Daily – “Some go to the Jersey Shore, but guess who’s in Bali”
Written by Linsey Jones
One of the fondest memories I have of my grandmother is sitting on her circa 1950 Ethan Allen red sofa eating vanilla fudge ripple ice cream watching the 1949 Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oscar winning classic musical “South Pacific”. I used to dance around the room singing “Bali Hai” as I swayed back and forth as if I were on the island myself. Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to go to Bali. I never dreamed I would actually get there since it is half way around the world, but as luck may have it…Bali was fortunately the first stop on my travels across Asia. How lucky can a girl get!
As I lay here by the pool listening to the waterfall cascading, feel the cool breeze gently swaying the palm trees, looking at the clear blue sky, sipping on an icy cold pineapple daiquiri…I think to myself my husband sure does make a great cabana boy! (as he massages my shoulders while applying SPF sunscreen hourly) YEAH RIGHT! I thought you would all laugh at that…he is actually sitting right here next to me working on his Blackberry or should I say “crackberry” as many refer to it! TYPICAL!
Over the last week I have come to appreciate the beauty of Bali – the people, the culture and the land. Bali is truly beautiful and I wanted to share some of the treasures I discovered. There are many different regions of Bali, all unique in their own way. If you ever get the opportunity to visit, the following accommodations are five star in my book! While I did not have a chance to stay at all of these hotels, I have either toured the properties, or enjoyed a delicious meal at their restaurants.
SEMINYAK – Our first stop to the gray sand beach side area with beautiful resorts and boutique hotels along the streets filled with local Balinese flair; gift shops, inexpensive spas (try a fish pedicure) and mopeds! Tons and tons of mopeds! My most favorite spot in Seminyak was watching the most beautiful sunsets at KU DE TA, a beachfront restaurant similar to South Beach. A must see while staying at one of these hotels…
The Oberoi
UBUD – Bali is not all about the beaches! Within an hour and a half drive from Seminyak is Ubud. Truly rich in Balinese culture with the local artisan market displaying their handicrafts from woodwork to beading and yes my friends…a Starbucks!
Never in a million years would I think this village would have a Starbucks. Ubud is not commercialized at all, it is actually where you would find a lush green landscaping, temples, terrace rice fields, volcanoes and mother nature at its best! There are the most luxurious hotels set amongst the tropical rainforest with the most dramatic views. Don’t forget your camera though, you actually might get a visit from the monkeys right outside your window! So as you sip on your iced venti nonfat mocha latte, enjoy the views in your own private villa!
NUSA DUA – If you want pristine beaches and miles of high-end resorts that cater to your every need, then Nusa Dua is the place! All you need is your swimsuit…although no worries…even that can be supplied by one of the boutiques in any of the resorts. So sit back, relax, put the laptop away and enjoy Bali at its best!
“True Beauty isn’t about perfection. By liberating people to realize this simple fact, we help them see the real beauty within themselves.” Kristan Serafino
