Make the most of your honeymoon with these must-have moments in Bali.
Sometimes we experience moments in life that are just so perfect, no picture can do them justice nor words describe their beauty. You compose a facebook status and load an instagram picture, but somehow you just don’t think your friends will get it because moments like this need to be lived in, tasted, written into our memories and relived whenever our skies turn grey.
Life in Bali is made up of these moments and Ubud, a quiet town located in Bali’s central foothills, is the destination for moments of tranquillity. Driving to Ubud from Denpasar airport will take about 45 minutes to an hour. Organise a transfer prior to the trip or negotiate a fixed price with a taxi. My new husband and I spent our first three nights in Ubud, anticipating that the lush forest and traditional Balinese culture would be exactly what we needed after the stress of planning a wedding. Ubud did not disappoint. It wasn’t hard to adjust to the slow paced life and the fresh organic food on our plates each morning at the gorgeous Uma Hotel. Our garden room offered the perfect retreat with an open-air bathroom, courtyard and central fishpond. The bathroom (pictured below) is quite possibly the most beautiful bathroom I have ever used!
Walking to the centre of town and enjoying one of the many hidden day spas are moments to have in Ubud. Head here if you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of Kuta and the many mega resorts to refocus and let go of all life’s tensions.
In a land where bottled water is precious, cocktails flow more freely so you can sit back and enjoy a cocktail moment, literally, wherever you go. Bali’s famous Ku de ta wins my vote for best cocktail with their ‘vanilla passion foam’ – a luscious crisp marriage of vodka infused with fresh vanilla beans, homemade vanilla syrup, fresh passionfruit and a touch of citrus. I can only describe this as pavlova in a drink – delicious!
If you’re staying in Seminyak then finish each day with a walk along the beach and evening drinks at one of the many beach shack restaurants. These simple establishments don’t look like much, but they offer value for money and a priceless view. We like La Barca Beach Bar Restuarant.
Leave the resort pool behind and pay a visit to one of Bali’s many beach clubs where you can sip away on a cool drink from the comfort of your sun lounge. Most beach clubs will have a small charge, but this is redeemable in food and drink. Check out Finn’s Beach Club (pictured below) at Semara Resort Uluwatu for something a little bit different.
Rock Bar is a must for your sunset moment. Located at Jimbaran in Bali’s south this glamorous bar, built into the natural rock formation, offers up a spectacular view of the ocean. Rock bar is part of the Ayana Resort so guests of the Ayana get priority when it comes to seating. If you’re not a resort guest make sure you get there early to avoid the queue. They recommend getting there around 4:00pm to guarantee a seat at sunset. The Rock Bar experience starts the moment you step onto the inclinator and survey the wide ocean in front as you slowly descend to the rocks below. We watched the sun turn from beautiful to perfection, drinking the best caiprioskas we have ever tasted, snacking on fresh rice paper rolls and gourmet popcorn chicken. Even when darkness takes hold, Rock Bar maintains an air of edgy sophistication. Fire flies come out to play, soft beats play and the ocean continues to swirl around you.
Staying at Alila Villas Uluwatu is a moment in itself. These private villas are worth the splurge, especially if you’re on your honeymoon. Set atop the cliffs at Uluwatu this architecturally stunning 5 star resort is the perfect way to end a trip. Say goodbye to other holidaymakers and simply enjoy the company of each other. With a private pool, sun bed and butler service there is no need to leave the comforts of your villa.
The resort is spacious enough to feel like you are one of only a few guests, while an on call buggy service will help you get to the central pool, restaurants, day spa, gym and library. Dine in at one of two restaurants serving western cuisine and traditional Balinese fare or share a meal in a cabana on the cliff edge. The breakfast menu changes daily with a unique spin on traditional dishes so you’ll never be bored. If you’re up for some adventure hire out one of their motorbikes and explore Uluwatu like we did!
I would recommend a Bali honeymoon to anyone who will listen – short flight, perfect climate, glamorous night-life, stunning hotels, cheap massages, food and shopping – what’s not to love?
These moments and more lie waiting in Bali…check out www.balitourismboard.org for more information on a Bali honeymoon.
Isabel 🙂