After a sublime, relaxing, buzzing and stunning trip to Bali, I am back in front of my computer. As a great holiday should, it has renewed my inspiration and given me a whole new collection of beautiful memories. I am refreshed and ready to go!
Two weeks ago I set about road-testing honeymoons in Bali with Mr Kate – not a tough job!
My partner and I have varying ideas on what makes an ideal getaway, so to make things fair we decided to split our two weeks in Bali up. Thankfully Bali indulges a huge range of tastes and preferences so we knew both our wishes would be fulfilled. Week one, we lived my dream getaway, week two was his.
My to do list:
- Lots of reclining!
- Reading a book with cocktail in hand
- Swimming
- Massages
- Peace and quiet
- Yummy food.
His to do list:
- Be in the thick of Bali life
- Eat dinner at authentic shacks
- Talk to the locals (he speaks Indonesian, so that’s fine for him!)
- Explore
- Surf
- Surf.
Shopping was included in both our wish lists – phew!
Week one – Kate’s week. We stayed at Nusa Dua. The gated resort community is big on security (each car checked on entry), manicured gardens surrounded luxurious resorts, an 18-hole golf course led to the beautiful beach where most resorts have their own private beach clubs complete with sun-beds, complimentary towels, a café/bar and watersport equipment. This is where we whiled away our days in total luxury.
We checked into the Novotel Nusa Dua. The resort caters beautifully for honeymooners, offering spa treatments you can enjoy with your husband; a secluded romantic dinner on the terrace that extends out into the pool. The rooms are beautiful, the people are friendly, the food’s fantastic and the guests are happy.
Nusa Dua beach
Novotel Nusa Dua
Romantic Dinner at Novotel Nusa Dua
Novotel Nusa Dua – our room
I was in search of some serious pampering at our resort and was almost overwhelmed with the choice of Spa treatments! I opted for the Island Spice Spa Treatment that lasted a blissful two hours. It included a herbal foot wash, a relaxing body massage using island spice oil, body steam, a body wrap and ended with a soothing herbal bath with a refreshing drink. Ahhh… Can I go back now?
Novotel Nusa Dua Spa
We couldn’t go a whole week in Bali without some shopping! The Nusa Dua village (just outside the gates) provides the usual street market goods (that can be found in the bigger villages like Legian and Kuta) and you can barter ’til your heart’s content. Bali Collections is a big shopping complex within Nusa Dua, and has fantastic boutique style shops, most of these places have set-prices, but there is no harm in asking if they can offer you a discount. There are some fab eats in there as well – if you are looking to venture out of your resort for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Main entrance of Bali Collections
Dinner at one of the many restaurants at Bali Collections
Week one was filled with sun, relaxation, cocktails, swimming, dining and a smidgen of shopping… it was everything I dreamed for our honeymoon road-test. First week superb, second week… umm?
It’s good to be back, though I must admit I am already planning our next trip!
Kate x
Psst – drop by facebook or twitter and let me know where you are going on your honeymoon or chat with me in the comments below.
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