Bali Getaway
WHEN Temperatures vary from 21°C to 32°C, with July being the coolest month and February the hottest. Expect intermittent rain from November to April and plenty of sunshine from May to November.
CONTACT www.bali-indonesia.com
WHY GO A chilled-out getaway for families and couples, exotic Bali's friendly people and beautiful scenery, mystical temples, colourful festivals and unique arts and crafts ensures it remains a firm favourite.
TO DO Shop in Ubud and Seminyak - try Haveli (www.havelishop.com) - for treasures made by local artisans; tee off at Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort (www.lemeridien.com) overlooking the ancient temple of Tanah Lot, stranded in the midst of the Indian Ocean. Indulge in traditional Balinese spa therapies and dine out at iconic Ku De Ta (www.kudeta.net). Other favourites worthy of a try include La Lucciola (Tel: +62 361 730 838), The Living Room (www.livingroombali.com), Di Mare (www.dimare.com.au), Sarong (www.sarongbali.com), Sorriso (www.sorrisobali.com), Kwizien (www.balikwizien.com), Chez Gado Gado Restaurant & Bar (www.gadogadorestaurant.com) and MÉTIS (www.metisbali.com).
STAY Travel beyond the neon signs of Kuta. Relax with creature comforts at boutique properties such as Uma Ubud (www.uma.como.bz), Damai (www.damai.com) in the island's north and Alila Manggis (www.alilahotels.com) in the east. For an environmentally-friendly stay, try the Kali Manik Eco Resort (www.bali-eco-resort.com) or Swasti Eco Cottage (www.baliswasti.com). And for the ultimate indulgence check into the Conrad Bali (www.conradbali.com) or book a private villa - great for groups of friends and families.
Bali's premier private villas
Alila Villas Soori is the epitome of contemporary style and eco chic. The focus is on understated luxury, with the environment in mind - a layer of Bali's natural volcanic rock is used on roofs to cool rising hot air. With a villa host appointed to look after your every need, an extensive in-villa dining menu, two restaurants offering Balinese and international cuisine and expert spa treatments in couple's rooms lined with terracotta reliefs highlighted by candles, Alila Villas Soori is the ideal place to reconnect, romance and revitalise. www.alilahotels.com
Exotic Hideaways has hand-picked some of Bali's most desirable private villas, where all your needs are met from the moment you arrive. If you're after a fun-filled, relaxing vacation with friends or family, Exotic Hideaways can arrange it for you. Villas are located throughout Bali, from absolute beachfront to mountain or golf course views. The hardest decision will be which luxurious option to choose! www.exotic-hideaways.com, Email: info@exotic-hideaways.com
Karang Kembar Estate is a five-bedroom villa overlooking the Indian Ocean and an ideal retreat for families, groups or couples seeking total seclusion. This luxury hideaway is also child-friendly and boasts a host of amenities including car and booster seats, cots, high chairs and a range of children's books, games, DVDs and CDs. And if you can actually prise yourself away from the villa and its view, try a round of golf at The Bali Golf & Country Club. Thrill-seekers must try paragliding and boogie boarding while families can spend quality time fishing and dolphin-watching. www.bali-karangkembarestate.com
Make the most out of your summer travel dollars at Kemah Tinggi. This is the ultimate hideaway for taking life easy somewhere special. Expect exclusivity, exceptional service and dining, comfortable luxurious interiors and a stunning rice-field setting. Grown-up glam is matched by child-friendly design features and equipment including a pool fence. Discover the Kemah Tinggi wow factor that's secured this villa's reputation as a favourite in LUXE Guides. Tel: 9871 0334, www.kemahtinggi.com, Email: info@bali-kemahtinggi.com
Picture a view, framed by perfect architectural symmetry, of a tranquil swimming pool, which appears to flow over a precipice onto the sands below. Villa Sankara, a beautiful five-bedroom property also located in Canggu, is an escape from the world. The trendy shops and restaurants of Seminyak are just a short drive away. www.villasankara.com, Email: info@exotic-hideaways.com
Choose from one of 158 retreats and suites or 79 villas at the W Retreat & Spa Bali - Seminyak, each with a private pool and furnished with high-energy interiors, vivid design, cutting-edge technology and uniquely modern amenities. When you're not relaxing with a cocktail while watching the sun set from a comfy sofa on the beach, be whisked away to the WET® pool bar, Sweat Fitness® centre and AWAY® Spa, a wellness escape offering signature treatments 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year! www.starwoodhotels.com
Posted May 2012
