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West Australian
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Where do celebrities stay in Bali? Four Seasons Resort and Soori Estate among top spots
When celebrities visit Bali, they don't just stay at luxury resorts. They stay at private residences set within the compounds of luxury resorts — super-villas or mansions that offer the ultimate in privacy, luxury and personalised service. In 2017, Barack Obama and his family stayed at the Royal Villa, a three-storey, three-bedroom residence at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan on the outskirts of Bali's spiritual capital Ubud — the same residence where Julia Roberts lived with her two children while shooting Eat, Pray, Love alongside Spanish actor Javier Bardem in 2009. To avoid pandemonium, the Obamas did not check in at the hotel's reception. They were driven to the edge of the 72ha resort where a concealed clocktower staircase descends into the Royal Villa. The ground floor has a sunken living room, an even larger master bedroom and a formal dining room crowned by a nautically themed chandelier. Every room has floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto a private garden where guests can spend their days lounging on canopied daybeds and swimming in a heated infinity-edged pool. An hour's drive but a million metaphorical miles away from the popular beaches of southern Bali on the lower west coast, Soori Bali in Tabanan Regency is one of the most sophisticated and secretive luxury resorts in Bali. Fronted by an empty volcanic black sand beach with a backdrop of emerald-green rice fields and the soft blue mountains of western Bali, you can walk for an hour from the front gate and see only locals, fishers and farmers, kids flying kites, or perhaps a lone surfer searching for uncrowded waves. Originally the holiday home of Soo K. Chan, one of Singapore's most renowned architects, today the property operates as a five-star only-villa resort with an Olympic-sized infinity-edge pool, 10 Hindu temples and shrines and 48 slick residences. They are mostly one-bedroom units though generously sized with private pools, inner courtyards and outdoor decks with barbecue and bar facilities. But when the Kardashians came here in 2018 to celebrate Kim Kardashian's 38th birthday, they stayed at Soori Estate, a double-storey mega-villa set on 5250m of beachfront. One of the largest and most expensive houses in Bali, it has 10 bedrooms with uninterrupted coastal views and rock-star bathrooms: marble-clad chambers with oversized bathtubs and grand shower rooms. In 2011, a few months after they made their red-carpet debut as a couple at the Vanity Fair Oscars party, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez were spotted at the Bulgari Resort Bali, a super-luxury resort set on the sea cliffs of Uluwatu, the southernmost point on the island. But the former couple who shared a tumultuous relationship and split up for the last time in 2018 did not stay at one of the resort's 59 villas. Instead, they stayed in one of Bulgari's five mansions, each with a front gate hewed from volcanic stone housing a security pavilion. Two luxury vans with drivers are included in the daily rate, along with housekeepers, groundskeepers, pool cleaners and a butler. The foyer leads into an open-plan living and dining room with a 10-person couch, Bang and Olufsen high-fidelity sound systems, a bar and a gourmet kitchen crammed with Miele appliances. A grand staircase crowned by a 5m crystal chandelier (or you can take the elevator) descends to the bedrooms on the ground floor. Each features a salon, walk-in dressing rooms, oversized bathrooms with onyx marble bathtubs plus outdoor showers enclosed by terrace doors that open onto sprawling decks. Beyond them lie 4000sqm of manicured tropical gardens with open-air lounge and dining pavilions plus a two-tier 25m infinity-edge pool.
Perth Now
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Inside the epic super villas where celebrities stay in Bali
When celebrities visit Bali, they don't just stay at luxury resorts. They stay at private residences set within the compounds of luxury resorts — super-villas or mansions that offer the ultimate in privacy, luxury and personalised service. Former US president Barack Obama with his wife Michelle and daughter Sasha. Credit: DA / AP In 2017, Barack Obama and his family stayed at the Royal Villa, a three-storey, three-bedroom residence at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan on the outskirts of Bali's spiritual capital Ubud — the same residence where Julia Roberts lived with her two children while shooting Eat, Pray, Love alongside Spanish actor Javier Bardem in 2009. To avoid pandemonium, the Obamas did not check in at the hotel's reception. They were driven to the edge of the 72ha resort where a concealed clocktower staircase descends into the Royal Villa. The Royal Villa at Four Seasons. Credit: Supplied The ground floor has a sunken living room, an even larger master bedroom and a formal dining room crowned by a nautically themed chandelier. Every room has floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto a private garden where guests can spend their days lounging on canopied daybeds and swimming in a heated infinity-edged pool. The Royal Villa at Four Seasons. Credit: Supplied Soori, Bali. Credit: Supplied An hour's drive but a million metaphorical miles away from the popular beaches of southern Bali on the lower west coast, Soori Bali in Tabanan Regency is one of the most sophisticated and secretive luxury resorts in Bali. Fronted by an empty volcanic black sand beach with a backdrop of emerald-green rice fields and the soft blue mountains of western Bali, you can walk for an hour from the front gate and see only locals, fishers and farmers, kids flying kites, or perhaps a lone surfer searching for uncrowded waves. Originally the holiday home of Soo K. Chan, one of Singapore's most renowned architects, today the property operates as a five-star only-villa resort with an Olympic-sized infinity-edge pool, 10 Hindu temples and shrines and 48 slick residences. They are mostly one-bedroom units though generously sized with private pools, inner courtyards and outdoor decks with barbecue and bar facilities. Soori Estate. Credit: Supplied But when the Kardashians came here in 2018 to celebrate Kim Kardashian's 38th birthday, they stayed at Soori Estate, a double-storey mega-villa set on 5250m of beachfront. One of the largest and most expensive houses in Bali, it has 10 bedrooms with uninterrupted coastal views and rock-star bathrooms: marble-clad chambers with oversized bathtubs and grand shower rooms. Soori Estate. Credit: Supplied Bulgari Hotel Bali. Credit: Murray Fredericks In 2011, a few months after they made their red-carpet debut as a couple at the Vanity Fair Oscars party, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez were spotted at the Bulgari Resort Bali, a super-luxury resort set on the sea cliffs of Uluwatu, the southernmost point on the island. Justin Bieber covers his tattooed torso in the clip for Anyone. Credit: YouTube But the former couple who shared a tumultuous relationship and split up for the last time in 2018 did not stay at one of the resort's 59 villas. Instead, they stayed in one of Bulgari's five mansions, each with a front gate hewed from volcanic stone housing a security pavilion. Two luxury vans with drivers are included in the daily rate, along with housekeepers, groundskeepers, pool cleaners and a butler. Bulgari Bali residence. Credit: Richard Bryant / The foyer leads into an open-plan living and dining room with a 10-person couch, Bang and Olufsen high-fidelity sound systems, a bar and a gourmet kitchen crammed with Miele appliances. A grand staircase crowned by a 5m crystal chandelier (or you can take the elevator) descends to the bedrooms on the ground floor. Each features a salon, walk-in dressing rooms, oversized bathrooms with onyx marble bathtubs plus outdoor showers enclosed by terrace doors that open onto sprawling decks. Beyond them lie 4000sqm of manicured tropical gardens with open-air lounge and dining pavilions plus a two-tier 25m infinity-edge pool. Bulgari Bali residence. Credit: Richard Bryant / Bulgari Bali residence. Credit: Richard Bryant
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
5 must-read Elizabeth Gilbert books that go beyond Eat, Pray, Love
(Written by Somya Panwar) Elizabeth Gilbert is an award-winning author and journalist, best known as a celebrated memoirist after the runaway success of her New York Times bestselling book Eat, Pray, Love. Inspiring millions to chase their inner calling, Gilbert's literary journey extends far beyond novels, her achievements and body of work establish her as a versatile and deeply reflective writer. Through her short stories, biographies, and essays, Liz continues to evolve as a storyteller. While her travelogue may have sparked wanderlust around the world, her other books brim with just as much wisdom and creative depth. Here, we delve into five of her works that explore the many layers of her literary universe. A book that feels like a warm hug, and wraps you in comfort, yet its romanticised solutions to the complexities of life may just leave you baffled. Eat, Pray, Love has garnered a polarised response over the years. The book blew up in 2006, and gained popularity like no other, becoming an international bestseller with more than 10 million copies sold worldwide. After staying on the New York Times Bestseller list for 187 weeks, Columbia Pictures acquired the rights to the memoir, and later filmmaker Ryan Murphy adapted it into a film starring Julia Roberts. Vulnerable, raw, and unfiltered – Elizabeth Gilbert's writing feels like brunch with an honest friend. Her depiction of a privileged, spiritual journey drew both admiration and critique, with some calling it a symbol of New Age narcissism. However, the book goes beyond Gilbert eating in Italy, praying in India, and loving in Indonesia. It chronicles her struggle to let go of the life she thought she wanted, navigating a painful divorce, a failed rebound relationship, and a spiral into depression. Spanning three countries over twelve months (with 36 chapters devoted to each), Eat, Pray, Love is a memoir of spiritual enlightenment, personal rediscovery, and emotional resilience. If you have ever wondered how a wealthy woman in her 30s might confront an existential crisis, this memoir offers a front-row seats. What if tragedy could lead you to your truest self? All the Way to the River set to release on September 9, 2025 promises to be one of Gilbert's most personal and emotionally charged works yet. This forthcoming memoir explores love, addiction, grief, and recovery, chronicling her relationship with her best friend and later partner, Rayya Elias. Gilbert met Elias in 2000, and their friendship evolved into a romantic relationship—one Gilbert publicly acknowledged in 2016 after Rayya's cancer diagnosis. According to The Guardian, writing this memoir was Gilbert's longest and most emotionally taxing project, taking over seven years to complete. Titled after an inside joke between the two, All the Way to the River is more than a book—it's a deep emotional excavation of love, loss, and healing. In it, Gilbert confronts the complexities of addiction, death, and the shadows that accompany grief. As readers, we can expect a tender, soul-baring account of enduring love and the strength it takes to keep living after devastating loss. Keep your tissues ready, this one promises to be a tearjerker. 'Perfectionism is a particularly evil lure for women,' writes Gilbert, who herself constantly wrestles with the pursuit of creative excellence. In Big Magic, she speaks directly to the dreamers, the makers, and the fearful creatives trapped by their own doubts. This book isn't about whimsical inspiration—it's about discipline, courage, and the messy realities of the creative process. Gilbert urges readers to stop waiting for divine inspiration and instead engage with the mundane and the difficult parts of making art. Creativity, she argues, exists in everything—from painting to gardening—and is accessible to all. Big Magic is structured into six sections: 'Courage,' 'Enchantment,' 'Permission,' 'Persistence,' 'Trust,' and 'Divinity.' Each section addresses a challenge creators face, offering wisdom rooted in experience. Gilbert's honest and pragmatic voice stands out—especially for readers who may have dismissed Eat, Pray, Love. Here, she offers clarity, motivation, and actionable insight for anyone yearning to live a more creative life. The prestige can wait, first comes the work. If you want to understand the range of Gilbert's writing, City of Girls is the book to start with. Published in 2019 and set in the World War II era, this historical novel showcases her flair for character-driven narratives and experimental formats. The story is told through a long letter written by the protagonist, Vivian Morris, to a woman named Angela, reflecting on her youth. This epistolary structure adds intimacy and originality to the storytelling. Nineteen-year-old Vivian arrives in New York City after dropping out of Vassar College, and her life takes a wild turn as she joins her aunt Peg's eccentric theatre company, the Lily Playhouse. Gilbert captures the glamour, grit, and chaos of 1940s New York with exquisite detail, from prohibition-era parties to sexual awakenings. Vivian's journey is about casting off shame, embracing independence, and finding her voice as a woman in a time when conformity was the norm. Feminist, bold, and vibrantly researched, City of Girls is a celebration of unapologetic womanhood and the freedom to make mistakes. What defines masculinity in modern America? The Last American Man explores this through the life of Eustace Conway, a man who rejected materialism and moved to the Appalachian Mountains to live off the land. Gilbert, who met Conway through his brother (a longtime friend), initially profiled him for GQ Magazine before expanding the story into this compelling biography. The book became a commercial success, selling over 6 million copies in the U.S. alone. Conway—who left home at 17 after clashing with a perfectionist father—became a larger-than-life figure. He wears animal skins, survives in the wild, and teaches others how to do the same, all while embodying a radical rejection of modern life. But he is no romanticised hero, Gilbert also lays bare his emotional complexities and contradictions. Often compared to Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild, this National Book Award–nominated biography is both inspiring and sobering. Gilbert brings empathy, insight, and literary precision to a real-life character who's as captivating as any fictional protagonist. (The writer is an intern with The Indian Express.)
South Wales Argus
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
The Take That Experience coming to Blackwood in September
The Take That Experience will perform at Blackwood Miners' Institute on September 12, bringing to life more than 30 years of Take That's biggest hits with their Greatest Hits Tour. Known for their 'acclaimed vocal performances, stunning replica costumes and iconic dance routines,' the group have spent more than a decade delivering a live show that pays tribute to the legendary band. Nigel Martin-Smith, the man who originally formed Take That, said: "The closest thing to Take That." The show features fan favourites from across Take That's career, including Pray, Relight My Fire, Patience, Shine, These Days, and Rule the World. The performance also includes a tribute to Robbie Williams, with renditions of Angels, Rock DJ, and Candy. An audience member said: "A show you'll never forget." The Take That Experience promise more than just an evening of music for fans. A spokesman for the group said: "This show is a must for any Take That fan as the boys don't just give you a night you'll never forget... they give you The Take That Experience."
Black America Web
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
CeCe Winans Brings Gospel Power to NPR's Tiny Desk for Black Music Month
Source: Terry Wyatt / Getty Gospel icon CeCe Winans brought the spirit to NPR's Tiny Desk stage with a moving medley of her most beloved songs, turning the intimate setting into a soul-stirring worship experience. The special performance was part of NPR's Black Music Month celebration, which honors groundbreaking albums that have left a lasting imprint on music and culture. Winans' 1995 album Alone in His Presence , celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, was a defining moment in gospel music and continues to resonate across generations. NPR's Ashley Pointer praised Winans for her unmatched vocal power and ability to transcend boundaries. 'CeCe Winans' voice transcends genre, race, and generations, something incredibly rare in the gospel and Christian music realms,' she wrote. RELATED: Classic Gospel Songs That Still Excite The Black Church Her Tiny Desk set included a mix of fan favorites and deeply spiritual anthems. The call-and-response energy of 'Pray' brought instant joy, while the crowd audibly gasped at the first notes of 'Alabaster Box,' a track known for its emotional depth and powerful storytelling. The performance concluded with a heartfelt sing-along to 'Goodness of God,' a modern worship classic that underscored Winans' lasting connection with audiences. More than a nostalgic trip through her catalog, the performance was a celebration of Winans' legacy as one of gospel music's most influential voices. As NPR continues to spotlight the sounds that have shaped Black music history, CeCe Winans' enduring presence stands as a testament to the timeless power of faith-filled artistry. Check out the performance below: SEE ALSO CeCe Winans Brings Gospel Power to NPR's Tiny Desk for Black Music Month was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
