Indonesia
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Bali & Lombok
Bali is an exotically beautiful island in the Indonesian archipelago surrounded by coral reefs. A tropical paradise, it is characterised by active volcanoes, lush forests, jungle, tropical beaches, rice paddies and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Bali has a mountainous terrain at its centre and its highest point is Mount Agung at 10,308 feet.
There is a great blend of activities available. You can wander through age-old villages, enjoy exceptionally cuisine, and treat yourself to locally made jewellery, handicrafts, antiques or artefacts. Alternatively, you can choose from an endless selection of calming pursuits such as yoga, meditation, spa treatments, hiking and water sports.
Where to go …
Sanur Offers an excellent beach, range of water sports and a good choice of restaurants. There are some bars but the nightlife is quite limited. It has a distinct village feel.
Nusa Dua A quiet, exclusive resort on the southern tip of the island. Resorts tend to be a little grander and larger in this area. The resort also has an excellent golf course.
Jimbaran Bay A newer resort area that is just 10 minutes south of the airport. Jimbaran Bay offers, perhaps, the best beach of all major resorts. Offers limited restaurants and bars as the area is still developing, however, the other resort areas are very close, and so this should not present a problem.
Tanjung Benoa Located just to the north of Nusa Dua. Tanjung Benoa offers sandy beaches and, like Sanur, has a village feel about it. Tan Jung Bemoan has a decent number of bars, restaurants and shops.
Seminyak Fast becoming the place to go for a trendy night out in Bali. An upmarket area with a range of chic restaurants, bars and a great beach.
Tembok Located on the secluded northeast of Bali in an area renowned for its spectacular beauty, where the steep rise from coast to mountain creates magical scenery.
Ubud Set in the lush hill country area of the island, you will find a wealth of local arts and crafts. Ubud is dotted with beautiful rice terraces, temples and, in the Maya Ubud, a wonderful resort hotel.
Recommended hotels
Aman resorts
Offer unique, authentic experiences in their chic, contemporary boutique hotels and resorts. Relax in luxury and comfort in a five star beach resort in Bali. Aman resorts owns and manages 18 small luxury resorts worldwide. Each Aman resort is singularly unique but all offer an experience for guests that is intimate and discreet, while providing the highest level of service. Certain elements characterise all Aman resorts a beautiful natural location, outstanding facilities, exceptional service and a small number rooms to ensure exclusivity and privacy. Why not experience multiple Aman resorts in one holiday; each resort in Bali can be combined with another.
Amankila, East Coast
Situated high on a jungle-clad escarpment on Bali’s little-developed east coast. The lobby, bar, restaurant and library give way to three tiered cliff-top pools. Thirty-five thatched Luxury Suites offer en suite terrazzo tiled bathrooms, plus covered terraces and views of the tropical garden or ocean.
Amanusa, Nusa Dua
Amanusa’s 35 thatched suites each feature a sunken indoor bath, outdoor shower, four-poster bed, courtyard and balcony with daybed, while eight suites also have private pools. All are discreetly set behind mossy paras-stone walls, with walkways leading to the golf course, Amanusa’s own beach club and tennis courts.
Amandari, near Ubud
Amandari is set amongst the terraced rice paddies of the Ayung River gorge. It’s walkways link 30 thatched pavilions. The restaurant offers Western and fine Indonesian cuisine. Facilities include a contoured swimming pool, health and fitness centre and tennis.
The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah, Ubud
One of the finest luxury retreats in the world, the exclusive private estate in Tanah Gajah, two miles from Ubud, offers escapism with infinite style and the essence of Bali itself. Traditional Balinese architecture and cotemporary comforts blend seamlessly amid a rustic backdrop of lush greenery and verdeant rice fields. Managed by the renowned GHM Hotels, The Chedi Club offers a wide range of soothing therapies and treatments for absolute pampering using only the finest ingredients such as volcanic mud, pumice and herbs. Bird lovers will flock to the Bird Lounge to enjoy a soothing cocktail whilst enjoying a ballade of birdsong from the adjacent Tanah Gajah Aviary.
20 Suites and Villas. All with plasma satellite TV, DVD player, Bose home theatre. The Suites offer an outdoor shower and private terrace, the One Bedroom Pool Villas have an outdoor bath and dining area plus a 10-metre private pool with sundeck.
Alila Ubud
A secret hideaway set high above the magical Ayung River, a short drive from Ubud. This beautiful resort has been laid out as a Balinese Village the rooms and villas rising above a ravine on stilts like tree houses. The impressive emerald green infinity edge pool appears to float above the plunging Ayung River valley below, surrounded by stone-tiled sun decks that feature comfortable sun decks with Balinese umbrellas. The atmospheric cabana serves Asian specialities and towering coconut pillars and a traditional thatched roof lends a bright and open feel to the brassiere-open style restaurant. 64 Rooms and Villas all with air condition, bath and shower, satellite TV, private terrace or balcony. Deluxe Rooms have an open-air bathroom and the Ayung River Villas offer a spacious walk-around deck and are perched over the valley affording spectacular views of the Ayung River.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
This resort offers a supremely tranquil retreat amidst the sacred Ayung River valley. As you arrive, you will walk down past a lotus pool floating above treetops to discover the luxurious private villas below with vista of the forest highlands, rice terraces and the Sayan jungle. The resort’s 60 suites and villas offer the ultimate in privacy and comfort, featuring teak furniture and exotic Indonesian fabrics with modern comforts including film and sound systems, and 24-hour room service. Some of the most luxurious villas have extra features such as rooftop terraces, outdoor terraces, private plunge pools, outdoor showers and a lily pond. Ayung Terrace Restaurant serves exceptional cuisine and is elegantly situated on the crest of a lush gorge offering breathtaking river views. Facilities include a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, hiking, cooking class.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
This Four Seasons resort offers the premium of the island’s exotic luxury and mystique. Its 147 thatched-roof villas and nine spacious estate homes, set against a dramatic hilltop and ocean setting, engender the height of opulence. Elegantly styled with high ceilings, Balinese antiques and carvings, and draped in rich, sensuous furnishings, most are secluded behind walled tropical gardens and all offer superb sea views. Each estate has its own private pool surrounded by sun decks, and a personal butler to cater to your every whim. The resort’s personalised paradise planners will help you create a bespoke itinerary blending the best leisure activities. That luxury attention to detail extends to the in-villa dining service. Alternatively you can head to Taman Wantilan serving innovative Indonesian specialities. Perched above the shoreline the restaurant features two open-air pavilions overlooking spectacular views of Jimbaran Bay and Bali’s distant volcanoes.
Intercontinental Bali Resort, Jimbaran Bay
Situated on Jimbaran Bay, the Intercontinental offers 418 air-conditioned rooms with bath and separate shower, hairdryer, mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, safe, telephone, satellite TV, sitting area and balcony. Facilities include a choice of four restaurants and bars, six outdoor pools (one with swim-up bar), kids pool, jacuzzi, kids club (aged 4-12 years), tennis, beauty salon, fitness centre and Uluwatu Spa. Water sports include boogie boards and kayaks.
Spa Village at Tembok Bali
Located along Bali’s exotic North East coast of black sand, kissed by the deep blue Bali Sea. Set in a landscape of great natural beauty the resort id the ideal environment in which to throw off the cares and stresses of the world and succumb to the pleasure of a range of programmes that have been created to restore what daily life takes from body and soul. Dedicated to Balinese healing, rejuvenation, wellness and spirituality, this quiet retreat seeks to not only restore body and mind, but also to replenish the spirit through a range of programs that allow guests to embark upon a personal restorative journey of their own choosing. 31 Rooms, Suites and Villas. Kamar rooms transform into private havens with each bedroom connecting to spacious marble bathrooms with private terrace or balcony opening up the gardens and sea. The 2 One-Bedroom Villas are sanctuaries of peace, each with their own private entry and plunge pool with unobstructed views of the ocean.
The Legian, Seminyak
An exclusive all-suite hotel offering unrivalled views across the Indian Ocean, part of the distinguished GHM Hotels Group, this boutique resort lies on the chic Seminyak strip, within landscaped gardens and lotus ponds. The crisp and contemporary style, with an informal and intimate secluded Balinese pavilion overlooking the Indian Ocean to enjoy a five-course dinner with wine or champagne. Enjoy the spa a member of leading spas overlooking a private stretch of beach and a tow-tiered swimming pool. For added luxury consider The Club at the Legian, situated adjacent to The Legian with a cluster of 11 private villas set amid scented gardens and all with private pools. 66 suites all with air condition, private bath separate shower, balcony with sea views, separate living area. Bose hi-fi system and ipod docking station. The Villas at The Club do not have sea views but offer a 10 metre pool and the indulgence of a private butler.
Sofitel Seminyak
Nestled beside the beach in a quit location, set amid 11-acres of tropical gardens, the Modern French luxury is combined with innonative design and Balinese elegance on the exclusive Seminyak main beach are, only 20 minutes from Denpasar International Airport. The beautiful resort has 4.5 hectares of beach front and tropical garden area amidst luxurious and unique landscaping. The Sofitel Seminyak offers the option of either hotel rooms or spacious villas between them offering a new and stylish resort choice. It is also one that offers peaceful; seclusion when you want total relaxation, but remains within walking distance of Seminyak Village and just a short ride away from Kuta. 144 rooms including 16 Spa Villas. All rooms have air conditioning, bath and separate shower, private balcony, satellite television, internet access. The 16 secluded villas each boast a private pool or whirlpool and are encircled by sumptuous foliage for complete privacy.
Anantara Seminyak
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Bali’s jewel-like Seminyak coast, this luxury retreat is just steps from the rolling Indian Ocean and Seminyak Village, an elegant outpost of chic restaurants, boutiques and hip nightlife hotspots, and yet just 15 minutes from bustling Kuta. Relax beside the infinity-edged swimming pools overlooking the Indian Ocean, enjoy a Thai massage or Ayurvedic spa therapy at Bali’s first Anatara Spa, indulge in the ultimate in fine dining in one of the resort’s six restaurants, sampling Asian-inspired cuisine, savour afternoon tea by the Seminyak coast or relax at the rooftop terrace bar and enjoy the famous Semibyak sunsets. Each of the expansive Bali resort suites delivers the ultimate in luxury and comfort with Anantara’s signature attention to detail and hints of local colour. 59 Sea View Suites, featuring air conditioning, private balcony with open-air terrazzo tub enough for two, separate bath & rain shower, sitting area, plasma television, Bose DVD player, iPod docking station, internet access, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows.
The Ritz Carlton, Bali Resort & Spa
The exclusive resort comprises 368 rooms and suites, including 38 cliff villas, all dressed in opulent Balinese-crafted furniture and fabrics with private balconies overlooking the sea. An honour bar featuring massage oils and a selection of teas is additionally added to the suites. The villas have extra comforts such as baths with botanical garden and ocean views, a private pool and an open-air lounge sheltered by a thatched bamboo roof, or an infinity-edged plunge pool and relaxation gazebo. The contemporary Dava Restaurant is ultra-stylish and serves outstanding world cuisine with spectacular Indian Ocean views. It also has two private dining rooms, an outdoor water terrace, an oyster bar, a wine cellar and a Martini Bar. The mesmerising Thalasso and Spa features the world’s largest Aquatonic seawater therapy pool and boasts an impressive menu of holistic and rejuvenating treatments.
The St Regis Bali Resort
The brand new elegant and tranquil St Regis Bali Resort offers beautifully appointed suites and villas with exquisite amenities, large marble bathrooms, ocean views and inviting balconies. Delight in the many calm blue lagoons surrounding the property and the feeling of a lavish private residence.
Sumptuous cuisine and timeless traditions create opportunities for delightful memories. Pamper yourself with a treatment at Remθde Spa or enjoy the world class championship golfing next door at the Bali Golf & Country Club.
Karma Jimbaran
Karma Jimbaran graces the gently sloping hillside of one of the most renowned beaches in Bali Jimbaran Bay. The 38 private luxury Bali villas of Karma Jimbaran offer the ultimate in luxury, style, and spaciousness. Located at the heart of the Resort is di Mare Restaurant that hugs the central 24 meter azure swimming pool. di Mare Restaurant offers Modern Mediterranean and Indonesian Cuisine and has fast become one of the most respected Restaurants in Bali.
Karma Kandara
Karma Kandara Resort is blessed with the most exhilarating views and occupies a spectacular cliff top high above the Indian Ocean. Each luxury Bali villa residence comprises two or three pavilions with roofs of alang alang grass or sirap wood tiles, framing an infinity pool and garden courtyard complete with timber deck. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom, while the living rooms are open plan, comprising fully equipped kitchens, lounge and dining areas. Destination restaurant di Mare, rooftop bar Temple Lounge and Karma Spa are all suspended on rocky outcrops 100 metres above the surf.
COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri
This resort boasts five luxurious residences and 10 villas set amidst exquisite Balinese water gardens. The private estate, formerly know as Begawan Giri, is secluded amidst 20 acres embracing a hillside and overlooking the Ayung River. The grounds are fed by three holy springs that converge into a natural waterfall running into the river. Great attention is paid to providing the highest standards of luxury and style. Staff to guest ratio of five-to-one so will you be confident in the knowledge that you will receive exceptional personal attention in true Balinese fashion. The resort comprises private residences, each with four or five suites; you can reserve an individual suite or an entire residence. Luxury comforts including a personal assistant, a private pool and a large veranda are provided and some residences feature a Jacuzzi. The brand new spa offers nine treatment rooms, an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, yoga and pilates studio, steam rooms and consultation rooms where you can book private sessions with resident consultants such as the Ayurveda doctor, nutritionist or naturopath. Meals can be delivered to your suite, in the gardens or you can enjoy the finest cuisine, with Indonesian accents at the Biji restaurant or healthy organic cuisine at Glow.
Bali Pavilions, Sanur
Offering unique private villas, the resort has been created for those seeking the finer things in life. Ideally located in Sanur, on the western shoreline of Bali, just 20 minutes from the airport and only a stone’s throw from a stunning lagoon that is fringed on one side by an extensive reef an don the other by a long white sand beach. Bali Pavilions offers sheer luxury indulgence, set amidst a beautifully landscaped enclave is a collection of villas and the Spa offering a tropical spa experience with various treatments including body scrubs and milk baths. The surrounding rejuvenating ambience invokes an inner sense of peace for the mind, body and soul. Personalised butlers are at your call, with unobtrusive attention ensuring complete privacy.
23 Villas all with their own private entrance, air conditioning, private patio/sundeck, bath and separate shower. For honeymooners, the tastefully furnished, one bedroom villa with private pool has a walled garden, offering complete privacy. For families, two bedroom villas with pool feature a practical kitchenette, living room, private dining patio and sundeck.
Conrad Bali, Nusa Dua
Secluded on 6.8 hectares of tropical gardens and lagoons with cascading waterfalls, the resort is complete with a 350-metre beach in a sandy bay close to Nusa Dua. Conrad Bali reflects a contemporary style, timeless tradition, designed with a wide range of fine accommodation boasting panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. There is an infinity pool, lagoon pool, children’s facilities, fitness club and the Club Lounge provides an exclusive service for discerning guests. Try typical island cuisine al=fresco, BBQ’s on the beach, the cool lagoon bar and elegant dining with stunning Indian Ocean views. Or relax in the luxurious Jiwa Spa offering a range of relaxing and pampering body treatments and massage therapies. 360 Rooms and Suites. The guest rooms and suites feature tribal Indonesian art together with air condition, private patio or balcony, bath and separate shower, internet access, plasma TV and DVD/CD players. The 54 Conrad Suites opening late 2008 are situated adjacent to the main resort surrounded by a tropical haven, reflective pools and ponds offering the highest level of personalised service including a private butler and exclusive privileges including daily breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails.
The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua
This beautiful hotel offers 271 air-conditioned rooms with bath/shower, hairdryer, minibar, safe, 42’’ plasma satellite TV with DVD player, 24-hour butler service (including delivery of complimentary tea & coffee to your room) and a balcony. Facilities include three restaurants and bars, seven outdoor pools and swimmable lagoons, tennis, fitness centre and Laguna Spa. Water sports include sea kayaka, windsurfing and snorkelling.
Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua
The Grand Hyatt offers 648 air-conditioned rooms, with bath/shower, hairdryer, mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, safe, telephone, cable TV and internet access. Facilities include five restaurants, three bars, five swimming pools, kids pool, children’s activity centre, fully equipped gym, massage, jacuzzi, sauna, the Kriya Spa, tennis, squash and many water sports. An 18-hole championship golf course is just five minutes away.
Melia Resort, Benoa
Situated on Tanjung Benoa Beach, The Melia Benoa Resort offers 128 air conditioned rooms with bath/shower, hairdryer, mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, safe, satellite TV and balcony or terrace. Facilities include three restaurants, two bars, and an outdoor pool with swim-up bar, kid’s pool, tennis, squash, fitness centre and Melia Spa. Water sports include canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. This is an all-inclusive hotel.
Lombok
Lombok is a short flight away from Bali. It is only 24 miles away but presents a totally different holiday experience. Lombok really is life in the slow lane and boasts some wonderful beaches, perfect for relaxation.
The Oberoi, Lombok
The resort basks in greenery behind the sparkling sands of Medana Beach on the northwest coastline of the island, in a blend of island simplicity and luxurious comfort. Departing from reality, guests live in a reverie of beauty, where service is impeccable yet unobtrusive and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. There are 50 pavilions and villas, each with television, video, telephone and CD player, bathrooms and pavilions have a shaded terrace. Villas also have an outdoor thatched pavilion for private lounging and dining in your own garden. Pool villas have their own private pool offering the ultimate in privacy and seclusion. Each room type comes with a choice of garden or ocean views and we highly recommend the Ocean view option.
The health club also incorporates a spa. The beach club offers snorkelling, scuba diving, and boat trips to the Gili Islands to view coral gardens in their vibrant and rich underwater world. Private picnic cruises can be arranged, taking you to a secluded beach for total relaxation.
Fact File
Flight time: 13 Hours
Time difference: 8 hours ahead GMT
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
Recommended for
- Weddings and Honeymoons
- Beach living
- Lush, diverse landscape
- Diving and water sports
- Boat tours
- Art and Museums (Ubud)
Weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
| Rainfall (inches) | 9 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
