Stopover: Cuba

Time to visit Cuba!

As you may have heard, tourism in Cuba is on the rise because of the influx of American visitors after Barack Obama relaxed the rules. Because of this, many people recommend going there sooner rather than later, before everything changes. Others say the increase in tourism could be a good thing; better places to stay and more facilities in general.

Ten days is a decent amount of time to see Cuba — suggested highlights would be Havana, Trinidad, Vinales, Cienfuegos, maybe Santa Clara and the Bay of Pigs.

There are a few ways to get there, with some routes offering the options of stopovers, or a multi-destination trip. Now that there are direct flights from the United States, some of these flights can be used in conjunction with tickets from New Zealand.

Surf, Spa, Yoga in Bali

Komune Hotel, Keramas, Bali

Whilst being committed to its surfing roots, the Komune Resort has far more to offer.

This resort destination located on the black sand beach of Keremas in Eastern Bali and overlooked by the impressive Mt Agung offers an extensive and up-to-date health and wellness experiences including scheduled fitness class and yoga. So whether you're

looking for a health & wellness getaway, a Bali yoga retreat, or even a surf and yoga retreat, Komune Bali Resort is the place to be for your active escape in Bali.

Bali – Our Favourite Winter Getaway

Seminyak – Bali

Located in the heart of hip, cool and trendy Seminyak, this small friendly and reasonably priced hotel is a great spot to explore the shops, restaurants and beach of Seminyak. For the budget conscious you get all the location but not the stunning prices or admittedly stunning location of the beachfront hotels. Ku De Ta and Potato Head Beach Clubs are around the corner, so you won’t miss out – leaving more money for shopping!

Ubud – Bali

Surrounded by lush green rice paddy terraces you find Ubud, the cultural centre of Bali and a mecca for yoga. The Yoga Barn provides a lush and inspiring environment for the nourishment of body, mind and soul. There is an extensive array of classes, with excellent local and international teachers complimented by holistic healing, Ayurvedic treatments and the amazing food at the Garden Kafe. Community event, retreats and a guesthouse complete this oasis.

Northern Bali – Zen Resort

Zen Resort overlooks the Sea of Bali on the quiet northern coast of this unique and special island. Zen Resort Bali, is a holistic and wellness sanctuary specialising in tailor-made Ayurveda treatments which will relax and rejuvenate your physical, psychological and spiritual wellness. Best experienced as a 7-14 day retreat your personalised program of sunrise mediation, yoga, two daily holistic Ayurveda treatments, with delicious and healthy food or juice detoxes will have you re-set, reinvigorate and rested. For the more active PADI diving, trekking and village visits can also be arrange. This place is about you and what you need.

Tembok North East Bali – Spa Village Resort

There's something special about Bali which almost everyone who comes to the island feels. Spa Village Tembok exudes it. This special place nestles in lush tropical gardens between the mystical volcanic peaks and azure blue sea, lapping black sand beach. Mt Agung watches over this tranquil haven where overall health, happiness and wellness are nurtured. The Spa Village Tembok is as special as Bali itself.

Unique Destinations

Myanmar – formerly known as Burma

Following the lifting of Western sanctions Myanmar has become a hot “now” destination for tourists offering the chance to see a country where the 21st-century world has barely intruded. It has some wondrous sights: a thousand temples scattered across the countryside in Bagan; the leg-rowers and floating gardens of Inle Lake, and majestic.
Ayeyarwady rivers. Here there is still a strong sense of the old Orient to experience.

Niue – The Rock of Polynesia

When you're the world's smallest independent nation you're allowed to be different - and Niue is very different. Don't expect the standard Pacific island experience: you won't be relaxing on palm-fringed beaches here, because there aren't any.
Leave your idleness at home and bring a sense of adventure instead.

Winter Getaways

Bora Bora - no photo shopping required

The more well-known islands of French Polynesia Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora make for perfect winter escape. A 5hour direct flight takes you to this tropical paradise; cloudless skies, clear blue waters, warm breezes, fabulous cuisine and the home of the famous overwater bungalow. Tahiti is the gateway to this paradise, the location of the main town of Papeete and the airport, a 10mins scenic flight, or 30mins ferry ride and you have Moorea which is ideal for families to explore and finally Bora Bora, the most spectacular scenery and world class resorts. Combine all island for a wonderful all-encompassing tropical winter getaway.

Bali – The Island of a Thousand Temples

Bali is not just the hustle and bustle of Kuta and Legian or the trendy hangout of Seminyak. Bali has something to offer everyone and of course is a great escape from our winter. The trendy area of Seminyak boast world class resorts, private villas, beach clubs and some of the best restaurants in Asia. But further afield you can explore the true beauty of this island full of culture; green rice terraced valleys, mystical temples, magnificent volcanoes and tropical waters. Whether you are after relaxation, yoga & spa treatments, looking for action; surfing, biking, white water rafting OR of course let’s not forget the shopping...

London News

New to London’s skyline is the ‘either-you-love-it-either-you-hate-it’: THE SHARD at London Bridge, a 95-storey skyscraper. Opened to the public on 01 February 2013 and designed by architect Renzo Piano, the skyscraper offers 72 habitable floors, plus a 5-storey public viewing gallery. The Shard will be home to 5-star hotel chain SHANGRI-LA’s latest addition which will be located on floors 34 to 52, due to open this European Summer 2013. The new Shangri-La Hotel will have 185 guest rooms and is meant to offer not only the best views in London but also the largest hotel rooms in the city (averaging approx. 42 square metres). Gatwick Airport is a 30mins train ride from London Bridge Station.