While Bali's tourism continues to bolster the Indonesian economy, businesses on this idyllic holiday isle are developing a renewed focus toward sustainable practices to ensure their paradise does not end up buried under a pile of plastic!

With millions of visitors lobbing onto Bali's shores annually, it's little wonder the island's natural resources are stretched, but thanks to the growing attention to local environmental issues and the implementation of eco-friendly operating procedures throughout an increasing number of Bali businesses, there is renewed hope for a more positive future. Those involved in agriculture and tourism across the island are achingly aware it is up to them to lead the charge, adapting to a pro environmental approach for a sustainable Bali in years to come.

In addition to internationally recognised, youth driven initiatives like Bye Bye Plastic Bags, Bali's environmental crusaders come in numerous forms, from recycling specialists Eco Bali, to compost companies such as Urban Biologist, waste free warriors like Zero Waste and IbuBumi Bali and 'refillutionary' apps like RefillMyBottle to encourage water conservation and reduction of single use water bottles. But it's not just these guys championing Bali's environmental causes. An increasing number of tourism operators and hospitality houses are implementing eco-friendly methods into daily operations, doing their bit for a sustainable Bali.

To experience your own slice of mountain paradise, at Bisma Cottages check out their website: bismacottagesubud.com or follow them on instagram @bismacottages for their latest accommodation deals and up to the minute events in the Ubud area.

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PLEASE TAKE NOTE of Travel Restrictions & Advisory News due to the recent COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo Meets With Wyndham Vacation Clubs International President and Managing Director at Ceo Roundtable

In February 2020, Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director, International Operations of Wyndham Vacation Clubs, has presented at a CEO business roundtable hosted by the President of the Republic of Indonesia and attended by other Australian business leaders in Canberra. Mr Robinson was one of only seven company leaders invited to update President Widodo on their growing presence in Indonesia. Also present at the event were a number of Australian cabinet ministers representing foreign affairs, trade, investment, economics and transport.

Wyndham Destinations currently manages 12 resorts and hotels across Indonesia in Jakarta, Lombok, Palembang, Surabaya, Solo and Bali. It also operates two vacation clubs in the region, Club Wyndham Asia and Club Wyndham South Pacific. It has a holiday preview centre for both clubs located in Bali and a Club Wyndham Asia service centre positioned in Jakarta.“Indonesia is the third largest travel and tourism economy in South East Asia with a fast growing middle class. This makes it a very important market for us.

The country is also investing heavily in infrastructure and promoting its lesser known tourism destinations to take the environmental pressure off over-visited destinations. I was very pleased for the opportunity to meet with President Joko Widodo today, and we are very excited about the future changes the President is making to encourage future investments in Indonesia,” said Barry Robinson.

Mr Robinson spoke to the Indonesian President and Australian cabinet ministers present about tourism growth in Indonesia and his company's recent focus on Indonesian expansion. They also discussed the top destinations the Indonesian Government is prioritising from a tourism perspective including Borobudur Temple in Central Java and Lake Toba in North Sumatra. President Widodo also spoke about Indonesia's plans to shift its capital city from the climate-threatened megalopolis of Jakarta to the sparsely populated island of Borneo.

Mövenpick Debuts in Cam Ranh, Vietnam

The latest addition to Mövenpick's collection of contemporary hotels and resorts has arrived with the launch of Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh, located along Bai Dai Beach in the central Vietnamese province of Khanh Hoa.

Perfectly positioned to explore Cam Ranh's pristine beaches and world-class facilities, Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh features 500 well-appointed rooms, individual pool villas and apartments that overlook a 17 kilometre-long white sand coast. The city of Cam Ranh is located in the Khánh Hòa Province of Vietnam's South Central Coast, 53 kilometres from Nha Trang, which is known for its beaches and scuba diving. Boasting a deep-water harbour and breath-taking views, Cam Ranh Bay is poised to become a popular tourist spot due to the natural beauty and ease of access via Cam Ranh International Airport.

Inspired by modern European style, the resort features 250 contemporary rooms designed by the award-winning international hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates. All rooms offer direct sea views over the white sandy beach from expansive private balconies. Guests seeking more privacy and space will appreciate the 118 one to three-bedroom pool villas, which feature a collection of exquisite Champa antiques and exotic art pieces. Perfect for long-term stays, the 132 sea view studio apartments offer a fully furnished kitchenette and a large living and dining area.

To learn more about Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.movenpick.com.

Immune System Repair and Strengthening Program at The Farm

There are many different methods to stay healthy and when it comes to fighting infections, one of the best ways is to improve the body's defense against viruses, bacteria, and the like. A healthy immune system can help eliminate these pathogens before they start causing some problems whether it's the common cold or something more serious. The Farm at San Benito, an eco-luxury holistic medical wellness resort located in Lipa, Batangas, has effective immune system repair and strengthening treatments and program for people who wish to avoid getting illnesses through holistic means.

An advocate of preventive health care, The Farm has different programs designed by licensed and experienced professionals which varies depending on the guests' needs. As one of the global pioneers of holistic medical wellness in the country that also specializes in week-long health optimization programs, The Farm only offers these evidence-based and science based treatments that will help guests regain their bodies' ideal balanced state.

The Farm's immune system repair and strengthening program aims to protect the cells to fight viral infections. This program also includes detoxification, which is a pre-requisite if one wishes to boost the immune system. The Farm's Detox Cleanse Program can help guests get rid of the unwanted substances accumulating deep in their bodies' tissues. Once the toxins are flushed out of the system, the body can better absorb the nutrients it needs to go about its daily functions.

Like all the other offerings, Detox Cleanse Program can be tailored to each guest's body condition and personal goal. The program makes use of cleansing juices, guided fasts, nutritional enrichment, and fitness sessions for a deep cellular healing, ridding the body of the impurities and restoring the body to its ideal balanced state.

For more information, simply visit www.thefarmatsanbenito.com.

Monster's New Ugly Delicious Menu Brings Sustainability to the Table

Monster Kitchen and Bar have taken an innovative approach to their new menu, unveiling produce-driven dishes and botanical cocktails. Founded on sustainability, Monster's ethos of showcasing ingredients from local and smallholder farmers has never been more relevant than within Australia's current climate; where ingredients once overlooked are now becoming heroes.

This year will see the Monster team explore their sustainability curiosities, experimenting with wild flavours using global cooking techniques. Executive Chef Travis Goodlet (ex-Vue Du Monde, VIC) joins Creative Culinary Partner Ian Curley (French Saloon, VIC) in the kitchen, highlighting seasonal produce with a sincere and dynamic approach to food.

Marcellus Heleta joins the team as General Manager, supported by Assistant Manager Evan Mannan, while Bar Manager Ricky Liau brings the bite back to Monster's bar experience. With the addition of fresh and familiar faces, this highly collaborative team has created an inspired menu which challenges the perceptions of seemingly simple produce, while supporting producers in neighbouring regions.

“With the bushfires severely impacting livestock and meat production, we're shifting towards regional suppliers and farming communities like those in the Southern Highlands which are growing premium, unique produce. Supporting them allows us to be sustainable as possible, remaining true to our Monster roots,” says Goodlet. “We're bringing remarkable produce to the forefront on Monster's menu which is nearly 50% vegetarian.”

A new menu highlight is the Salt Baked Cabbage, which is truly the showstopper. Its brut, monstrous appearance gives way to tender depth and complexity with every bite from to being swaddled and baked in salted dough, a technique traditionally reserved for fish. Sourced from western farmlands of New South Wales, the cabbage is sidelined with a 10-hour onion jus and an umami-rich salsa comprised of truffle, parsley, chive and olive oil.

Feast your eyes on the new seasonal menu here.

Book at Monster Kitchen and Bar here.