Hello.🖐️🖐️ I’m about to travel to Bali soon. I decided to stay in the Kuta area and did a lot of research because I didn’t want to stay far away from the airport when I landed in Bali. Being a resort paradise, Bali has a huge variety of hotels and resorts to choose from, but my first choice is Alaya Dedaun Kuta, a small luxury hotel with only 12 pool villas, and even the most basic one-bedroom pool villa is really big at around 250 square meters, which makes it a great honeymoon hotel because it’s a great value for money. Let me tell you more about it.

About Alaya Dedaun Kuta

Alaya Dedaun Kuta is a branded property of Alaya Hotels & Resorts, a chain of luxury boutique hotels in Bali, Indonesia that includes Alaya Dedaun Kuta, which we’re featuring today, Alaya Resort Ubud, Alaya Private Estate, and ARNA Suites and Ocean Lounge.

First, let’s talk about the location: it’s about a 20-minute drive from Bali’s airport. Bali is a very busy place, so we often stay in Kuta on the day of arrival or the day before departure. It’s also close to the airport, so if you’re looking for a pool villa hotel near the airport, this is a great option👍 Especially if you’re honeymooning in Bali after your wedding, you’ll be less tired if you stay in an area close to the airport.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink at reception. As it is a small luxury hotel with only 12 pool villas, you can check in and out in relative privacy as there are no crowds 👍 Also, compared to larger resorts, the staff is more attentive to guests. I contacted the staff in advance and they were really nice : )

Kuta is a bustling, busy city center, but once inside the resort, it’s lushly landscaped and relaxing in a very Balinese way👍 There’s no communal pool as you’d expect at a typical resort, but that’s not a problem as all of the rooms are pool villas and each villa has a large outdoor area with tropical gardens and a private pool.

You can find more information and make reservations on Alaya’s official website, and there are some packages that include massage services for stays of 4 nights or more, so it’s worth checking out before booking.

Alaya Dedaun Kuta Rooms

Alaya Dedaun Kuta has a total of 12 luxury pool villas in 4 different types. There are one-bedroom pool villas that are perfect for couples or small families, and two- and three-bedroom villas that are perfect for families or groups, but due to the limited number of rooms, it can be difficult to book late.

​Room type and size

  • ​ONE BEDROOM POOL VILLA: 250㎡
  • ONE BEDROOM DELUXE POOL VILLA: 300㎡
  • TWO BEDROOM DELUXE POOL VILLA: 450㎡
  • THREE BEDROOM DELUXE POOL VILLA: 600㎡

​Common room amenities and services

  • ​Alaya signature amenities ‘PAGI’
  • air-conditioning and IDD telephone
  • Cable TV with Balinese and international channels
  • Surround sound home entertainment system
  • Espresso coffee machine and tea (TEA)
  • Minibar, safe, slippers and kimono provided
  • Turn-down service and laundry/dry cleaning service
  • Dedicated butler service
  • Iron and crib upon request

One Bedroom Pool Villa 🌺

The One-Bedroom Pool Villa is perfect for couples or small groups of travelers looking for a special getaway. It’s a luxurious space designed with personal relaxation and tropical indulgence at the forefront. It’s generously sized at 250 square meters and features a warm, cozy Balinese charm with artisanal and stylish interiors👍 The spacious bedroom has a luxurious canopy bed and a private bathroom with separate shower and bathtub for maximum comfort.

The outdoor space is also really nice, with tropical gardens that blend in with nature, and a full-size private pool for relaxing and taking a dip. Next to the pool, there’s an outdoor leisure area, perfect for soaking up the sun or reading a book. The open-style kitchen is perfect for preparing simple meals, private BBQs, and romantic dinners to make your stay even more comfortable👍.

It’s important to note that you can book these pool villas for around 200,000 KRW per night in low season, so the price is quite good. At 250 square meters, they’re much larger than a top-tier suite in a typical hotel, and since they come with a variety of services, including personal butler service and complimentary afternoon tea, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck👍👍.

One Bedroom Deluxe Pool Villa 🌺

The One-Bedroom Deluxe Pool Villa is much larger than the One-Bedroom, at 300 square meters, and is designed with a more luxurious modern interior and more private space. If romance and privacy are a priority for you, especially for couples or honeymooners, the One-Bedroom Deluxe Pool Villa offers a romantic ambiance and additional spaces like an outdoor bathtub.

Two Bedroom Deluxe Pool Villa 🌺

The 2-Bedroom Deluxe Pool Villa offers a staggering size of 450 square meters for starters. The good thing is that each bedroom is designed as an independent space, ensuring privacy, so when two teams come together, the shared living room with its warm and stylish interior is great for family and friends to gather and chat or relax, while the bedrooms each have their own space, so you can hang out together but still have your own space to relax👍.

Three Bedroom Deluxe Pool Villa 🌺

The 3-bedroom Deluxe Pool Villa offers 600 square meters of space, which is a lot of space compared to the 2-bedroom. It is especially recommended for family travelers because it is a safe and private space where you can spend relaxing time with your children, and it is also perfect for gatherings with friends because you can enjoy the independence of each bedroom while still being able to enjoy each other in the living room. It is also a good room for long-term guests as it is fully equipped with kitchen and living amenities, making your stay convenient👍.

DaLa Spa

Alaya Dedaun Kuta and Alaya Resort Ubud are each home to DaLa Spa. DaLa Spa means “Leaf” in ancient Sanskrit, and is said to symbolize the cycle of nature and human vitality. It is Asia’s premier boutique hotel spa, offering a premium wellness experience with a modern twist on traditional Indonesian healing and beauty rituals. Sounds pretty luxurious and good, right? We definitely recommend booking the spa together, especially if it’s your honeymoon👍👍👍.

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What makes DaLa Spa special

  1. Spa Philosophy Embracing Nature
    • All treatments at DaLa Spa use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that most components are safe and pure enough to eat.
    • “If You Can Eat It, You Can Apply It to Your Skin”: Following this philosophy, DaLa Spa incorporates natural ingredients such as green tea, avocado, herbs, and fruits into its treatments.
  2. Modern Interpretation of Ancient Indonesian Tradition
    • DaLa Spa offers treatments inspired by traditional Balinese healing methods (Balinese Boreh) and the royal bridal beauty rituals of Java.
    • Comprehensive care programs are available, including massages, scrubs, facials, and bathing rituals for a full-body rejuvenation experience.
  3. Custom Designs to Awaken the Senses
    • Each spa room is named after a different exotic flower, featuring diverse interior themes and colors that stimulate the senses.
    • Soft lighting and aromatic oils create a soothing and healing atmosphere, enhancing relaxation.
  4. Exclusive Services for Couples and Honeymooners
    • Specially designed romantic couple treatments for honeymooners and those celebrating special occasions.
    • Personalized services include a Private Milk & Flower Bath and Romantic Candlelight Setting to create unforgettable moments.
  5. Elegant Design and Premium Facilities
    • DaLa Spa features a refined interior that blends elegant vintage styles with a modern twist.
    • Private spa rooms ensure a high level of privacy, offering personalized services tailored to each guest’s needs.
If you are looking for a spa in the Kuta area, even if you are not staying at the hotel, we recommend you to visit LaDa Spa. For detailed spa menu and programs, please refer to the spa menu on the hotel’s website : )

[Find more hotel reviews on Agoda]

Alaya Dedaun Kuta Activities

At Alaya Dedaun Kuta, we offer unique activities that allow you to immerse yourself in Kuta’s vibrant surf culture, beautiful sunset beaches, and diverse shopping options. From private experiences within the property to programs that immerse guests in the local culture, there’s something for everyone.
  • In Villa BBQ Dinner
    • We offer a relaxing barbecue dining experience in the privacy of your own villa.
    • Premium meats and fresh seafood will be cooked to order by our chef.
    • The perfect choice for a social evening with family and friends.
  • Cooking Class
    • Learn the secrets of authentic Indonesian cuisine through an interactive cooking class with a local chef.
    • You’ll get to try your hand at cooking a variety of exotic flavors, giving you the opportunity to show off your culinary skills back home.
    • All ingredients and cooking utensils are provided by the hotel, and you’ll leave with a simple recipe and a souvenir.
  • A Thousand Flowers Romantic Dinner
    • This is a special program where you can enjoy a romantic dinner in your private villa.
    • The pool is decorated with thousands of flower petals and the garden is surrounded by flickering candles, creating an unforgettable romantic atmosphere.
    • A four-course meal is served with a glass of red wine, while soft music fills the night air.
    • Recommended for honeymooners or couples celebrating an anniversary.
  • Explore Kuta (Experience Kuta)
    • Kuta is a neighborhood that boasts a vibrant surf culture, long beaches to watch the sunset, and a variety of shopping streets.
    • The hotel’s expert team can act as local guides, recommending itineraries tailored to your interests and helping you book activities.
    • Activities include surfing lessons, tours of local markets, watching traditional art performances, and more.

For those who wish to experience these activities, please submit a reservation form in advance on the official website or contact us via email at experience.dedaun@alayahotels.com.

Overall

Alaya Dedaun Kuta is a unique small luxury resort that offers a private and luxurious retreat in the vibrant atmosphere of Kuta, Bali👍 Spacious and stylish villa-style rooms with private pools, an eco-friendly wellness program at DaLa Spa to pamper your body and mind, and a variety of activities such as private BBQ dinners, romantic flower dinners and Indonesian cooking classes. This resort is great for families, couples, and honeymooners alike, and is recommended for those looking for a luxury resort in the Kuta area close to Bali Airport💛

Hello.🖐️🖐️Today we’re excited to announce the long-awaited IHG One Rewards points purchase promotion. This is a great opportunity to earn up to 100% more when you buy points through February 28, 2025, so if you love IHG hotels, we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to build up your points and plan a more rewarding trip.

IHG Points Purchase Promotion

✔️ Promotional Schedule

  • Start Date: February 20, 2025 at 12:00 a.m. EST
  • Ends: February 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST

💰 Point Purchase Offers and Conditions

  • Bonus points
    • When you purchase at least 40,000 points ata time , you’ll receivea 100% bonus on your purchase.
  • Point purchase limits
    • The annual points purchase limit is 200,000 points.
    • Your ability to make additional purchases during a promotion is determined by subtracting your previous purchases from your annual purchase limit.
    • Example: If you’ve already purchased 50,000 points in 2025, you can purchaseup to 150,000additionalpointsin this promotion .
  • Gifting and receiving limits
    • The number of points you can gift or receive as a gift from another member is limitedto 200,000 points per year.
    • This limit applies including previous gifts.

🌈 Buy IHG points

📍 Promotion notes

  • Points Reflection Time: Purchased points and bonus points may take up to 72 hours to reflect in your account.
  • Non-refundable: Purchased points are non-refundable and are subject to IHG One Rewards’ point redemption rules.
  • Elite Status Exclusion: Purchased points and bonus points do not count towards elite status in IHG One Rewards.
  • Exclusive Offer: This promotion is available to eligible members only and is non-transferable and non-shareable.
  • Taxes and currency exchange rates: Prices are inclusive of all fees, but applicable taxes and currency exchange rates may apply separately.

In my experience, I’ve generally seen points credited to my account immediately upon purchase, but in some cases it can take up to 72 hours, so keep that in mind before purchasing : )

⭐ Why buy points?

  • Manage your travel funds: Storing points gives you the flexibility to use them when you need them.
  • Realize your dream trip: Points can help you get to your favorite travel destinations faster.
  • Prevent points from lapsing: Purchased points keep your account active so you don’t lose valuable points.

With the 100% bonus from this promotion, the average purchase price of points is about 0.5 US cents per point, which is avery attractive price. Converting this to the exchange rate, it’s about 6.5-7 US cents, and if you use a credit card with international payment benefits, you can save even more money👍👍.

📍 What to look out for when buying

  • Be sure to check exchange rates and minimum purchase units.
  • You may incur international payment fees, so it’s a good idea to choose your credit card carefully.

🌈 Buy IHG points

Overrall

This IHG Points Buyback promotion isa great opportunity for frequent IHG hotel guests or those preparing for an upcoming trip, as you can earn up to 100% more points👍 Be sure tolog intoyour IHGaccount at before the promotion endsto see the bonus offer and purchase as many points as you need. IHG points can make traveling more affordable and flexible, so don’t miss out on this opportunity💛.

Hello.🖐️🖐️ Today, I’m sharing with you my favorite restaurant at the Novotel Resort in Phu Quoc, LOUNGE BAR. It offers a wide variety of food and drinks, including a welcome drink as part of your Accor Gold membership, and we loved the more casual and relaxed atmosphere than the other restaurants. Given the low cost of living in Vietnam, we also got a 50% discount for 2 people if you’re an AccorPlus member, so it was a great value for money 👍 If you’re visiting Phu Quoc Novotel Resort, take note : )

Phu Quoc Novotel Resort Lounge Bar Restaurant

The first hotel I stayed at in Phu Quoc was the Phu Quoc Novotel Resort. I went during the rainy season in June, so I had heard that Phu Quoc was hot, but it was really hot. I’m sure it would be much less so in the dry season, but the humidity was so high that I was constantly looking for something to drink.

The lounge bar is located in the same area as the lobby where the check-in desk is located, and because the lobby is so open, the lounge bar is also hot, but if you stay in the shade, it’s okay 😊 I got used to it again quickly.

The Lounge Bar has a more casual and relaxed atmosphere compared to a traditional restaurant. The menu includes cocktails, alcoholic beverages, tropical fruit drinks, snacks, and a variety of dishes, and is open from 6:30am to midnight (last order at 11:30pm). They stay open pretty late, which is a plus👍.

The lounge bar is located next to the resort’s pool, so you can feel free to stop by for a drink or a bite to eat after playing in the pool. The lush views and relaxing atmosphere of the resort during the day and at night are soothing : )

Welcome drink at Phu Quoc Novotel Resort

I’m an Accor Gold member, so I was able to get a welcome drink ticket for two when I checked in. The welcome drink is available at the lounge bar here, and there’s a huge selection of soft drinks, juices, coffee, TEA, cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine. We ordered a mojito and coffee, and they gave us some snacks to go with our drinks. The coffee tasted really strong as it is typical of Southeast Asian coffee, and the mojito was refreshing, so it was delicious and it was fun to relax and have a good time.

[Read more Phu Quoc Novotel reviews on Trip.com]

Novotel Restaurant Lounge Bar Food & Drink

I had to clean my room and do some quick work, so I stopped by the lounge bar again. I ordered a cold watermelon juice and a mocktail (non-alcoholic cocktail), and the visuals are so pretty, right? 👍👍 I think I tried all kinds of mocktails during my stay at Novotel. It was raining in Skolseong that day, but it was so cool to see the scenery pouring down : )

The weather cleared up like it always does. I was feeling a little peckish, so I ordered a Hawaiian pizza, which was mediocre.

The sun was already setting and we went to Sonasi Night Market in front of the hotel for dinner. I bought a mango and a mangosteen, but I didn’t really want to eat anything else, so I stopped by the hotel lounge again for a quick beer.

It was hot, so I ordered a draft beer to cool off and a nice mocktail (non-alcoholic cocktail). The prices were reasonable, so it was nice to be able to drink evenly without feeling guilty.

We ordered french fries, seafood fried rice, and tomato spaghetti to go with our alcoholic drinks. The french fries didn’t have any special flavor, but the spaghetti tasted good because it didn’t smell like spices and was plain. I think everyone will like it regardless of whether they like it or not👍 The seafood fried rice has a lot of seafood in it and the texture is chewy, so you should definitely try this menu : )

Overall review

Today we introduced you to the Lounge Bar restaurant at the Novotel Resort in Phu Quoc. It’s a must-visit if you’re staying at a Novotel resort, and you can use your welcome drink coupon here. It’s a place where you can enjoy a variety of food, coffee, and alcoholic beverages, and the prices are reasonable, so it’s easy to visit, and if you have AccorPlus, you can get 50% off for 2 people, so I was quite satisfied. The atmosphere is nice, and the mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails) are especially beautiful and delicious, so I recommend trying each type 😊.

 

[Accor Plus Membership: Exclusive Discounts, Free Stays, and More]

Accor Plus Membership: Exclusive Discounts, Free Stays, and More

Hello🖐️🖐️ Today I’m sharing my review of my 4-night stay at the Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan, which was the first hotel I stayed at on my trip to New York City. I booked this hotel because it has a very good rating on Google Maps, and after my stay, I can see why it has a good rating. First of all, the staff was very friendly and the facilities were clean and well-maintained. If you are planning to visit, I will introduce more details for your reference.

About Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan Hotel

I traveled to Manhattan by subway from JFK Airport and walked to the hotel. First of all, the location is a bit remote, as it is located on an alleyway rather than a main street, but since most hotels are located on these small streets rather than on the main boulevard, I don’t think it’s a disadvantage of this hotel, and I didn’t have any problems.

​I booked on IHG’s official website and got the most basic room, a Standard Room, for a total of 104,000 points for 4 nights, or about $180,000 per night. Normally, this hotel is quite expensive, but I was able to book it at a relatively low price because it was the end of February and off-season. I was also able to get an upgrade to a 1 Kng One Bdrm Ste Mbl Accss Rll-in Shwr room with Diamond Ambassador benefits because I told them I was using CSU👍

I had emailed the hotel in advance with a few questions about using CSU, and unlike other NYC hotels, I received a very friendly and quick response👍👍 And when I actually visited, the staff was very friendly and welcoming when I came and went, which I think is one of the reasons why this hotel has such great reviews.

​

The lobby itself and the check-in desk are small, but I was impressed by the openness of the lobby and part of the dining room on the first floor, which has an open ceiling. The lights look great at night and the atmosphere is very nice👍

Check-in went smoothly and without a hitch, and I was able to get my keys quickly. Most hotels in New York have a small selection of drinks and snacks in the lobby so you don’t have to go out and buy them. I think this is because it can be dangerous to wander around at night.

The lobby is small, but if you look closely, you’ll see that there are spaces like business corners and lounges that are free to use. If you need to take a break or get some work done with your team, these spaces are a great place to do so. There’s also a fitness center and meeting rooms in the hotel, although I didn’t get a chance to photograph them.

The elevator is very different from what I’m used to in Asia, first of all, it’s incredibly fast. New York is mostly high-rise, so I guess it’s a necessity to move quickly to keep people from waiting. If you read reviews of other hotels, you’ll see a lot of people complaining about the elevator, but it’s nice to be able to use it quickly and without waiting👍

[Book a hotel on IHG’s official page]

Introducing the Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan Hotel Suites

I was a bit surprised by the narrowness of the hotel’s hallways, which are visible as soon as you get off the elevator, but I guess that’s because land is expensive in New York, so they use as much of it as possible as guest rooms.

After exchanging emails with the hotel, I was informed that they only have a total of four suites available. I was assigned to one of them, THE MANHATTAN SUITE, on the 27th floor, the highest floor.

​

As a suite, it was a fairly large room with a good separation between the bedroom and living room. The first thing that impressed me was the indoor bicycle that I saw as soon as I entered the room, and it seems that there are many people who are interested in exercising.

​

The entire room was well maintained and kept neat and clean with nothing to point out👍 Spacious~~ The living room had a large table and sofa for relaxing, and there was a desk next to it, which was useful for getting work done.

​

Our room was on the 27th floor, the top floor of the hotel, so we had an unobstructed view of the city, which wasn’t particularly impressive as 27th floor isn’t very high in New York. However, both the living room and bedroom had large windows, so it felt very open and let in lots of sun 😊.

​​

I’ve heard that many rooms in New York don’t have refrigerators, but it was unusual to have a small refrigerator in the closet and a Keurig capsule coffee machine on the desk. I personally didn’t like the lack of slippers in the room, but most hotels in New York don’t provide slippers, so you might want to bring your own.

​The hotel has a restaurant on the first floor called Burger Lodge Midtown. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert from 7am to 10pm. With my IHG Diamond status, I was able to get a breakfast coupon for 4 nights at check-in : )

The room was spacious but cozy with indirect lighting that made me feel at home and relaxed enough to make me feel at home👍.

As the suite is large, there are two bathrooms, one in the living room and one in the bedroom. Overall, it’s clean and well-maintained, and the Grohe products add a touch of luxury.

The bedroom has one large double bed and a TV, just like the living room.

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You’d be hard-pressed to find a bathroom with a bathtub in a New York hotel, but since we were in a suite, there was a bathtub – a nice way to end a day of exploring.

In New York hotels, you should always leave a tip to ensure that your room is cleaned properly. I was told to leave 2-3 USD for a standard room and 5 USD for a suite, so I left 5 USD every day. The rooms were cleaned well and I got a reply that the tip was appreciated. The housekeepers were very nice too.

​

Breakfast is not a buffet, but an a la carte system where you can order one food and one drink. During my 4-day stay, I tried a variety of breakfast options, which I’ll share with you in my next post. (By the way, it’s delicious 😊)

[Book a hotel on IHG’s official page]

Overall review

Today, I’ve detailed my suite at the Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan hotel, which I highly recommend as a New York hotel. I had high expectations when I saw the hotel on Google Maps and IHG’s official page, but when I actually visited the hotel, I was pleasantly surprised by its location, friendly staff, clean and luxurious rooms, and comfortable stay for 4 nights👍 I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a place to stay in New York, and I hope you find my review helpful.

[2025 Hilton Status Match Promotion｜Gold Diamond Benefits]

2025 Hilton Status Match Promotion｜Gold Diamond Benefits

Hello 🖐️🖐️2025 The Hilton Status Match Fast Track Promotion has launched and we are excited to introduce you . Through this promotion, you can quickly and easily earn Hilton Gold or Diamond tier, and if you complete 8 nights for Gold and 14 nights for Diamond within 90 days of applying, you will maintain the appropriate tier through March 2027. If you are a frequent Hilton hotel guest or plan to stay there in the future, this is a good opportunity to enjoy avariety ofbenefitssuch as free breakfast, lounge access, room upgrades, and more, so if you like Hilton, watch this with interest:)

2025 Hilton Status Match Promotion

If you are a frequent Hilton hotel guest or have upcoming travel plans, you can take advantage of Hilton’s Status Match fast track promotion. This is a great opportunity toearn Hilton Gold or Diamond tier status in a short period of time andreceive avariety ofbenefitssuch as free breakfast, lounge access, room upgrades, andmore👍.

What is Hilton Status Match?

Hilton Status Match is a program that allows guests with an elite tier of other hotel memberships to quickly advance to Hilton Gold or Diamond tier. After applying, you will be given a 90-day trial period during which you can maintain your status through March 31, 2027 if you meet certain stay requirements.

Benefits of Hilton Status Match Fast Track for 2025

  • Earn Gold Tier: Stay 8 nights or more within 90 days
  • EarnDiamond Tier: Stay 14 nights or more within 90 days
  • Maintain benefits : Until March 31, 2027

[Apply for Hilton Status Match]

Hilton Gold & Diamond Benefits

Once you achieve Gold or Diamond tier with Hilton Status Match, you will receive the following benefits

🌈 Gold Membership Benefits

  • Upgrade your room (subject to availability)
  • Earn bonus points for every stay (80% of base points)
  • Free breakfast (optional)
  • Stay 5 consecutive nights with points and get the 5th night free.

💎 Diamond membership benefits (Gold benefits + additional)

  • Access to Club Lounge (at hotels with Executive Lounge management)
  • Room upgrade (depending on availability, can include suites)
  • Earn bonus points (100% of base points)

How to Apply for Hilton Status Match

1. register as a Hilton Honors member

  • To apply for Status Match, you must be registered as a Hilton Honors Member.

2. Please submit your current membership information for other hotels.

  • You must hold a Gold, Platinum, or Diamond membership in another hotel program.
  • After selecting from the list of supported hotel programs, please upload a screenshot showing your current rank.

3. Submit proof of other hotel stays within the last 24 months.

  • You must upload a receipt or reservation history that proves your most recent stay at the applicable hotel.
  • Approval will be completed within 7-12 days after submission.

4. Complete your stay within 90 days after approval.

  • If you complete 8 nights for Gold and 14 nights for Diamond within 90 days of approval, you will maintain your tier until March 31, 2027.

SM eligiblehotel membershipsare represented by Marriott, IHG, Hyatt, Best Western, andChoice Hotels. The Accor family is left out of the representative hotel chains, so you can try applying with Other; only JPGs or PNGs are allowed, and personal information (phone numbers, addresses, card information, etc.) must be submitted in a hidden format.

For more information, please see the FAQ page on the promotions page.

Promotion Summary

We introduced Status Match Fast Track, one of thetypical promotions that take place almost every year at Hilton hotels. It is an opportunity to earn elite tier status for much less money and nights than you would typically have to meet the regular stay requirements 👍👍 Those of you whotravel a lot should actively considerStatusMatch. Please review the terms and benefits carefully and try to effectively earn Hilton Gold or Diamond tier through the Fast Track promotion : )

[Hilton Asia-Pacific Sale: Up to 20% Off on Stays｜Book by March 16, 2025]

Hello.🖐️🖐️If you’re planning a honeymoon to Bali, you’re probably wondering which resort to choose, as it’s a resort paradise with thousands of small and large resorts. When you think of Bali, you probably think of the rainforest in Ubud, and today I ‘m going to introduceyou to Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens, where you canenjoy the rainforest in allitsglory. With only 34 rooms in total, all of which are suites and villas, it’s a luxurious and private place to truly rest and relax.

About Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens

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Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens is about 15 kilometers from Ubud city and about a 30-minute drive, so you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the real Ubud rainforest, away from the city 👍 There’s a shuttle to the city about twice a day, so it’s not too much of a hassle, and I’d recommend this resort for honeymooners who are exhausted after their wedding or anyone who just needs to relax.

The view from each room is amazing, but the view from the main pool is truly magnificent👍👍 You can take some great photos and memories with such a stunning backdrop. You also have freeaccess to the restaurants and pool at Hanging Gardens Bali, whichis right next door , and there is a shuttle service, so you can enjoy two resorts at once.

It looks quite luxurious, doesn’t it? It was completely renovated in 2019 and is well maintained, so you’ll feel clean and sophisticated👍 Hanging Gardens isvery popular among Koreans as a luxury honeymoon resort, so you know you’re in good hands. I’m already booked to visit in March, so I’m looking forward to it : )

Nandiniis said to have a special feel right from the entrance and reception when you enter the resort, with attentive and friendly hospitality and customer service that is relatively hard to find at larger resorts. Most of the staff also speak good English, so communication shouldn’t be a problem 😊.

From the resort, you can take a staircase down to the Ayung River, where you can enjoy a variety ofactivities from picnics to yoga classes to a spa.The spa and yoga classes are very relaxing and unique, as you’re in the middle of the jungle, listening to the water and birdsong. You can also experience a traditional Balinese Purification Ceremonyat Ayung River , which is a deeply spiritual and cultural experience.

Nandini Jungle Suite & Villa Rooms

The resort only has a total of 18 private villas and 16 suites,so you ‘ll feel quite luxurious and private .We recommendthe villasfor a private retreat and the suitesfor a more spacious and luxurious experience .All rooms are furnished with the utmost comfort in the heart of the Ubud forest👍👍👍.

Suitesare at least 100 square meters, so they offer more space and services than the top suites in a typical hotel.

  • Panoramic Jacuzzi Corner Suites : 120 m2
  • Garden View Royal Suites : 214 m2
  • Jungle View Royal Suites : 100 m2
  • Presidential Suites : 500 m2

Villarooms are inspired by traditional Balinese architecture and offer a private and romantic setting for your stay. They are characterized by their spectacular jungle views, and while all rooms are the same size at 48 square meters, they are categorized by the view.

  • Sunrise View Villas : 48 m2
  • Panoramic View Villas : 48 m2
  • Jungle View Villas : 48 m2

Nandini Jungle Restaurant

The Wild Ginger restaurant is located within the resort . The restaurant serves a variety of Indonesian, Indian, and western food, and if you look at the reviews on Google Maps, you’ll see that it gets pretty good reviews because the food is delicious and the staff is friendly.

🍽️ Western and Indonesian

Opening times:

  • Breakfast: 07:00 am to 10:30 am
  • Lunch: 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm
  • Dinner: 06:30 pm to 10:30 pm

The menu isdivided into all-day and premium options. The menu ranges from Indonesian food to pizza, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and more. The signature dish, “Nasi Jinggo One Hundred Dollars,” is a standout. It’s popular for a light snack or quick meal and is said to be available for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

For honeymoons and special occasions, you can also book in advance to enjoy a private Candle Light dinner by the Ayung River, the chapel, the pool, or in your room👍 I’ ve bookeda candlelight dinnerat the chapel , and I’m looking forward to such a romantic meal in the jungle: )

In addition to the restaurant, there is also a lounge & bar. Here you can relax and enjoy cocktails, wine and cold drinks with lush jungle views in the background.

The Lounge & Bar alsoservesafternoon tea every day from 3-5pm. Enjoying drinks and refreshments with jungle views is a unique experience.

Nandini Jungle Resort Spa

The Sungai Spaat Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens is something quite special. Taking place in an open-air pavilion overlooking the gently flowing Ayung River deep in the tropical jungle, traditional Balinese healing rituals are performed in the serenity of nature for an unparalleled experience of relaxation and rejuvenation. Highly trained therapists provide the highest level of service and care, and a wide range of spa programs are available, utilizing local herbs and aromatic oils.

In addition to the regular spa programs, there are various programs such as wine spa, river spur by the Ayung River, jacuzzi spa, etc. The winespa is said to be a special spa that utilizes the powerful antioxidants of red wine and green tea to improve skin elasticity and reduce inflammation, so I will give it a try and report back: )

[See more reviews on Agoda]

The Wellis Experience

Nandini Jungle also offers arange of wellness experiences, includinga 97-square-meter space (Djiwa Shala) designed for meditation and healing in the middle of lush rice fields. Here, birdsong and the gentle whispers of the breeze accompany you as you take a tranquil break from your daily routine. There are also yoga programs, so if you like yoga or want to try it out, it’s worth signing up in advance.

Other activities include the aforementioned Balinese Purification Ceremony in the Ayung River, and biking or walking programs around the village. If you are interested in participating in these programs, please contact the hotel in advance.

Overall Review

Today I introduced you toNandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens,my Ubud, Bali honeymoon recommendation . It’s a place where you can truly relax and recharge in Bali, andwith only 34 suites andvillas, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views, delicious food, and a unique spa to pamper your body and soul in a tranquil setting👍 I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic jungle resort in Ubud : ) I’ll be visiting soon and will be back with a full review when I get there, so stay tuned 😊.

Hello.🖐️🖐️ Here are some of the best bagel shops and cafes in New York City that I ate on my first day in the city. There are many famous foods that come to mind when you think of New York, but bagels are one of them. Recently, various bagel restaurants such as London Bagel have been popping up in Korea, but there are three long-established and popular bagel shops in New York, so today I will introduce Best Bagel & Coffee and Arvaci Coffee.

Where to Get a Bagel in New York: A Guide to the Best Bagels

Onour first day in New York, we were wondering what to eat, but since we were tired from the long flight and jet lag, we decided to simply pack a bagel sandwich and eat it in the comfort of our hotel. Best Bagel & Coffee is about a 5 minute walk from our hotel, Crowne Plaza HY36. Best Bagel & Coffee currently has a 4.6 star rating based on 5,888 reviews on Google Maps, so it’s a well-reviewed and popular place : )

When you enter the store, there is a place to order first and to the right are tables to sit and eat. I was going to take it to go anyway, but since it’s a popular place, it was full and there was nowhere to sit.

First of all, you need to order, and since it was our first visit, we weren’t sure what to order, so we looked up Google Maps and Korean reviews and chose our favorites. You can customize everything from bagels to cream cheese to toppings, or you can choose from a variety of options and add or change toppings as shown in the image above.

There are almost 10 types of bagels, but I was curious about ordering the colorful rainbow bagel , so I chose the most popular Everyday Bagel👍 There are so many types of cream cheese, so you can choose according to your taste. They also sell coffee and various drinks, so you can buy them at the checkout if you need them .

I got the smoked salmon bagel as a base + avocado for 19.62 SD, which was a realization of the very expensive NYC prices from day one : )

After paying and calling the number on the receipt, you can pick up your sandwich at the pickup station. The food comes out quickly and you can watch them make the sandwiches while you wait : ) The music in the store is also upbeat.

Voila, our smoked salmon bagel sandwich. There’s a lot of salmon in there, right? 👍👍 The bagel is heavy and quite large, so we split it between 2 adults. It depends on how much each person eats and what you order, but I think one bagel is usually enough for about 1.5 adults, so if you’re having a light lunch, you could probably split it and eat it with a cup of coffee and still be full 🙂 .

I really liked the combination of smoked salmon, cream cheese, onion, and soft avocado on the savory Everyday Bagel with various seasonings. It was a little salty, but the balance of ingredients was good and the salmon was fresh👍👍 Nowadays, there are many delicious bagel sandwich shops in Korea, so I wasn’t as impressed as I thought I would be, but it’s worth trying at least once at a New York bagel restaurant.

New York cafe Arvaci coffee

I found this cafe while searching Google Maps to see if there was a cafe near my Crowne Plaza HY36 accommodation because I wanted a good cup of coffee with my bagel. Arvaci coffee seems to have about 3 locations in New York, but the one I visited has 596 reviews and a high rating of 4.7 on Google Maps. The reviews don’t have any Asian reviews at all, so I guess it’s mainly visited by locals👍.

The inside of theArvaci coffee cafe was smaller and more compact than I expected, but it seems that they mainly do takeout. Recently, there are a lot of places in Korea that charge around 6,500 ~ 7,000 won for a large cafe latte, but this price in New York doesn’t seem too expensive: )

Iced Latte large $5.10 ☕

In addition to coffee, they also sell beans and cups, and have a small selection of baked goods and other drinks. In New York, I often saw “La Fermier yogurt” in ceramic bottles in hotels and cafes, and the bottles were beautiful, and the flavors were rich and delicious👍 It is said to be a premium French yogurt, so if you see it, try it : )

The latte was delicious with a nice coffee flavor and savory taste👍 It’s not just a Korean favorite latte flavor, so it’s not getting good reviews for nothing lol If you want a savory and delicious latte like in Korea, I think it would be good to try taking it out from this cafe. It also goes well with bagels : )

Overall Rating Best Bagels in NYC

Today I sharedwith you the best bagel I had on the first day of my trip to New York and the best coffee in New York, Arvaci coffee. I arrived in New York after a long flight and wanted to have a quick meal, so I went to a bagel place and it was an excellent choice👍 The coffee was also good : ) I recommend you to try it together. There are many other bagel places in New York, including the big three, so try them all and find your favorite💛

 

[ANA First Class Review: NH110 Tokyo Haneda to New York]

ANA First Class Review: NH110 Tokyo Haneda to New York

Hello.🖐️🖐️Today I ‘m going to share my experience on Korean Air flight KR704 from Tokyo Narita Airport to Incheon Airport . This flight was operated by an A330-300 when I boarded , and I used 30,000 Delta miles to book a Prestige (Business) ticket for two adults. The A330-300 operates both Prestige Suites and sleepers, and unfortunately I was in a sleeper. Here’s a closer look at the seat and the meal.

Narita Airport check-in and duty free

On the last day of my long trip, I stayed at a hotel near the airportcalled ANA Crowne Plaza Narita, which is part of the IHG family .The hotel has a free shuttle bus to the airport, so it’s easy to get to the airport and you can see airplanes taking off and landing from your room👍 more on that in a separate post.

Since I was flying Korean Air’s Prestige (Business) class, I was able to check in at a dedicated counter. For the A330-300, there aren’t many prestige seats compared to other GuangDong planes. I booked it for 15,000 Delta miles per person and used my old Hana Card Crossmiles. At 15 won per mile, it’s 225,000 won + taxes each way, so it’s a bit more favorable than paid ticketing👍👍👍.

After traveling for over a month, even my cute carrier name tag got dirty. By this time, I wanted to go home quickly and take it easy. I guess stamina is important for traveling : )

I took a look around the duty-free shop, and there were a lot of Hibiki whiskeys that were hard to find. Of course, it was Master’s Select, but it was also hard to find, so I bought two bottles with a limit of one bottle per person👍 I have traveled to Japan many times since then, but I never saw Hibiki. When I went to New York, I saw lower-grade Hibiki, but it was much more expensive. If you find a hard to get whiskey, don’t hesitate to snap it up!!!

Before boarding, we relaxed in the lounge for a bit and then it was time to board, so we headed to the gate and boarded the plane.

Korean Air A330-300 Prestige Sleeper seats

Prestige Sleeperis the most common business class seat on Korean Air. The better seats are the Prestige Suite 1.0 and 2.0, and while the sleeper seats are fine for shorter sectors like Tokyo, for medium to long hauls of 5+ hours, I personally prefer the suite over the sleeper : )

Beforetakeoff , Iwas given awelcomedrink and a kettle, and the flight attendant talked me through the meal menu in advance, telling me that if there were any options for a short-haul flight, I should choose them in advance.

The A330-300is a very common aircraft on Korean Air, and it’s usually 2-4-2 in economy, so it’s a good arrangement for couples and families to sit down, so I personally prefer it👍 In the case of Prestige, you can use 3 windows, so it provides plenty of space.

I think it’s because it’s a prestige sleeper that has been around for a long time, so it has an overall old and worn look. However, it was a short flight, and it was well maintained, so there was no problem because there was no part that did not work.

After taking off safely, I was looking out the window and I could see Mt. Fuji. It was so cool to see Mt. Fuji covered in snow from the plane, so I admired it for a long time👍👍 At that time, I thought, “I want to go see Mt. Fuji in person!” Recently, I rented a car and traveled around Mt. Fuji. Please look forward to my Nagoya trip: )

[Find the cheapest flights on Expedia].

Business meals on Korean Air’s Tokyo route

Since this is a short flight, the meal is served in one sitting rather than in courses. I chosesteak and bibimbap as mymeal options, andfor the steak, you canchoose an additional bread. The bread is served generously so you can share it with your traveling companions. Personally, I prefer the steak, and while it doesn’t taste the same as the jigwha on the ground, it’s still quite tender and juicy, so I think it’s one of the most bland and delicious in-flight meals.

The bibimbap is always delicious! It was my first Korean meal in a long time after a long trip, so it was even more delicious👍👍 I enjoyed it with the hot soup. The fruit sugars were also good, so I was able to finish it off with a delicious dessert.

Finalizing the boarding of Korean Air flight KE704

After I finished eating, I took a look at the duty-free brochure and tried to lie down. Flight KE704 is about 2 hours long, so I didn’t have much time to lie down, but it was nice to relax for a while.

Soon we landed and I quickly found my luggage and got out. It was nice to be in business class for the short leg, but it was still comfortable. 편하네요👍🏻 I think it was even better because I booked it for a little cheaper than a paid ticket using miles.

[Find the cheapest flights on Expedia]

Overall rating Korean Air KE704

Today I’ve shared my reviewof Korean Air flight KE704from Tokyo Narita to Incheon in the Prestige (Business) sleeper cabin on an A330-300. The sleeper seats are not quite as good as the suites, but it was a short flight, and the flight attendants were friendly and the food was delicious, so it was a comfortable and enjoyable flight home. I hope you find my review helpful if you’re considering flying the A330-300 Prestige Sleeper : )

[Korean Air KE487 A330-300 Business Class Review: Incheon to Phu Quoc]

大韓航空 KE487 A330-300 ビジネスクラスレビュー：仁川-フーコック

Hello🖐️🖐️Today I’d like to introduce youto the Ibis Styles Nagoya Hotel, where I stayed for the first night on my last trip to Nagoya .The hotel is operated by Accor, a global hotel group, and I ‘ddescribe itas a bit more sophisticated and hip than the usual Ibis brand. I chose it because of its location, within walking distance of Nagoya Station, and I’ll give you a detailed review of the hotel’s atmosphere and my stay in a standard twin room.

About ibis Styles Nagoya Hotel

Nagoya Airport is accessible from Nagoya Station by Meitetsu train. There are a number of different types of trains, ranging from slow, limited express, and mu sky, but we purchased the ticket below and took the semi-express train, which took about 40 minutes to arrive at Nagoya Station. It would be nice to take the fastest train on time, but it’s hard to predict the time until you arrive at the airport, go through immigration, and board the train.

⭐ Buy tickets to Meitetsu Airport ⭐

I arrived at Nagoya Station and walked to the hotel with my luggage, which didn’t take long. It was December, so the area around Nagoya Station was well lit up and there were lots of things to see at night👍 Note the green Ibis Styles hotel marker in the photo to help you find the hotel.

There are two Accor hotels in Nagoya : ibis Styles and Mercure Hotels. In the case of Ibis Styles Nagoya , where I stayed this time, you can usually book a room in the low 100,000s, but when I stayed, it was over 400,000 won because it was a Saturday in December. So I booked it using the Stay Plus I had with my Accor Plus membership.

As an Ibis hotel, the lobby was quite small, but the hotel still has a lot of new hotel feelings because it has just opened, and it was good because it was stylish and sensual interior👍 It felt like Marriott’s Moxy hotel brand,

It ‘seasy to check out by simply dropping your room key into the express checkout box in front of the check-in desk , and there‘s an amenity bar next to it where you can take whatever amenities you need .

The hotel has one restaurant where you can have breakfast and other things. I didn’t take advantage of the breakfast, but as an Accor Gold member, I was able to get a welcome drink. While many places will mix you a drink, here they simply gave me a choice of two alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from a simple display.

After checking in, the way to the elevator to go to the room was sensible and pretty👍 The elevator is only accessible by swiping your room key, so they pay attention to security. The hotel has a total of 13 floors, and except for the restaurant, there are no facilities such as coin laundry or gym, which was a bit disappointing. If you need such facilities, I recommend booking a local business hotel in Japan.

[Read more hotel reviews on Trip.com]

About Standard Twin Room

The hotel has only two room types, the standardone-bed and the standard two-bed. They are almost identical in size, with the one-bedroom measuring 19 square meters and the two-bedroom measuring 20 square meters. I was assigned to the 11th floor, which is probably because of my Accor Gold benefits.

The rooms are very similar to Marriott’s Fairfield Hotel, with a fairly simple and spacious layout for a business hotel👍 and the sink is located outside the room.

I don’t know if this is an Accor Gold member benefit or for all guests, but there were complimentary snacks and two glass bottles of water.

The room was overall neat and clean, but I felt that the room size was a bit smaller than I expected, even though it said 20m2. It’s a twin-bedded room, but with 2 beds attached, so I think it would be great for families or couples.

The front window is quite large from the bottom to the top, so it felt open and not stuffy👍 The windows don’t open separately, so it’s a shame that you can’t have natural ventilation, and there is a part that you can hear some road noise at night, but we didn’t feel uncomfortable .

The hotel checks in at 2pm and out by 11am. Usually these days, check-in is at 3pm, which is an hour earlier. For breakfast, it’s 2,200 yen if you book in advance, and 2,500 yen if you don’t : )

The restrooms are small, but they have separate sinks, toilets, and showers. It’s more convenient compared to a typical Japanese business hotel where the rooms are in units or all in one place.

[Book a hotel on Trip.com]

Final Thoughts

Today I shared my review of my stay at the Ibis Styles Nagoya Hotel Standard Twin Room, whichisa great placeto stayin Nagoya . I loved the hotel’s close proximity to Nagoya Station and its stylish and sophisticated design, but I was disappointed that it didn’t have any amenities and could be a bit pricey depending on the season. I hope my review will be helpful to anyone looking for a hotel in Nagoya : )

 

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