Villa on View.
Your weekly up-close view of those wow factor extras that make our villas outstanding. After all, attention to detail always makes a difference.
Bali, A Home Shopping Paradise
If you think Bali is a fashion shopping Mecca, imagine your delight on learning that it’s also a hub for home accessories and décor items. That’s right – you’ll find the answer to all your decorating needs in Bali. From island-vibe looks to a more classical style, this is the place to go for some good old-fashioned homeware. Get ready for a shopping spree!
Lemari
In Lemari lies a superb collection of wildly eclectic antiques and artefacts, amassed from the Indonesian archipelago and other global locations. It’s clearly a labor of love and great taste, one that embraces opulent European pieces as well as the exotic and wonderful world of tribal art.
Paradise
Like a breath of fresh air, or perhaps a gust of sea breeze blowing through your hair, Paradise showcases hip and new tropically-inspired homeware. The brand does retail and wholesale sourcing, as well as interior designing – perfect for all your decorating needs.
Kevala Home
A Balinese brand that creates superb ceramics and stoneware in collaboration with top designers from around the world. Kevala is the tableware du jour for Bali’s best restaurants, just flip a plate and see. If you are a fan of ceramics, Kevala is a must-visit.
Jungle Trader
The Jungle Trader is a concept store in Canggu where an open, lush and inviting space awaits. Brass, wood, raffia, textiles, stone, art, gold, silver, woven, woven, printed, embellished, vintage, traditional, old and new – all these find space within its walls. Original commissioned artworks by local artists and clothing are also available.
Kim Soo
The chic lifestyle and retail space Kim Soo showcases black and white statement pieces, complemented by a sassy range of gorgeous homeware made in the remote parts of Indonesia. Chopping boards, rugs, wooden carvings, cushions and feathered accent pieces abound.
Sutanama
Nobody can claim that Bali isn’t a shoppers paradise when entering Sutanama. Located in Seminyak, the concept store brings talented designers and suppliers together under one roof.
Besides retail, they do wholesale orders and accept commissioned works. The founders have worked with companies like Crate and Barrel, Habitat UK,
Get Ready to Be Wowed at Cape Yamu, Phuket
If you are seeking tranquillity, seclusion and endless sea views, consider planning your next holiday at Cape Yamu, Phuket. This remote peninsula is located on the eastern side of the island, overlooking the picturesque Phang Nga Bay. Cape Yamu is both topographically and metaphorically a cut above other popular tourist spots in Phuket. While it has evolved from a predominantly fishing and farming community, Cape Yamu remains set against a breathtaking and diverse natural environment peppered with traditional villages enclosed within rubber, coconut and cashew plantations. It is now considered an exclusive holiday destination unashamedly preferred by those seeking a unique and luxurious holiday experience.
Cape Yamu is home to a variety of elite havens, and each luxurious holiday home boasts sensational sea views, attentive staff and finely appointed amenities. Whichever haven you choose, you are assured of the very highest level of service, and exclusive access to the Elite Concierge, to organise day trips, excursions, transport and everything in between.
Here are top three reasons you should pick Cape Yamu for your next Thailand holiday:
World-Class Dining
When you stay at an elite haven, you have access to personal chefs who have been trained in some of the best professional kitchens in the country. Your villa chef will be happy to stir up a delicious meal for your entire group. From Thai specialities to International favourites, each dish will have you craving for more. However, if you wish for a change of scene, you are spoilt for choice too. Catering to globe-trotting travellers, the east coast has a classy dining scene. Nahmyaa Thai Restaurant, at COMO Point Yamu Resort, boasts of localised favourites with a healthy twist. Seafood lovers will love everything on the menu at Laem Hin Seafood, which offers flavourful Thai dishes, to be enjoyed against the backdrop of sea views that extend till Coconut Island. If you want to be adventurous, hop aboard a long-tail boat and dine at one of the floating restaurants just offshore.
Yachting Adventures
Ask the Elite Concierge to organise a yacht or speedboat for your group and head out into the deep blue. Phang Nga Bay, often featured in movies and shows, is famous for little limestone cliff islands, mangrove forests and floating villages.
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Recognised and Awarded, Elite Havens Proves to Be the Best
The pursuit of excellence in every aspect of our business, is a value embedded deep within the DNA of Elite Havens. Thus, it makes us proud to be bestowed with the renowned Certificate of Excellence 2018 from TripAdvisor.com – not for one, or two, but 19 villas across Asia. The awards, which were distributed earlier this year, recognise businesses across the world that consistently deliver an outstanding customer experience. The achievement is earned over time, where guests judge and review their stay at an elite haven. The villa must maintain an overall TripAdvisor rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least twelve months. Says a representative of TripAdvisor.com, “We love working with such committed partners. Elite Heavens deservedly won our Certificate of Excellence after performing outstandingly throughout 2018.”
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) have been supporters of speciality lodging for the past few decades. Still, says Elite Havens’ Managing Director and former Chief Technology Officer, Riyaz Moorani, “We don’t get a ton of business from them because our product isn’t the average holiday stay. We work in a niche market, offering luxury villas to the discerning traveller. Most people use OTAs to look for good deals on hotels and so our product doesn’t quite fit in with what they’re selling. But more and more, we are finding that people seem to be willing to make a commitment to book a big villa through OTAs. The market is gradually changing.”
This observation finds credence in recognition from Booking.com, who recently honoured Elite Havens with The Guest Review Award. These awards are given to Booking.com partners who have consistently received a review score between eight and ten from guests, with at least five reviews, for a period of two years. It recognizes key partners like Elite Havens, for their commitment to exceptional hospitality and service.
Moorani adds, “Each award that we receive is a great reinforcement of the fact that we are doing something right. We pride ourselves on delivering quality service. So, if we get a reward for fantastic reviews, it is noteworthy, especially when you consider how many properties are offered on those sites. To be in the top 9-10% of their properties in terms of performance shows that we are delivering on our promise to offer an exceptional luxury experience,
Breaking the Circle in Yaowawit, Phuket
Situated in the verdant jungles of Thailand’s Phang Nga province, two hours north of Phuket, Yaowawit School is home to as many as 150 underprivileged children from the surrounding areas. Either orphans or children whose families cannot take care of their upbringing, the children of Yaowawit live at the school until they turn 18. Different from other establishments, the school focuses on holistic education and experiential learning to help break the cycle of poverty. It proudly claims that quite a number of its graduates have gone on to university and the older ones have even begun successful careers.
Founded in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, Yaowawit is an impressive operation. Dedicated mentors work tirelessly to care for the children and teach them important life skills. While the school generates its own income from several small enterprises and is working towards being self-sustaining through the use of permaculture, it is grateful to receive help from individuals, small groups and corporations that share the school’s vision.
On 15 May 2019, the Elite Havens Phuket team decided to head to Phang Nga for a day of fun with the children of Yaowawit. On the way, Elite Havens Thailand Country Head, Femke Beekers, shared, “As a responsible company, we must also think about the community. So, along with the villa owners, we find out the needs of the community and help out as much as we can. In the past, we have supported the children of local prisoners in Baan Lung Pitak prison and the abused mothers in Good Shepherd by donating food and gifts on Children’s Day and Christmas. And we are always looking for locally-sourced products we can use in our villas. One such product we use is a beautifully scented soap made by abused mothers. We give this soap as gifts to our guests on their birthdays or in special gift baskets and we include a note about the women who make the soap and what they’re doing to make their lives better. We heard Yaowawit has a really good organic farm and that they also make products like detergent, so in addition to giving gifts today, we’d like to look into buying their produce or products for our villas. That way, our assistance is more long term.”
When the Elite Havens team arrived,
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The Best Beach Clubs in Koh Samui
Fabulous Koh Samui, with its white beaches and verdant hills, is also a happening island. Hop into any of its excellent beach clubs for a day of fun in the sun. You’ll never want your vacation to end.
Nikki Beach
Overlooking the crystal blue waters of Lipa Noi, the beach club at Nikki Beach Resort Koh Samui is renowned for its incredible events, food, cocktails, and unsurpassed VIP experience. The beach club offers guests a unique experience and personal touches that are signature to the Nikki Beach lifestyle brand. You can relax on a sunbed, listening to music played by famous international DJs and live musicians, while enjoying handcrafted signature Nikki Beach mojitos and international fare. The Nikki Beach Sunday brunch and sunset cocktails are must-dos.
Chi Beach Bar
Chi Beach Bar/Restaurant Samui from Kalara Koh Samui on Vimeo
Chi serves up modern cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, with a swim-up bar and 25-metre saltwater infinity pool overlooking a pristine white beach. With an extensive menu that offers Thai selections, pizzas, burgers and other savoury fare, there’s something for everyone. Weekly offers include oyster platter deals, saxophone evenings, movie screenings, and ‘clever cocktails’ afternoons.
Beach Republic
Beach Republic is an elegant and stylish beachfront venue located in the northern area of Lamai. Featuring impressive modern architecture, the resort’s restaurant has both indoor and outdoor areas, the latter set around the swimming pool deck, with direct access to the beach. They host special themes and events each day of the week, with live DJs and musicians entertaining the crowd.
Karma Beach
Perfect for groups of friends or families, Karma Beach delivers on all fronts if you are looking for a laidback venue. Designed like an oasis, with touches of Thai elements, it exudes unmistakable tropical vibes. Get ready for mellow lounge music at an enviable beachfront location, replete with a tempting food menu. This is the lounge to head to for a luxurious and comfortable retreat.
KC Beach Club and Pool Villas
KC Beach Club and Pool Villas is located in Chaweng, the most happening beach on the island. It has a fabulous party atmosphere.
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