resting here!

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Astuce: pour voir d’autres posts sur la même région, cliquez sur le nom du pays en sous-titre de l’article.

Japan: three highlights

Japan: three highlights

by | Mar 9, 2017 | Uncategorized

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Jean-Christophe Jean-Christophe describes three of his favorite things about Japan, three prized highlights that he will treasure from his latest trip.

Take a Shinkansen train!

Taking the train in Japan is a journey in itself. The Shinkansen is the star of Japanese trains, a high speed bullet train that serves the whole country. A special part of each station is dedicated to the Shinkansen with its infallible punctuality. The platform is always the same and the carriage numbers are even written on the ground. It’s a real pleasure to settle comfortably into its large seats that swivel to face the direction of travel. During the journey between Tokyo and Kyoto (from two and a half hours), I enjoyed an ekibento (a Japanese boxed meal) while contemplating the perfect silhouette of Mount Fuji, dark against the blue of the sky.

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Bathe in an onsen

What I love most of all about Japan is being immersed into the contrasts of a society that is caught between ultra-modernism and the permanence of tradition. So it was a joy to dive into Japan’s hot springs (in Hakone, for example, but they are scattered around the country). An authentic reflection of Japanese culture, the practice of bathing (the onsen) was a highlight of the trip. They can be visited alone or in a group, at a spa, a natural site or a private onsen like the one at my accommodation; you will be spoilt for choice.

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Escape to Naoshima

I had the opportunity to stay at Benesse House on the island of Naoshima. This little island located in the Seto Inland Sea is entirely dedicated to modern art. Several museums and installations are scattered around the island with its bucolic atmosphere. Benesse House was built by the famous architect Tadao Ando, and is also a hotel where the small number of available rooms are well worth the detour. The inherent calm and the perfect lines of the architecture enhance the collection of artworks to be discovered nestled in the museum as if in the heart of the countryside.

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Astuce: pour voir d’autres posts sur la même région, cliquez sur le nom du pays en sous-titre de l’article.

What is there to do in Miami?

What is there to do in Miami?

by | Mar 3, 2017 | Uncategorized

Simonetta brings us to some of her favourite spots in Miami. Test them out as a couple or with friends. There more to Miami than shopping, but it’s a good place to start!

Miami isn’t short on shops, with its wide range of malls that are enough to satisfy every fashion lover. If you are looking for somewhere a bit out of the ordinary, try heading to the Car Park 1111 Lincoln Road. Designed by the architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron (the designers of Beijing stadium), this concrete and glass car park has no walls and is entirely open, with a 360° view of the city and the beach. With stylish décor that matches the city’s image perfectly, you will discover innovative retail spaces selling all the big names in fashion today. Feeling peckish? There is a wide range of restaurants to choose from, but we recommend the delicious burgers at Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack, the New York brand that is bringing happiness to Miami’s residents and visitors alike. And if this destination particularly inspires you, you can organise your own party or even get married there. Functions take place on the seventh floor, and the view, setting and décor will certainly leave an impression on your guests!

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Recharge your batteries 

Au In the heart of South Beach, the Setai is the ideal place to relax, where luxury and good taste live side by side in perfect harmony, something that is rather rare in Miami. Inspired by Art Deco architecture, the décor has Asian influences and is reminiscent of the most beautiful Indonesian hotels. The three swimming pools complement the hotel’s private beach perfectly and the spa is a truly peaceful haven in harmony with nature.

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Parachute jumping

For a change from the beach, take to the heights and discover Florida from a new angle. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, jumping solo or in tandem, there’s something for everyone.

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A night over the town

There is nothing better than a rooftop bar to enjoy the setting sun. And the top pick is, without a doubt, the Sugar Bar. Perched on the 40th floor of an ultra-stylish hotel, it plunges you into the luxurious setting of a hanging garden with a sublime view over the skyline and Miami. An appointment with the beautiful people of Miami awaits, where the cocktails are sipped with no moderation !

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Astuce : pour voir d’autres posts sur la même région, cliquez sur le nom du pays en sous-titre de l’article.