Rachel Bright, Wordsmith, Illustrator and Eternal Optimist

This September, get ready for the arrival of Rachel Bright - Wordsmith, Illustrator and Eternal Optimist. Rachel’s passion in life is drawing pictures, creating stories and sharing her happiness with the world.

With a growing portfolio of beautifully imagined artwork, children's stories, and an award-winning global card and gift empire, Rachel's creativity and enthusiasm for life knows no bounds. Her quirky personality, creative talents and unyielding imagination will captivate and inspire guests of Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali.

Rachel will be holding creative, fun and interactive art classes and printing workshops, sure to bring out the inner child in you. Let the smiling begin!

Lindsey Dayavati and Gail Bryden at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali

As part of our Guest Artists Programme at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, this August we'll welcome Lindsey Dayavati, creator of 'Love the Skin You're In'. Lindsey inspires and empowers people all over the world through talks, courses, coaching and interactive workshops. Her teachings draws on years of professional and personal research, helping her students regain balance through mind, body and soul approaches.

Lindsey's playful and unique style of teaching inspires people to rediscover passion and joy for life, helping them feel reinvigorated and find inner happiness. A modern day monk, Lindsey has dedicated her life to increasing love within herself and around the world.

Throughout her stay at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, Lindsey will offer body balance workshops, coaching, meditation, talks on the mind body connection, ascension and so much more.

 

Joining Lindsey next month at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is Gail Bryden, an international Mind-Body Coach. After training and working as a coach, Gail realised that whilst we can't control what happens to us, we can choose how we react to it. There is more involved than just the mind, and while studying holistic massage, she was introduced to the concept of the mind-body-spirit connection. She then went on to learn about the ancient wisdom of Hawaiian-style bodywork and the power of working with a shared intention; helping people achieve their desired outcome whether it be balance, relaxation or to feel re-energised.

Gail will be offering Hawaiian-style Lomi Lomi massage, famed for stress reduction and relaxation, and to help restore emotional balance, Gail will carry out Bach Flower consultations and Just Be Fresh facials with her own range of Just Be oils.

We look forward to welcoming Lindsey and Gail to Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali next month!

Synthesis – The Heart of Organics at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali

Evoke radiance and renewalthis July at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali with the arrival of Synthesis – the Heart of Organics, an Australian line offering energy infused treatments and skin care.

With a series of complimentary 'Light, Love, Beauty and Spirit' workshops, guests of Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali will have the opportunity to learn how to use these certified organic skin care and aromatherapy products. Guests can also learn conscious living concepts such as how to conduct energy or the life-force, which some believe is the secret to natural health, vitality and well-being.

Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali will also offer Synthesis' energy spa treatments such as facials, whole body restoration, chakra balancing, energising meridian natural face-lifts, as well as personal development and spiritual alignment sessions.

The Synthesis Philosophy of harnessing ancient holistic treatments and products delivered in their purest form with consideration to environmental impact is in keeping with Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali’s approach on wellness. So, come and embark on a journey of pure energy and renewal with us this July.

Tripadvisor Recognises YTL Hotels

YTL Hotels' stellar collection of luxurious properties has been recognized by all of you as some of the world's best places to stay through Tripadvisor. The travel website has acknowledged your sentiments and has rewarded a number of YTL Hotels' 5 star properties with Certificates of Excellence as well as declaring several as winners of the Travelers' Choice award for 2012.

The Certificate of Excellence was awarded to all four of the Malaysian based properties; Pangkor Laut Resort, Tanjong Jara Resort, Cameron Highlands Resort and The Majestic Malacca and also the tranquil Indonesian getaway, Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali. Each of the awarded resorts are proud to be recognized by all of you for delivering the excellent service and memorable experiences that we strive towards with every guest that enters through one of our doors.

Whether you are relaxing on the pristine Emerald Bay beach on the tropical island of Pangkor Laut Resort, snorkelling and diving at Malaysia's best kept secret ,Tenggol Island, with Tanjong Jara Resort, indulging in delicious scones and strawberries at Cameron Highlands Resort, learning about the unique culture of Malacca while staying at The Majestic Malacca or relaxing and rejuvenating your soul at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, YTL Hotels' aim is to make sure you leave with a collection of lifelong memories.

Staying with YTL Hotels in Malaysia and Indonesia is also your pick to stay with as Pangkor Laut Resort, Tanjong Jara Resort, The Majestic Malacca and Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali were all declared the Winners of the Travelers' Choice award for 2012

Thank you for all your support!

Dewi Hopley Visits Tanjong Jara Resort

Meet Dewi Hopley, the internationally renowned Aromatherapist and YTL Hotels' latest guest artist who gave up her time to visit the guests of the 'Unmistakeably Malay' resort in Terengganu Malaysia, Tanjong Jara Resort. The South China Sea resort's guests benefited from Dewi's visit as she shared her knowledge and leaves us with a parting message and a promise to return in the near future.

Hello to all,

My name is Dewi Hopley and I’m an Aromatherapist and strongly believe that essential oils can help balance the mind, body and soul. Aromatherapy is an excellent way of boosting the immune system which is great for those who are prone to getting colds. It is very important to take into account a guest’s mood and physical state before blending the unique oils which I use in whatever treatments they are booked in for.

I was the Guest Artist (offering massage therapies) at Tanjong Jara Resort, Malaysia for about a month and my most popular treatment by far was the Remedial (deep tissue) Massage and the Neuroskeletal Re-alignment Therapy which focuses on structural imbalances in the body. About 90% of those that came to see me was mainly due to back pain.

I have my own therapy practice in the UK (www.dewihopley.com) but twice a year around March and October time I work at a wonderful wellbeing retreat (www.oracleretreat.com) which happens to be held at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali. This is where my passion lies as it’s all about staying present and being happy! While I was there, I found out about the Spa Village Guest Therapist Program, which invites international therapists, artists, yoga instructors and like-minded creative individuals to work at YTL Hotels' properties. I didn’t hesitate to put my name forward and the rest is history!

I left Tanjong Jara Resort on the 23^rdApril with a tinge of sadness but will be back in South East Asia later this year in October. In the meantime, below are a few essential oils that may help with some common conditions:

Headaches: Peppermint, Basil, Lavender (cooling)

General stress: Frankincense, Lavender, Mandarin (balancing)

Sleeplessness: Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli (sedating)

Tiredness: Rosemary, Lime, Eucalyptus (stimulating)

It was nice to go around the resort and meet and talk with so many of you; it was great to listen to how much you were enjoying your stay, whether it was how you spent your days relaxing on the beach, or snorkelling and diving off Tenggol Island or listening to Captain Mok's tales,  I enjoyed  hearing about your experiences and stories and I can't wait to meet more of you when I return. If you’d like to know more about what I do or just want to keep in touch, don't hesitate to drop me an email at dewihopley@gmail.com. See you soon!

Thank you Dewi for your time and your message and we look forward to seeing you again the next time you decide to visit us in Malaysia.

How we Celebrated Earth Hour at YTL Hotels

It'll be another year before we turn off all the electricity and light the candles once again in support of the annual global Earth Hour campaign.

Throughout Malaysia and across to Thailand, Indonesia and Japan, YTL Hotels' properties supported the global movement on the 31st of March, 2012 by joining the rest of the world in turning off all non-essential electrical appliances and its lights from 8:30pm until 10:00pm.

Those that stayed at Tanjong Jara Resort were treated to a Wayang Kulit performance in the orange hue of candlelight. The candles' dancing flames captured the silhouette of the puppets which provided an entertaining performance of manipulated shadows on a white backdrop which was enjoyed with low carbon footprint mocktails in-hand.

Pangkor Laut Resort reverted back to its tropical nature paradise roots when it turned off the lights, allowing guests to walk through the resort in candlelight and moonlight, and enjoy private dining experiences on the world renowned beach, Emerald Bay, with the sound of crashing waves as their backdrop.

You couldn't miss the fact Earth Hour had reached Malaysia's mystical Cameron Highlands with the '60+' symbol representing Earth Hour placed with candles at the entrance of Cameron Highlands Resort. Staff worked behind the front desk in only candlelight while guests enjoyed a specially prepared Earth Hour dinner as well as a drink at the Highland Bar by the fire which crackled in the fireplace.

Gentle piano music filled the halls and lighted tea lights placed along the stairs guided guests to their special Earth Hour candlelit dinner in The Mansion at The Majestic Malacca. The team at the historical Malaysian hotel decorated the hotel accordingly to suit the global occasion by placing candles all around the resort and creating the Earth Hour 60 symbol out of tea lights.

The words 'Earth Hour' were lit with candles and complimentary low-energy snacks were served as guests were guided by atmospheric tea lights to their candlelit dinner at the Coffee House at Vistana Kuala Lumpur. Guests were able to mark the occasion at Vistana Kuantan and Vistana Penang by lighting the candle displays which were set up while enjoying Malaysian delicacies on offer. 

Over in Bali, Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali captured the spiritual ambiance of Earth Hour. The Spa resort was lit only by candlelight and starlight which illuminated the pool in front of the black sand beach. A live Gamelan performance with an accompanying barbeque dinner added to the event.

And the candles were lit in The Surin, Phuket, where there was a candlelit barbeque for guests to experience on the beach which was enjoyed with a complimentary glass of Proseccco in hand. For those that didn't want to dine out in the open, the Lomtalay Thai restaurant also provided a romantic ambiance to celebrate Earth Hour.

Get to Know Erica Mather

Learn more about international yoga teacher, Erica Mather, who answers questions about why she's currently  in Bali giving special yoga classes at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, where her spiritual home is and what advice she has for all of those that are feeling a little lost in their lives.

What brings you to Bali all the way from New York City?

I came to Bali so I could teach at the Bali Spirit Festival.

What were you doing before you became a yoga instructor and what made you decide to turn yoga into a career?

I was a professional jazz pianist. I moved to New York City to attend Columbia, studying Ethnomusicology. 

 

How long have you been teaching yoga?

I've been teaching yoga since 2007.

Are there many different types of yoga and what made you decide to specialize as a Forrest Yoga instructor?

There are many, many different types of yoga. When I was beginning, I tried several different classes and everything about the forest yoga resonated with me; the pacing, the language and also my teacher.

What is it about yoga that you love?

The invitation to connect with your spirit through a physical practice. A deeper understanding of the body.

Where is your spiritual home?

I feel at home in any house of worship, but I mostly feel at home with my beloved.

Why did you decide to come to Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali?

A wonderful opportunity to share my knowledge of yoga, and to take some time to rest and refresh (New York can be exhausting). It's a chance to look and consider my life direction, and to work on music.

What are the benefits that yoga gives to people, physically and mentally?

Physically, it helps you to keep in shape, stay young and strong. Mentally, it promotes a calm state of mind, it opens a gateway to a deeper connection to oneself and from these things, it helps one to develop the ability to make better decisions.

Do you have any advice for those who are feeling a little lost spiritually and need help in finding their paths and rediscovering their life balance?

Find a practice, any practice, which helps you to listen inwards. This could be art, dance, yoga, knitting, running, who knows what will fit for you. Once you find that practice, stay with it, and pay close attention to yourself. Listen inwards for the quiet voices of your heart and spirit and note what they say. Keep the faith. <3

Thank you Erica for sharing with us your time and giving us and our fans a little bit of spiritual advice. We look forward to learning more from you throughout the month as you offer your expertise to those attending your classes at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali.

Earth Hour at YTL Hotels

Join YTL Hotels in the global campaign to raise awareness of global warming by turning off your lights this Saturday on March 31^st, 2012 for Earth Hour. From 8:30pm until 10pm, YTL Hotels' luxurious properties will be joining the rest of the world by turning off its lights and all other non-essential electrical appliances.

If you're planning on staying at one of our resorts this Saturday, don't worry, we won't leave you completely in the dark! Our properties are going to be candlelit for the occasion which you can enjoy while dining on specially created Earth Hour themed menus which will be accompanied by live music.

The combined carbon emission savings of turning off all the non-essential lights in each of YTL Hotels' Malaysian luxurious properties as well as YTL Corporation's other Malaysian and Singapore companies will come to 1,398 (kgC02/hr). That's the equivalent of almost 8,290 hours of computer usage!

We're not leaving our participation though at just our Malaysian properties, Earth Hour is a global event so YTL Hotels will take its participation overseas with its properties in Thailand, Bali and Japan also collaborating to send out a powerful message on the issues facing our planet regarding Global Warming.

If your staying at the private tropical island, Pangkor Laut Resort, during the event, you can look forward to a specially designed Earth Hour buffet at Feast Village. The special Earth Hour menu is priced at RM375++ per person.

 

There will be live entertainment at the Unmistakably Malay Tanjong Jara Resort with a Wayang Kulit performance which will manipulate the light and shadows. Want a drink with the performance? Low Carbon Footprint mocktails will be served throughout Earth Hour to add to the experience.

And up in the highlands at Cameron Highlands Resort, a romantic ambiance will be set with with all of the essential lights turned off and the corridors will be lit with tea lights. The special Earth Hour menu is priced at RM200++ per person.

For those of you staying at The Majestic Malacca, a pianist will be performing live for you during a candlelit dinner in The Mansion which you will walk to guided by tea lights that will line up the walkways and common areas. The special Earth Hour menu is priced at RM140++ per person.

At Vistana Kuala Lumpur, complimentary low-energy snacks will be served while walkways and common areas will be lined with atmospheric tea lights to lead you to your candlelight dinner at the Coffee House.

Meanwhile, a mini hawker fair will be set up at Vistana Kuantan’s poolside, with mesmerising cultural performances by the hotel staff, while you can tuck into the mouthwatering array of traditional Malaysian delicacies.

Besides being treated to light snacks and fruit punch,  you will be invited to light up Vistana Penang's re-creation of the Earth Hour logo formed by tea light candles at the Lobby, during countdown.

And what about our oversea properties?

At Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, get yourself ready for a spiritual ambiance as the resort captures the essence of Earth Hour with the poolside lined with candles out under the stars and by the beach. To mark the occasion, there will also be a live Gamelan performance which you can enjoy with a barbeque dinner.

For those staying at The Surin, Phuket, you can either dine by candlelight at the Lomtalay Thai restaurant or enjoy a candlelit barbeque on the beach which will be served with a complimentary glass of Prosecco.

In Niseko, the restaurants and lounge area at The Green Leaf Niseko Village will be lit with candles. The Hilton Niseko Village will also be offering spa treatments in candlelight in the Wakka Spa and there will be a live Japanese Drum performance at The Flame for your entertainment.

“Our customers and guests are our top priority and we want to celebrate Earth Hour with them by having a line-up of interesting events so that 31 March 2012 will mark a special day for all to participate in,” stated Ruth Yeoh.

International Guest Yoga Teacher at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali

Next month, Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali will be visited in April by an international yoga teacher, Erica Mather. If you've been looking for an earthly and spiritual experience then this is the opportunity you've been searching for.

Erica has been teaching yoga for six years since 2006 in New York City and this year, she is appearing at the Bali Spirit Festival. Erica believes in the path of personal growth and supports those interested in learning about the body, alignment and how to create space within oneself for the spirit to grow though intelligent, challenging yoga and coaching classes.

Erica Mather is a certified Forrest Yoga instructor and Forrest Yoga Mentor Teacher and teaches at the Wanderlust Festival, Kripalu and you can visit her website at http://ericamather.com. Erica is being brought in by Linden Shaffaer who is the founder of www.pravassa.com which you can visit for guides on how to restore one's life balance.

We look forward to welcoming her to Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali next month!

Body, Mind & Soul Retreat: Knowing the 5 elements Through the 5 Senses

Join the fun with the third Oracle Retreat which is due to start next month at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali. The retreat, scheduled to take place on the 10th of March 2012 and run for 11 days, 10 nights until the 20th of March, is the perfect place to take a break from your life and slow down and simplify and embrace the moment.

Take the opportunity to take the break and stay where magical kingdoms once reigned and where beauty and serenity meet and step back into your life renewed and replenished. The purpose of Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali's Oracle Retreat is to help guide you on your path and restore your body, mind and soul.

Your home will be based at the magical Spa Village of Tembok Bali. Hidden along the exotic coast of black sand and the powerful Volcanoes of Mount Agung and Mount Batur, where they have created a beautiful sanctuary from the pressures of the world, where guests are the centre of care and focus.

The facilitators for the Oracle Retreat are spiritual and health experts, Diana Manilova (www.lifeevents.org), Marc Cofer (www.brainstate.org), Dewi Hopley (www.dewihopley.com) along with Resort Manager, Sharron Hopley as well as Akiko and Amy.

The typical daily schedule of life at the Oracle Retreat at the luxurious resort is as follows:

Daily Program (10 nights/11 days)

7am – 8am Restore your body & rest your mind with 5 Elements gentle exercise

8am-10.30am Breakfast at your leisure

10.30am – 1pm Workshop session 1

1pm – 3pm Lunch at your leisure

3pm – 4.30pm Workshop session 2

4.30pm – 7pm Quiet time, Spa or optional Oracle one-to-ones

7pm Dinner at your leisure

8.30pm Close with optional guided meditation

The 15^th of March is a the Free Day: A mid-week break to enjoy the beauty of Bali and to do as much or as little as you like.

Retreaters begin their 10 night stay with a welcome foot ritual and get to dine daily on healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The body is pampered with an included 50 minute Balinese Massage and pre-treatment and the mind is kept active with two daily workshop sessions with the Oracle Facilitators. The soul is also attended to with evening guided meditations. Those attending also can relax by the pool or use the Lumbar fitness centre if they desire and take part in group holistic activities and element excursions.

Also included in the relaxing retreat is a traditional Balinese performance and a celebration farewell dinner which is accompanied by music. Return airport transfers to and from Ngurai International Airport, Denpasar, Bali are also included.

Cost for the Oracle Retreat are as Follows:

Published Rates (for 10nights/11days) & Workshop inclusions:

Costs: Sharing: USD$2250++ per person

Single: USD$2520++ per person

Extend your stay: Sharing: USD$170++ per person

Single: USD$200++ per person

Includes: Room, Food, x1 50 minutes spa treatment pppn

Prices are subject to 10% service charge and 11% government tax

Early Bird Discount: Book by 31st December 2011 to receive USD $300 discount. Book by 31st February 2011 to receive USD $150 discount.

Availability:

10 rooms (possible x10/x20 pax)

Additional Charge:

• Private one-to-ones with Facilitators/additional food/laundry service/extra spa treatments

Refer a Friend: Refer a friend a receive USD$200 discount. (One friend referral per person only applies).

Bring a Group: Bring 5 persons with you and you come for free!

Couples: Bring your partner/loved one and 2nd person gets USD$300 discount.

Repeaters: In appreciation for your continuing support and commitment to working on yourself, we are delighted to offer 50 minutes spa treatment for every night of your stay.

Further Information: We will give a handy information sheet on Spa Village accommodation, facilities, what to bring, what to expect, location and how to get there.

Getting There: Flights into Ngurai International Airport, Denpasar, Bali

For Enquiries: Contact: Sharron Hopley | Email: sharron_hopley@ytlhotels.com.my

Tel: +62 (0) 8786 1894415 | Skype: sharron.hopley | www.tembokbali.com

Website: www.tembokbali.com | Facebook: YTL HOTELS

Website: www.oracleretreat.com | Facebook: ORACLE RETREAT

Terms & Conditions

Health Policy

You are only allowed to attend our retreat if you are of good enough health to get to and from the location without support and look after yourself during your time with us. Our retreats should not substitute for the advice and treatment of a physician, doctor or other licensed health-care professional.

Love Is In The Air At YTL Hotels

Bring out your romantic side with YTL Hotels by whisking your significant other away to one of YTL Hotels' luxurious properties.

The three day/ two night Valentine's Day packages are available at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, Tanjong Jara Resort, Pangkor Laut Resort, The Majestic Malacca, and Cameron Highlands Resort. Each Valentine's package includes an indulgent two hour romantic Spa Village signature treatment; a unique chocolate body scrub with a rose aromatherapy massage, complete with a rose milk bath, all crafted exclusively for this occasion. The package also includes meals, such as an intimate candlelit dinner for two, a bottle of champagne or a non-alcoholic sparkling juice, a bed adorned with flower petals and a relaxing Lovers' Bath. All combined, it makes it the perfect romantic getaway.

Often only an impulsive notion to bring your significant other away to a secluded tropical island, you can now turn this romantic fantasy into a reality by setting off to the award-winning private island, Pangkor Laut Resort. As part of the package, you can avail of round trip ferry transfers between Marina Island Pangkor Laut and the resort. A choice of a set lunch either by the poolside at the Royal Bay Beach Club or by one of world's best beaches, Emerald Bay, at Chapman's Bar is included along with a romantic candlelit dinner for two.

The price for the Pangkor Laut Resort Valentine's Day Package starts at MYR 3,484++ for a Garden Villa per couple which can be upgraded to Hill, Sea or Spa, depending on availability at check-in.

Why not try and be different and make your Valentine's Day not only memorable, but also 'Unmistakably Malay' by take the Tanjong Jara Resort Valentine's Package. Upon arrival, prepare yourselves for instant indulgence by enjoying six pieces of chocolate dipped strawberries while relaxing in a Lovers' Bath. A set lunch is provided at the Nelayan as well as a special candlelit dinner for two.

The price for the Tanjong Jara Resort Valentine's Day Package starts at MYR 2,472++ per room per couple and guests can be upgraded to Serambi upon check-in, depending on availability at check-in.

Every single woman alive likes a little bit of mystery mixed in with their romance and if you add strawberries to the mix, you have found the perfect Valentine's Day surprise. Treat your partner to Cameron Highlands Resort's Valentine's Package. At turn down, you'll be spoiled with indulgent treats; chocolate pralines, sweet strawberries with dipping chocolates and cream. Along with a provided set lunch and a candlelit dinner for two, you will also get to share with your significant over an English Afternoon Tea.

The Lovers Bath and flower petals are not available at Cameron Highlands Resort. The price for the Cameron Highlands Resort's Valentine's Day Package starts at MYR 2,472++.

Do you have a lot of memories to share with your partner? Reminisce in style by visiting The Majestic Malacca for a perfect romantic hotel getaway. A Peranakan Afternoon Tea, a set lunch in The Mansion and a special candlelight dinner for two are all included in this Valentine's package.

The price for The Majestic Malacca's Valentine's Day Package starts MYR 2,372++.

How about just taking a break from it all and getting reacquainted with the love in your life by making a tranquil visit to Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali. From the moment you step off the plane, you are taken in comfort to the resort with round trips from Denpasar airport to the resort provided. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided for the duration of your stay, including an intimate candlelit dinner for two.

The price for the Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali's Valentine's Day Package starts at MYR 2,746++ and guests can be upgraded to the Suite upon check-in, depending on availability.

YTL Hotels' luxurious properties make the ideal setting for a memorable and surreal Valentine's experience. If you want to benefit from these packages, they are available for use from the 1^st of February until the 29^th of February. Along with a collection of memories, you will also be able to take away a personal memento to treasure your Valentine's experience with YTL Hotels.