Bali Bliss 101: Your guide to the island

Blissing out in Bali is as spiritual as it is invigorating. Here, all the basics to begin planning a Bali escape of your own.

I’ve woken early hoping to check emails only to find my new Mac PowerBook covered in rice and bougainvillea petals.

After a momentary gasp, the penny drops. The ever-considerate Balinese villa staff placed an offering on the lid imploring the Gods to restore the internet connectivity which was down last night.

A warm glow emanates from within me manifesting itself in a wide grin. Sure enough, when I turn the computer on, the connection is restored. “Namaste", I murmur, quickly bowing my head towards the device hoping the staff don’t witness my absurd western worship.

The sincere friendly service most visitors receive in Bali is the fundamental reason why many return, including myself and my young family.

That and the glorious beach sunsets, sublime taste sensations at cheap warungs (local eateries) and stylish semi-outdoor restaurants, body pampering on tap, plus verdant tropical landscapes. And above all, for the comfortable and sophisticated private villas and world-class resorts.

Very few island escapes tick all these boxes and more.

Bali’s Angels

Bali is a vibrant sanctuary of Hinduism nestled amongst thousands of Islamic islands making up the Republic of Indonesia.

Temples and shrines are scattered throughout the villages and religion permeate every aspect of daily life. You’re guaranteed to encounter ceremonies with locals in traditional dress bearing offerings to the Gods and spirits of the land. Morning beach walks often involve weaving through large groups casting colourful gifts into the ocean.

As a sensitive visitor, the rituals and observations affect your consciousness, creating a sense of calm and openness.

A humble offering wafts past (to be placed in the shrine) as I relax in my villa pool. The fragrant burning incense stick is comforting. I can’t help but feel that my day ahead has been formally blessed and my wishes just may be granted.

Seminyak is the area we like to base ourselves for its cosmopolitan buzz. Fashion boutiques, antique shops and homeware stores line the busy streets, and the golden beaches fringed with palm trees are dotted with luxury beachfront resorts and villas. The area entices surfers and sunset drinkers alike. Jalan Petitenget (in northern Seminyak) is a winding coastal strip that has fast become the island’s new gourmet centre. Scents of fresh ginger, coriander, shrimp paste and tamarind emanate from the humble warungs, and restaurants offering complex flavours from around the globe have foodies flocking in.

After a hectic afternoon of shopping in Seminyak, retiring back to the idyllic grounds of a peaceful villa rental in either Kerobokan or the neighbouring Umalas neighbourhood does wonders for frazzled chakras. Both are just a 15-minute drive from Seminyak.

Nothing beats entering your villa through giant wooden Javanese gates covered in pungent jasmine into an oasis of happiness: kids splashing in the pool whilst the husband commends the kitchen staff on yet another perfect daiquiri muddled with fresh berries.

We sit under the thatched alang-alang lounge pavilion as the tangerine sun slowly disappears behind the property wall lined with flame-red heliconias.

Bali High

Ubud is the cultural heartland of Bali and urban escapists head there for jungle tranquillity.

The drive there from Seminyak weaves through hamlets as you ascend into spectacular landscapes of lush forests and sinuous ribbons of rice growing on green terraces that wrap around the hillsides. Despite its commercial efforts, the town centre retains a genuine charm with its wall-to-wall art galleries, cafés and shops selling local crafts and jewellery.

Exclusive resort properties are nestled in the folds of the valleys just outside town. Some outdoor enthusiasts use Ubud as a base for mountain-biking, white-water rafting down the Ayung River or trekking up Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcanic peak. But I’m a fan of luxury lock-down: spending two days absorbing the panoramic views from the edge of an infinity pool that juts out precariously from the hillside. Choosing between an in-house four hands massage or a coconut body scrub becomes the most ‘stressful’ decision for the day.

Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud — The Sacred Moneky Forest in Ubud.

When driving back from the highlands I once asked my driver Wayan why so many scarecrows and flags filled the rice fields. He laughed replying, “Miss D, the flags are not to scare off the birds, they wave to the gods to give us good crop". At the time I chuckled at the simplicity of their beliefs. Yet with each visit, I continue to marvel at the island’s bounty and convince myself that there is a greater force at play.

The details

Where to stay

Villa rentals are a cost-effective way of vacationing with family or a group of friends. Most include a private chef and staff, whilst some offer use of a car and driver. Elite Havens provide one- to six-bedroom villas, ranging from shabby chic cottages to glamorous havens.

AFFORDABLE

Bali Niksoma Beach Resort & Spa – has stunning poolside views of Legian Beach.

Address: Jalan Padma Utara, Legian Kaja

The Royal Beach Seminyak Bali – has a prime beachfront location and easy access to Seminyak.

Address: Jalan Camplung Tanduk, Seminyak

COMFORTABLE

Maya Ubud – set on hillside gardens cascading toward the river with the town centre just a five-minute drive away.

Address: Jalan Gunung Sari, Peliatan Ubud

The Dusun – you’ll find one to three-bedroom thatched-roofed private villas with plunge pools.

Address: Jalan Kayu Jati 8, Petitenget, Seminyak.

LUXURY

COMO Shambala Estate – a deluxe health retreat with villas perched on the mountain.

Address: Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan Gianyar, Ubud.

Alila Villas Uluwatu – is full of contemporary villas poised on cliff-tops offering ocean views. Ideal for honeymooners or couples seeking seclusion.

Address: Jalan Belimbing Sari, Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu.

What to do

Echo Beach: a surfing hot-spot in Canggu. The chilled cliff-top Beach House Restaurant, a Barbados-style café/bar, provides legendary sunset seafood BBQ’s.

Hotel Tugu Spa: a bespoke beachside paradise adorned with antique oriental furnishings. Signature treatments include hot stone massage and mantra chanting massage.

Nammos Kandara at Karma Kandara Resort: an exclusive getaway in the south, modelled after the private beach resorts of the Greek islands. Day visitors lounge beachside and snorkel in the lagoon.

Desa Seni: a yogini’s tropical nirvana – salute the sun under a shaded pavilion. Several drop-in classes run daily.

Jari Menari: a Japanese zen oasis offering body massages with signature long stroke movements.

Espace Spa Bali: a tranquil day spa for reflexology, firm massages and deep cleansing facials.

Bogan-free Bali

Avoid Kuta like the plague (it’s congested with cheap holiday digs, shopping malls and nightclubs). If you’re hunting for affordable trinkets for the kids (imitation sunnies, watches and DVD’s) head to Jalan Padma, Legian. It’s loaded with all-day bars full of bum cracks peeping out of boardies, but better there than Kuta.

When should I go?

The dry season is from April to October and that’s an ideal time to travel. Average temperatures, of around 26°C make for a humid stay all year round.

Accommodation rates:

Low season – mid January – late May / mid September – mid December

High season – June – mid September (also Easter week)

Peak tourist season – mid December – mid January & August

Six things you need to know

1. Australians must purchase 30-day travel visas (available on arrival for $23.70 cash). Departure tax is $14.80 per person and paid upon departure.

2. Expect long immigration queues on arrival (waits sometimes over one hour).

3. Never drink from a tap. Most hotels/villas provide free bottled water.

4. The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency. ATM’s are located in all major tourist areas.

5. Pack the mosquito repellent, plus a light cardigan for Ubud.

6. Wine mark-up is steep. Cocktails are cheaper by the glass.

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For the kids

Waterbom Bali: aquatic playgrounds and water slides set in tropical gardens for all levels of thrill seekers.

Rip Curl Surf School: Little Ripper classes for wannabe surfer dudes.

Bali Equestrian Centre: offers riding lessons for all ages. A highlight is the coastal sunset beach tour.

Elephant Safari Park Lodge: ride and play with Sumatran elephants with the option to stay overnight. These folks have been classified as having a Gold certificate for the Asian Captive Elephant Standards.

Where to eat

Métis Bali: dine on innovative French cuisine whilst overlooking rice paddies and lotus ponds.

Metis Bali — The view from Métis is stunning

Biku: a comfy antique sanctuary. Swoon over the cake display (decent strong coffee too), or work through the Indo menu.

Sarong: works with Indian, Balinese, Thai, Sumatran, Vietnamese, and Malaysian flavours to create a distinct modern menu of excellent gourmet street food.
The atmosphere is sultry-glam: chandeliers, candles and plush lounges.

Warung Ibu Oka: lunchtime crowds gather at this humble eatery across from Ubud’s Royal Palace for its signature dish: babi guling (roast suckling pig served with rice and sayur). Strictly bott’s on mats and no shoes!

Where to drink

Potato Head Beach Club: a beachfront amphitheatre-with-attitude. DJ’s spin day and night. Simple bar snacks through to French fine dining upstairs.

Ku Dé Ta: Indo meets Ibiza at this oceanfront institution. The bronzed and the beautiful lounge here all day, but it sizzles from 5pm when the sun melts into the ocean against a backdrop of cool tunes.

The Rock Bar: for those who like their drinks on the rocks (literally). Ayana Resort and Spa’s bar comprises a drinking platform poised just metres above the surf.

For your guide on all things Bali, head here to learn everything you need to know.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Bali Bliss 101