After pigging out in Italy and chilling out India, Julia Roberts heads to the idyllic island of Bali to find romance in the film Eat, Pray, Love. Of course, if you look like Julia Roberts you’re probably just as likely to find love in Bognor, but for mere mortals, Bali’s lush scenery, luxury hotels, lavish spas and friendly locals really help set the scene for romance.
As David Kevan, a partner at luxury operator Chic Locations, says: “If Bali doesn’t get your romantic juices flowing, you’re probably dead.”
While there are a few three-star hotels available, the top end of the market is best catered for, with two Hyatts, a Four Seasons, several Alila and Anantara properties, and stunning one-off properties including Ubud Hanging Gardens, an Orient-Express Hotel.
When to go
Bali is one of the few southeast Asian destinations better visited during the UK summer. December and January will see a few hours of heavy rain each day, so are best avoided.
The downside of the summer high season is that the demand for airlift outstrips supply in July and August. “Clients need to be booking now for this summer,” Kevan says. Most clients will fly via Kuala Lumpur, although Hong Kong is a relatively popular stopover too.
Bali is more expensive than Thailand, but isn’t bank-breaking, especially considering its high standards. Most holidaymakers opt to stay on a B&B basis, to make the most of the delicious local food. Specialities include nasi goreng (fried rice), gado gado (salad with peanut sauce) and babi guling (roast suckling pig).
Beach resorts
Most clients will spend the bulk of their time in one of the island’s beach resorts in the south of the island, where the sand is yellow or white; further north, the beaches have volcanic, black sand. But Brits will probably want to stay out of Kuta – it’s backpacker central, welcoming hordes of Aussies taking advantage of the short, cheap flights to this surfing and boozy nightlife hotspot.
However, the top end of Kuta segues into Seminyak, which buzzes to a far swankier frequency. This is where visitors will find boutique shopping and the island’s best selection of high-end restaurants, manageably priced for British pockets. It’s also the upmarket nightlife hub, with laid-back bars including Ku de Ta, a beachside bar/restaurant famed for its cocktails and beachside divans. The beach is far quieter than at Kuta, though the waves mean only confident swimmers should take to the water.
Further south, on the Bukit Peninsula, Jimbaran offers the best bathing beach in Bali, with gentle waves and no motorised watersports. Known for its stunning sunsets, it has a sleepy feel, with a few beachside restaurants but little active nightlife in comparison to Seminyak.
Another peaceful and secluded option is Nusa Dua, a purpose-built resort on the eastern side of the peninsula from Jimbaran. It has a nice golden sand beach, with some watersports, and Bali’s most popular golf course.
Sanur is Bali’s longest-established upscale resort and is popular with families as well as couples. The beach offers a wide selection of watersports, and the resort centre has handicraft markets, a wide range of restaurants and a choice of bars. It’s quieter than Seminyak, but livelier than Jimbaran or Nusa Dua.
Ubud
The majority of operators recommend clients book a twin-centre option and spend a few nights in Ubud as well as time by the beach. This town, nestled among green mountains and rice paddies, is the cultural hub of Bali.
For many, it turns out to be the highlight of the holiday, offering the chance to visits artists’ workshops and local temples, watch traditional dance and shadow puppet performances, and have an indigenous Balinese spa treatment, as well as to relax and enjoy the captivating scenery.
There are many beautiful hotels. As a general rule, the more remote choices will have the best views, but those within the town still look pretty darn good and mean clients are close to restaurants, temples and shops.
Activities
Balinese spas are famous for their quality and indigenous treatments, which include the famous Mandi Lulur exfoliating massage. You’d be hard-pressed to find a hotel featured by UK operators that doesn’t have a spa, so it’s very easy for clients to have a treatment.
Elsewhere in Bali are plenty of other cultural sights. The huge Besakih Temple perches on the slopes of volcano Mount Agung, and Tanah Lot Temple stands on a lava rock in the Indian Ocean. Uluwatu Temple sits on a cliff high above the sea and Taman Ayun is known for its distinctive towering pagodas, surrounded by a moat.
New hotels in Bali
| W Retreat & Spa Seminyak: This hotel opens its doors this month. Fusing the sleek signature look common to W properties with traditional Balinese style, the resort has 237 rooms and villas, two restaurants, a spa and a three-level pool bar |
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| Semara Resort & Spa: This 58-room property, including 44 superior suite rooms, is due to open later this open. It will feature two restaurants and a spa and wellness centre. The property is located 150 metres from the beach and adjoins the W Retreat & Spa |
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| Samaya Seminyak: This popular hotel is undergoing a major refurbishment, due to be completed by the end of the year. All villas are being rebuilt, pools extended and the Breeze restaurant renovated |
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| Banyan Tree Ungasan: The Uluwatu area of the Bukit peninsula, with its dramatic cliffs, is becoming more developed for tourism. Last year saw the opening of the all-pool-villa resort Banyan Tree Ungasan |
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| Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa: This new property is due to open in June, with 74 suites and villas carved into the hillside on limestone cliffs. It will offer Balinese dance, ceramic and cookery classes, paragliding and yoga, plus sunset tours, sailing cruises and cultural excursions |
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What experts say about Bali
“Bali’s beaches are fine, but they’re not the main reason to go. There’s instant culture, very high-quality hotels and the most spontaneous, genuine smiles in the region. Communication is easy too as English is widely spoken.”
David Kevan, partner, Chic Locations
“The issues for Bali versus neighbouring Thailand are price and room availability. The island is enjoying a huge growth from markets such as Australia, Japan and Korea, making it difficult for UK operators to get enough beds. Due to the high demand tactical offers are few and far between. However, the island still offers good value and accommodation is superb.”
Kerry Towers, Asia product and purchasing manager, Travel2
“Bali has a spiritual, welcoming reputation and it doesn’t disappoint – we hear only positive feedback. Its romantic reputation appeals to couples and honeymooners, and most visitors will choose a twin-centre, spending a few days up in the mountains in Ubud as well as time in a hotel on the beach.”
Alex Loizou, product manager, The Private Travel Company
