I’d always idolised the idea of Bali – as many people do – for the delicious (and affordable) cocktails, white-sand beaches and, of course, the dream of living out my very own Eat Pray Love experience. What I completely underestimated, however, was Bali’s outstanding natural beauty, the sheer kindness of the locals, and the incredible sense of adventure that lets you fully immerse yourself in a culture like no other.
We kicked off our adventure at The Oberoi, Seminyak, which felt like our own little sanctuary, full of the beauty, spirituality and homeliness you instantly associate with Bali. I lost track of the number of audible “gasps” and “wow’s” from that first impression as we were greeted by the kindest staff into what felt like our very own tropical paradise. The room itself felt authentically Balinese with deep wooden interiors and one of the most luxurious bathrooms I’ve ever seen. All around the hotel, frangipani blossoms added their scent and colour – a beautiful reminder that tradition is deeply rooted here.
After two nights, we moved on to The Samaya, Seminyak, where that same sense of peace and authenticity remained. We spent our first afternoon sunbathing by the vast and stunning main pool, enjoying complimentary fruit salads before checking into our villa – the epitome of luxury. A huge private pool, a spacious bedroom and living area, and the showstopper: a tropical outdoor shower that made us feel truly immersed in island living.
Our stay in Seminyak was a mix of relaxation and buzz: exploring the town, putting our bartering skills to the test at the markets, treating ourselves to a very reasonably priced mani-pedi, and, of course, enjoying some of Bali’s iconic beach clubs.
Our second stop was Lombok – and I have to say, if you’re heading to Bali, this is an essential part of any itinerary. We checked into The Oberoi, Lombok, which matched everything we loved about its sister property in Seminyak, with a little something extra. Our villa had a huge private pool and a terrace overlooking the lush jungle, while the hotel’s beachside location meant cocktails at sunset and plenty of time to enjoy the private water sports facilities. My highlight? A private boat trip to the Gili Islands, where we snorkelled in crystal-clear waters by the iconic underwater statues, swam with turtles, and feasted on a beachside lunch before exploring Gili T.
Our final stop was Ubud – and I have to admit, it now holds a very special place in my heart. Ubud is the beating heart of Bali, overflowing with natural beauty and rich culture. We stayed at Kappa Senses Ubud, which was the perfect finale to this trip of a lifetime. On arrival, we were gifted handmade Tritadu bracelets as a symbolic offering of goodness, strength and courage, before being shown to our villa, tucked away in the jungle with (yes!) another private pool. Breakfasts overlooking rice terraces as the sun came up felt utterly surreal – fresh smoothies, delicious dishes and a view I’ll never forget.
Exploring Ubud was unforgettable. For those who want to unlock their spiritual side, there are endless opportunities, but we leaned into adventure. Our days included an e-bike tour through local villages, where we were welcomed into a Balinese family home; long lunches at two fabulous restaurants with sweeping views of the jungle; dips in hot springs and waterfalls; and, of course, a ride on the giant swing over the Tegallalang rice terraces.
Bali is one of those places you truly have to experience to understand. No amount of words can quite capture it. Staying in such luxurious yet homely hotels while discovering the island’s beauty, traditions and warmth is something I’ll always hold close to my heart.
Bali – I will be back!
