Bali Beckons

The mystical allure of Bali seduces thes heart and the soul alike. Elizabeth Gilbert’s best selling, ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ could well have been set entirely in Bali.

Of the various descriptions assigned to this magnificent tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago, I believe that the most fitting is, ‘Ultimate Island’.  Bali is as much as about spirituality and tranquillity as it is about romance and sensuality, adventure and shopping.

From sculpted rice terraces on gently sloping hillsides in Ubud, to pristine beaches in Nusa Dua, chic restaurants and bars in Seminayak  and Jimbaran, trendy shopping in Legian,  sacred  temples in Ulawatu and Tanah Lot and artists’ villages in Mas and Celuk, Bali enchants, thrills and soothes the traveller, all in one visit.

And when it comes to luxury, Bali truly sparkles! With spectacular settings, stunning views, expansive residencies, impeccable service and signature spa treatments, discover your private haven at these handpicked sanctuaries.

Awards and accolades keep pouring in for Ayana Resort & Spa, now a certified eco-hotel by the prestigious TUV Rheinland Germany. Perched above Jimbaran Bay, on a limestone cliff, overlooking the luminous Indian Ocean, this secluded retreat set amongst beautiful gardens is named after a Sanskrit word, meaning ‘place of refuge’.

Just 15 minutes from Bali’s airport, this 77-hectare property enjoys majestic views and an exclusive location across its 1.3 kilometre coastline. The 368 guestrooms comprise 78 private pool villas and a 290-room hotel. Exquisitely appointed, each villa is a resort by itself, harmoniously blending the latest modern comforts with traditional design, highlighted in Indonesian carving, sculpture, paintings and artefacts.

The resort includes the 22,000 sq m Thermes Marins Thalasso spa with one of the world’s largest Aquatonic Seawater Therapy Pools, The Rock Bar and the Ayana Wedding Gazebo. Indulge mind and body in either of the two lavish oceanfront spas or hone your stroke on the 18-hole putting course. Take a mountain bike for a tour of the expansive grounds, get some retail therapy at the boutique shops and savour an international host of gourmet cuisine at any of the 12 dining venues and bars!

A rare gem, The Bale’ has 29 immaculately designed pavilions, each with a sleek modern interior, refreshingly simple garden, blissful daybeds inside and out and a private swimming pool. Sensuous and chic, this retreat is the essence of modern elegance basking in the cultural warmth of Balinese people. Consider The Balé your private tropical retreat, a luxurious stay with a small family of friends, where you can be as public or private as you wish. Stroll through peaceful white -walled courtyards and past refreshing water pools, indulge in the unique collection of holistic spa treatments and well-being programs and dine on the freshest organic produce.

Besides the spa programs available at The Spa, under the ‘Masters in Residence’ programme, well-known holistic practitioners in specific therapies are invited to the retreat. Guests can also take part in life-changing seminars and workshops, or talk with Masters who can help them explore their own lives and appreciate the true values of improving their lifestyles in a variety of exciting ways.

The Bale’ has designed an imaginative programme of artistic and cultural escapes to ensure that guests get a genuine taste of Bali’s incredibly rich history and lifestyle. Storytellers, musicians, dancers, historians, apothecaries and holy men from the local neighbourhoods enliven the guest experience!

Discover the joys of Bali’s upscale enclave at Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, an all-suite Bali resort in a prime beachfront location. Anantara offers a contemporary design blended with Balinese and Indonesian culture, ocean views, expansive balconies and the inimitable Jacuzzi terrazzo bath tubs. Awaken to the rustle of a sea breeze through coconut palms and toast the world famous Seminyak sunsets from your private balcony.

Resort amenities range from the glorious rooftop lounge SOS Supper Club and rooftop Anantara Spa to one infinity edge swimming pool staring out upon the Indian Ocean. Guests can soothe their nerves and balance their minds with body through unique therapeutic treatments using luxuriant oils derived from vanilla pods deep in the jungles west of Bali to natural volcanic pumice, mandarin and powdered spices. Treat your senses to nutrient-rich elixirs drawn from indigenous sources and put to effective use by the experts.

Highly recommended is a visit to the Anantara Beach Club, located in the secluded Geger beach. Set with cushioned deck chairs and overlooking the divine Geger Temple, the beach offers warm water and gentle surf – making it perfect for leisurely swim.

However you choose to spend your luxury vacation in Bali, the experience will linger a lifetime. Don’t miss a chance to inspire, uplift and enchant your heart and soul!