Courtesy of Anantara Ubud Bali

A graceful tropical retreat neighboring the traditional hillside village of Banjar Puhu in Payangan north of Ubud, the new Anantara Ubud Bali Resort will become the second property from Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas on the Indonesian island when it opens on October 1, 2024. 

A collection of 85 modern suites and pool villas plus 15 private residences cascade down a densely forested hill towards a mountain stream. The tranquil resort is situated just minutes away from the vibrant cultural life of unhurried Ubud yet feels blissfully remote thanks to the untouched jungle that cocoons it. 

Arriving at Anantara Ubud — a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Bali’s international airport — guests are greeted with panoramic views of the misty jungle and Mount Agung while the soothing frangipani-perfumed breeze and gong-like sounds of Balinese Gamelatron (a site-specific sculpture by artist Aaron Taylor Kuffner based on traditional gamelan) set the stage for tropical tranquility. 

Courtesy of Anantara Ubud Bali

Elevated stays in a jungle canopy 

Influenced by Hindu traditions and juxtaposed with Javanese elements, contemporary 570-square-foot suites promote relaxation with jungle views and richly crafted interiors. Decorated in calming neutral tones with subtle Balinese details, the ground-level suites place guests in the thick of the jungle. On the upper floor, the suites feature oversized bathtubs with dramatic views over the treetops and soothing sounds of the babbling stream down below. 

One- and two-bedroom villas are calming oases inspired by the culture and traditions of the locale. At 1,130 square feet, the one-bedroom villas come with a spacious living area, an outdoor terrace, and a private infinity-edge pool. Two-bedroom villas offer 1,722 square feet of indoor-outdoor space with furnishings crafted from natural materials, neutral color palettes, and subtle Balinese influences that infuse the space with a timeless elegance. Dramatic 33- to 44-foot private pools are positioned on each villa’s terrace. 

Courtesy of Anantara Ubud Bali

Residential living in Bali’s heartland 

Guests who would like to own their own slice of paradise can choose from 15 Anantara residences that offer sophisticated interiors, masterful Balinese craftsmanship and luxurious amenities. Standing on stilts over a misty valley, Anantara Ubud’s one-bedroom residential villas maximize privacy and views. An elegant living and dining area features floor-to-ceiling windows, a fully-equipped Western kitchen and en-suite bedroom that opens out to a private infinity pool. Ensconced in nature, elegantly furnished two-bedroom residential pool villas are bathed in natural light. Two en-suite bedrooms and a spacious living and dining space flow directly out to a private infinity swimming pool, with tall windows opening out to unobstructed forest views. Ownership comes with full access to facilities at Anantara Ubud Bali Resort.

Sophisticated dining choices

Culinary options at Anantara Ubud Bali include specialty restaurants serving sustainable Balinese and international cuisines, with locally sourced organic produce being the daily highlight. Helmed by Executive Chef James Willis, whose background in fine-dining includes running the kitchens at heritage and Michelin-starred establishments, America is a contemporary open wood-fired restaurant will multiple jungle views. At Kirana, guests will find authentic Indonesian and international flavors, a lavish interactive breakfast buffet, and panoramic rainforest views. 

The Sulang alfresco bar, located next to the adult-only swimming pool, serves cocktails and bar bites. For relaxing indoor–outdoor experiences, The Lobby Lounge serves morning coffee with a special local blend and afternoon tea. For special occasions, Anantara’s signature Designer Dining by Anantara experience invites guests to create a bespoke breakfast, picnic lunch or dinner with a private chef served by a waterfall, or in a rice paddy, a private pavilion or other setting to match the occasion. 

Courtesy of Anantara Ubud Bali

Meaningful discoveries and island adventures 

At Anantara Ubud Bali, guests will find numerous ways to decompress and unwind: from two swimming pools, adult-only and family, to a jungle-clad yoga deck and a fully equipped gym by TechnoGym. The youngest travelers will have their own space at the Kids’ Club. Nestled in its own building, Anantara Spa offers indigenous treatments and healing therapies alongside muscle-melting massages, hair styling at the salon, and multi-day wellness experiences from visiting practitioners specializing in everything from volcanic stone therapy to holistic Balinese treatments. 

The chancellor’s speech at the Labour Party conference was an important and clear change in tone from the government on the economy.

Just three weeks ago the PM warned of a “painful Budget”.

But in Liverpool, Rachel Reeves said: “My optimism for Britain burns brighter than ever, my ambition knows no limit.”

The fragile British consumer might not quite be ready, after years of rolling inflationary crises, for tough decisions on tax and spending.

Consumer confidence was hit, at least this month, and some retailers spooked by disappointing sales after this talk of pain.

The chancellor was sending a message that the tax rises, when they come, will not primarily hit hard-pressed working families.

She embraced the “choice” she made to give above-inflation pay rises to millions of public sector workers, saying she was willing to have a fight over it with the Conservatives.

Public spending will grow in real terms, or as she put it clearly in her speech there will be “no return to austerity”.

The chancellor gave more detail about how she will prioritise investment spending, especially in infrastructure.

The plans she has inherited are for a cut in the share of the economy devoted to public investment.

“Growth is the challenge… and investment is the solution,” she said.

We are heading towards some changes to the rules on government borrowing in order to allow more investment.

This should work with the newly announced Industrial Strategy, to be released with the Budget on 30 October. It might also help with levering in significant foreign investment at a crucial summit next month.

It was a coincidence, but the chancellor’s speech came on the two-year anniversary of Liz Truss’s mini-Budget. If anyone forgot the auspicious date, the former PM popped up with a specially crafted video to say that the Kwarteng/Truss fiscal plans should have been implemented in full.

This was fortuitous for the chancellor, as her speech defined herself as a type of anti-Truss.

The Truss legacy played an important part in delivering Reeves to her position, with a commanding Commons majority. Both shared an ambition to increase British growth. The tough decisions Reeves says she needs to make at the Budget are the contrast to the Truss episode.

But could it be that the Budget’s bite, will now prove to be significantly less painful than its bark?

In an increasingly digital world, cyber security should be at the top of an advice firm’s priority list.

But the pace of change in technology can often leave people not quite understanding what they need to do to protect their business from cyber attacks or vowing to ‘get around to it’ at some point.

However, as former Conservative MP Stephen McPartland, author of the McPartland Review into Cyber Security, says, a lot of cyber attacks are speculative.

He likens firms that have little or no cyber security to leaving the front door of your house open – both are invitations for opportunist thieves to strike.

So, what can advisers do to protect themselves as they increasingly digitise their businesses?

Protecting your firm

While it is great for people running a business to have a positive, confident outlook, they do need to be realistic about business risks, and cyber crime is one of them.

Statistics from market analyst Truelist show up to 94% of companies that experience a severe data loss never recover because it can take a long time to identify and contain a data breach.

According to Truelist, 51% of firms close within two years of the incident and 43% never reopen. The picture is even worse for small firms, as 70% close within a year of a big data loss.

FTRC founder Ian McKenna adds that, if an advice firm experiences a data breach, the FCA expects them to put in place and pay for cyber security protection for every customer.

According to McKenna, there is “significant evidence” cyber criminals are targeting small advice firms because the information they hold about their clients is so comprehensive and, therefore, valuable.

“So much information comes from a client fact find. Advisers will have details of their clients’ kids and the cars they drive. There is so much data to help criminals working on the dark web,” he says.

“Cyber criminals have also identified that smaller advice firms tend to be relatively vulnerable.”

McKenna points to a lot of cases being identified in the US. Is it inconceivable to believe the same is happening in the UK?

Increasing use of AI is only going to increase the need for advice firms – and not just the bigger ones – to ensure they have adequate cyber protection in place.

“You can’t have an AI strategy without cyber security – they go hand in hand,” says McPartland.

“If you are increasingly using AI and putting more business in a digital world, you need to ensure you can secure that.”

A lack of understanding about what to do to become more resilient can often be a barrier. This is where talking to an expert or getting some training can help.

For example, the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) runs a short online course that covers things such as the nature of cyber risk, the types of attacks to be aware of and details of the regulatory and legal requirements.

The CISI Corporate Cyber Security Professional Assessment is written and reviewed by industry experts and is suitable for anyone who works in financial services, including advice firms.

“The risks of cyber attacks occurring apply to both large and small firms, so understanding these threats and protecting your organisation from them is essential for all financial services practitioners,” says CISI executive director of global learning Mandy Gill.

“Human error is often a cause, so being able to identify and distinguish between the different threats – including malware, phishing, whaling, spyware, ransomware, trojan viruses and business email compromise – can be an effective way to manage and reduce this risk.”

The recommended study time for the course is six hours, followed by a 60-minute multiple choice test consisting of 30 questions.

The CISI also offers a range of other online CPD content in the area of cyber security, including Professional Refresher modules on topics such as cyber crime, operational resilience, financial risk and fraud risk management.

Cyber insurance is another way firms can protect themselves but, as McPartland says, they need a cyber security strategy to underpin this.

“If you go to an insurer and tell them you park your car with the keys in the ignition and no alarm, they are unlikely to insure it,” he says.

“The difference here is that you are talking about possessions in the digital world.”

That said, cyber insurance does not currently appear to be very popular among advice firms.

“Only 4% of advisers have cyber insurance,” says McKenna. “It’s crucial to have it. Ideally you want the insurer to be the same as the provider of your PI, as you don’t want a situation where they are both saying the other should pay out.”

McPartland has some sympathy for smaller advice firms.

“A lot of the problem is that the insurance market is not mature enough yet, so there aren’t enough products for SMEs,” he says.

Recovery

Having a recovery process in place is key to fighting back against things like ransomware, where criminals steal data and demand money to return it.

“If you have a process in please, you don’t need to get that data back. It’s backed up and you’re doing other things to be resilient,” says McPartland. “You can either fight it off or you recover quickly to be up and running in a couple of days, so ransomware is not the threat to you they think it is.”

McPartland says advice firms need to think about three elements together – their cyber security, their resilience to cyber attacks and the recovery process. Focusing on just one element is not enough. They all need to be in place and reviewed regularly.

“It’s important to protect your data because a lot of decisions are based on it. If someone interferes with that data, they interfere with your ability to make decisions.”

This campaign, candidate Donald Trump is promising even more extreme versions of the policies that marked his first term. But what would higher, and more widespread, tariffs actually look like? And in what form would any retaliation come? Today on the show, Soumaya and the FT’s senior trade writer Alan Beattie discuss the candidate’s campaign promises on trade, and where they might lead.

Soumaya Keynes writes a column each week for the Financial Times. You can find it here

Subscribe to Soumaya’s show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen.

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Even though getting higher education requires solid funding, you know what you are paying for. It is an investment in your future professional development. Effectively handling your personal finances becomes as crucial as ever. What can you do to minimize your expenses while paying your student loan? Let’s find out.

One of the possible ways you can save money is to use free online tools that help you manage writing assignments. For example, you can use an AI writing checker like Plagiarismcheck to make sure your papers are original instead of hiring a professional editor. Let’s look at more ways to manage your budget effectively to pay your student loan as fast as possible.

Create a Detailed Budget

The first thing you need to do is clearly understand what you are spending your money on. Divide your expenses into essential (e.g., rent, utilities, groceries) and non-essential (e.g., entertainment, dining out). Track your expenses using a budgeting app or spreadsheet. After analyzing this information, you can find areas where you can cut back.

Focus on the Areas for Savings

Here are just some ideas on where you can spend less money. You can learn to cook and save money on dining out. Watch numerous videos with simple yet delicious recipes to find inspiration and get the necessary information. Try to shop smart when you buy groceries: compare prices, use coupons, and buy generic brands when possible. The next thing you can do is opt for public transport to reduce costs. In terms of hobbies and entertainment, you might want to avoid expensive activities like horse riding or playing tennis. Instead, look for a hobby that brings you joy and does not lead to pain in the wallet.

Prioritize Loan Repayment

There will always be something more important than your debt if you don’t prioritize it. Take as much time as you need to understand loan terms. Review the interest rates, repayment terms, and any fees associated with your loans. The next thing you can do is explore different repayment options, such as standard, extended, or income-driven repayment. Don’t just assume that you will somehow pay off your loans eventually. Instead, develop a strategy to do so and create a step-by-step plan.

Seek Loan Forgiveness or Reduction

Explore programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness or income-driven repayment plans that may qualify you for loan forgiveness after a certain period. If you don’t qualify now, understand the specific criteria for each program and take steps to meet them. If all these things seem too complicated, consult with a professional to determine the most suitable approach for your situation. You might miss some important aspects that will help you manage your budget better.

Maximize Financial Aid

Ensure you’re taking full advantage of scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Remember that you can appeal for additional aid if your situation changes. Also, consider applying for scholarships to increase your financial help. Keep up-to-date on student loan policies and repayment options. All in all, you should use every opportunity to start paying off your loan as quickly as possible.

Find Side Hustles

Explore part-time jobs, freelancing, or tutoring opportunities to earn extra income. What talents do you have? Do you write academic papers better than other students? Perhaps you are a natural-born tutor. Look through online marketplaces and platforms to find freelance work or part-time jobs. Thanks to the digital era we are living in, you can work at any time and from anywhere.

Set Financial Goals

Make sure you do not get stuck in the vicious circle of debts and loans. Only use credit cards responsibly and pay off balances in full each month. Set short-term and long-term financial goals to keep your motivation up. It is easier to accept the temporary discomfort of saving money when you know that it will eventually end. Additionally, try to build an emergency fund and save money for unexpected expenses (medical bills or car repairs). You never know what can happen, so you need to be prepared.

Summing Up

All the points mentioned here paint a perfect picture of the behaviour of students who want to forget about their loans and stop minimizing their expenses. In reality, you might only be able to follow some of these tips. Sometimes, you won’t be able to find a job to have an extra source of income. You can also get tired of saving money on every section of your budget.

Stay flexible and adapt to the situation you are in. Remember that no matter how challenging this period may be, you can get through it by believing in yourself and your goals. And don’t ignore the opportunity to learn from experts by reading books on financial planning and budgeting. The more you know about it, the more solutions you can find to turn the current situation for the better.

Some luxury resorts were custom designed to provide the ultimate stay for their guests – offering opulent accommodations, top-tier dining, and lavish amenities, but Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World has set out to prove that not all luxury experiences are the same.

Whether you come here to enjoy a luxurious Four Seasons experience with fun-filled Disney theme or are booking a nearby Disney-filled adventure while looking to enjoy the luxury of a Four Seasons stay, this resort is where it’s at.

The property prides itself in receiving numerous accolades over the years, including being named the No. 1 resort in Walt Disney World by US News & World Report, as well as ranked the No. 2 best resort in the entire state of Florida, and the No. 4 best resort in the country.

Don Riddle

The 26-acre property is located across a lake from Disney’s Magic Kingdom, providing a front-row view of the park’s nightly fireworks, which can be enjoyed right from the comfort of your own private terrace in a Park View room. The pet friendly resort offers one of the best stays in Florida for the entire family, including four-legged companions.

When you let the property know in advance of your visit that you are traveling with your dog, they will have an in-room dining menu available.

Specialty offerings include a variety of “Tail Waggin’ Treats,” including “The Cold Nose” (yogurt, peanut butter, and apple slices), and “Haute Diggity Dog,” a tasty breakfast of scrambled eggs, rice and veal stock. They also provide suggestions for dog sitting, day spas for four-legged friends, and even dog friendly restaurants nearby where you can bring your companion to enjoy dining alfresco.

Don Riddle

There are 443 recently refreshed accommodations to choose from here with their standard guest rooms offering the largest square footage in all of Orlando.

For larger families, they have a collection of Park View Deluxe Suites as well as connecting rooms. For the ultimate stay, book a Royal Suite that can connect to a nine-bedroom residence or the Ultimate Suites Experience, which includes a buyout of the 16th floor with 21 rooms, including the Presidential and Royal Suites.

There is a wide array of complimentary daily activities to choose from here that includes a Kids Club, offering childcare for youngsters ages four to 12. Parents can drop kids off here for anywhere from just an hour to a full day at no charge.

For adults, there are complimentary fitness classes offered along with access to a fitness center, and basketball, volleyball, and other sports courts.

Don Riddle

There is also an 18-hole Tom Fazio signature golf course on the property with a newly enhanced $2.5 million practice facility as well as three Har-Tru tennis courts.

When it comes time for relaxing, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World offers many ways to indulge in some down time. Book a couples massage, an express pedicure, or a collagen contour facial at The Spa and enjoy some solo time after in the Solarium Lounge.

Be sure to book some time in the Somadome located in The Spa. The cocoon-like pod offers guests the opportunity to listen to a guided or non-guided 20-minute personalized meditation session, utilizing the healing properties of binaural beats, energy medicine with magnets, crystal, and color therapy.

Don Riddle

The property offers many excuses to never have to leave. Reserve one of their poolside cabanas or bungalows for the ultimate in privacy.

There’s a lazy river found at the five-acre water park with waterslides offering fun for the whole family along with a lakeside infinity-edge Oasis pool with underwater audio and hourly amenities. It’s the only adults pool found in all of Walt Disney World for guests looking for a quieter swim sans children.

While here, be sure to stop by the nearby Pool Bar & Grill  (PB&G) for a southwest salad, salmon sandwich, grilled fish tacos, or a pina colada to enjoy lakeside.

Before heading back to your room, check out Wardrobe, the lifestyle boutique on property offering stylish apparel for men and women along with luxury collections from designers like Pucci, Tory Burch and Missoni. Keep an eye out for designer trunk shows held here. There is even a whimsical shop called Fable that has all the provisions you forgot at home.

Don Riddle

When it comes to dining, there are a variety of options to choose from.

Because the property caters to guests visiting Walt Disney World Resorts, there is no dress code required at any of the restaurants. It is important to note the restaurants are extremely popular so be sure to make reservations in advance.

Capa Steakhouse & Bar is the resort’s signature 17th floor rooftop Michelin-starred steakhouse. Offering everything from Spanish-influenced tapas to wood-grilled meats, the restaurant offers some of the best views of the nightly fireworks from their two outdoor terraces.

Don Riddle

Ravello, the Michelin-recommended restaurant, boasts some of the best house made Italian fare in town. Start off with an Aperol spritz paired up with their classic Bolognese, a whole pan-seared Branzino, or melt-in-your-mouth prime rib. They also offer a decadent breakfast with fresh juice bar, along with a popular Disney character breakfast for kids to meet Goofy and his pals. 

Don’t miss Lickety Split for an after-dinner sweet treat. Designed for both kids and adults, the casual spot offers an incredible selection of pastries created by a James Beard-nominated chef along with house-made gelato and artisanal coffee.

For tasty casual fare, head to The Lobby Bar and enjoy their famous Lobby Burger topped with a decadent combination of whiskey caramelized onions, candied bacon, aged white cheddar cheese, arugula, and garlic aioli.

Our favorite restaurant on property is Plancha located at the golf clubhouse that serves up Latin-inspired dishes and creative cocktails. Try a chicken and corn empanada, carne asada quesadilla, fresh guacamole with naan chips, or Caribbean Jerk dry rubbed chicken wings to start. Standout sandwiches include an overstuffed Cuban and buttermilk-brined turkey club.

Don Riddle

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While tickets to Walt Disney World are not included with a stay here, they can easily be purchased in the lobby.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World also offers early entry and complimentary transportation to the four main Disney parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios) via luxury motor coach.

For those who want to linger longer, guests have access to a late departure lounge where you can also request to have your bags stored while you enjoy a final swim or park visit one last time before checking out. 

Be sure to keep an eye out for some of the exclusive offers the property extends during the summer months that feature everything from a complimentary fourth night to exclusive rates for Florida residents. 

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is located at 101000 Dream Tree Boulevard in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.