Looking for a pristine strip of beach, a healthy dose of culture, and indulgent luxury at an affordable price? It’s not too good to be true, if you’re willing to spend extra time getting there. As a travel company sales-team manager, I've gotten pretty used to friends, neighbours, and occasionally total strangers asking me "where should I go on my next trip, which is exotic but something I can afford". Well, of course unless I know how long someone wants to travel for, where they've been, what their interest's are, budget, etc. - it's a hard question to quickly answer. But I may have in fact found it: Bali.
Bali is a destination every globetrotter has heard about, and for good reason. It's come along way since it was a remote backpackers haven full of surfers and bootleg-tape sellers that I recall, and the world's finest hotels are here to stay. Bali has been slow to catch on in North America, but is a bona fide ‘celebration destination’ with travellers from around the world, and has seen a noticeable increase in the number of superb luxury hotels steadily setting up shop since the mid 2000’s.
The Four Seasons has not one, but two stunning resorts. The Fairmont has just announced two new properties. The Amandari, The Oberoi, The St Regis, The Grand Hyatt, the Intercontinental and the Pan Pacific have all invested in over the top Balinese luxury. If boutique properties are more your style, there are over 100 in Bali, all ready to cater to your every whim. That means a lot of competition, and excellent value for those seeking the ultimate romantic trip, complete with private plunge pools, deep soaker tubs, intimate villas, and butler service.
While technically part of Indonesia, Bali is steeped in Hindu Culture with a seemingly never ending number of colourful celebrations, an extensive art scene with high end art galleries filled with one of a kind pieces created by skilled local artisans, and numerous world class spas, Bali has it all in one very compact island.
Bali is certainly a long haul from either North American coast and there are no direct flights - be prepared to spend about a day getting there in each direction - BUT you can enjoy a break from that flight in your choice of Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Taiwan, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai or Kuala Lumpur, for little or no additional cost on the airfare. Most airlines now offer a premium economy service, bridging the cost and comfort gap between traditional economy and lay flat business class. A modest upgrade like this can make a long flight somewhat more comfortable.
We can guarantee if you are willing to invest a little extra time in getting there, you will quickly forget the flight and be in for the experience of a lifetime. To offer a quick comparison of similar hotels, a 7-night trip to Bora Bora at a 5-Star resort in private bungalow with plunge pool, runs $900 per person higher than a 7-night trip to Bali with the same. That’s with a starting price of $2499 for Bali and $3420 for Bora Bora.
For more information on our Bali Beach Vacation including Airfare visit our website.
By Carolyn Weppler
Carolyn Weppler has tracked gorillas in Rwanda, been proposed to in Paris (she accepted, naturally!), and travelled to 70 countries, counting Uzbekistan, Lebanon, Russia, Sri Lanka and even Afghanistan among her travel memories. Originally from Hong Kong, Carolyn lived in the UK before settling in Canada. A self-professed ‘foodie’ traveller, her favourite destinations are Nepal, Peru, Uganda, and anywhere else where she can roam local markets and experience new flavours.
Travel Stories to Inspire You.
Sign up to our newsletter to unlock travel Specials, Inspiration, and Expert Guides right to your inbox.
