Rugby Stars Matt Hopper and Marcus Watson visit Bali Life Foundation

Rugby Stars Matt Hopper and Marcus Watson visit Bali Life Foundation

When not playing for their respective teams in Rugby’s elite English Premiership, rugby stars Marcus Watson and Matt Hopper can be found travelling through Asia and exploring the unique experiences Karma Resorts offer.

Watson, 25, plays for the Newcastle Falcons and was part of the silver-medal-winning English Rugby 7’s team at the Rio Olympics, while Hopper, 32, has just finished an illustrious tenure with the Harlequins to move to French club Oyonnax.

During their stay at Karma Kandara and Karma Jimbaran, the pair spent a day at the Bali Life Foundation – a charity that provides love and care to those in Bali who are disillusioned and disadvantaged, with the aim of giving them hope, dignity and purpose. In conjunction with Rugby Development Bali, who provided professional equipment and trainers to help out, Watson and Hopper were given the opportunity to teach local children rugby’s finer points of play.
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Get yourself to Goa, India’s playground

Get yourself to Goa, India’s playground

Thinking of a trip to India? You won’t go wrong starting in Goa.

Goa may be the smallest Indian state by area, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in the impact it has had on India’s – and the world’s – history. Situated on India’s south-western coast facing the Arabian Sea, Goa has been central to the trade of goods, rare treasures, people and ideas since ancient times. Whether you’re interested in history, food, culture, the arts, or just want to lay about on the beach downing beer and seafood in abundance; Goa is for you.

Goa’s colonial past

Although Goa has seen continuous inhabitation since prehistory, perhaps its most tumultuous and lasting period was during the 1500’s, when Goa came under the dominion of the Portuguese.

The amalgamation of Indian and Portuguese cultures is still present in Old Goa, the capital until the 1700’s.
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Rottnest Island in Winter is perfect for lovers of the outdoors

Rottnest Island in Winter is perfect for lovers of the outdoors

Given the southern part of Western Australia can get a bit nippy in Winter, you could be forgiven for thinking there’s not much going on. Au contraire! WA offers a wild and woolly time for the winter traveller, and a trip to Rottnest Island is chief among them.

The change of season brings a change in pace on Rottnest – gone are the summer crowds, bustling marketplace and almost too-full pubs. Instead, island life takes a slow turn, where it’s easy to spend hours exploring Rottnest’s colourful history, changeable natural splendour, and endearingly warm welcome.

 

#1 Thar be whales

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Between April and October is the ideal time to see the annual migration of Humpback and Southern Right whales as they stop over in the warm waters surrounding Rottnest. On land, the best place to catch sight of the ocean’s gentle giants is Cape Vlamingh, on Rottnest’s western-most point.
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Exploring Jaipur, India’s Pink City

Exploring Jaipur, India’s Pink City

Once the seat of the Maharajas of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a city purpose-built to display royal grandeur.

Situated on the edge of the Thar Desert, Jaipur is much more than a fantastic example of Indian Vastu shastra architecture. The city’s wide streets and interconnecting boulevards play host to a blend of desert heritage, colourful tradition and fiery cuisine.

India’s Pink City

Jaipur’s moniker as India’s Pink City isn’t a metaphor for a desert sunset (though that’s worth checking out on its own). In 1876, to celebrate a visit by the then Prince of Wales, many of the city’s old buildings were painted a pinkish terracotta – the colour of warmth and welcome. The net effect is astonishing and makes Jaipur one of the most photo-friendly tourist destinations in all India.

A city of palaces and forts

Generations of Rajasthani Maharajas and their families called Jaipur home, and in the finest tradition of royalty, many decided to construct their take on palatial grandeur.
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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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