Well, it sure hasn’t taken long for ‘the season’ to arrive this year, hard to believe it’s now July. Retail is on the increase with a number of new stores to open over the next few weeks and as its holiday time, it’s party time providing plenty of events for dressing up, so stayed tuned for all the lowdown on what’s new on the scene.
The Bali Concierge – at your Service!
One may admit that on visiting any country for the first time (or any time) it can be a little confusing, tiring, boring, tedious - so with ‘the season’ upon us, inform your visitors to Bali of a very special service that will certainly take the hassle out of any visitor arrival. So easy – on arrival you will be met by your personal Concierge, you will be escorted to a modern lounge where you can partake in some light refreshments, put your feet up & relax. It’s an opportunity to stretch weary muscles, to ease aches & pains, a time to re-group & energise mind & body for perhaps the night ahead! Meanwhile, your Concierge is ‘doing the work’ with visas, passports etc & before you know it, they are back to escort you through Immigration & Customs & then to the transport you planned. It’s an exclusive service, professional in every way, oh so much better than standing in those long queues! It’s a great option for older people, the disabled & parents with children. The cost for this personal Concierge service is only US$50, money well spent. When you are also in the lounge relaxing, you may like to take a few minutes to fill in a short form on what interests you while in Bali? This is particularly for those that haven’t given too much thought as to what to do when here or what’s on in Bali at the time. There are cultural & environmental tours, sporting activities, special events & gallery openings, even reservations for dinner & of course shopping & more. There’s a whole new exciting world awaiting you via The Bali Concierge service so check out the following contacts for more details.
T: 766 880 E: tpm@thebaliconcierge.com or www.thebaliconcierge.com
A terrific find in a sea of shops!
As you enter Jl Laksmana (from Jl Basangkasa) Seminyak, you drive straight into Jl Drupadi, look for No 7, on the left hand side, not too far down & here you will discover the ‘world of Bona’ her wonderful rustic studio & showroom. A most handsome Italian woman (fabulous & sexy) commenced her career in fine jewelry then moved into the slick furniture market of Milan. Eventually, she found her way to Bali, saw opportunities & set up what was the first ‘real’ interior decorating business that Bali had! Years have moved on, newcomers have come & some have left, but Bona has continued business in her own individual way in another part of Seminyak. Kaya Gaya is a melting pot of the rustic, old, antique in wooden furniture & objets from Java & Bali – a collectors dream! The collection of lamps are quite marvelous- art deco with a cascade of crystal beads, some with massive shades decorated with fringing & others made from dried corn leaves, a totally unusual mix. In the main studio, you will find items scattered, this is the secret - it’s a world of discovery (no slick modern furniture here) candle holders on shelves, carved walking sticks, stuffed toys & batik fabric strewn. My eyes set on a wonderful old traveling trunk, covered in dark brown suede, opens up with drawers & hanging space, the perfect item for one’s guest quarters. And then a brilliant fine wooden table that pulls open for eight.
The showroom contains Bona’s ‘finds’, tables full of items for you & your home. From long cotton kaftans painted with flowers, fresh white cottons to adorable childrenswear sets. There is a collection of off beat handbags from suede/leather patchwork with trims of fringing, studs & thronging. Jewelry in carved horn, bone, brass & leather – look at the jet, copper, crystals, silver & shell! Cabinets loaded with the ancient, the old & collectables. My eyes alight on a stack of quirky neckpieces, strands of little balls covered in fabric, threaded on ribbon with a tad of bright colored wool? take a look, so clever & charming. Bona excels with ‘her take’ on - sterling silver handcrafted pieces of jewelry, the restoration of old furniture & wonderful soft furnishings for homes. Kaya Gaya continues! on Jl Drupadi, instead of the busy & crowded domain of Jl Seminyak. T: 733 265
Gloria Jean’s Coffees – a tasteful experience!
Have you noticed that Kuta’s streetscape is ever-changing now, plenty is going on, so with new developments happening it was opportune to bring a popular coffee operation to the Bali marketplace, which was the vision of the franchisee/director of marketing, Frank Andrews. Under Frank’s tutelage & in record time (a couple of months) he has achieved the top Number 1 performing Gloria Jean’s franchise in Indonesia! The location is perfect (axis of Kuta Square) a modern well furnished property, aircon first level, outdoor seating (smoking) clean, with the best toilet stop facilities. The staff greet you with an iced ‘welcome’ towel, friendly smiles, happy faces & go all out to please. Rai, the Manager, is an absolute asset to the company, with a background in Hospitality & Tourism she loves her job & it shows. A daily clientele of tourists from surrounding hotels visit Gloria Jean’s every day (a coffee fix, free CBN hotspot & the Aussie newspapers/mags) the staff present regular tourist visitors with a small selection of muffins on their day of departure. But what about the local expat scene, this is the ideal spot for a cool relaxing break amidst the hustle & bustle of shopping around the Kuta Square area. Milos is just across the road, the best DVD store is around the corner from Milos, with Matahari next door. The product is a coffee & cake/pastry operation with table or self service, so a coffee you can have or choose from other coffee options. White Choc Mocha, Irish Nut Crème or Very Vanilla Latte, a gentle Chai Tea, the Over Ice drinks (milk over ice) but my favourite was the Fruit Chiller (using iced water, crushed ice & fruit) milk lovers there is Expresso & Mocha Chillers, Gourmet Ice Choc & Smoothie Chillers – yum!
The Gloria Jean’s motto is to give their customers an experience, which is what they most certainly do!
For comments and enquiries, email: retailtherapym@yahoo.com.au
