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royal reporter www.karmaroyalgroup.com | www.odysseypremier.com 2012 L e PRevergeR saint tropez, france message from the chairman this year but look forward to providing even better services and holiday experiences. To this end we are launching a new reservations, exchange and service platform called Odyssey that we believe will increase the holiday options available to members, decrease the overall cost of membership and provide a onestop, convenient and caring customer relations interface. Dear Members, You will be pleased to know that our overall memberbase has risen again this year by approximately 2,500 members. What does this really mean? – well it means that we are a financially strong company with a growing client base, that in turn provides the ability for us to expand and offer more to our members. We believe this is important in a world where economic uncertainly is widespread. We thank you for your support - because this enables us to improve and grow, and as a result give you more. Greetings from the Karma Royal Group and welcome to another edition of the Royal Reporter, where we reveal all the latest news from the group and look back over the past few months. And they have indeed been busy months with a large refurbishment program undertaken in Goa, new acquisitions for the group’s portfolio and a huge range of activities undertaken. Happy holidays! I am extremely heartened by the many letters of support and encouragement received from you Chairman Karma Royal Group Yours faithfully, John Spence This issue Dear Members, It’s with great pleasure that I welcome you to this information packed edition of Royal Reporter. In particular, since I will be taking over the editorial reins forthwith, as I happily return to what I now regard very much as my home here in India - this time in the newly appointed role of Managing Director. With the rapid evolution of Karma Royal Group into a leading global provider of lifestyle and destination experiences, we believe it is a good time to create an even more intimate relationship with you, our members.That’s why we’re introducing the brand new Odyssey platform, a cutting edge customer services tool that will make holiday planning as smooth and seamless as possible. This edition, you can also meet our Indian Resort General Managers, who’ve been good enough to tell us a bit about themselves in their own words - including myself! Our GM’s also share the myriad improvements and upgrades that have taken place at each resort in our fourth feature, while in feature 5 we celebrate the latest Camp Royal, where children from deprived backgrounds get to enjoy the holiday of a lifetime at one of our Goa resorts. All of this besides a packed news section, our 2013 management fee competition, your questions answered in our Q&A section and some exciting special offers to wrap things up. Enjoy! Esperanca Patricio MD INDIA, VP Karma Royal Group THE KEY TO YOUR HOLIDAY KINGDOM The future of holiday membership services is here…let the ODYSSEY begin… We don’t believe in just providing our members with Customer Services. We believe in providing them with the very best Customer Services possible. We are therefore pleased to introduce an exciting new service platform to our members. ODYSSEY takes advantage of new online technologies to provide members with the most comprehensive and clear service tool imaginable, replacing Royal Exchange (REX). Odyssey reflects the ways in which the internet has revolutionised the way we communicate and brings members a much more immediate way of accessing services, booking holidays and communicating with our support staff. Through Odyssey, which is powered by RCI, members can now access a staggering 4000 resorts across the globe. Ease of access, brand new destinations, improved services, interaction, news…. Odyssey brings members all of these things. To get started with Odyssey, please contact your personal Odyssey Navigator on : +62 (0)361 762 131 or visit : www.odysseypremier.com royal takes the crown(s) Royal scoops a host of hospitality industry accolades… Royal Resorts status as an industry leader has been further cemented over the last few months with a number of awards and accolades. RGBC Haathi Mahal, Monte Rio and Benaulim and one of our newest acquisitions AlpenClub in Germany have each been awarded Trip Advisor’s coveted Certificate of Excellence. As most of you will know, Trip Advisor is a user led service, where it really is the general public making the judgements. Candidasa and Jimbaran were awarded their certificates thanks to the overwhelmingly positive reviews they have received from….well, you, our members and the people that have enjoyed staying at both resorts! Meanwhile, our Bali resorts, Royal Bali Beach Clubs Candidasa and Jimbaran have both been honoured by RCI with Gold Crowns in recognition of their outstanding facilities and services. Only a 30 minute ferry ride from Perth, Western Australia, the Rottnest Lodge (A Chakra Resort) on Rottnest Island represents the perfect getaway from it all. Special Member Short Breaks Lakeside Standard Room (sleeping 2) US$169 Lakeside Standard Room (sleeping 4) US$269 Family Apartment (sleeping 6) US$319 Interested in the above offers / Unsure of your Visa requirements. Contact your Odyssey servicing office today… LIMITED SPACE SO BOOK NOW T : +62 (0) 361 762 131 E : odyssey@odysseypremier.com Skype : ODYSSEY_Bali Terms & Conditions: • This offer is valid for accommodation before the end of Feb 2013 • Reservations must be confirmed before the end of Dec 2012 • Short Breaks up to a maximum of five nights (Sunday to Friday) • Monies paid against this offer are non-refundable • Bookings are non-cancellable and non re-bookable • All membership fees must be paid to date meet the royal family Introducing some of the key people that make your holidays tick… i nc r edi bl e h e a l ers soulful encounters Esperanca Patricio MD INDIA, VP Karma Royal Group I have been a core member of the Karma Royal Group family since the company’s inception - a two-decade tenure! During that time, I have worked across our Asia network of resorts, from Bombay to Bali, Singapore to Sri Lanka. And as many of you will know, India has long been my professional and personal home - I spent seven years here before a stint in Bali. It is wonderful to be back. From the outset with Karma, I looked after business administration and customer services - a demanding role which I thoroughly enjoyed thanks to the constant interaction with members. I have established new offices in a number of locations, training staff and establishing procedures. Over the years, I have come to be relied upon by both internal staff and members - all of whom I encourage to approach me with any issue they may have so that I can help to resolve it. Although my current role is extremely demanding and strategic, I like to retain this very personal approach to my work, my colleagues and clients. Together with a huge range of global holiday experiences and the highest service standards, it is this personal approach that I believe makes KRG stand out. Incredible Healers. Soulful Encounters. Karma Spa offers a full spectrum of holistic experiences including healing massage curatives, gloss & glamour facials, men’s treatments, spa rituals and wellness weekends. Karma’s spa team of bodyworkers train year-round with medical practitioners, yoga experts & healers to deliver deeply therapeutic experiences. Karma Spa treatments are made from ingredients sourced from ethical farmers & growers. T : +62 (0)361 762131 E : odyssey@odysseypremier.com www.karmaspas.com Kamran Siddiqui GM, RGBC at MonteRio, GOA as Area General Manager for all Indian resorts. I’ve had an interesting and varied career, working extensively in food retail for major brands like Sainsbury’s and Tesco as well as running my own F&B franchise and a country pub with my French wife, Claire. After a two year stint in Cyprus, once again focusing on senior F&B management, I made the best decision in my life, which was to move to India to join the Karma Royal Group! I come from a beautiful little city in the foothills of the Himalayas called Dehra Dun. Unlike most of my peers who end up joining the military, I was drawn to hospitality from a young age. After graduating in Hotel Management at a college in Goa, I began my career in front office, working my way up the hierarchy with acclaimed hotel brands like Ramada and Holiday Inn. But it was with the holiday membership club sector that I really found my calling and my GM role with RGBC Monterio has afforded me the best experiences of my career, with a great team to work with. ANURAG KHANNA SAVIO FERNANDES SUKHJENDER PAL SINGH GM, RATAN HAVELI, JAIPUR GM, RGBC at BENAULIM, GOA CHRIS DIPLOCK AREA GENERAL MANAGER, INDIA I joined Karma Royal Group in 2007 in the Sales & Marketing Department at Haathi Mahal, before relocating to our Monte Rio resort, where I remained as GM for 3 years. I was subsequently promoted to General Manager of Karma Samui in Thailand after which I took up a Head Office posting in Bali. I returned enthusiastically to India in January 2012 I was born in November 1975, in Jaipur, where I grew up, going to the St. Xavier School in Jaipur. I started my career in the automobile business before shifting into the service industry. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to work at Ratan Haveli, which was acquired by Karma Royal Group after my first year there. It was a marvelous change to work with a globally recognised brand, alongside colleagues who never fail to encourage and support one another. ADMARAO THAMPIJANARDHANAN GM RKBC at KERALA I was born in the small village of Kulasekhapuram in the interior of Kerala. I started my career in the Indian Air force as a Flight Steward. After completing 10 years of service, I left and got a job as F/B manager with the Mothi Mahal Group of hotels. I then joined Accor, working in F&B services throughout the Delhi region for four years as a catering manager. In 2000, I moved to Kuwait, returning to Kerala in 2006 to take up the position of GM at the Joyce Palace hotel. I joined Royal in 2010 as the GM at Kovalam - the high point of my 20-year career so far! Savio Fernandes, GM of Royal Goan Beach Club Benaulim, has a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry. He graduated in Mumbai and has enjoyed a distinguished career that has spanned almost 29 years, working in Bahrain for 10 years for the Caravan Hotel Group before heading back to India. He joined the Royal Goan Beach Club in March 2005 as an Asst. FO Manager. He was quickly promoted to Front Office Manager and later to Rooms Division Manager and finally to General Manager in October 2011. GM RHC at SHIMLA I was in born Port Blair, an island in the Bay of Bengal. After completing my Diploma in hotel management in 1993, I joined ‘The Old Anchor’ as an F&B trainee and then senior staff. In 1995, I joined Royal Resorts and was part of the opening team at RGBC Benaulim. I went independent for a while, until the economic slowdown of 2008. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Goa and kept in touch with the management, hoping for a future opening. My chance finally came in March 2011 when I took up the role of GM at Shimla. It was like a homecoming. GRENVILLE D’COSTA JOHN PETER FERNANDES GM RGBC at HAATHI MAHAL, GOA GM, RGBC at ROYAL PALMS, GOA I was born in a beautiful hill station called Mount Abu in Rajasthan, India. I’d always wanted a career in hospitality and got my first break with ITC Hotels at their Sales and Marketing office in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. I worked for the Hyatt group for four years in Sales & Marketing before moving into Hotel Operations. I was honoured to be offered a position at Royal Goan Beach Club Haathi Mahal as General Manager. The scope is varied, enjoy all the contact with guests and there’s never really a dull moment! I was born in Mable Valley, Uganda. My first job was with ITC Hotels Cidade de Goa, where I worked as an apprentice in the food and beverage depar tment. I then joined the Leela Beach Goa as a Restaurant Manager, where I stayed for two years and at another resor t for a further two years. It was then that the Royal Goan Beach Club star ted operations in Goa and I was selected to work as F&B Manager at the Royal Palms for two years. I left to continue my career and eight years later I welcomed the oppor tunity to re-join Royal Goan Beach Club Royal Palms as GM. MAKING YOUR ROYAL GOAN BEACH CLUB EXPERIENCE EVEN BETTER We’re constantly improving services and facilities at all of our RGBC resorts – here are a few of the most recent changes… Beach Club - Benaulim Ratan Haveli 2012 saw a raft of exciting changes at the resort. Every apartment got new tables and chairs for their verandas as well as all new kitchen utensils. The pool area was completely refurbished and new soccer and air hockey tables were installed in the recreation area. All garbage is now recycled and organic waste used for manure Over the last year, we’ve made the following major improvements at Ratan Haveli: • Introduced two brand new facilities – K-Spa, offering a range of wellness services and a new bar area for guests to gather around. • Introduced yoga classes and morning trekking for guests. The swimming pool will be closed this year from 6th 20th October for a major renovation. A brand new fire fighting system has also been installed. In 2013/14, we’ll be changing the ambience in the lobby, renovating two bedroom apartments, modifying the pool bar counter and adding some additional workout equipment in the gym. • Created a small garden at the front of the resort. • Set up an activity and games centre. In 2013, we’re looking at the following changes: • Setting up a barbecue on the restaurant terrace. • Upgrading existing rooms. • Developing the gardens MonteRio experience goa…. Haathi Mahal Sweet Aromas, Fabulous Beaches, Perfect Weather, And Great Early Bird Member Packages : 2012 has been a busy year in terms of improvements and upgrades to facilities: • Refurbished all five imperial apartments • New bar in restaurant with band each week • Extended bazaar area • New Kids Area under development • New electricity panels • Garbage composting system installed • Staff toilets refurbished 2012 has seen the following improvements at Haathi Mahal: • We have created no less than seven new Imperial Villas • The existing 15 Imperial Villas have all been upgraded • Villa staircases and terraces have been given brand new roofs • 30 Standard hotel rooms have been upgraded and refurbished with smart wooden flooring, new gadgets and appliances. • All villas have been given the latest waterproofing treatment • An environmentally friendly waste composting system has been installed On the agenda for next year are the following: • Wi-Fi access in all rooms. • A new generator, which can take entire unit’s load, including air conditioners. • A new STP plant. • New Elevators in the last two blocks. • New TV’s • New balcony furniture. • New vehicles to transport guests up and down the resort. • Upgraded kitchen with dishwasher. • New linen and mattresses. • Steam and washrooms at the spa. studio apartment (sleeps 2) only US$ 299/week one-bedroom apartment (sleeps 4) only US$ 399/week two-bedroom apartment (sleeps 6) only US$ 499/week Above packages include: Breakfast & a US$100 Spa/F&B Voucher Karma Royal Residence owners US$50 off the above listed rates don’t delay! contact odyssey today! T : +62 (0)361 762 131 E : odyssey@odysseypremier.com Terms and Conditions : • Reservations must be confirmed on or before the end of December 2012. • This offer covers accommodation from April to September 2013. • Monies paid against this offer are non refundable. • Bookings confirmed are non cancellable and non re-bookable. • All membership related fees must be paid up to date. 2012 the management charge The Management Charge Free Prize Draw is back again for 2013 To enter, all you have to do is settle your Management Charges for 2013 by Wednesday, 12th December 2012. Yes, it’s that easy!!! And with Prizes as great as these, don’t miss out!!! 1 Two Economy Flight Tickets st to Bali PLUS 7 nights accommodation at Karma Kandara he Christel House Learning Centre in Bangalore teaches both vocational and broad based education to children who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to develop valuable new skills and knowledge. Karma works closely with Christel House, Bangalore, annually donating enough money to feed all of the school’s 800 odd children for the entire year. As of 2011, that represented a staggering 4,368,142 meals and snacks since the programme’s inception! KRG also funds crucial amenities and issues school supplies on an ad hoc basis. One of the most valuable contributions was a brand new library wing and hundreds of vital books and magazines for the children to enjoy. Every summer children are invited to spend a few very special days in one of KRG’s resorts through our Camp Royal initiative. This year saw the 10th anniversary of the programme. A large group of 10-14 year olds was invited to the Royal Goan Beach Club at Haathi Mahal, were they got involved in a rich programme of fun and educational activities including trips to the beach, singing, dancing competitions, games, magic shows, Goan cooking classes and an exciting visit to Ancestral Goa (Big Foot).The children thoroughly enjoyed their stay and were well looked after by the Haathi Mahal staff, who were sad to see them finally leave at the end of their stay. A keen philanthropist, Spence has been an enthusiastic supporter a huge number of different causes in the arenas of sport, environment and education. Christel House is particularly close to his heart, as Bangalore is where Karma Royal Group had its origins. 2 7 nights accommodation nd at Karma Jimbaran PLUS A US$500 Spa/F&B Voucher 3 2 FREE Bonus Weeks for 2 Adults rd + 2 Children at either AlpenClub (a Chakra Resort) OR Rottnest Lodge (a Chakra Resort) PLUS a US$500 Spa/F&B Voucher RUNNER UP PRIZES (X5) 1 FREE Bonus Week at either AlpenClub (a Chakra Resort) OR Rottnest Lodge (a Chakra Resort) PLUS A US$250 Spa/F&B Voucher The Draw will take place on Thursday, 10th January 2013, and the names of the lucky Prize Winners will be posted on the Royal Resorts website, www.odysseypremier.com shortly thereafter Please note that in order to qualify for Entry into the Draw, your payment must have been received by the Management Charge Department by 12th December 2012. Payments received after this date will not be eligible for participation in the Draw. a l p e n c l u b ’s spectacul ar family & friends inspection visit GRAB A WEEK FOR FREE & BOOK 2ND WEEK FROM US$299 DON’T MISS OUT! CALL US TODAY! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS GREAT OFFER! Bookings - Flights - Visa Assistance T : +62 (0) 361 762 131 • Skype : ODYSSEY_Bali E : odyssey@odysseypremier.com Located an hour out of Munich, Schliersee home of the AlpenClub (A Chakra Resort) offers a truly unique holiday experience. TERMS & CONDITIONS : This offer is valid for accommodation before the end of March 2013. Reservations must be confirmed before the end of December 2012 • Monies paid against this offer are non-refundable • Bookings are non cancellable and non re-bookable. All membership fees must be paid to date You may also visit our website www.odysseypremier.com to view your invoice details (within the management charges Section) *Please note that Bonus Week prizes are for 7 days for and are subject to availability. None of the Prizes have a cash equivalent, and cannot be exchanged for cash. Should you need any help with the making of your payment, please contact the Management Charge Department : E : mcharge@royalperspective.com T : +(62) 361 764 082 member testimonials Royal Bali Beach Club at Candidasa Hi Evi, I have tried to send this review by email so that you may get it quicker than the postal service. My wife and I have just returned from Bali and we stayed at the RBBC Candidasa for a week. It is a delightful resort and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves there. The accommodation is very good (we had a studio room this time) and we can recommend it to all members. We love the swimming pool and spa pool and spent a lot of time in them. Candidasa is a quiet place compared to Kuta and that is one reason why we go there. The restaurant food is good too and we enjoyed the BBQ night but did not go to the other functions as we have done them in the past. Amazing Spring Holiday in Karma Jimbaran Dear Mrs. Sri, Thank you for calling us this morning, it is always lovely to speak to you. We have been to the Haathi Mahal Hotel in Cavalossim many times now, and always have a wonderful time when we are there. We have been to Candidasa four times now and will be back again in the future. The staff are a lovely bunch of people and cannot do enough for the guests and really make you feel welcome at all times. We used the shuttle from the resort for shopping trips into Candidasa a few times and it is very convenient for the guests. We definitely recommend this resort to all members of Royal Resorts. I hope this is okay Evi, as I have written it a few times already and this is the final draft. Yours sincerely, Robert Kevin & Rhonda Ann Allen Australian Royalty Gold Points Club Members Member Since 2008 RBBC at Candidasa, wonderful team, who make it so easy and trouble free to arrange. Pleas accept our thanks for your work on our behalf, and that of your colleagues. I will send some more pictures after my next trip. It is right in the centre of the little town, and so convenient for shopping and access to all services locally. Cavalossim is a small town, and the people are so friendly. They always remember us from year to year, and make us so welcome. The Haathi has been undergoing some upgrades in recent years, and we have enjoyed the welcome they always give us. When we heard from Royal that our holiday was upgrade to Karma Jimbaran, we were very happy, located on Jimbaran beach, in the morning we can saw a lot of people surfing, seeing people dressed Balinese offerings “sesajen” provide on the beach, in the evening we took enjoying dinner with a menu seafood on the beach, that’s the beauty of the world that I feel. After tired walking around, we go back to the Resort Karma Jimbaran is so green, comfortable, large & clean. Make gone was our fatigue. Karma Jimbaran Villa Employee of the front desk, security, janitors are very friendly, it is still remains the nature of the people of Indonesia in Bali. Uluwatu Only Bali which we think is very suit to our holiday, all available and food is also very familiar with our taste, because we are people of Indonesia as well. There were Bu Okki Chicken, Mak Jo, Warung Kampung, there also have Bebek Kremes in the Kuta area, and one time we tried at the Karma lounge, it was very delicious. Nusa Dua Beach Just a day playing on the beach, we immediately got tanned, but we were happy. The youngest sister Shabina bravely have played Rafting in Klungkung, Banana Boat, the most shocking she also played Parasailing. Amazing. Rafting di Klungkung That was a little story of our holiday in Karma Jimbaran & Bali as well. Regards, Shafira - Daughter of Mr. Drajat Setiadi Indonesian RBBC Members Member since 2001 Karma Jimbaran I am attaching some pictures for you to see how wonderful it is there.There is ne of my husband and I on the boat trip, one of me on the beach, one of a shack on the beach, and one of the buildings opposite the Haathi. I will see if I can locate more of the Haathi for you. I must also tell you that our holidays in Goa would not be as pleasurable if it were not for you and your Kind regards, Rodney James Fuller & Stella Fuller British Royalty Gold Points Club Members Members since 2006 The whole experience was wonderful Hi Widya, First of all, please let me say how a wonderful person you are and this is the opinion of my wife and daughter also. Thank you for doing a wonderful job with my arrangements. Everything went so smoothly and I was particularly pleased with the choice of Singapore Airlines. Thank you also for organising the 4 day meal package. It went well and everyone knew of it because of your e-mail you promptly sent. The whole experience was wonderful. The people at the resort were no exception. Everyone so polite and friendly. The friendliness in everything they do is unbelievable. I cannot fault anyone of them. The people at the reception, the restaurant, the room boys and the laundry people all astonished me. Having said that, there were some who excelled and were really outstanding. Namely, Suartini (definitely the best) Gede, Sudana, Arini, Molly (hope I got this one right) Dewa, Ariana, Parmadi, Nova, Muderata, Mastra, Mudita. There were others but their names elude me. But no one can top the star of the moment “WIDYA”. Please give my regards to Rian who also was a friendly and helpful person-he was good. Thank you again Widya and good luck. Sheik Sheer Kamral Farouk Husein British Royalty Gold Points Club Member Member Since 2003 RBBC at Candidasa member testimonials Hi Pia, From the time we were greeted at Koh Samui airport we were treated to the most fantastic time at Karma Samui! As soon as we stepped into the pick up vehicle at the airport we were presented with cold towels and cold bottled water for our trip to Karma. Little did we know we were only 3-5 mins away!! Our check in on arrival at Karma was easy (and quick). We were taken to our villa by buggy, our luggage followed not long after. As we walked into our villa, we couldn’t believe it. It was perfect! We were all like little kids, checking everything out and the only words spoken for quite a while were “Wow, this is amazing!! This is ours??” As it was Scott’s birthday the day we arrived, we decided we the 7 course Fine Dining menu was the way to celebrate (we happened to be in Samui for the Fine Dining Festival 2012, Rockpool being one of the resorts participating). Reception organised the booking with ease sending a buggy to take us down to the restaurant. Wow..the restaurant setting was awesome, jutting out over the rocky beach, gently waves lapping the beach and a cool breeze. I have to say the setting was awesome but the culinary delight (food)… was exceptional, the best we have ever had the pleasure of putting to our lips! At the end of our feast the buggy motored us home. Waiting at our villa door some of the restaurant staff were waiting with some cake & candles singing Happy Birthday! It made the night very special for us all. This was just the beginning of our stay! All staff were fantastic, never intruding, never rude and always willing to help.The culinary delight was incredible our whole stay. The place is just magical. Oh.. what an awesome, fantastic experience. In case you haven’t picked up we have a new word since Karma…AWESOME! Life is short,so, live life well, forgive quickly, love truly, laugh Through the days we would laze around our private pool, head to the main infinity pool and beach, past the ‘little’ pool and back to try all the different exotic Karma cocktails. The hardest part of our day was which pool did we want to laze around & was it time for beach/pool & cocktail?! 2nd hardest was leaving the pool & cocktails to get ready for Fisherman village or Chaweng! We did venture out occasionally. Reception organised motorbikes for us, dropped off & picked up from reception (very reasonably priced too!) but we couldn’t wait to get back to our little villa (it wasn’t little, it was HUGE!). I guess the only downside to it all is we became too accustomed to the ‘Royal’ treatment! So we just book into Karma Kandara in June! Definitely are part of the Royal family! Treated like royalty!! Life is short, so, live life well, forgive quickly, love truly, laughuncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile.. Take Care, Scott Terlich and Gail Mitchell Australian Royal Bali Beach Club Members Members since 2011 Karma Samui, Hi Brian, Hi Ms Widya, Thankyou we all had a wonderful time at Royal Bali Beach Club Sanur. We truly appreciate your service and input when it comes to Royal properties and travel. Firstly we felt very privelidged to be one of the first guests staying in this new resort, trying out the menu for all meals and of course drinks (cocktails) and also being the first family in the pool. Our 10 days at Royal reef on Gili Meno and then 2 nights at Karma Kandara were OUTSTANDING!! We are NOW looking forward to our Week at Karma Jimbaran in December and then our month in India next February. We found the units to be very well presented, clean, modern, spacious and everything we needed was accomodated. We will be trying to get back in to Karma Jimbaran again next Nov or Dec and then start planning another trip for 2014, maybe to Europe or Africa. The staff at this resort were absolutely efficient, wonderful, caring, friendly, well mannered and always happy going out of their way to make our stay the most memorable we have had in Bali so far. The RCI exchange weeks sound interesting. Concern for our daughter Tenae when she was unwell was from all staff this i found a very personal touch (not usually found in most hotel/resort’s) will get just that. their concern and reaction to her feeling better and coming out of our room nearly 24hrs later was overwhelming for her, she felt very touched as were You have some lovely staff; look after them it is your staff that make people feel comfortable and want to come back!!!!! we all by your staff ’s genuine happiness to seeing her feeling 100% again. Putu (i am sorry for any mispelling) he was fabulous not only was he extremely friendly and always happy he was a wealth of knowledge and we all loved talking to him and learning more about Bali, he is fantastic he makes the best cocktails!!!!!! and i hope he is recognised as one of your best staff member by management. We look forward to visiting Bali again next year and we are looking forward to visiting this resort again to see the changes and hopefully see some familiar faces. The best part of this resort was its size, it was not noisy the odd car horn out front when in the pool, but i was glad that we were all able to sleep in peace and quiet, undisturbed this was what we were looking for to be able to relax... and this was made possible staying here. I have told many travellers and friends about our holiday; have shown pictures and advised all to stay as i feel that most of our friends are looking for rest and relaxation and we feel that this resort is one where they Good luck with the rest of the changes/improvements and we all look forward to seeing them next year! Is there some way to find out what weeks are available where? But then, the Royal portfolio certainly does have many places to see in and of itself!! Again, thank you so very much for your kind support and please do not hesitate to let us know how we might help you! Our very kindest regards, Bill & Marcia Bali, Indonesia Members Since 2000 Kind regards Stewart Leslie & Diana Helen Herbert Australian Royal Bali Beach Club Members Members since 2011 RBBC at Sanur p.s. Stewart and Tenae also want to say the choc milkshakes are the best!!! :) Submit your Royal Holiday Experience with us on Trip Advisor Send your Odyssey servicing office a copy, and get free entry into our monthly prize draws! It could be a gallery of photos, a short piece of writing or even a video! Prizes include Karma Spa Vouchers, Dinner Vouchers, Bonus Weeks and credits for $$$ to use against bookings with Odyssey. At Royal Resorts, we aim to achieve the highest standards of customer service. But for us to be able to do this effectively, we need to hear from you. It is your feedback that drives change and improvement, ensuring that your holiday experience is always optimal. To make things simpler, we have created a simple Odyssey Customer Feedback form that can be completed within about five minutes. We'd be really grateful to hear from you. http://royalresorts.com.au/royal_ reporter/2011/09/tell-us-what-you-think.php Or Contact your Odyssey Servicing Office : odyssey@odysseypremier.com Our hospitality experts answer your questions… this month, how to access some of our other resorts and the difference between home and destination resorts... resort news & new developments 2012-2013 New happenings, new faces, top performers, great food and entertainment at all our resorts… Q : How do I go about booking my holiday at Alpen Club in Germany or Rottnest Lodge inAustralia? A : Your rights to access these resorts against entitlement will vary depending upon your Club of ownership. Please check with your Odyssey servicing office for details. All members however are entitled to make bookings at these resorts against the great value promotions that we offer all members at regular intervals. Simply contact your Odyssey servicing office (by either telephone, Skype, e-mail or fax) with details as to where, when and how many people are wishing to travel (please include details of how many adults as well as how many children, with their ages). Where possible, it is always recommended you provide a few dates of interest in order to maximise our ability to find suitable space. Q : How do I go about booking my holiday at the Karma Resorts in Bali & Koh Samui? A : One of the great advantages of being a member of Royal Resorts is the ability to access an everincreasing portfolio of resorts of the highest standards in the most sublime locations. Though Karma Resorts represents a unique sector of the group and are different to our Royal Resorts properties, Karma destinations are available to all Royal Resorts members, in the form of special promotional offers from time to time as well as direct booking. Watch out for our special email promos, or to book your Karma vacation, simply contact your Odyssey servicing office with your reservation requirements. Q : What is the difference between Odyssey Club Resorts and Odyssey External Exchange Resorts? A : Club Resorts represent club inventory within the Karma Royal Group. External Exchange Resorts are those external resorts now available to members through our new service platform called “Odyssey”. Please contact your Odyssey servicing office for a detailed explanation as to the level of access to which you are entitled against your current membership. MONTERIO FRIDAY JAZZ NIGHTS REVIVAL WITH JAZZ JUNCTION Back by popular demand! we have resumed our live jazz sessions every Friday night with in the incredibly talented Jazz Junction and guests from all over the world. This is high quality improvised music by some of the best jazz musicians in India and their talented international friends, who come from around the world to play with the band. HAATHI MAHAL ALL YOU CAN EAT & DRINK JAZZ BRUNCHES Starting the first Sunday in November until mid March 2012, we’ll be hosting a Sunday Brunch with live jazz. This will comprise of a stunning display of regional and international food at a fixed price, which will include unlimited beverages including beers, wines and spirits. Eat and drink as much as you like at an all inclusive price of Rs.1500 or GBP 20 per head, with a 20% discount for Royal members! ENGLISH PUBLICAN COUPLE AT THE JAMAICA INN We have recruited an experienced English couple to run Jamaica Inn over the coming season. Christopher & Isabella have many years experience as successful publicans and we are confident they can add a touch of traditional British hospitality and vitality to our lovely pub at Haathi. They are due to arrive in mid October and will stay until March. We very much hope you will feel inclined to support the pub with the many fresh ideas they will bring. We will continue with out Rajasthani gourmet special nights up at the garden terrace adjacent to the Lobby Bar along with traditional folk dancers and puppet shows. Q : How do I cancel a reservation for which a confirmation letter has been issued? A : To cancel a reservation for which a confirmation letter has been issued you must contact your Odyssey servicing office as soon as you have realized your vacation plans have changed. Leaving your cancellation request until the last minute can result in loss of accommodation at the resorts for other members. As cancellation policies can vary dependent on your Club membership and the property into which your reservation has been confirmed please confirm the same with your Odyssey servicing office Q : What is the difference between Bonus Week & Rental Reservations? A : Bonus Weeks are surplus Club inventory within Odyssey Club & Odyssey Destination properties made available to members at special discounted member rates. They range in price up to US$499 per week and with thousands of weeks available throughout the world they represent exceptional value to members. Rental inventory is non-Club inventory made available to members as a result of Odyssey having sourced space through Travel Agents and third party agreements. The price of rental accommodation & level of discount will vary and is dependent on what is available at the time a request is received. Whilst possibly not representing the same level of savings as Bonus Weeks the ability to book discounted accommodation in non-Club affiliated inventory is without doubt a great membership related benefit. MIDWEEK MEXICAN & MEDLEYS WITH SINGER NELLIE PEREIRA On Wednesday evenings we are proud to announce an evening with Nellie Pereira, a female vocalist with a wonderfully powerful voice singing both jazz and blues numbers. You can enjoy listening to this awesome music within the surrounds of Poco Loco, which has also been upgraded to enhance the experience and features an exciting new Mexican menu. NEW KIDS CLUB AT ROYAL Coming soon – we’re improving services for some of our most important guests. The ones that really know how to enjoy themselves. That’s right, we mean the kids! Over the coming months, we’ll be establishing 3 Monkeys Kids Clubs at all our resorts, a brand that brings with it an amazing array of fun and educational activities for young people. Watch out for our full feature in the next edition of Royal Reporter. ROYAL PALMS Live music and Karaoke twice weekly in La Trattoria APARTMENT UPGRADES Over 50 apartments at Royal Palms have been refurbished to a high standard and we intend to continue with the improvements to the resort next year. They all feature new furniture, and satellite TV. BEACH CLUB NIGHTS Every evening, enjoy a different form of entertainment by the pool, while sampling are extensive new Chinese and Italian menus. GARDENS The gardens have been re-landscaped with an array of new flora to enjoy.. ROYAL BALE EXPERIENCE @ RBBC CANDIDASA Combine an immersive cultural and culinary experience with spa pampering – all in the same day! Start with a journey to the idyllic local markets to buy your exotic ingredients. Then learn how to prepare and cook them in a traditional outdoor Balinese kitchen amid beautiful rice fields. Enjoy an inspiring class in which you’ll learn to prepare a number of classical Balinese dishes. Once you’ve prepared the meal, head to the spa for a thoroughly relaxing treatment with one of our highly trained practitioners, overlooking the Indian Ocean. get social with royal…online! Looking for an instant way to stay in touch with the Karma Royal team? Want to share your holiday experience with other Royal members? We’ve been moving with the times and we hope you will too, by taking advantage of our Social Media pages as a means of getting in contact with us and as a platform for sharing words, pictures and even video. Head over to our Facebook fan page and Twitter feed for up to the minute information on competitions, prize draws and special offers! facebook : facebook.com/royal.resorts.asia | twitter : @royalresortsgrp