The Best Reason to Travel is to Embrace New Experiences - Travel Trends

The best reason to travel is to embrace new experiences. Chic locations; stylish events; our ultimate hit-list for the in-the-know traveller.

TUGU MALANG, EAST JAVA

Hotel Tugu Malang is an elegant mansion that tells the romantic stories of the island of Java through the proprietors’ collection of hundreds of antiques, which adorn every corner of the hotel. 

This hotel is the one and only five-star hotel in Malang – it has hosted every Indonesian president and a long list of international celebrities. 

Each of the 49 rooms and suites has been designed with individual character, and some overlook the huge waterlily pond and the Tugu city monument, while others open onto lush tropical gardens through their private balconies. 

The Apsara Residence is a 200m2 suite inspired by a romantic legend and consists of a private spa, an antique canopy with a large outdoor tub,  a separate romantic dining area and a spacious sleeping suite with a beautiful antique bed. Among the hotel’s many eateries, Melati Restaurant is known for its original Indonesian home-cooked recipes and Chinese Peranakan menu. www.tuguhotels.com

SEVENFRIDAY SPACE JAKARTA

A one-of-a-kind lifestyle retail–dining concept, SevenFriday Space at Plaza Indonesia is a place like no other, unveiling an inviting, multifunctional experience ideal for foodies and watch-lovers alike. 

Much like the eponymous watch brand SevenFriday, this destination combines its industrial, bold and distinctly masculine style in a convivial setting that is part restaurant/bar and part unique watch store, where visitors can browse through menus with a selection of watches, while indulging in gourmet food, courtesy of resident chef Fernando Sindu. 

With a motto of ‘Show me, don’t tell me’, the world’s first eatery and watch store is all about the sensorial stimulation that awakens the taste buds and pleases the eye: a social place that epitomises the stylish SevenFriday philosophy. www.sevenfriday.com

 

Grand Mercure Yogyakarta Adi Sucipto, Yogyakarta

Displaying a blend of local heritage and contemporary culture, Grand Mercure Yogyakarta Adi Sucipto is designed with the grandness of Borobudur temple in mind. 

The historical temple site is located an hour and a half from the hotel, and Borobudur inspiration can be seen in every corner of the hotel, from the details of its interior to the ornaments that adorn each space: stones  at the entrance, a modern Borobudur mosaic pattern in the lobby and meeting rooms, grand bronze doors, miniature stupas and many other features. 

Grand Mercure Yogyakarta Adi Sucipto boasts 305 elegant rooms, complete with modern facilities, and rooms with access for people with disabilities. The executive lounge is available for business guests and for guests staying in the hotel’s Premium and Suite rooms. 

Food and beverages are available at Purple Restaurant, which offers both local and international delicacies and a unique Brazilian grill menu. Kick back and relax at the 80’8 Bar, where delicious snacks and tapas are available, and the Piazza  Open Theatre, which can accommodate outdoor events. www.mercure.com

Sofia at the Gunawarman

Located in the busy SCBD area of South Jakarta, the Gunawarman is a private oasis in the city. 

The restaurant is open from breakfast through to dinner, not to mention for nightcaps at the bar. From 6am, handmade, mouth-watering and freshly baked viennoiseries and bread are on offer from Kitty Patisserie and Boulangerie,  the Gunawarman’s own bakery, moving on later to champagne afternoon teas and artisanal cocktails. www.thegunawarman.com

JACKALOPE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

Amid the world-renowned Mornington Peninsula wine region in Victoria, luxury hotel Jackalope is set on one of the peninsula’s most pristine vineyards. 

Dotted with art commissions and installations, the hotel features 46 luxury rooms ranging from 38m2 ‘Terrace’ or ‘Vineyard View’ categories through to 85m2 ‘Lairs’ – the hotel’s signature suites featuring loft ceilings, expansive terraces overlooking the vines, double-sided indoor/outdoor fireplaces, kitchenettes and dining areas. 

For a destination dining experience, Doot Doot Doot presents tasting menus with dishes linked to the land, while Rare Hare celebrates the region’s winemaking roots and serves up the best of the peninsula’s food surrounded by vineyard views.  www.jackalopehotels.com

THE WHITBY, NEW YORK

Situated in the heart of Upper Midtown Manhattan,  The Whitby is surrounded by world-class restaurants, boutiques and museums. 

Each of the hotel’s 86 rooms and suites has been individually designed in co-owner and design director Kit Kemp’s colourful and carefree style, showcasing her innovative use of pattern, texture, colour and original artworks. 

Set over  16 storeys, each guestroom features floor-to-ceiling windows, and some have private terraces with views over the city skyline. 

The signature Whitby Suite is spread over the entire top floor, with two bedrooms and spacious furnished terraces facing uptown and downtown. 

Communal spaces include The Whitby Bar, a drawing room, an orangery and courtyard, as well as several stylish private-event rooms and a 130-seat cinema.  www.designhotels.com