| Where Ubud is all about spirituality and culture, | | | | unearth what fashionable treasures I could. I had |
| Seminyak is known for exquisite beaches, great | | | | been invited by Paul Ropp to his workshop. Ropps |
| shopping, and fine dining. Seminyak is very popular | | | | runs one of the one world's leading fashion brands, |
| with resident expatriates, and land accommodation | | | | Wrapped in Ropp, which has its roots in Bali. Ropp |
| prices are amongst the highest in Bali. Luxury spas | | | | describes his distinctive fashions as being 'based on |
| and hotels abound, as do high-end shopping | | | | sun and fun'. His workshop is located just opposite of |
| establishments and fine-dining restaurants. | | | | Kerobokan prison, tucked away in a side street, so |
| Seminyak is a shopper's paradise. There are plenty of | | | | you have to keep your eye out for it. |
| branded boutiques, including some that I'm familiar | | | | After spending some time with Ropp and picking up |
| with from Jakarta and others that are completely | | | | a few of his gorgeous pieces, I spent some time |
| new to me. And if you ever get tired of shopping, if | | | | exploring this part of Seminyak, which was wholly |
| that's possible, you can pop into one of the | | | | unfamiliar to me, and found a chic suites hotel that |
| fine-dining restaurants managed by foreigners and | | | | very much blended in with the surroundings. |
| locals or any one of the hundreds of cool bars. | | | | Located in the fashionable Pettitinget area, a short |
| But the shopping and eating had to wait because my | | | | walk from some of Bali's best-known restaurants, |
| first order of business was to find a place to stay. | | | | bars and boutiques, is Kokonut Suites. Surrounded by |
| On my way to Double Six Beach, home to numerous | | | | a delightful Balinese backdrop of rice fields and |
| hotels located on its white sand, I stopped in front of | | | | coconut trees, Kokonut Suites offers a peaceful and |
| a hip-looking new building. It was The Heaven. | | | | modern refuge hidden away amidst the hustle and |
| As I entered the lobby (the one on Jalan Seminyak | | | | bustle of Seminyak. |
| Raya), I as stunned by just how unique this property | | | | The 33 spacious suites are designed and built in a |
| is. The Haven offers a hotel, suites and villas, and has | | | | modern tropical style. Consisting of one and |
| two lobbies. The one I entered is for walk-in guests | | | | two-bedroom suites, each suite has a living room, |
| to the hotel. | | | | kitchen, bathroom and private balcony. |
| The haven's hotel rooms surround a courtyard filled | | | | My reservation was for a one-bedroom suite but |
| with vibrant tropical plants and flowers, with the | | | | they upgraded me to a two-bedroom. It was |
| focus being an elegant ziggurat sculpture with water | | | | glorious, with a chose the bedroom n the first floor, |
| gently cascading down its face. | | | | with its terrace facing the swimming pool. The |
| When I asked of I could look around the property, I | | | | bedroom and living room had massive windows and |
| was taking to the middle area of The Haven, where | | | | sliding-glass doors, allowing plenty of sunlight. |
| the villas are located. There are seven villa residences | | | | The suites were lovely clean and well-appointed, but |
| of one and two bedrooms featuring private pools | | | | even better was the personalized and caring service |
| and split-level living. The villas also feature a concierge | | | | of the staff, including romantic dinner they prepared |
| service that is always ready to respond to guest | | | | for me by the pool. |
| requests. | | | | Kokonut Suites can also arrange a shuttle to take |
| Then I looked around the suites area. What struck | | | | guest anywhere in the Seminyak area, and |
| me was the comfortable and homey atmosphere. | | | | knowledgeable staff members are always ready to |
| The Haven boasts 60 spacious suites offering a total | | | | provide some helpful advice on what to buy and the |
| of go earthy, minimalist style suites overlook a trio | | | | newest hip spots. Kokonut Suites also has a gym, |
| for swimming pools ensconced in landscaped tropical | | | | spa and recreational activities like a kid's club to |
| gardens inspired by Bali's rich natural heritage. Every | | | | ensuer an enjoyable stay. |
| suite is also fitted with fully equipped kitchenettes, | | | | Seminyak is also known for its cafes and restaurants, |
| LCD flat-screen TVs with cable, digital audio systems, | | | | especially along Jalan Raya Seminyak and Jalan |
| broadband cable internet and oversize daybeds on | | | | Laksmana. The variety of cuisines, styles, settings |
| the balconies. | | | | and ambiance is amazing. But make sure to bring your |
| The Haven is also strategically located, being just a | | | | gold card or some extra cash if you are planning to |
| short stroll away from the dynamic hub of Seminyak, | | | | explore these world-class dining establishments, |
| with Bali's hippest nightspots, boutiques and | | | | because when the standards are this high, you can |
| restaurants. | | | | expect the prices to follow. Not to worry though, |
| Hearing the call of the shopping, I found myself out | | | | there always something for everybody in Seminyak. |
| and about in Seminyak that evening looking to | | | | |