Luxury Bali Holidays

Some of Asia’s most spectacular temples can be seen in Bali. The Ulun Danu Temple can be found in one of Indonesia’s beautiful mountainous regions. This striking water temple complex is a formidable structure comprised of numerous distinctive buildings. Visit the Hindu Tanah Lot Temple on the west coast of Bali and admire its unique position, perched on a cliff in the sea. Alternatively, the Goa Lawah Temple is home to resident bats and dates back to the 11th century.

Bali isn't just about beaches, although there are plenty of beautiful ones to be found. Head inland to Ubud in the centre of the island and enjoy lush green landscapes, verdant river valleys and playful wild monkeys. No trip to Bali would be complete without exploring both landscapes and if you have the time we recommend spending at least 2 or 3 nights in Ubud. Many of the hotels here have amazing valley views and the only sound you'll hear is the humming of the crickets and the calling of the birds - the perfect jungle retreat.

Bali's rich spiritual and cultural heritage is both fascinating and endearing. Many hotels offer Balinese cultural shows, usually performed on an evening while you dine on local Indonesian cuisine. The cultural performances consist of various dances including the popular Barong dance which depicts the fight between good and evil with dancers in incredibly ornate outfits backed by a gamelan orchestra.

Bali is renowned for its health and well being. In all resorts you will find an abundance of spa's with talented therapists offering a huge array of treatments for a fraction of the price you can expect to pay here in the UK. In addition to spa's there are plenty of wellness retreats on the island and you will find that most hotels also offer yoga classes. Across Bali you will find restaurants serving healthy cuisine including the popular 'acai bowl' breakfast which is basically a thick smoothie topped with oatmeal and fruit served in a bowl and eaten with a spoon.

The calm seas of Bali play host to an array of colourful marine life, where adventurous swimmers can get up close to some wonderful varieties of fish. Enthralling snorkelling and scuba diving sites are easy to find in Bali, with places like Nusa Lembongan and Manta Point home to rays, turtles and fish, as well as shipwrecks and clear waters.

There is perhaps no better way to spend your time in Bali than with an island hopping experience. Both Lombok and the Gili Islands can be combined with a holiday in Bali. Begin your adventure on the exotic beaches of Bali, before jumping on a speedboat or boarding a short flight to Lombok, where relaxation and tranquillity can be found along the beautiful hiking trails or on pristine beaches. A final speedboat ride will take you to snorkelling and diving ventures in the Gili Islands.

Every June, the Balinese honour the gods of their ancestors with the month-long festival of Usaba Sambah. The main event is the Perang Pandan contest, which is a war dance performed by men and boys dressed in traditional Balinese clothing. Holding a spiky pandan leaf in one hand and a circular shield in the other, the young men fight a battle to honour the God of War. Other highlights of this age-old traditional festival include the Sabatan Biu or Banana War, the Sacred Swings ritual and the coconut event. 

If you’re a food enthusiast then you might like to plan your Bali holidays to coincide with the Ubud Food Festival, which happens every year at the end of April. With Indonesia’s diverse cuisine as the main star of the show, it is one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting culinary events. You can take delight in discovering the extraordinary local produce, as well as cooking demonstrations from some of Bali’s most innovative chefs.

Lawar is a wonderful blend of crunchy vegetables, grated coconut and minced meat all seasoned with a heady dose of herbs and spices. Each village has its own version and this dish is a definite must-try during your Bali holidays!

Sate lembat is Bali’s version of satay, which involves seasoned chicken or pork that has been skewered and barbecued over hot coals. Sate lebat is served similarly to satay, as a classic meat-on-a-stick dish, and is a delicious aromatic mix of ground meat, spices and coconut.