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 Fullerton Hotel lobby, Singapore |
| refined lobby of the Fullerton Hotel, Singapore |
MY SECRET TRAVEL HOBBY
Sometimes I sit in a spacious resort lobby reading a book, listening to live traditional music, or just watching people. Very often I inquire about room rates and take an escorted tour of rooms, suites, spas and fitness studios. After all, I just might come stay one day.! Occasionally I enjoy a cappuccino at a poolside cafe or lobby bar.
At beach side resorts I regularly suntan and swim at the beaches, which in fact, are public property. The resorts typically own the grounds up to the beach line, but not the beach or sea fronting their properties. Once in a great while, to celebrate an important event or achievement, I book a couple nights’ stay at my favorite of favorite resorts that I’ve discovered during extensive hotel ‘scouts’. I pull out my list of favorite resorts around the world, chose one, and set myself up for a couple days of luxuriousness.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel complex- under construction
Why this great love affair? First of all, I’m crazy about architecture. Luxury hotels and resorts often have the most spectacular architecture in the cities, towns and islands I visit. From innovative modern designs featuring steel beams, full-window-ed walls, and soaring lobby ceilings like Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands to stately colonial edifices featuring intricately carved detailing, magnificent columns, beautiful marble and intriguing history as found at Singapore’s Fullerton Hotel, I simply love architecture. I’m equally enamored of landscaped gardens and well-appointed interiors. Finally, luxury resorts generally have the most beautiful, plush, and immaculately tended beaches in the region
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 landscaped garden in Japan |
| landscaped garden in Japan |
Singapore- Fullerton Hotel with Financial District skyscrapers
Despite my great love affair with luxury resorts, I am a long-term budget traveler, and by choice. The most obvious reason, of course, is simply that I’m not wealthy. But that’s not the sole reason. I actually love most aspects of budget travel life, which I find entirely satisfying, exciting and enjoyable. I get to really dig into the culture, interact with locals, support local businesses, see and do a lot of new unusual activities. I learn a lot about myself and other people in the world. Traveling on a budget allows me to travel longer and further. Here are some aspects of budget travel I love the most:
 Malaysian friends- KL- Malaysia |
| eating out with local pals in KL, Malaysia |
I get a huge kick out of riding local buses, trains and ferries with each country’s residents. It gives me the distinct feeling that I’m really immersed in the country’s culture. I love the satisfaction of supporting locals by staying at locally-owned guest houses and home stays, by eating at local shops and street stalls, and by purchasing supplies at mom-and-pop stores. Once again, I feel entirely immersed in the ‘real’ country while interacting with shop owners and staff. That also allows me to practice my language skills, which is fun for me and enjoyable for locals who appreciate the effort.
 local market- LIttle India- Singapore |
| local market in Singapore’s Little India |
Probably the best aspect of budget travel is incredible food: genuine, well-made traditional meals, prepared with fresh ingredients from nearby markets; freshly picked and cut fruits, fruit shakes and smoothies, all for the fraction of the price of the same meals prepared at tourist spots and upscale restaurants. Wandering through little alleys and poor neighborhoods reveals all sorts of unusual sights: tiny local shrines, interesting daily activities, small markets full of unknown fruits, vegetables, and goods, hidden temples, and more delicious local restaurants and stalls. These are all activities and experiences missed by luxury travelers and which I wouldn’t give up for the world.
 guest house in Galle, Sri Lanka |
| courtyard of local guest house in Galle, Sri Lanka |
But I must admit there’s one aspect of budget travel that I greatly dislike: the all-too-often poor service and noisy obnoxious behavior found at many local shops, restaurants, guest houses and lower end hotels. Staff are often inattentive to customers, to the point of making them wait or even ignoring them in favor of chatting with colleagues, paying attention to their boisterous children, or talking on their cell phones with friends. They certainly don’t act as though customers are a priority. In addition, children are often racing around, running, jumping, yelling, screaming and crying. Staff often talk extremely loudly, yelling across long distances to communicate. TVs, movies and music are often played at deafening volume levels. All in all, I often find ‘manners’ and ‘customer service’ greatly lacking.
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| attending tea ceremony in Kyoto, Japan |
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| landscaped garden |
So, when budget life becomes too overwhelming I resort to my favorite ‘secret’ travel hobby. I seek out a luxury hotel or resort, where I can escape to serenity, calm and impeccable service.
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If you like luxury travels like me, but can’t always afford it, check out this awesome guidebook:
The Luxury Traveler’s Handbook
by Sarah and Terry Lee, founders of LiveShareTravel – online travel & lifestyle magazine
In the authors’ words, “The Luxury Traveler’s Handbook proves that luxury travel doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s a show and tell guide on how to source luxury for less. Exploring everything from flights and hotels to shared ownership and glamping. The Luxury Traveler’s Handbook is your passport to smarter, more luxurious travel.”
Click here for print book Click for Kindle version
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Hi! I'm Lash, an American nomadic world traveler who's been traveling solo since 1998. I’m passionate about traveling the world nomadically and then sharing it all with you. I hope to inspire you to travel the world, to entertain you with tales from the road, and to help you reach your travel dreams. Welcome! 
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Budget travelers' guide to adding luxury to your travels | LashWorldTour
2012/02/26 at 11:11 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
[…] day when you need a splash of luxury in the midst of your budget travels. For full details, read My Secret Travel Hobby.massage treatment choices at Prana, one of my favorite Bali spasTip 6. Splurge once in a whileSince […]
TRAVEL TIP: HOW TO AVOID JET LAG - LashWorldTour » LashWorldTour
2012/02/29 at 2:50 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
[…] Things to do in Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaBudget Travelers’ Guide to Adding Luxury to your TravelsMy Secret Travel Hobby.nrelate_popular .nr_sponsored{ left:0px !important; } /* Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email […]
JACUZZI IN THE JUNGLE - LashWorldTour
2012/04/24 at 3:31 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
[…] like spas, 5-star hotels, and plush tours, although I do secretly like them, as I confessed in My Secret Travel Hobby. But I do manage to Add Luxuries to my Travels quite regularly, despite my budget. In any event, […]
ADDING LUXURY TO MY TRAVELS: CAVE GROTTO SPA IN UBUD BALI- LashWorld » LashWorldTour
2012/11/29 at 7:33 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
[…] LashWorldTourTravel Blog offering Cultural Insights, Travel Tips, and Tales of Adventure from 14+ years of world travelsHOMEABOUTAbout LashWorldTourAbout LashContactWhat’s in a name?LashWorldTour Travel MapLash’s Travel Fast FactsMissionsWorld Travels Overview: 1991-2011PressDisclaimerCOUNTRIESASIABALI- INDONESIABalinese CultureDiving in BaliBicycling in BaliAmedSanurBali MiscBANGLADESHBRUNEICAMBODIASHANGHAI- CHINAHONG KONGINDONESIABaliJavaLombokJAPANLAOSMALAYSIAKuala LumpurPenangLangkawiBorneoDiving in MalaysiaMalaysia MiscMYANMARNEPALPHILIPPINESSINGAPORESRI LANKATHAILANDVIETNAMAUSTRALIAEUROPEENGLANDSPAINS AMERICABRAZILUSAAdventuresBicycle TravelCycling in Bali SeriesHikingMotorbike TravelScuba DivingSky DivingTravel DisastersWWOOFCruisesTravel TalesCulturePhoto GalleriesTravel Tips10 Free Things to do in… SeriesAccommodation TipsFlight TipsMoney TipsSafety TipsMisc Travel TipsBeyond GuidebooksTravel ResourcesTRAVEL INTERVIEWSBook ReviewsHotel – Tour – Museum ReviewsLINKSTravel StoreFREE eBookTravel Books StoreLash’s Guidebooks to Bali wp_flash_img_show will display here (config: default)« PHOTO GALLERY: Yuyuan Garden and Temple Area- Shanghai10 FREE THINGS TO DO IN UBUD BALI » ADDING LUXURY TO MY TRAVELS: CAVE GROTTO SPA IN UBUD BALI 2012/08/14 by Lash WorldTourLash- cave grotto spa- Ubud- BaliADDING LUXURY TO MY TRAVELS: CAVE GROTTO SPA IN UBUD BALISinking down into an enormous hot pool, in complete solitude, I was engulfed by glorious heat. Hot water seeped into my aching muscles that were screaming from yesterday’s extensive cycling. Soon heat invigorated skin tissue, soothed nerve endings and penetrated muscles. My face muscles relaxed. Stress melted away.carved stone monkey and animal faces line the spa’s poolLanguidly glancing around, I discovered dozens of small faces peering back at me from the pool’s edges: frogs, lizards, turtles, pigs, rabbits, and monkeys, all carved in stone. Gazing upward at imposing stone-carved pillars, I unearthed bats, birds, snakes, dancing ladies, monsters, and dozens of monkeys staring at me intently.monkeys and other creatures stare out from the cave grotto’s tall tree pillarsWhat on earth were all these creatures doing here? Did they symbolize something for the Balinese carvers who’d placed them here? Or were they simply an artist’s whim?It crossed my mind that a guest on LCD could very easily fall into a hideous nightmare in this dimly lit cave grotto full of leering faces. Fortunately I was sober, so I merely found the faces curious and amusing.lush Bali jungle outside the cave grotto spaTurning my attention outside beyond the vast cave, I encountered Bali’s plush neon jungle sparkling in sunlight. The roar of Wos River racing through the steep gorge far below was actually drown out inside the cave, from the soothing gurgle of hot spa water.Saturated by heat, I slowly stood up, climbed out and sat on stones beside the pool. I mused on how I’d been wanting to visit this fantastical grotto spa for 12 years, ever since I’d first discovered it in central Bali. Today, finally fulfilling my wish, I happily noted that this spa was every bit as wonderful as I’d imagined.cave grotto spa’s sauna and steam room in the backgroundAfter cooling off, I wandered back to the spa’s wood-lined sauna. I pushed open the doors. Billowing hot clouds dashed out. I stepped inside and sat down, enjoying the distinctive smell of wooden sauna while a new type of heat penetrated my body.After the sauna, I was thirsty. I called to a polite spa attendant who eagerly went off and then re-appeared momentarily with a cool glass of mineral water. I downed the refreshing water then slipped back into the large hot pool for another soak.cave grotto spa in all its gloryNext I made a visit to the steam room. More drinking water. Another hot pool soak. A rest on the pool edge. A stroll outside in landscaped gardens. Back in the hot pool. And so I leisurely plied away three luxurious hours in Ubud’s cave grotto spa, accompanied by silent stone jungle animals.A few spa guests appeared from time to time and took a short dip. I out-lasted all of them.garden pool at Tchampuan Hotel- Ubud- BaliI also napped briefly at the garden swimming pool. Cool wind caressed my warm skin and ruffled the palm fronds overhead.I’m sure I could have luxuriated much longer, but gradually the call to eat tore me away from my fabulous afternoon retreat. I lazily slipped into my sun dress, slowly wandered through the hotel’s tropical gardens, and hopped on my bike to my favorite local eatery. My midday spa retreat was the perfect start to a luxurious day off in Bali.gardens of Tchampuan Hotel – Ubud- BaliUbud’s unique cave grotto spa is located on the grounds of Tchampuan Hotel, itself perched on the outrageously steep banks of Wos River gorge. The hotel grounds consist of award-winning, terraced landscaped gardens stretching down to the river banks, far far below the hotel lobby.view of Wos River from spaNon-hotel guests are welcome to their amazing spa for a mere $8 US for four hours’ use of the hot pool, cold pools, sauna and steam room. Here’s an exceptional chance to add a dash of luxury to your travels. Even most budget travelers can afford such luxurious treatment, if so inclined.I previously visited another great outdoor hot spring in north Bali. Read my story: Jacuzzi in the JungleFind out my Tips for Adding Luxury to Your Travels and my Secret Travel Hobby.———————————————————————————————————————————————————-If you like luxury travels like me, but can’t always afford it, check out this awesome guidebook: The Luxury Traveler’s Handbook by Sarah and Terry LeeThe Luxury Traveler’s Handbookby Sarah and Terry Lee, founders of LiveShareTravel – online travel & lifestyle magazineIn the authors’ words, “The Luxury Traveler’s Handbook proves that luxury travel doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s a show and tell guide on how to source luxury for less. Exploring everything from flights and hotels to shared ownership and glamping. The Luxury Traveler’s Handbook is your passport to smarter, more luxurious travel.”Click here for print book Click for Kindle version———————————————————————————————————————————————————–This post is brought to you in part by Luxury Retreats, who invites you to discover one of their over 1,500 luxurious villa rentals in 40+ destinations.———————————————————————————————————————————————————— /* /* 5 comments Leigh says: 2012/08/15 at 7:22 am (UTC 8 ) ReplyThis spa sounds like a little piece of heaven Lash. It’s a rare treat for me to go to a spa but I love it all that much more. Too bad you couldn’t have eated there too! Lash WorldTour says: 2012/08/15 at 10:52 am (UTC 8 ) ReplyHi Leigh… Well, if you love spas like I do, then you’ll have to plan on visiting them when you’re traveling outside N America and Europe. You can find fantastic hot springs, spas, maassages, etc for really low prices in other parts of the world! But, yeah in N America, ouch on prices! Thanks for stopping by to read again. cheers, Lash Mica says: 2012/08/15 at 8:36 am (UTC 8 ) ReplyThis sounds AMAZING. Wow. They should have given you a free room at least for the night! Anyway it sounds like a relaxing day. I can just imagine it. You know we love Bali! Lash WorldTour says: 2012/08/15 at 10:50 am (UTC 8 ) Replyhi Mica,Yes, that spa IS amazing! i was not the least bit disappointed after waiting 12 years. :)) I’ve temporarily stopped asking hotels and tours to do reviews because I’m still swamped with unfinished reviews to write up from April and May! Ai yai yai. maybe I’ll propose it to them after I get the other reviews done. Can’t blame you for loving Bali! Me too~! cheers, Lash Suzy says: 2012/08/20 at 1:38 am (UTC 8 ) ReplyThis sounds so relaxing! I can’t believe you can enjoy it as a non-hotel guest for just $8.Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published.Name:Email:Website:Message:You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong> […]
Travel Perspectives: Confessions of a Cold Weather Hater- LashWorld » LashWorldTour
2013/01/30 at 4:47 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
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