Latest news with #Balinese-inspired
The Star
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Trading ideas: Gamuda, Kawan Renergy, Pekat, Warisan TC, Tan Chong, Avaland, Greenyield, UUE, CelcomDigi, Solarvest, Camaroe
KUALA LUMPUR: Here is a recap of the announcements that made headlines in Corporate Malaysia. The Perak state government has appointed a JV between Gamuda Bhd and Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak to develop and operate water treatment and distribution infrastructure in Kerian, Northern Perak — a key component of the RM5bn Northern Perak Water Supply Scheme. Kawan Renergy Bhd has secured a RM38.8mn contract from Gas Malaysia Energy Advance Sdn Bhd for the construction of a gas turbine co-generation system in Port Klang. Pekat Group Bhd plans to raise up to RM84.7mn by issuing 66.2mn new shares, or 10% of its total shares, a move that will boost its market value over RM1bn. Warisan TC Holdings Bhd expects to record a net gain of RM1.9mn from the sale of an industrial property in Selangor to Leisure Event Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of property developer Avaland Bhd , for RM49mn. Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd has been slapped with an unusual market activity query by Bursa Malaysia Securities after the automotive assembler and distributor's share price surged to a near one-year high. Avaland Bhd announced that Phase 1 of Avalon with a GDV of RM151mn, comprising 166 units of Balinese-inspired double-storey homes located within its Cybersouth township development, is fully taken up. Greenyield Bhd has, via its wholly-owned subsidiary, disposed of a 10,660 sqm parcel of vacant leasehold industrial land in Kuala Langat, Selangor, to Filtermation (MFG) Sdn Bhd for RM8mn. UUE Holdings Bhd has announced a bonus issue on the basis of one new share for every two existing shares held along with plans to diversify into renewable energy facilities development. CelcomDigi Bhd has launched its new flagship 'Life' stores at The Gardens Mall and Sunway Pyramid, marking a new step in its retail journey. Solarvest Holdings Bhd has appointed Daniel Bernd Ruppert as its chief investment officer. Camaroe Bhd, an integrated aquaculture group specialising in the farming and processing of black tiger prawns, has received approval from Bursa Malaysia to be listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities.
Time Out
03-07-2025
- Time Out
These are Australia's most wishlisted Airbnb stays in every state (and yes, they're dreamy)
We get it – the lure of a Euro summer is strong right now. But hello! Have you seen what's waiting just an hour or two from our own capital cities? Australia is home to a helluva lot of cool Airbnbs – from secluded farm stays and romantic rainforest retreats to toasty tiny homes and beautiful beachfront huts. With hundreds of thousands of Airbnb listings across the country, finding your dream stay can be overwhelming. To help you out, we asked Airbnb to reveal to us the most wishlisted stays in every Aussie state and territory. Warning: you might want to start drafting that annual leave request. Coach Light Cabin, Aldinga, SA Tucked away on a small working vineyard in the Fleurieu Peninsula, this minimalist tiny house feels incredibly homely. The real showstopper is the outdoor copper bath where you can watch the sun go down with a glass of wine in hand. Secluded Magical Rainforest Retreat, Byron Shire, NSW Hidden amongst tropical treetops in the heart of Main Arm, this rustic cabin is magical and secluded, indeed. Once inside, you'll immediately notice the Balinese-inspired interiors, complete with an outdoor breakfast bar, cosy woodfire and large deck overlooking a tranquil creek. Don't forget to check out the floating egg chair in the middle of the forest – Instagram's calling. Cleves Hut, Nannup, WA Slow down and switch off at this 100 per cent off-grid sanctuary, surrounded by lush rolling hills and grazing cattle. Built by hand using bespoke recycled timber from the property, the cosy farm stay features a roaring indoor fireplace, heated bathroom flooring and an outdoor tub to soak under the stars. Little Beach Co, Chain of Lagoons, TAS Woodfired hot tub, anyone? This bespoke villa on Tasmania's East Coast overlooks the valley and mountains to the north and the sparkling ocean to the southeast. The woodfired sauna sits right on the cliff's edge, and from the hot tub, you spot whales and dolphins passing by. Villa Nalu, Fannie Bay, NT It feels like Fiji, but this luxury hideaway is just a ten-minute walk from Fannie Bay Foreshore in Darwin. The tropical-inspired villa boasts a temperature-controlled pool, surrounded by a plush daybed and alfresco dining with a wine fridge and barbecue – perfect for laid-back entertaining. Lake Weyba Cottage, Peregian Beach, QLD Just a 15-minute drive from Noosa, this 20-acre retreat offers the best of both worlds – a peaceful rural escape that's close enough to the region's most beautiful beaches. The cosy cottage features a double spa bath and wood-burning heater, making it the perfect winter getaway. Romantic Forest Getaway, Sassafras, VIC Set across three acres of private rainforest, this private hideaway is the ultimate romantic escape. You can relax your muscles in the cedar dry sauna, then sink into the indoor jacuzzi as you soak up views of the enchanting century-old garden. Serious fairytale vibes! ⭐️
Buzz Feed
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
10 Singapore Beach Clubs So Good, You'll Never Want Your Cocktail Glass To Be Empty
Are you even living your best life if you're not sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail by the beach in Singapore? I think NOT! This little red dot might be small, but its beach club game is STRONG. Get ready to ditch your worries and embrace pure bliss because these 10 spots are so good, your cocktail glass will basically have a permanent indent in your hand. 1. Tanjong Beach Club: The OG Island Escape Okay, so this one's a classic for a reason! TBC is like that effortlessly cool friend who always knows how to throw the best party. Think pristine sands, an infinity pool that screams "Instagram me!", and a cocktail menu that'll have you feeling boujee in the best way. Their "Tanjong Coast" with Hendrick's, guava, ginger, and cucumber tonic? Chef's kiss! 2. +Twelve: Adults-Only Luxe Finally, a spot where you can escape the kiddos and embrace pure grown-up chill! Nestled in The Palawan @ Sentosa, +Twelve is all about sophisticated relaxation. Private cabanas with plunge pools (!!!), delicious modern summer cuisine, and an infinity pool with a swim-up bar? Yes, please. Their expertly crafted cocktails will make you forget all about Monday. 3. Rumours Beach Club: Bali Vibes, Singapore Style Can't fly to Bali? No problem! Rumours brings the island paradise to you with its Balinese-inspired decor and a whopping three swimming pools. Seriously, THREE! Plus, they've got direct beach access and a menu that'll transport your taste buds straight to Indonesia. Their "Bali Punch" is basically a vacation in a glass. 4. Tipsy Unicorn: Unleash Your Inner Party Animal If you're looking to get loose, Tipsy Unicorn is your jam. This vibrant newcomer on Siloso Beach is all about dazzling parties, EDM beats, and an ocean-facing bar that lights up the night. With private cabanas, daybeds, and even VIP lounges, you'll be shaking your tail feather with a colourful concoction in hand. 5. FOC Sentosa: Mediterranean Dreamin' Inspired by Barcelona's famed beach culture, FOC Sentosa brings a slice of the Med to Palawan Beach. Think colorful beach house vibes, an outdoor pool, and an al fresco dining terrace perfect for sipping sangria. Their "Never Ending Summer" cocktail perfectly captures the carefree spirit here! 6. Ola Beach Club: Hawaiian Hideaway with a Twist Aloha, beautiful! Ola is Singapore's only Hawaiian-themed beach club, and it's pure sunshine. Beyond the tropical drinks and Hawaiian-inspired bites (poke bowls, anyone?), they offer a range of water sports. So you can paddleboard, kayak, then reward yourself with a well-deserved "Mai Tai" or "Blue Hawaiian." 7. Coastes: Laid-Back Beach Shack Charm Sometimes, you just need to kick off your flip-flops and dig your toes in the sand. Coastes delivers that perfectly. This rustic, charming spot on Siloso Beach might be more beachside restaurant, but its chill vibes and proximity to the water make it a total win. Their classic mojito hits different when you're literally on the sand. 8. Sand Bar Nestled on Siloso Beach, Sand Bar is your perfect no-frills, authentic beach shack escape. Picture yourself with toes in the sand, a refreshing drink from their striking cargo container bar, and the sound of waves. It's a laid-back spot to soak up the sun, enjoy tasty beach snacks, and catch dazzling sunsets, often with live music or DJ sets keeping the vibe alive into the night. 9. Bikini Bar: Beachfront Fun & Games Bikini Bar on Siloso Beach is basically the ultimate alfresco hangout. It's lively, it's fun, and it's got all the essentials for a good time: pool tables, TV screens, and of course, a killer selection of drinks. Grab a cold beer or a fruity cocktail and soak in the vibrant beach atmosphere. 10. Splash Tribe: Family Fun by the Sea If you're looking for a spot where the entire family can get their beach club on, Splash Tribe is your go-time! Located at The Palawan @ Sentosa, this vibrant spot is a kid's paradise with a sandcastle-themed wet playground, complete with slides and water jets. But don't worry, grown-ups, there's still an infinity pool right by the beach and chic gazebos for you to relax and sip on a refreshing drink while the little ones live their best life. It's the perfect blend of playful energy and blissful relaxation, making sure everyone's cocktail (or mocktail!) glass stays full and their smiles even fuller.
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Forbes
Best Hotels In Key West 2025
Thanks to its beaches, colorful houses and vibrant community, Florida's Key West has attracted artists and writers for decades. 'It's where laid-back island vibes meet quirky charm,' says Claire Herzog, a travel advisor at Fora. 'It's hard not to fall in love with it.' The best hotels in Key West reflect the area's creative soul and provide prime access to legendary spots like Duval Street and Mallory Square. Our top overall recommendation is The Marquesa Hotel, thanks to its prime location a block off of Duval Street. Meanwhile, luxury seekers will appreciate a resort-style stay at Ocean Key Resort & Spa, design aficionados will be impressed with the charming furnishings at The Grand Maloney and families seeking ample room for children to play will want to book Parrot Key Hotel And Villas. Ahead, the best hotels in Key West for 2025. Exterior of The Marquesa Hotel in Key West, Florida. This charming hotel is perched on Fleming Street in the heart of Old Town, providing a superb location within walking distance of Key West's best sights. With just 27 rooms inside four restored, Victorian-style conch cottages dating back to the late 1800s, guests can enjoy pops of pastels, white wrap-around balconies, lush tropical flora and two courtyard swimming pools. While no two rooms are exactly alike, most are spacious with high gloss Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and a mélange of furniture sourced everywhere from the West Indies to the Philippines and England. For foodies, the property's on-site restaurant, Café Marquesa, is widely regarded as one of the best in Key West, with creative preparations of local seafood such as seared black grouper with basil blue crab and saffron aioli. Guest room at Ocean Key Resort & Spa. For unparalleled sunset views, Ocean Key Resort & Spa offers 27 guest rooms, many of which feature a private balcony with views of Key West Harbor (others overlook the historic Duval Street). Each room offers a sophisticated and elegant mix of florals and stripes, as well as an in-room mini bar that's refreshed daily and comfortable wooden furniture for reading or enjoying a coffee before starting your day. The fantastic spa, SpaTerre, features Balinese-inspired treatments, and the resort offers multiple dining options, whether you're looking for a sit-down dinner or poolside drinks. The property's Sunset Pier bar is also open daily and features live music, allowing travelers to take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying the music. A room at the Grand Maloney. Design aficionados will be delighted by this intimate hotel, which features five individually designed guest rooms (each with its own name) and a freestanding carriage house with a tropical outdoor shower that will make you feel as though you're on a private island. Every room is housed within a meticulously restored Victorian-style mansion, preserving many historic architectural details, including the 11-foot ceilings and 150-year-old wood floors. Beyond the well-appointed rooms, numerous common spaces are available for relaxation before exploring the nearby shops and restaurants, including a pool and an airy second-floor balcony. The mansion also features a wraparound front porch where travelers can mingle and enjoy a morning coffee (complimentary espresso is available in the lobby). Exterior of Parrot Key Hotel & Villas. For families traveling with little ones in tow, Parrot Key Hotel and Villas is an excellent option. It overlooks the Florida Bay and offers plenty of privacy and breathtaking views. (Although it's a 10 to 15 minute drive to Old Town, there's a complimentary shuttle so guests won't have to worry about transportation.) One of the best features of this hotel is its four sparkling pools, nestled among lush plants and sculpture gardens; there's also five acres of tropical gardens that surround the property and the waterfront white sand beach. The 148 spacious rooms and villas are perfect for large broods, with a porch overlooking the property's well-manicured gardens. Families can also enjoy outdoor excursions such as parasailing, snorkeling, and a guided kayak tour, which will keep younger travelers engaged and excited. Exterior of The Saint Hotel Key West, Autograph Collection. Couples seeking a playful atmosphere with numerous amenities will find plenty to love at this adults-only hotel, situated in Old Town and offering easy access to the main attractions that draw travelers to Key West year after year. There are 36 rooms with a fun, eclectic design that reflects the vibrancy of the location. The rooms are outfitted with a variety of amenities, including large flat-screen TVs and spacious walk-in showers. If you're looking for a drink in a lively setting, the rooftop bar has live music, and the hotel's onsite restaurant is an excellent spot for dinner or a late-night snack. If you're seeking excitement beyond the hustle and bustle of Old Town, the hotel offers a year-round outdoor swimming pool with pool loungers and free bicycles for guests to use at their leisure. Exterior of The Mansion On The Sea. Those with a penchant for old-world charm will enjoy the historic architecture of this distinctive adults-only hotel, located on Duval Street. The Victorian mansion is painted pink with hints of seafoam green and features a turret, as well as a wraparound front porch that's perfect for taking in sunrises and sunsets while enjoying the mild weather. It was initially built as a private residence and later turned into a hotel with 18 guest rooms, a heated zero-entry infinity pool and a poolside bar. Pool towels, lounge chairs, and umbrellas are all available for guests to use, and the poolside bar offers a delicious assortment of snacks and drinks (including the café's famous lobster pizza). There's also a complimentary continental breakfast each morning where travelers can enjoy locally ground and roasted coffee, fresh fruit, pastries, bagels, yogurt, eggs and more. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. We selected the top contenders based on personal experience and extensive research. I am a commerce editor for Forbes Vetted covering topics in beauty, fashion, travel and home. Prior to joining Forbes, I held positions at BuzzFeed and Dotdash Meredith, where I was responsible for curating lifestyle content and testing products for real-world insights. My work has appeared in Women's Health, Men's Health, BuzzFeed, Brit + Co, Everyday Health and more. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in English/Creative Writing from Marist College and currently reside in Brooklyn, New York.
NZ Herald
16-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- NZ Herald
Whangārei family's sustainable renovation breathes new life into CBD
She had been working with Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust on potential extracts from trees on its land, and when she found out the building the trust tenanted was for sale, she quickly declared her love for it. Gregory said the 1960s building had potential but was very tired, with an unusable courtyard, 14 different air conditioning units and the top floor leaking from internal gutters. 'Every time it rained a bit more water got inside,' he said. 'But if you squinted you could see there was really good bones - there was potential.' The couple moved into the apartment with Mary Smith and her dog Jaz, initially anxious about the large change from the country. But all quickly found they liked the convenience of inner-city living, with almost everything available within walking distance: including events, art galleries, film nights and an extensive array of eateries. They have also not had any problems with a lack of safety or excessive noise. Mary Smith soon decided she should be putting her green thumbs to use on the green space in the neighbouring car park and Whangārei District Council gave its blessing. She transformed what was an overgrown and weedy grass area with hundreds of plants grown from seed, with the gardening soon spreading across the car park with layers of yuccas, flax, hebes, succulents and other shrubs. Mary Smith said she gets plenty of positive feedback, especially from regular car park users. 'One lady said, 'I love coming to work on Monday seeing what you've done over the weekend'.' Scroll through the photo gallery to see more detail of the renovations: Image 1 of 5: Pete Gregory and Jules Smith are proud of the renovation, which has created an industrial chic office space upstairs. Photo / Denise Piper With the family's love of outdoors evident, the first stage of the Vinery Lane redevelopment was to transform the outdoor area in 2021. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. The couple bought a sliver of land from the council's car park and built an engineered retaining wall, complete with private car park and Balinese-inspired sheltered courtyard on top. In 2022, stage two of the development saw the lower-level office, previously occupied by a small law firm, transformed into a modern, open-plan 50sq m office space. The final, and biggest, stage of the redevelopment took place after Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust ended its tenancy in June 2024. Jules Smith and Gregory took the opportunity to modernise the space, upgrade the seismic rating of the building, and replace the problematic roof and internal gutters. Using local firm DHS Construction, the final stage involved tenting the building, removing the roof and adding considerable structural steel. The new space is a modern, industrial chic office space with exposed metal beams, bagged brick and vintage kitchen light shades from Bali. With the carpet freshly installed, the couple hope to lease the office space now it has been finished. But the finished building is just one half of the renovation story: the other half is the way materials were reused or recycled during the project. With Jules Smith's new business, Again, focused on reusing textiles and the couple discovering 40 to 50% of landfill waste is from construction, they decided to recycle where possible. 'We didn't feel it was right for us to make an improvement to the building but at the same time add to the waste stream going to landfill, when it could be distributed around the community,' she said. Recycling the old materials soon became Gregory's fulltime job, including painstakingly cleaning 7000 bricks, 4.5 tonnes of acoustic ceiling tiles, 14 rimu doors and 250m of Oregon roof beams. A lot of the materials went to projects around Northland, such as tiny homes, while most of the metal could be recycled, he said. Innovation even saw things like 3cu m of mortar rubble being used for hard-fill and treated timber being used by mental health provider Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa for raised garden planters. The project also used recycled wall panels saveBOARD, made from old milk cartons, to further increase the recycling. Like many grand designs, the project ran over budget and over time, but the final cost was still less than a new building and something that will stand the test of time, Gregory said. 'There's a lot of tired commercial buildings in Whangārei that haven't been shown the love: this is a good example of what you can do to transform it.'
