Bali Bliss
🌴 Bali – This island of the Gods, where every home has a temple and even the sunsets feel like a sacred ceremony🌴. The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a paradise. It's more than a place – it's a mood, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind.
There is no other place like Bali. A magical blend of a colorful culture, kind and friendly people, stunning nature, countless activities, tropical weather, culinary delights, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful accommodations. Home to TWO of the Top 50 BEST hotels in the world. 🌟Bali is rated regularly as one of the best travel destinations in the world – for very good reasons🌟.
I have had Bali on my bucket list for most of my life and I finally had the chance to go! I was invited to host a luncheon at a retreat conference, and it was being hosted in Bali, so now was the perfect time! My “sister” Jill also got to travel with me! Bali being my Aunt’s favorite place it felt incredible to be able to experience it with Jill! We flew separately but ended up meeting up at the same time since my flights were redirected (long story) from Greece.
We arrived late in the evening at the airport which looks like some kind of temple itself! Headed to Raffles located in Jimbaran Bay. It is the best option for a luxury 5-star property closest to the airport. WOW – It is a stunner!😍 They pampered us like you wouldn’t believe! We had a private villa with a pool overlooking the bay – It was the perfect place to arrive and get sorted before beginning 2 weeks touring around.
🌴Next, we headed to Nusa Dua. A beachfront community on the east coast about 25 minutes from the airport. That is the crazy thing about Bali traffic, it takes about 20 minutes to drive a mile – EVERYWHERE! The other interesting thing to me is the tide. It goes out so far, daily! We stayed at the Ritz Carlton for 4 nights, and it felt like its own village. Our room opened to the small lagoon pool – Most of the hotels on the beachfront are built into the hill and spread out onto the beach.
One highlight was going next door to the @Kempinski! It is GORGEOUS! I wish we had stayed there. ✨I highly recommend the Kempinski for anyone staying in this area! It gives the impression that it was designed to feel like a temple. It is so GRAND yet magical✨. We were fortunate to dine at Indonesia’s #1 restaurant @Koral. It is an underwater aquarium with a Michelin starred chef. They went out of their way to make us feel special and the food is unique, gourmet and unlike anywhere else I have dined!
🌴Next up, we headed to the island of Sumba to see @Nihi.
It is rated #10 BEST hotel in the world by Top 50 Best Hotels.
This is the most romantic and special place I have ever been to and believe exists! It is unspoiled yet, you are at the most luxurious place at the edge of the world!
Imagine an island so remote it feels like the end of the world. As the furthest island in Indonesia, Nihi Sumba is more than a resort — it’s a deeply personal adventure that captures my heart🌊✨. When I had the chance to release baby sea turtles (my spirit animal!) into the ocean, it was one of my biggest dreams come true. This unforgettable experience brought me closer to nature in a way I’ll always cherish 🐢💙.
From the legendary Occy’s Left surf break and wild horses galloping at sunset to the incredible spa safari and the warmth of the local culture, Nihi is a place where extraordinary memories are made. Loved by surfers, romantics, and honeymooners alike, this paradise is perfect for those seeking intimate moments — whether strolling on secluded beaches or savoring the magic of a Sumba sunset 💍🌅.
🌴Onto the jungle of Ubud! Ubud is the spiritual heartland of Bali and a bustling village for seekers of all kinds. Finally, I got to stay at Como Shambhala Estate on the Ayung River. This has been #1 on my wellness list since 2010! We stayed in a villa at the edge of the jungle — This place had a very strong energetic feel to it. The cuisine is Indonesian with a wellness focus which reflects their holistic approach to health and well-being. They even feature recipes on @SingaporeAirlines.
Capella Ubud is truly captivating — a luxury tented camp that channels the spirit of Dutch explorers and the ambiance of 1800s settlers. There’s nothing quite like it, making it a top choice for honeymooners.
Soulshine Bali — Michael Franti’s retreat resort. LOVED IT! Great vibes, food and feels. Two retreats were happening at the time we were there, and it was not an issue at all. Friendly people and fun all around. We had the top floor room with a beautiful balcony.
Desa Potato Head on the beach in Seminyak. Desa means village and it sure is a village! It started as a beach club then they took over the parking lot next door and turned this place into one of the most sustainable resorts in the world! It is rated #21 BEST hotel in the world by Top 50 Best Hotels.
🌴Next up we headed to Uluwatu (just so fun to say!) — the true surfers paradise. This beach town is so dreamy with white cliffs that just drop off into the bluest ocean giving the most dramatic scenery. We stayed at Anantara — this was my first time trying out this brand. The NEW Bulgari hotel is also located in Uluwatu! We attended the Kecak Fire Ceremony and of course visited the Uluwatu Temple, where the monkeys live! We watched the monkeys pluck people’s glasses and phones right off of them🐒.
🌴The Legian, Seminyak — An iconic hotel renowned for its extraordinary location, authentic culture and stunning design. A timeless, one-of-a-kind hotel and I absolutely loved it here! I felt so lucky to spend 2 days OFF, relax, and experience the ocean and spa. We were truly treated like royalty — we even had our own water purification ceremony at sunset in the ocean! This one holds a special place in my heart. Even the shells on this beach are one of a kind🐚🤍!
🌴Last, we stopped in Singapore on the way home. WOW, this place is amazing and so clean! Of course, we hit all the famous picture spots and even tried the free tour from the airport and to our surprise, it was GREAT! It is a destination of its own between every luxury brand store and the largest indoor waterfall inside the Jewel. I highly recommend a trip here! We did spend a lot of time in the airport here, so yes, we did have a Singapore Sling and watch Crazy Rich Asians in the lounge waiting for our flight home😊!
My favorite thing about Bali has to be the people — I’ll never forget how genuinely wonderful they are. And the COFFEE☕️… absolutely unforgettable!
One thing I’ll probably never fully wrap my head around is the currency — it honestly feels like Monopoly money! We joked that we never knew if we’d scored a happy hour deal on drinks or bought out the whole bar. IYKYK! Oh, and another quirky detail: outdoor bathrooms!
✨Dreaming of your Balinese Bliss? With beautiful scenery, rich culture and balmy temperatures, Bali could be the perfect Southeast Asian destination for you. Reach out to get started, today!✨