ISLAND SO RELAXING
It might have been a stressful stopover for some struggling to get home due to the ash cloud – but Bali is still a great place to chill
THE sun is setting over the clifftop Uluwatu Temple and a huge white monkey is taking aim at a ring of fire balls, kicking them one by one into the air as an increasingly alarmed audience looks on. But they need not worry. There is not a hint of animal cruelty here.
The mischievous primate is actually a human dancer playing the part of Hanoman, the magical monkey sent to rescue goddess Sita from the clutches of the evil Ravana, in a Kecak Dance performance.
With a choir chanting rhythmically against the stunning backdrop, it is a breathtaking way to start my trip to Bali.
Known as ‘‘The Island of the Gods’’, the Indonesian province famously practises Balinese Hinduism, but it is not just religious beliefs that give this place such a heavenly status, with the beauty of its natural surroundings making Bali a beach destination to rival the likes of the Maldives and the Seychelles.
I’m staying at The Mulia, an uber-luxe resort in Nusa Dua on the southern tip of the island, which was voted best beach resort in the world by glossy magazine Conde Nast Traveler USA last year.
Rooms range from stunning suites with terraces and hot tubs, to secluded private villas with butler service, and I’m lucky enough to be staying in the latter.
At first, British politeness takes hold and I daren’t ask my butler for anything, but I’m surprised at how quickly I get used to the VIP treatment.
The resort overlooks a private beach where the waves lap ever so gently on the white-sand shore. The pools are equally picturesque, so I spend my first few days horizontal on a sun lounge and develop a mild addiction to coconut juice, supped from a freshly cut green fruit.
The property sprawls over a gently sloping hillside, with the villas, situated at the highest point, offering the most stunning views over neighbouring islands.
The resort opened just over two years ago, so the design and decor are modern but still reflect Indonesian heritage, with sloping roofs and heavy carved wooden doors.
The spa features the latest treatment technology and therapists are also trained in Balinese techniques.
I’m delighted to discover a sushi buffet at almost every meal (yes, even breakfast) while the all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch, popular with non-residents too, is a global feast of epic proportions.
If you get itchy feet from too much poolside lounging, I’d recommend spreading your excursions out over a few days, or venturing on foot to some of the island’s hidden beaches.
Ubud is the island’s cultural capital and is filled with beautiful galleries selling artworks depicting local scenes. Wood carving has a long heritage in the region, dating back to the 14th century, and traditional sculptures are still sold in many of the shops.
If you time your activities well, seasonal monsoon downpours will never interfere and there are many to tempt you.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a leafy park full of macaques and grey monkeys, while the Ubud market offers an array of products.
I make a beeline for a sign that reads ‘‘Balinese Massage’’, having heard the island’s fullbody treatment is not to be missed.
I spend the next hour being pummelled, prodded and twisted into submission for about 60,000 rupiah – the equivalent of four Australian bucks.
Bali offers a unique mix of lively towns, Hindu heritage and sunsets so serene they will relax even the most stressedout westerner – as long as you steer clear of those flying balls of fire.
I’M DELIGHTED TO DISCOVER A SUSHI BUFFET AT ALMOST EVERY MEAL (YES, EVEN BREAKFAST)
Katie Wright was a guest of The Mulia & Mulia Villas