Playtimes HK Magazine Spring Issue 2020 | Page 60

travel Aman to open a resort in Niseko Aman’s fourth resort in Japan Aman Niseko, a retreat situated on the high slopes of Mt Moiwa, is scheduled to open in 2023. With 30 guest rooms, extensive wellness facilities and a number of restaurants on an expansive 187-hectare site, the resort will provide an all-season retreat and will see Aman lay foundations on Hokkaido, Japan’s untamed northern wilderness, for the first time. Aman Niseko will be situated just minutes from the restaurants, cultural museums and entertainment of Niseko’s five main areas – Moiwa, Hirafu, Niseko Village, Annupuri and Hanazono. www.aman.com/niseko Ovolo Group sets its sights on Bali Heading to Bali next year? Be sure to check out Ovolo Group’s first hotel outside of Australia and Hong Kong. Mamaka by Ovolo is located on the beachfront of Bali's bustling and rejuvenated Kuta. The urban resort will feature 191 designer rooms and suites, innovative food and drink concepts, and a number of unique experiences, including Bali’s highest rooftop pool club complete with 270-degree views of the island’s western beaches. Making the most of its beachfront position, the resort will have an in-house surf school. There’s also a fun take on fitness with a horizontal climbing wall and a circuit training mechanical surfboard for developing core strength. Mamaka by Ovolo will open its doors late 2020. www.ovolohotels.com g u B l e v Tra Spoilt for choice in the Maldives A new destination launches within the Maldives at the end of this year with the unveiling of the Fari Islands. Located in the North Malé Atoll, 50 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, Fari Islands promises a luxury resort experience that celebrates nature, craft and connection with the Maldivian people. The archipelago features three world-class hotels run by Capella Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and Patina Hotels & Resorts. Each of the three select brands will offer complementary but individual experiences. Guests will have access to the picturesque Fari Marina, which will offer boutiques and handpicked food and beverage options. www.pontiacland.com Hidden gems along The Sunshine Coast While most tourists end up in the more popular beach towns, there’s so much more to see in the region. Heading into the scenic hinterland will lead you to amazing farmer’s markets, quaint cafes, quirky boutiques and gourmet food. Check out the Eumundi Markets for artisanal food, local art, homewares and jewellery. Take the kids to the Ginger Factory in Yandina for an informative and fun tour, a ride on the 100 year old historic train, a climb around the kids play areas and see a bee show. If you’re up for an active day, there are a number of national parks to explore with hiking trails and waterfalls. 58 www.playtimes.com.hk The final Six Senses lodge opens in Bhutan Six Senses Bhutan has opened its fifth and final lodge, Six Senses Bumthang. Bumthang, considered Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, is home to some of its most ancient monasteries and sacred monuments. Six Senses Bumthang has eight suites, each featuring spacious balconies, built within a pine forest on a hillside overlooking a trout–filled stream. For more details, reservations and travel arrangements, contact the resort’s reservations team at [email protected].