AAA Traveler - Fall 2019 - 48

IDYLLIC ISLANDS

BALI

BOASTING A LANDSCAPE THAT OFFERS PRISTINE BEACHES, EMERALD-COLORED RICE TERRACES
AND VERDANT RIVER VALLEYS FILLED WITH ANCIENT TEMPLES, IT'S OBVIOUS WHY BALI IS CALLED
THE "ISLAND OF THE GODS." THIS INDONESIAN ARCHIPELAGO ISLAND IS EVERYONE'S IDEA OF
PARADISE AND YOU CAN LIVE YOUR DREAM HERE, WHETHER THAT MEANS RELAXING AT SPA
RETREATS, LAZING ON BLACK SAND OR VIEWING WILDLIFE UP CLOSE. BALI IS A SENSORY-RICH
GETAWAY WAITING TO FULFILL ALL OF YOUR VACATION GOALS.

SAND AND SPIRITS

Beaches are Bali's calling card and you can find one for every
taste. For fans of the popular beach scene of bars and parties, head
to Seminyak Beach's stunning nearly two-mile stretch of golden
sand. Stroll the shore and dip into beach bars slinging hand-crafted
cocktails, beach clubs with chic loungers and hot DJs or hop into
the waves for a surfing lesson. The palm-fringed perfection of Nusa
Dua Beach supplies calm waters, coral reefs and water sports
facilities for family friendly fun. There's even an open-air shopping
mall nearby for a shady retail retreat. If a more sheltered escape
interests you, try Padang Padang Beach. Enter through a limestone
cave but keep an eye out for monkeys that have been known to
snatch bags and sunglasses, and you'll be rewarded with a small,
dazzling beach surrounded by striking rock formations. Famous as
a film location for the movie Eat, Pray, Love, Padang Padang Beach
is beloved by surfers, tourists and film buffs.
MAKE A SPLASH

There are dozens of exciting ways to experience Bali, from
sampling the deliciously complex food, to scaling the island's
mountains and volcanic mountains. An essential excursion is
splashing through a few of Bali's many waterfalls. Follow a waterfall
route of northern Bali and glide down the natural slide of
Aling-Aling Waterfall or relax in a lush area filled with butterflies
and birds that surround Tibumana Waterfall. Temples are an
important part of Balinese culture. Every village has at least three,
so visit a nearby temple or head to the famous cliffside Uluwatu
Temple where you can view the traditional kecak dance, or the
scenic Besakih Temple, which is actually a complex of several
temples framed by rice terraces. The Monkey Forest Ubud hosts
700 or so quick-fingered monkeys, as well as three Hindu temples

and a nature reserve. Indulging in a Balinese spa treatment is an
absolute requirement. Choose a luxury full body Balinese massage
at the hotels and salons that cover much of the island or grab a
budget option for $5 on the beach.
VARIED STAYS

Lodging in Bali is as distinctive as Balinese culture. Selections
include beachfront resorts, eco-chic villas and even treehouses.
Perched on a cliff 115 feet above a private cove, Ayana Resort
and Spa and Rimba Jimbaran villas supply jaw-dropping views,
impeccable service and serenity. As Bali's only integrated resort,
Ayana is spread over 222 sprawling acres of gardens and white
sand beach it shares with Rimba Jimbaran villas. The 650 suites,
guestrooms and villas, 12 swimming pools and 19 restaurants
and bars, including the famous cliff top infinity pool and Rock
Bar with its glorious vistas, make Ayana Resort and Spa Bali's
ultimate destination.
Rimba Jimbaran combines luxury with Balinese charm,
offering up private pool villas and lush gardens set above tranquil
Jimbaran Bay. The boutique property features Balinese style villas, a
spa, kids club, gym, private concierge and a top rated restaurant
with live music. For a more low-key stay, Klumpu Bali Resort sits
on a quiet lane with eight traditional-style villas tucked into
lush gardens. The villas are accented with Balinese
crafts, a terrace and a bathroom outfitted with a
rain shower. The upscale retreat provides spa
facilities, a large lagoon pool and a restaurant
with free afternoon tea service.
- Rosalind Cummings Yeates

Where's your
favorite island?
Email us at
Traveler@AAACarolinas.com
and we might feature your
pick in a future issue
of Traveler!

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
AAA Traveler - Fall 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AAA Traveler - Fall 2019
