Why not explore some different options next time you make your travel plans? Stephanie Brookes gives some top accommodation picks, which we hope will inspire you to find the true spirit of the island.
KUTA: Ramayana Hotel — Shopping and entertainment What I love about this hotel is the history. It was one of the first Kuta hotels (1971) and carries with it genuine caring service that speaks of the dedicated staff. Even though you are in the heart of Kuta, the shopping and entertainment hub of Bali, the spacious grounds and enormous pool provide a surprisingly quiet retreat. You hear no noise from this hotel. The beautiful koi pools create a serene, restful ambience. There is even a small rice paddy in the middle of the hotel. The restaurant is aptly named Gabah, meaning unhulled rice. Chef Pak Oka took three months to research the selection of dishes offered at Gabah. You can try food from all over Indonesia including local dishes from Aceh, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, Maluku and Nusa Tenggara Timur. Presenting this variety of ethnic dishes from around the archipelago is quite a feat. The signature culinary experience is called Balinese Royal Kingdom Feast and consists of 22 courses. It is served by a line of waiters in single file, plates held at shoulder height, accompanied by the sound the kul-kul drum. A beautiful hotel with exceptional service. www.ramayanahotel.com
NUSA DUA: Grand Mirage Resort — Beachside Nusa Dua is in South Bali and is best known as the enclave of luxury stays. The Grand Mirage is a beautiful beachfront hotel complete with a white sandy beach and a relaxed vibe. Standing with your toes in the sand on a private beach as the day-bed sheets fly in the wind is a pretty good holiday moment. Sometimes we need a holiday where everything is taken care of, and this is what you will find staying at this stunning five-star resort in the heart of Nusa Dua. The expansive tropical grounds include 5ha of playtime pursuits such as tennis, beach yoga, swimming, volleyball and the bonus daily water sports options. Why not take a Balinese cooking class, or learn how to make those magnificent fruit and vegetable carvings? You can do everything or nothing and isn’t that what a resort stay is all about? www.grandmirage.com
Religion is an integral part of Balinese life and these offerings are everywhere. Picture: David Metcalf
MAMBAL VILLAGE: Fivelements — Wellness retreat In the foothills of Ubud, this wellness retreat is tucked away on the banks of the Ayung River. It is a place of healing, harmony, spiritual balance and healthy food. The retreat embraces the five elements of earth, water, fire, air, and ether in everything it does. There is a beautiful yoga studio, a mandela space, a wellness spa and a sacred fire circle. It is a true escape from the stresses of life and provides a sanctuary where you can find your own healing, beauty and balance. The nine sleeping suites face the river, with a feature stone bathtub open to the elements. There is only a wispy fine curtain between you and the river. If you are seeking rejuvenation and wellness, try to stay at least five days. This will allow time for taking advantage of programs such as colon hydrotherapy, daily yoga, daily meditation, sacred arts activities and the detox program with living foods. www.fivelements.org
UBUD: Villa Damee — Private villa A private villa stay is always about seclusion, exclusivity and privacy. If you can locate yourself in an environment that blends nature and peacefulness, then relaxation will enfold you and give you the solace and connection you may be seeking. Finding your way to Villa Damee, which is just 10 minutes drive from Ubud, takes you on a journey through rural laneways and small roads. This beautiful villa is set in the traditional village of Pejeng, among rice fields adjoining the World Heritage-listed Pakerisan River. There is plenty of space to unwind and spread out in the three enormous living areas, and the three spacious bedrooms all have unique bathrooms. One features a goddess statue shower and a stone bath set in a private enclosed small garden — perfect for moon bathing under the twinkling stars, as the bathroom is open to the sky. A magical meditation and yoga platform overlooks the rice fields and out towards the river. Take advantage of the on-call masseuse from the village, and forget cooking. Your villa cook, who specialises in authentic Balinese cuisine, provides daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. The quiet roads are perfect for cycling and walking tours from the door of the villa include visiting the local village to make coconut oil with grandma, a guided local fishing trip and learning to make temple offerings. www.villadamee.com
PADANGBAI: Bloo Lagoon Village — Eco resort Padangbai is a small, friendly seaside village about an hour from the airport. It’s a great little getaway if you are seeking a quieter beach stay. Tony and Marita, the owners, have designed and built a gorgeous small villa resort with a bit of a difference on a hill above the town. It is an eco-resort, which incorporates sustainable building materials and architecture, self-sustaining water systems, organic gardening, and villa recycling waste systems, while the pool uses a unique bio-friendly filtration system. The care shown by the owners to make everything environmentally friendly is remarkable. A short walk from the resort brings you to a beautiful white sandy beach with a casual warung (cafe) which serves cold Bintang beer and has fabulous ocean views. There is an interesting selection of restaurants and bars in town, and a free shuttle gets you up the hill and back. This comes as a welcome relief at the end of the day, or when it’s too hot for walking. What stole my heart, though, were the stunning ocean views. My one-bedroom villa had a huge, open tropical lounge, great for entertaining. As I was there for a party, this was perfect for my group. Bloo Lagoon is a family-friendly resort with one, two and three-bedroom villas, a great pool and a really fun water slide. I was celebrating a friend’s 60th birthday and everyone went up and down that slide for hours amid peels of laughter (from other guests). Yoga is offered every morning, and both the yoga and spa facility face the ocean. Due to the eco-friendly, open, tropical style, you may (as I did) find yourself coming face to face with a monkey in a tree. Don’t worry, they are not naughty monkeys, being well fed from all the fruiting trees around the property. In the evening, the rooftop bar serves great cocktails overlooking the spectacular ocean backdrop. www.bloolagoon.com
