Karma Conversations… with rugby legend, Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies

Karma Conversations… with rugby legend, Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies

There are not too many people in the world who can lay claim to having the initials ‘OBE’ after their name, but Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies is one of them.

When not presenting for the BBC or being awarded honours by Her Majesty, Davies is also known to frequent Karma’s resorts. During his recent trip to our flagship 5-star luxury resort, Karma Kanda, in Bali, we took the opportunity to catch up with ‘Jiffy’ and ask him for his take on Karma resorts, luxury, and of course the 2017 rugby season!

What brings you to Bali?

We’ve never been before, yet we’d always wanted to come. It seemed like the perfect time of year for it, and we’ve also been very keen to stay (here) at Karma Kandara. I love the food; I’ve had quite a few Nasi Goreng while I’ve been here, it’s delicious!
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Good Karma – our causes, our communities

Good Karma – our causes, our communities

Compassion, philanthropy and playing an active part in communities form an important part of Karma’s business philosophy.

In fact, Karma’s founder and Chairman, John Spence, believes that our responsibility to the people and environments that make Karma destinations such wondrous places to experience extends to the future development of communities. That’s why Karma supports non-profit organisations around the globe.

Briefly, here’s two of the charities that Karma Group supports and some of the stories that make us smile.

Christel House

Christel House is a global charity that transforms the lives of impoverished children around the world – breaking the cycle of poverty and building self-sufficient, contributing members of society.

Karma Group became involved with Christel House through our Indian resorts, covering destinations including Goa, Kerala and India’s Pink City, Jaipur. Karma has directly contributed a whopping $892,000 US dollars as part of our ongoing support, which has helped to build libraries, buy books, directly educate and take kids on fantastic adventures within India and abroad, and serve an astounding 7,486,714 meals.
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The Karma guide to… our boutique St Tropez estate, Le Preverger

The Karma guide to… our boutique St Tropez estate, Le Preverger

Nestled in the hills above St Tropez, Le Preverger has long been known as a jewel in the crown of the French Riviera.

If the walls of Le Preverger could talk. Laura Ashley sat by that window having a drink with Princess Di and Margaret Thatcher. Jeanne Moreau, the monarch of french new-wave film, used to host extravagant parties right there with the likes of Dalí, Picasso and Brigitte Bardot in attendance.

In the 1940s when Ashley travelled Provence on the back of her newlywed husband’s motorbike, they happened to pass Le Preverger and stopped for a gander. So enchanted was Ashley by the property that she vowed to “work like hell to become successful and live there”. In 1983, Ashley was given the keys to Le Preverger, fulfilling her life-long dream.

Join the jet set

Set amid 200 acres of prime provincial farmland – including a small private vineyard, chestnut woods and an olive grove with over 1000 trees – Le Preverger exudes a kind of nonchalance and Bohemian chic, yet simultaneously epitomises all the class, glamour and rarified air of the international jet set.
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5 reasons to visit the Bavarian Alps in spring

5 reasons to visit the Bavarian Alps in spring

Everyone knows Bavaria as a winter wonderland, replete with some of Europe’s best ski runs, stunning snow-capped mountain vistas and of course fine ales, but there’s much more to this splendiferous region than can fit into one season alone.

As the blooms burst from the ground in a riot of colour, feeding off the rich spring thaw, here’s 5 reasons to visit the Bavarian Alps in spring.

#1 Breathe the fresh air on a majestic mountain hike

As the valleys fill with oh-so green grass and wildflowers, many of Bavaria’s peaks remain dusted in snow; those who choose to hike Bavaria in spring are treated to stunning views and clear mountain air.

As spring thaw is ongoing, it’s worth choosing hiking trails where you can stride alongside gushing rivers, such as Höhentalklamm (Hell Valley Gorge). Following the route carved by the river over millennia, hikers pass through tunnels and catwalks while looking upon the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak.
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Culinary India – a food lover’s journey

Culinary India – a food lover’s journey

India may be known for the heat and spice of its cuisine, but what’s not commonly understood is how flavours, textures and tastes change region by region. With Karma Royal Resorts and Karma Retreats in the north and south of the country, let us take you on the briefest of culinary journeys…

Jaipur and Rajasthan

India’s northwest is known for heat – both on and off the plate! The desert and arid vistas of Rajasthan have imbued the region’s cuisine with a heat all their own. No visit to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, would be complete without sampling Laal Maas – a fiery slow-cooked lamb stewed with hot red chilies and whole spices.

Another famous Rajasthani dish is Ker Sangri, a local berry stewed with the hardiest of desert beans, sangri. Historically in times of drought sangri was a staple; the long bean thrives where other vegetables fail.
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