I must confess, I have a particularly soft spot in my heart for the wondrous destination of Bali. I have travelled to this mystical place on numerous occasions over the past 20 years and never failed to enjoy my entire time amongst the palms and its people. So entranced by its beauty, I was married in a private resort just outside Kuta many years ago.
Most people who have been to Bali will agree that the Balinese are the friendliest people. Making new friends is easier here than anywhere else, as locals are often interested in engaging in a conversation with anyone, including tourists. Their friendliness and genuine warmth have made tourists feel at home for decades.
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Idyllic beaches
The unending list of stunning beaches is probably the most obvious reason to visit this tropical paradise in the Indonesian archipelago. Each beach has its own charm, from soft white sand and limestone cliffs to extreme water sports and diving. From the mainstream Kuta and luxurious Nusa Dua neighbourhoods to hidden, remote beaches away from the crowds, there’s a beach for everyone, every need and every mood.
Captivating cultural scene
Bali’s beauty goes much deeper than just its beautiful appearances. The island is also home to many traditional cultural traditions that are still practiced today. The Balinese hold many ceremonies and celebrations throughout their year, most of which can be enjoyed by curious tourists, from the Omed-Omedan kissing festival to the monster parade before the day of silence (Nyepi). Visitors can also enjoy Bali’s culture through their music, dance, and architecture.
The Balinese are a spiritual people, predominantly Hindus, and their houses are furnished with a small temple, at which they pray every day. Temple tours are particularly popular among its visitors, not only for the religious value but also for cultural insights and aesthetic pleasure. From majestic sea temples overlooking the ocean to a soul-soothing grand temple complex up on the mountains
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A never-ending adventure
There’s an activity for everyone’s taste, and experience. Catch the surf breaks at Bali’s most popular surfing spots or rent a board and start learning to ride the waves. Jump from the cliffs and slide down a natural waterslide in Aling-Aling Waterfall, or enjoy intricate artificial slides and other activities at the Waterbom. Descend into the sea inside a submarine, dive by yourself or experience walking on the seabed. You name it, Bali has it all.
Every kind of natural beauty
Beyond stunning beaches and magical temples, Bali has virtually every kind of natural beauty. Glorious mountainous areas with lush greenery, scenic lakes, gorgeous waterfalls, iconic rice fields, flower gardens, gushing sacred rivers and secret canyons all make up the island’s landscape.
The culinary scene
Bali’s rich and fertile soil, and also its fascinating traditional recipes, have created a distinctive cuisine. Bali’s traditional meals can be enjoyed as street food or fine dining, and you can learn how to cook them yourself by taking part in a culinary masterclass in Ubud. I can highly recommend this wonderous adventure. Many international chefs are drawn to Bali to learn, create and modify recipes, resulting in neighbourhoods lined with restaurants, each with their own concepts. Bali also has no shortage of restaurants with international menus — American, Mexican, Greek, Chinese, French, Indian… There are also many restaurants serving organic, vegan, or even raw food.
Artistic vibe
The Balinese create art wherever and whenever possible. Luckily for tourists, that means galleries in every neighbourhood, traditional art products in many stores, murals on every corner, and an overall artistic vibe resonates throughout the island. So many of its people are involved in artistic pursuits, as dancers, traditional instrument players, painters, craftspeople, designers and more.
A special offer to our readers
This month our partners at Luxury Escapes have this very special offer for Thrive50plus readers.
Your Five-Star Bali Pool Villa for 3 nights + flights + Dining & Cocktails UP TO 52% OFF!
Kayumanis Jimbaran Private Estate & Spa
A Five-Star Bali Pool Villa Luxury near Jimbaran Beach with Daily Dining, Sunset Cocktails make this the ideal destination for your Bali escape.
Set moments from the pristine sands of Jimbaran Beach, you’ll find the five-star Kayumanis Jimbaran Private Estate & Spa – an exclusive tropical haven of expansive villas with private plunge pools, fringed with tropical greenery. Fusing traditional Balinese elements with opulent dark-wooden accents and thatched roofs while blissfully integrating modern luxuries, each villa has spacious day beds to catch up on some well-deserved relaxation, an expansive courtyard, and wide glass doors that allow the balmy sea breeze in.
With traditional and international delicacies on offer at Kayumanis Resto Jimbaran, and a menu of relaxing treatments available at the spa, it’s easy to spend your entire stay at the resort. But venture beyond the walls of your private villa and you’ll find idyllic Jimbaran Beach, famed for its white sands, sapphire waters, casual seafood cafés lining the shore, and hypnotic evening sunsets. For adventures a little further afield, the thundering waves of Uluwatu or the idyllic enclave of Nusa Dua can be reached with a 20-minute drive.
Hurry book now for your escape to paradise. Offer ends soon.
