Latest news with #HangingGardens
CNA
26-04-2025
- CNA
This ‘secret' hidden Lombok resort aims to turn your holiday into a celebration
Bali, as the old saying goes, is the main tourist destination of Indonesia, while its neighbouring island Lombok is the getaway spot for Bali visitors. However, if you look closer, the onsite reality shows a slightly different picture. Lombok, at least during my time as an Indonesia-based travel journalist for over 16 years, has been gradually elevating itself to become a worthy top pick for travellers. Since 2011, the island has had its own international airport, with direct flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. A few years back, it officially opened a MotoGP circuit, and not long after more and more new hotels with an independent mindset opened on the island, with the ambition to target global guests, not just those escaping from Bali. Lombok, well-known for its pearls, with Indonesia's second tallest volcano towering in its centre and gorgeous beaches framing its coastline, is arguably one of the most exciting travel destinations to watch in Indonesia. Today, finding a new hotel in a newly discovered location has become an attraction in itself on the island. In the south, you can find Somewhere Lombok and Indonesia's latest Pullman outpost. Go to the southeast corner and you will find the secluded Innit, a fresh addition to Lombok's hotel design scene. Meanwhile in the northwest, at least three properties have just begun accepting bookings in the last few years – Kayana, Sira (part of Marriott's Luxury Collection), and Seven Secrets by Hanging Gardens, which I visited in early February. Part of the new wave of luxury properties in Lombok, Seven Secrets was initially a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It was ready to welcome guests in 2018, but then an earthquake hit the island, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing it to go into hiatus. It reopened in the end of 2023, under new management Hanging Gardens, which established its name with a hotel in the north of Ubud in Bali, famous for its outstanding design and services, and of course its iconic pool. Seven Secrets is nestled within Nipah Bay, facing a strait which separates Lombok from Bali. Nicely hidden 250 m away from the main street, a distance away from the main tourist circuit of Senggigi and party island Gili Trawangan, the area is very quiet. It's a typically remote resort situated on an off-track corner that makes you too lazy to go anywhere else. Indeed, one of the secrets embodied in the 'Seven Secrets' name is its location. I'd be lying if I said Nipah Bay is a complete secret – there are already traditional seafood stalls and a fishing village here. But at least for now, there are no other properties nearby. There was, however, a plan to build a massive 80-room Banyan Tree resort next door, though the project appears to have been either cancelled or postponed. With lush hills as its backdrop and a serene beach on its front yard, Seven Secrets meets the basic checklist of a resort that tourists are craving for in Lombok. Strolling the area one morning, I met only a few fishermen relaxing by the sea. Dozens of jukung outrigger boats were parked in between coconut trees, along the crescent shaped beach flanked by handsome rocky shores. During its finest months, especially in mid-year, the majestic figure of Mount Agung in Bali can be seen from the beachfront resort. Unfortunately, I came not long after Chinese New Year, when the strong waves hit the shore tirelessly and the cloudy sky turned the turquoise sea grey. Mount Agung was not visible during my three days here. But not all was bad. With only a few rooms occupied and the brown sandy beach largely free of holidaymakers, I could absorb the serenity of the place intimately. However, serenity might not be the only thing that this boutique property aims to offer. Entering the resort's location through the narrow macadam road, where cows were grazing on both sides, I was surprised to be greeted by a strikingly bright complex which reminded me of sexy party spots in Ibiza or Miami. The beach is lined with white sun loungers shaded by white Umbrosa parasols. Behind them sits a white wooden deck and an infinity pool, with a swim-up bar and DJ booth on its roof. Upon entering the lobby, I was seated on a Baroque-style high-back velvet chair, and given a welcome drink menu featuring, among other options, the resort's signature cocktail and sparkling wine. Seven Secrets boasts 24 suites divided into three categories based on the view. The Garden View Suites sit on the lower tier of the resort, although they have the most spacious interiors. The Mountain View Suites are above the Garden View Suites, while the most expensive category, the 12-unit Ocean View Suites, are spread into six adjacent two-story white mansions, perched only a few steps away from the pool and main restaurant. I stayed at the Ocean View Suite. It has floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors which open up to a spacious deck with a jacuzzi and day bed. During the night, the deck is illuminated by purple ambience light from the ceiling. Combine all this with music playing from the Marshall Bluetooth portable speaker and Plaga wine from the minibar, this suite has its own allure for a celebratory occasion. Categories aside, all suites share a similar, glamorous design. Personally designed by the owner, a Hungarian businessman who fell in love with Lombok, each suite was born from a bold experiment of combining Asian elements with European luxury features, and an eccentric taste in decoration. In between the parquet floors and thatched roof, the rooms are adorned with Swarovski crystal desk lamps, traditional Loro Blonyo Javanese matrimonial figures, and Roberto Cavalli leopard print wallpaper. The toilet wall is decorated by a huge art print of a woman wearing a colombina mask, while the open-air shower features a gigantic Buddhist sculpture. At the minibar, directly above the Acala coffee machine, there is a metal wall decoration which looks like it was taken from a sequin disco dress. You can sense how the owner took his time in making sure his property has a distinctive aesthetic character, at least not something you've seen before. The resort also has a fitness centre with Technogym gears and a spa with four treatment rooms. There's no kids club, but a babysitting service is on offer, and the crew is well-trained to be attentive towards young guests. I came with my almost two-year-old son, and he had a great time after being handed a box full of toys on the beach. And I felt more comfortable letting him play as the beach is always clean. Later on, I discovered that this 24-suite resort employs 80 staff, a good ratio to maintain the level of service, as well as to keep the beach clean. It's not a dirty little secret: During a strong wave season, lots of beaches suffer from the influx of garbage. But this secret location, so it seems, is in good hands. There are two restaurants at Seven Secrets, both helmed by executive chef Fajar Rachmansyah, an alumnus of Anantara Maldives and Keraton at The Plaza Jakarta. The Majesty, a new addition to the island's fine dining scene, is filled with Baroque-style chairs, illuminated by one of the biggest Swarovski chandeliers I've ever seen. It's currently open during high season or for private bookings only. The second establishment, L'Angelo Bianco, is an all-day dining beachfront restaurant which offers international fares with thoughtful presentation. Fresh seafood, a common find in Lombok, is the highlight here, while a modern twist on local dishes – Laksa Bogor, Octopus Taliwang and Sate Rembiga – promise a unique culinary experience. It also has a good selection of over 30 wine labels, from Australia to Argentina, including local corks from Bali. Breakfast is another highlight. The menu, presented in an embossed snake print folder, features an extensive collection of dishes, including vegan and vegetarian options. Each guest can order two a la carte dishes, a rare and generous offering for a hotel. My favourite morning spot at L'Angelo Bianco is the wooden table by the beach, where I can enjoy the vista while hoping to get a glimpse of Mount Agung on the horizon. I came in the wrong season, but the lovely food and beach were enough to keep me in my seat.
Al Etihad
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
'Eid is a joy for every child': Youngsters share what they love most about the festivities
2 Apr 2025 00:39 SARA ALZAABI (SHARJAH)Through the eyes of innocent children, Eid Al-Fitr is a world of pure happiness, brimming with laughter, traditions, and the excitement of receiving gifts. Every year, the holiday creates core memories that fill their childhood with love and playful adventures. Speaking to Aletihad , young children shared what makes the celebration special for them - from collecting the traditional cash gifts called Eidiya to spending fun moments with people they love. Nine-year-old Joory Al Zaabi woke up early for prayers on the first day of Eid, and she could clearly remember the new clothes she wore. "I wore a light green Emirati dress in the morning and a white dress in the evening, both with a hint of oud and perfume," she it was a "magical time" for Joory. "Eid is a joy for every child in the whole world, especially when you receive a lot of Eidiyas," she said. Turning those Eidiyas into special memories is the best part, Joory said. With her cash gifts, she said she would buy her favourite toys and visit popular attractions such as the Hanging Gardens in Kalba, Al Hefaiyah Lake, and the Rain Room in hoped plenty of Eidiyas would be given to every child in the world so their wishes could come true. With a sparkle in her eyes, she added: "As for me, I hope to visit new places and finally get the toys I have been dreaming of." 'Luxury Car for Mum' For her brother, Khalifa, 5, Eid is all about one thing: Eidiya."I greet everyone so I can get Eidiyas," he admitted with a playful grin, knowing that each greeting brings him closer to his favourite toys."These Eidiyas are going to buy lots of Sonic games, building blocks for my car garages, a whole big pack of assorted colourful chalk, and colouring sets," he said. Khalifa already looks forward to going to the malls to play arcade games. And what is his wish for the next Eid? "More blue racing cars - and a black Lamborghini for my mum!" he four-year-old twins Ghala and Hoor Al Mesmari said Eid was all about the fun and laughter and, of course, their Eidiya. "We love to go to playrooms on Eid, jumping in trampoline, and eating ice cream," they parrot together."We get our Eidiya to do all of the above!" they exclaimed. Festival of DreamsFor five-year-old Meera Al Yammahi, Eid is a moment of great joy, a time for gifts, and a chance to shop."I love Eidiya so much because I can buy chocolates, candy, and toys," she said, brimming with happiness. "Every year, I look forward to getting my Eidiya so I can pick whatever I love," Meera added. Through the eyes of these young children, Eid is a festival of dreams - one with family, traditions, and simple joys of childhood.
Sharjah 24
23-02-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SEWA implements 12 lighting projects in Kalba
Completed lighting projects in 2024 Engineer Youssef Al Hammadi, Director of Kalba Department, confirmed that the Authority is following a specific plan to implement development and lighting projects across the city, as directed by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Projects completed during 2024 include: Hanging Gardens Project: AED 9 million Al Hafiya Lake Project: AED 11 million Al Saf Residential Complex Lighting: AED 2 million Al Jubail Market & Heritage Market Parking Entrances: AED 1.8 million Lighting of Roads Linking the Ring Road: AED 6 million Upcoming lighting projects in 2025 Currently, several lighting projects are under construction, expected to be completed in 2025. These include: Jabal Al-Deem Rest House (Phase 1): AED 17 million Saad bin Abi Waqqas Street Lighting: AED 800,000 Khatm Al-Malha Street Lighting: AED 500,000 Al-Ghail Shaabiyat (Phase 1): AED 2 million Al-Qadisiyah Shaabiya Lighting: AED 700,000 Al-Qalaa Shaabiya Lighting: AED 600,000 Additionally, new lighting projects are being studied, including developments for Bardi 2, Al-Mafraq, and Khor Kalba Shaabiyat ) subdivisions), with plans to implement them in 2025. Electricity distribution projects in Kalba Alongside lighting improvements, several electricity distribution projects were completed in 2024, including: Connecting electricity to the Souq Al Jubail and Al-Saf Residential Complex (Phase II) Establishing a 33/11 kV commercial station Upgrading the 11 kV electricity distribution station in the desalination plant Furthermore, more than nine new electricity projects are planned, such as the construction of new 33/11 kV stations in Jabal Al Deem and Al Tarif, as well as updates to electricity grids in several areas of Kalba. These efforts aim to enhance the electricity infrastructure, ensuring better service to residents and businesses.
