Four Seasons, Singapore offers a terrace pool, gym set, and longevity centre to guests

Like any city, Singapore has its phases when different parts of its desirable areas are in vogue. For a while, both Marina Bay and Sentosa were seen as the places to stay for the first-time luxury visitor. And while they have a lot going for them, wandering out from the Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore made us realise that Orchard, the city’s original luxury area, still has a lot going for it, too

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For starters, you are right in the centre of things, not on the edge of them, with luxury shopping and restaurants on your doorstep and the general joie de vivre of being in the centre of a world city.

‘One night we went to Nobu, overlooking the Japanese garden, more characterful and atmospheric than some of the Nobus we know’

And given that it is in the most expensive area of one of the most expensive cities in the world, the Four Seasons has an astonishing amount of both variety and space. The third floor, something of an eagle’s nest above the city – this is a very green area, looking down at the treetops – is something of a hub for the hotel guest.

To one side is a big outdoor pool and terrace with treetop views. To the other, an excellent gym set in its own Japanese garden and one of the world’s most respected longevity centres, if you can foresee a really long stay at the hotel. For upper-tier guests, there is also the club lounge, with its rotating menu of snacks all day and champagne and cocktails, artfully presented, complementary. Our room, far higher up, had a stunning view across the city.

The lobby welcomes guests into a space that fuses art deco and Singaporean design

It is the dining, though, that also makes the Four Seasons stand out. One night we went to Nobu, overlooking the Japanese garden, more characterful and atmospheric than some of the Nobus we know, with cuisine of the usual standards. On the next, we had an even more immersive experience of the wider region at the hotel’s atmospheric Chinese restaurant, Jiang-Nan Chun.

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Obviously, Singapore is a way from China, but its history and culture meet in parts and the Cantonese cuisine was worthy of Hong Kong or Guangzhou. We also enjoyed the refined, quiet but purposeful atmosphere and superb service, as well as our midnight stroll around the quiet streets of Orchard afterwards.

fourseasons.com/singapore

The Anantara Ubud Resort family pool overlooks the green jungle which surrounds the whole resort

Nestled amidst the greenery of Ubud, in Bali, a wellness retreat awaits – Fabienne Amez-Droz reflects on the newly built Anantara Ubud Resort, where the surrounding jungle and the healing rituals provide a sanctuary for those looking to escape the winter cold

In recent years, Bali has undergone significant changes. Those who visited in the past will remember a very different island – one that has since, in parts, transformed into an Instagram hotspot, often overwhelmed by tourism. However, there are still places that have retained Bali’s natural beauty – spots that remain more untouched by social media hypes and globalization.

The newly bulit Anantara Ubud Resort, lies in the heart of Bali’s cultural and spiritual hub, Ubud. The resort offers a wellness sanctuary to visitors all of the worlds and blends luxury, tranquility, and authentic Balinese traditions.

Surrounded by green rice paddies and jungles, this hotel embraces the concept of a holistic getaway, providing an experience for body, mind, and soul.

Next to the family pool, the hotel also has an adult only pool

Refreshing welcome

After a approximately 50 mins car journey from Denpasar airport to Ubud, you will find the gate of the resort. From the moment you step into the Anantara Ubud Resort, you will receive a warm welcome from the Anantara staff, a tropical flower to put behind one of your ears and a refreshing herbal drink. Good to cool you off after a perhaps sweaty journey from a long overseas-flight. The open-air lobby is equipped with Balinese art and natural stone elements.

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The One-Bedroom Forest View Pool Villa offers a private space to take in the views of the jungle

Queen of the jungle

The resort offers different kind of accomendations. From Forest view suites in the main resort building to private villas overlooking the jungle. My forest view pool villa was a blend of modern elegance and Balinese charm, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the views of the jungle. The private infinity pool was a personal highlight, providing a very instagrammable spot.

The One-Bedroom Forest View Pool Villa costs 852.50£ per night

Cleansing rituals and manifesting

Anantara Ubud’s wellness programs are perhaps not for everyone but certainly interesting for a niche wellness and energy-sourcing clientel. The signature rituals that they offer, draw on centuries-old Balinese healing traditions. I started with the Water Purification at the Mengening Temple, a guided experience that takes guests to a sacred water temple nearby, where you can cleanse your soul in the holy considered water and wash away negative energies through holding your head under little waterfalls.

Back at the hotel, I had a look at the multiple spa treatments that they offer and decided to treat myself, when in Bali, to a relaxing massage – the Anantara Signature Massage.

Make sure to wear some swimming clothes under the sarong as you will definitely get soaked

To stay in shape while trying lots of different Balinese dishes like Nasi Goreng and Betutu, the hotels has gym facilities and hosts daily yoga session. For someone like me, trying Yoga for the first time, I must say, it is a pretty perfect setting – It wont get any better after that, many told me..

For a deeper sense of connection, I visited stepped into a temple and joined a fire ritual session with a real balinese priest. During this ceremony which happens multiple times a week, we were sitting in a group circle, singing songs and throwing rice into a big fire to burn away the negative energy – Let’s see if it worked..

The lobby deck shows views on the Mount Agung and you can enjoy a sunset cocktail

Choice of restaurants

The culinary offerings at Anantara Ubud compliments its wellness aesthetic. The Botanic Restaurant serves organic, farm-to-table cuisine that’s as delightful to the palate as it is nourishing for the body. Highlights included a vibrant jackfruit rendang and a refreshing herbal jamu drink. For a more immersive experience, guests can ask for a private dining setup overlooking the pool and rice fields.

The Kirana Restaurant Terrace is the right spot to enjoy a peaceful breakfast and also for a western or balinese lumch menu – whatever you are in the mood for

Adventures through the jungle

Alternative to the wellness programmes, for action-lovers, the hotel offers a VW 181 Safari tour, where you and a personal driver explore the roads and ricefields of ubud with a restored vintage Volkswagen Type 181 convertible. In case you prefer walking yourself, there is a guided trek through the Campuhan Ridge Walk, showcasing Bali’s natural beauty.

The resort has 85 suites and pool villas

Find out more: www.anantara.com/en/ubud-bali