Destinations

Everything we love about our exclusive luxury holiday rentals

Through the Keyhole: Baan Puri’s Villa Manager

in Culture/Destinations by

Baan Puri is all about luxurious island living, with a long pool stretching out towards the ocean. Flanked on one side by an open-air sunken sala for cocktail evenings and separate pavilions with enormous bedrooms on the other, it competes with the vast sea for attention. Imagine waking up to views of the ocean, or soaking in the bathtub as you gaze at the pool and ocean beyond.

Decadent dining, served both indoors and alfresco, adds to the holiday experience. But it really is those views that take the cake. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to enjoy them from every part of the villa, the main house built over two levels. If you can manage to tear yourself away from gazing at the endless horizon, there’s plenty in the villa to keep you busy. A pull-down movie screen makes for exciting movie nights and it being located near the dining area and wine cellar, makes Baan Puri the quintessential entertainment villa.

With six elegant bedrooms, there’s plenty of space for your entire group. The sweet smell of frangipani follows you around, and outdoor showers, four-poster beds and private terraces lend it a dream-like quality.

For your holiday to be perfect, there is an entire contingent of staff that works tirelessly and quietly in the background, keeping the villa spic and span, while taking care of all your needs. Running this tight ship is Villa Manage Aoy, whom we sat down with for a conversation about what makes Baan Puri the best of the best.

Elite Havens: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Villa Manager Aoy: Hello, I’m Aoy and I’ve been the Villa Manager here at Baan Puri for almost 8 years.

EH: How did you get started here?

VMA: It’s an interesting tale. I had experience in this line of work but I was finding it difficult to find a similar job at a villa because I could not complete my higher education. However, one day my friend who worked for Elite Havens told me that there was a job opening for a Villa Manager here and she recommended me. And I am so grateful to my bosses because they recognized my experience and gave me a chance.

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5 Best French Eateries in Bali

in Destinations/Dining by

When it comes to French food, Bali has got it down pat. From formal dining to cafés and boulangeries, the Island of the Gods has it all. We’ve hand-picked our 5 favourite French eateries for you to choose from when you crave for something Parisian.

MÉTIS Restaurant, Lounge & Gallery

https://www.metisbali.com/

With one of Bali’s earliest dining destinations, Kafe Warisan, under his belt, Chef Nicolas ’Doudou’ Tourneville has gone on to cast his culinary spell on this most sought-after dining experience. Sip a cocktail, seated in plush sofas facing rice fields, and you won’t know you’re right in the middle of Bali’s most populous areas. Do make sure you try the foie gras, for which the venue is so rightly famed.

Monsieur Spoon

http://www.monsieurspoon.com/

Bali might seem a strange place to be crafting French pastries, but Rafi Papazian and Gregory Guerguerian say that it was the creativity and passion they found here that charmed them to stay and give voice to their culinary dreams. In 2012, they both decided to leave Paris and set up on the Island of The Gods. And the Balinese are ever-grateful, considering that they make some of the best baked goods in town.

Paris Baguette Bakery

https://www.facebook.com/parisbaguettebakerybali/

All kinds of French bread, croissants, pastries, flans and little cakes are baked all day in Paris Baguette Bakery by an authentic French baker. The small café has grown to be an institution on the island for all things French. Come early in the morning for the freshest and most delectable baguettes, best paired with a shot of espresso. Très Parisienne.

Poule de Luxe

https://www.pouledeluxe.fr/

This luxury French bakery offers macarons and pastries that many on the island swear by. Bread and croissants of all kinds for breakfast will keep you energised through the morning. Or drop in any time of the day and choose from fondants, cakes and cupcakes to satisfy your sweet tooth. Parisian couple Violaine and Mathieu guarantee a thrilling ride for your tastebuds.

La Boulangerie de Bali

http://laboulangeriedebali.com/

It claims to be the oldest bakery in Seminyak and specialises in French pastries. In our opinion, this is the place to head to for trying out the best croissants on the island,

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Chef du jour: Arcadia at Cape Laem Sor Estate

in Destinations/Dining by

Absolutely astounding, with unending ocean views and white Meditteranean hues, Arcadia at Cape Laem Sor Estate is the perfect escape from the daily grind. Its contemporary, open-sided living room is great for social evenings, dotted with quirky pieces such as a life-sized, white wooden cow. Enjoy the breeze and amazing 180-degree ocean views from the outdoor dining table, giving new meaning to the term island living. Watch in fascination as the sky and the sea seemingly merge at the horizon.

Reached via an elevator, the villa’s focal point is an enticing 21-metre saltwater infinity pool surrounded by a lawned terrace. Lie back on the loungers and soak in some sun or get a relaxing massage. It’s also a great venue for weddings and other celebrations.

The white theme continues into the bedrooms, each of which maximises on splendid ocean views, even from the master bedroom’s bathtub.

Arcadia is a destination in itself, with five comfortable and stylish bedrooms, a fully equipped gym, delicious food served by the in-villa chef and plenty of spaces to retreat to for a quiet moment.

The modern kitchen (replete with a breakfast bar) is helmed by Chef Pueng, who is trained in various cuisines and serves decadent meals to guests staying at the villa. We sit down for a little tête-à-tête.

Elite Havens: Hello, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Che Pueng: Hi, I’m Chef Pueng and I am part of Elite Havens’ chef pool. Thus, I work at different villas, depending on the schedule. I rotate between Villa Arcadia, Baan Puri, Baan Suriya and others.

EH: Tell us about your journey. How did you become a chef?

CP: I went to culinary school, majoring in Hotel Management. I started my career as an assistant chef at five-star hotels like the Marriott. After a while, I went back to my hometown and worked as a chef there. When Elite Havens started their Samui operations, I was the first chef they hired.

EH: Why did you choose this as your career?

CP: My family loves to cook, so I grew up helping my mother in the kitchen. Later, when I went to culinary school, I discovered I had found my calling and thus I decided to work as a chef.

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Chef du jour: Baan Puri

in Destinations/Dining by

An idyllic retreat in Koh Samui, Baan Puri has all the trappings of a perfect vacation home.

Its manicured garden houses an inviting pool that stretches out towards the white-sand beach. On one side, find a sunken sala, perfect for unwinding and sipping on cocktails. On the other, in-pool chaise lounges for a bit of water fun. Call dibs on one of the two poolside bedrooms, each with an ensuite that allows you to soak in a luxurious bathtub semi-alfresco, if you so wish. 

With a total of six lavish bedrooms and terraces with pool and sea views, Baan Puri is designed with comfort and pleasure in mind. Great for large groups, an open-sided living lounge inevitably becomes a favoured spot for most, with cushioned white sofas and a drop down screen instantly converting it into a home cinema. Coupled with amazing cuisine served by the skilled in-villa chef, Baan Puri is the epitome of holiday luxury.

We sat down with Chef Jaree for a quick chat and even managed to convince her to share one of her sumptuous recipes for you to try at home.

Elite Havens: Hello, chef. Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

Chef Jaree:  I have been cooking for almost 12 years now. I started my career with hotels and later moved to luxury villas like Baan Puri. In fact, I’ve been working with Elite Havens for 7 years now. During this time, I’ve had the pleasure of cooking in several villas. I’m like a roving chef.

EH: You’ve had the chance to see many villas from our portfolio. Which one is your favourite?

CJ: Villa Baan Puri, of course.

EH: Do you have any interesting stories to share about your experiences with our guests?

CJ: Earlier this month, we had guests from Germany who stayed at Baan Puri for 23 days. What was special was the fact that the guests were chefs themselves. They told me to surprise them and serve a menu of my choice. They loved my food so much that they left with a promise to return next year.

EH: What is the secret behind your delicious food?

CJ: It starts with fresh ingredients. I always try to use good quality produce.

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A Chat with Niseko Gourmet’s Manager, Annie Craig

in Destinations/Dining/People by

It was her honeymoon when Annie Craig first visited Niseko. They say cupid only strikes once, but for Annie, it was love at first sight all over again. Thus when her husband, Andrew Craig decided to move to Japan as Country Manager for Elite Havens, Annie jumped at the opportunity to helm Niseko Gourmet.

Her love for food shines through when you talk to her, as does her passion for preserving the region’s culinary heritage. As Manager of Niseko Gourmet, she discusses and finalises sumptuous menus with the chefs and manages the day to day operations. We caught up with Annie for a little tête-à-tête.

Elite Havens: How did you get to Niseko?

Annie Craig: When my husband Andrew and I came to Niseko for our honeymoon, we felt a deep connection and did not want to leave. At that time, Andrew was running the Thailand operations for the company. In 2018, Elite Havens acquired Niseko Boutiques and Niseko Gourmet, and Andrew was offered the position of Country Manager in Japan. Needless to say, we did not think twice.

EH: What is Niseko Gourmet?

AC: Niseko Gourmet is a boutique catering company, offering private dining and food delivery services to guests looking for a luxury in-chalet dining experience. We can cater for groups, parties and events.

EH: How long has Niseko Gourmet been around?

AC: Niseko Gourmet was started in 2010 by Tess Stomski, so it has been around for a decade now.

EH: What does Niseko Gourmet do exactly?

AC: The core of our business is arranging for Private Dining Experiences. We have five Japanese chefs, one western chef and one specialty Thai chef.

Guests who come to Japan seek varied experiences. Food is a large part of that journey and we offer them indulgent dining options within the comfort of their own chalet. Imagine a scenario where a master chef comes with all necessary equipment and ingredients, lovingly preparing food to suit your preferences, in your own kitchen. This is the epitome of gastronomic luxury.

EH: How are the chefs selected?

AC: We are very picky when it comes to our chefs and only work with the very best. Our chefs have been part of the local Hokkaido food scene for decades.

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