indonesia

The Island of the gods

Interwoven with a mystic and magnetic culture, shaped by volcanos, rice fields and magnificent beaches, Bali is an island that plunges visitors into total exoticism. As the only Hindu land in Indonesia, Bali possesses its own original culture which has inspired numerous artists throughout the world. Let yourself be enchanted by the spectacular dances and the traditional rites practiced by the local inhabitants, designed to appease the spirits, demons and other magical creatures that reign over the island. Enjoy Balinese aesthetics, its rich and subtle craftsmanship and its talent for uniting art and life. Whether it’s inland, close to the people and their authentic religious festivals, or on the superb beaches of the Bukit peninsula, on a surf board or a massage table, hotels in harmony with Balinese nature promise visitors a carefree vacation on the island blessed by the gods.

Ubud : dance with the spirits of nature

In the north of Denpasar, the museums and temples of Ubud, the cultural and artistic capital of the island, rise up in a variety of vivid colors in the midst of lush and tropical nature. It’s here in the sanctuary of gods and demons that many hotel complexes have opted to call their home, like the Como Shambhala Estate, barely 15 minutes from the center of Ubud. The complex has its own private property in the village of Begawan and is a reference in the area of well-being. On the program there’s yoga, pilates, acupuncture, and ayurvedic medicine coupled with outdoor activities like trekking, rafting and canyoning. A bit further north, we find the 38 traditional Balinese pavilions of the Ubud Hanging Garden, suspended on a cliff covered with greenery. While swimming a few strokes in the infinity swimming pool at the edge of each pavilion, we have the pleasant and magical impression of floating above the valley.

Jimbaran : shellfish galore

A must place to visit as you go down to the neck of the island’s southern peninsula, is the fishing village and resort of Jimbaran with its white sand beaches running along the bay and its numerous sea food restaurants. It’s here that we find the luxurious Jimbaran Puri Bali hotel. Designed entirely on the local precept of “desa, kala, patra”, meaning that each element must be adapted to the site, the moment and the circumstance, this little corner of Paradise facing the sea of Bali, will immerse you into a perfect osmosis with the philosophy of the island. Calmer than the other beaches, the water is more conducive to swimming. A bit further away from the sea, the Villa Balquisse is also worth a visit.  In a more intimate context, in the middle of a coconut grove, this palace hotel combines local craftsmanship and oriental exoticism, thanks to its décor and its delicate cuisine. The Shaba, by the same decorator, Zohra Boukhari, offers guests an exceptional stay in a more Javanese colonial mood, in one of the its three dream suites.

Nusa Dua : a very very select paradise

Nusa Dua, to the east of the Bukit peninsula, is the preferred destination of the rich and famous and surfing enthusiasts. Its beautiful beach faces the Indian Ocean and is protected by a coral reef. The guarded property promises its guests peace and quiet in a rare and privileged setting. The Balé offers its guests a delightful vacation in ultra luxurious modern comfort. The sober and minimalist architecture heightens the feeling of serenity running throughout the site.