Three Ways to Explore the Island of the Gods
BALI IS ONE ISLAND MADE UP OF MANY DESTINATIONS. KATE WEBSTER EXPLORES THIS ISLAND OF THE GODS IN THREE DIFFERENT WAYS; FOR FAMILIES, FOR COUPLES AND FOR SOLOS.
BBali, ‘Island of the Gods’, is known as paradise on earth. With its mountainous terrain, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides, it is easy to see why.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Mix this with its colourful, spiritual and unique culture, Bali is one of the most popular destinations in the world. It offers something for almost every visitor from backpacking youth to cashed-up luxury travellers.
How do you choose the right Bali holiday? Do you lose yourself in chaotic Kuta or relax into the pleasures of Seminyak? Maybe your style is to surf wild beaches in the south or just hang out in Legian. You can go family-friendly in Jimbaran Bay or savour a lavish getaway in Nusa Dua. Whatever your agenda, taste or mood, Bali has the answer.
FAMILY FUN FOR ALL
Away from busier tourist spots, Jimbaran Bay is nestled on Bali’s southwestern coast. The bay area is part of the narrow strip connecting the
Bali mainland and the Bukit Peninsula. The beach and the bay offer small protected areas of peace and quiet, making it perfect for families.
It doesn’t have masses of tourists lining the streets. The pace is mellow and has an authentic local community. Relax on the beach where the evening opens to a haven of seafood restaurants or start the day by visiting the markets.
REMOTE BUT CONNECTED
While you may feel far from the hustle bustle of Bali, it is just short distances to explore the island. Depending on traffic, Kuta, Legian and Seminyak are about 30 minutes to 1-hour north. Uluwatu is 15 to 30 minutes south. Nusa Dua is 15 to 30 minutes away and Ubud about 2 – 2.5 hours away.
A great pick for a resort fit for any family is the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali. The resort was built with families in mind, catering to parents needing a break to kids who know how to have fun. Their global Family Programme provides fun, value and happy moments for every member of the family.
AFFORDABLE LUXURY
At the Mövenpick you can immerse yourself in 5-star Balinese island living at an affordable price. Just a short walk from Jimbaran Beach and with Samasta Lifestyle Village on your doorstep, there is plenty to do for the family. It is what the resort offers however that makes this a hit with parents and kids.
Your family experience begins at check-in. I walked up to the desk and to my three-year-old niece’s delight, there were small steps up to the counter allowing her to be part of the check in experience. Okay, so she didn’t hand over the passports, but she had a colouring in page and pencils to keep her occupied while I did the necessary.
SPACIOUS ROOMS
The spacious interconnecting rooms are a big plus as you can open the door and suddenly you have a small villa. The staff had anticipated our arrival with a 11-month baby and already set up a cot. While the rooms in the resort are filled with all you could want, it was the rest of the resort that demanded immediate attention (determined by the children’s restlessness).
First stop, among many to come, was the kids club. If you have a boisterous child, then the pirate themed Meera Kids Club is their dream come true. Open from 9:00am to 8:00pm daily, the kids club welcomes children four to 12 years old. You can take in younger children, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
KID & ADULT ACTIVITIES
Shaped into a pirate ship, the kids club has an indoor and outdoor playground with a pool, slides and water features. My niece made fast work of checking it all out. There is arts and crafts, painting, jewellery making and even cultural activities such as Balinese cooking class and Balinese dress and dance lesson. Best of all, you can hire a babysitter to allow adult time to relax.
When I say relax, I mean really relax. Starting with a traditional one-hour massage at the Arkipela Spa & Wellness centre. From the moment I stepped through the door, the serene ambiance engulfed me and moments after laying down on the massage table, I was drifting off into pure bliss. Desperate to hold only the floating feeling after the massage, it was time to relax by the pool.
Even being a family resort, there are spaces where the adults can get away and just relax. The resort pool stretches around the property and has areas for children and adults only. There are deck chairs or if you feel like a bit of splurge, cabanas can be hired for a small fee which allow more space to spread out. I opted to lounge in a hammock over the water and sip on a cocktail.
BREAKFAST BAR
Dining is just as experiential at Mövenpick. Breakfast is enjoyed in the Anarasa Restaurant. There is a communal feel here like you are home at your own kitchen, with live cooking stations and an international à la carte menu for meals throughout the day. There is even a breakfast bar for the kids full of creative delights like bananas dipped in chocolate, sandwiches with smiley faces, fruit kebabs and more. The children revel in the delight of getting a plate of their own special food and sitting in the kids dining area.
Adults can sit close to the children while still enjoying their own space. Lunches can be shared at Anarasa or around the pool in a relaxed environment. For a special treat, one night we headed up to the rooftop at Above Eleven Bali Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. With views over Jimbaran Bay and the Indian Ocean, Above Eleven is the perfect spot to savour the sunset with live music at the rooftop sky bar. The cocktails are as spectacular as the sunset and the food has a Peruvian-japanese flare. Best of all is the family zone. Setup with an open-air cinema, beanbags were filled with bottoms of children as they watched a movie, snacking on popcorn and making friends with neighbouring beanbag dwellers. The setup is fantastic to allow kids to have their time and parents to have a drink and eat nearby.
ROMANCING NUSA DUA
The beach resort area of Nusa Dua has an incredible collection of luxury hotels facing the pristine coast. The white sand beaches make Nusa Dua an idyllic place for couples and honeymooners.
Located 20 to 30 minutes by car from the airport and within easy access to Kuta (20-30 minutes) and Jimbaran (15 minutes), everything is still relatively close. Although Nusa Dua is Bali’s most developed resort area, you can find cultural attractions here. These range from temples, a museum housing arts and artefacts from Indonesia and the Pacific, to unique natural landmarks.
FRENCH INSPIRED LUXURY
The Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort offers a beachfront retreat with French-inspired luxury, making it a gem for couples looking for romance in Bali. The 5-star resort is set in tropical gardens that intertwine around the massive pool, offering plenty of secluded spaces to have a private getaway.
Arriving at the resort, you can be quite overwhelmed with its sheer size. From check-in to check-out, you are spoilt with little touches that make you feel special. The dedicated checkin lounge, a feast of sugary delights in your room at check-in and the staff knowing your name after first meetings all adds to the service.
ROMANTIC ROOMS
Possibly one of the most romantic resort rooms I have seen, the Luxury Rooms with
Pool leads directly out to a pool that winds its way around lush gardens. It is like you have your own private oasis. Couples will relish the romance of the secluded setting and luxurious room features including the oversized bed, large bathtub and rain shower.
Stepping out of the room and into the pool, it was time to explore the resort via the waterways. The pools link to the main pool which extends the length of the resort straight down the middle. Flowering frangipani trees exude a sweet floral scent and water fountains flow from stone sculptures, the sound of running water adding to the ambience. Couples relaxed on pool chairs, lazily dangling their feet in the water while stealing kisses between sips of cocktails.
HIP BEACH CLUB
As evening drew near and the sun dipped in the late afternoon sky, there was a buzz in the air coming from the beachfront. I wandered down to discover the very hip and vibing Manarai
Beach House. Encapsulating the cool new trend in Bali of the beach club, I was delighted to discover entry is free, not only for hotel guests but everyone.
This is one place where couples can enjoy the afternoon turn into evening in a social buzzing scene. The blend of Balinese tradition and modernity flows throughout the venue where two swimming pools are lined with day beds stretching down to the beach. Soaking up the last of the day’s sun, I cast my eyes over the menu of unique tastes of international and local Balinese cuisines and whimsical cocktail selections.
INDULGENT DAYS
The following days at the Sofitel were an indulgent blur of massages, cocktails, lazy afternoons of reading by the beach, romantic dinners and
refreshing swims. Even if you don’t leave the resort, there is so much to choose from. Breakfast is the epitome of variety at Kwee Zeen. The interactive boutique dining with authentic market feel makes breakfast an adventure around the world. The thematic cuisine at Cucina makes for a special night out for dinner. This white table option brings a Mediterranean wining and dining experience with Italian Al Fresco amidst the finest decadent Italian cuisine. For a more relaxed vibe, head beachside to Toya Beach Bar and Grill where the atmosphere is more leisurely, serving light snacks, a seafood barbecue buffet and cocktails.
GOING SOLO IN LEGIAN
Legian is a suburban and beach area on the west coast of Bali, just north of Kuta and south of Seminyak. It is close enough to the action of Kuta while being just far enough away to enjoy quieter times.
For first timers to Bali and solo travellers, Legian might feel like just another Kuta, however give it time and you will find it has its own appeal. Enjoy an evening walk along the famous Double Six Beach where there is plenty happening. For a more social evening, head out for a night in a cosy club and make some new friends.
SWEET MEMORIES
Legian means ‘sweet’ in Balinese and, as its name suggests, it promises sweet memories for a solo traveller. The area has a vast range of activities: outdoor adventures, hikes, surfing, festivals and many cultural activities. No matter what – the atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming.
The airport is south of Legian about 20 minutes’ drive in good traffic. Legian is no bigger than a few blocks so walking is the best way to explore. You can walk from Legian to Kuta. Taking the beach path is very scenic.
SOLO LUXURY
Going solo in Legian doesn’t mean sharing a room in a backpacker lodge. As a traveller in my thirties I sometimes like to holiday solo, where I can enjoy a bit of luxury but without the overdose of couples. The beach front resort, The Pullman Bali Legian Beach, delivers just that.
Walking into this urban chic style resort, I am impressed with the quick check-in and my spacious ocean view room. Standing on the balcony I can see the beach and ocean, while the buzz of Bali on the streets below is fascinating to watch. It is the perfect balance of action and relaxation.
WELL LOCATED
Location is key at
The Pullman. I waltz across the road and enjoy a walk along the beach before collapsing into a bean bag under an umbrella. To further escape the heat, I am greeted by Ketut who brings me a drinks menu. I found I couldn’t sit long before the beach hawkers swooped, and I hightailed off the beach and went for a walk down the road.
Legian shops and restaurants are just a three-minute walk away. The market streets are a mix of designer shops and friendly local vendors keen to sell: sarongs, t-shirts, pants,
Bintang singlets, wood carvings, towels, hats and more. There are small cafes and restaurants where you can find Balinese cuisine or Western dishes.
At the roof top infinity pool, I go for a swim. Resting against the pool’s edge overlooking the beach, I had to giggle at the hawkers who were still working the beach, moving in on each new victim. Lazing about in the pool for the afternoon of people watching on the streets below while the bartender from IP Bar brings drinks, was the ideal ending to the day. Or so I thought. The sun setting over the beach illuminated the sky to a bright orange and the funky tunes from the DJ got louder. Now it was a perfect ending to a day in paradise, Bali.