Nothing says “summer holiday” quite like a trip to Bali. An island teeming with culture, art, and gorgeous nature as far as the eye can see, this Indonesian province could well be the perfect candidate for your next luxury trip. From sampling Indonesian cuisine at five-star restaurants to unwinding via massage at top-rate local wellness centres, here is a list of 7 activities you can participate in to feel like your most lavish self in Bali.
Wake Up in a Luxury Resort
As one of the top tourist destinations in the world, Bali is in no shortage of world-class resorts to spend your nights in. The choice of which resort to stay in is entirely up to your preference. You could book rooms in the more well-known chain hotels, like the Ritz-Carlton or the Four Seasons, or you could venture into locations that have a little more local flavour.
If you’re into waking up to the sounds of waves on the shore and the smell of the ocean hanging in the air, you’ll want to look for resorts that lie on the breath-taking coastline of Nusa Dua, like the Apurva Kempinski Bali or the Laguna that offer spectacular oceanside views. Meanwhile, if you’d prefer somewhere more verdant, Camaya Bali Bamboo House or the Capella Ubud Bali might satisfy your need to be in tune with nature. Regardless, Bali’s five-star accommodation offerings will be sure to impress.
Step Aboard a Cruise Trip
There’s nothing quite so luxurious as coming aboard a cruise ship, is there? As the province of Bali contains the eponymous island as well as a few other, smaller isles, tours of the surrounding area via cruise ship are easy to find.
One company you should definitely take a look at if you’re interested in cruising through Bali is Bali Hai Cruises. Founded in 1990, Bali Hai Cruises offers day trips to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and even the Gili Islands. On these trips, expect to get a little wet – they offer snorkelling in these locations, so you might want to ditch the Android phone and the power bank onboard the ship if you’re planning to take a dip.
Browse the Work of Local Artisans
As we mentioned earlier, Bali is an island defined by its cultural art, and local artists are no strangers to producing quality pieces which are often, thankfully, available for purchase. If you’re looking for something to bring a little Balinese influence into your home or your wardrobe, you can visit some areas that were set up specifically for these artists to display and sell their work.
The Keranjang is a mall that houses many local clothing and souvenir stores, ensuring you’ll be browsing only the finest in Balinese fashion. The souvenir stores often sell woodwork pieces with Balinese art motifs, which definitely add an exotic feel to any space. You can also take a stroll around the Guwang Sukawati Arts Market, which hosts an array of the aforementioned products alongside paintings and handwoven materials that’ll be sure to become summer favourites.
Lounge Around a Lavish Beach Club
A summer trip to Bali just isn’t complete without a little sun soaking. Bali plays host to a number of reputable days and beach clubs, all eagerly awaiting you to come to hang loose. So, put on your swimsuit and don’t forget to put on a generous amount of sunblock – the golden rays of the Bali beach can wait.
Head down to the Seminyak coast to drop by the Potato Head Beach Club Bali, where you and your best mates can order some munchies and cocktails for a relaxing time. If you’re looking to inspire a little more adrenaline, you can head up to the Uluwatu cliffside, where Oneeighty Bali is located, ready to change your life with their quality cocktails. Alternatively, you can lounge around a pool on the Melasti Beach coastline at the Cattamaran Beach Club, whose seaside charms are sure to pull you in deeper.
Indulge in the Best of Balinese Cuisine
Feeling peckish after a long morning or afternoon of luxury activities? Take some time between activities to sit down and have meals in some of Bali’s top-quality eateries. All across the island are restaurants that give a fine-dining touch to the island’s already mouth-watering native cuisine.
If you’re feeling like you want to sample authentic Balinese cuisine, you can book a table at Locavore, which prioritises sourcing quality local ingredients in everything at the table – down to the utensils themselves. Alternatively, the stylish Kayuputi Restaurant offers a more globally influenced menu, allowing you to traverse the world while still tasting a strong Balinese element in every dish. If you can’t decide, Merah Putih Restaurant offers something of a middle ground, with dishes of both local and overseas origin making appearances on their diverse menu.
Experience First-Rate Balinese Nightlife
As night falls over the Indonesian island, you might want to put on your best dancing shoes for a night out on the town. If so, you’re certainly not alone in that instinct, as Bali is a rather well-known destination for those looking for a good time.
Mimicking the look of a Gothic cathedral with stained-glass windows, the reflective surfaces strewn all across Mirror will make you feel like you’re dancing inside a disco ball, while top-tier DJs spin addictive tracks to keep the crowd moving. Meanwhile, La Favela opts for a more Latin flavour: greeted by a replica of the famous Christ the Redeemer, partygoers are sure to start shaking like pictures out of a Polaroid camera once they enter the lively dancefloor. Regardless of where you go to party in Bali, you’re sure to have a good time, as long as you remain mindful of local sensitivities on your way home.
Rest and Relax at a First-Class Wellness Retreat
Once you’ve had your fun doing everything else on this list, you might feel the need to unwind with a massage in a good spa. Luckily for you, Bali offers plenty of options for a world-class spa session, which are guaranteed to sap away any stress that might be building in your joints and muscles.
If you’re looking to relax on the beachside, or by the paddy fields that can be found across the island, you can take a look at Soori Bali, located in Tabanan beside the famous Kelating Beach’s black sands. The spa offers all manner of relaxation, including massages, acupuncture, and meditation. Alternatively, you might be more drawn to the riverside charm of Fivelements in Badung, which also offers uniquely Balinese practices rooted in local spirituality.
As you can see, there is no shortage of luxury experiences you can have in Bali. So, don’t wait – book your next trip to the Island of the Gods as soon as possible so you can experience luxury like you never have before.
