After more than 25 years in the travel industry I am embarrassed to say I had never been to Bali!
It had never been on my bucket list, if I am honest. I have sold it a lot over the years and everyone that goes loves it. I am not really sure what my hesitancy was about.
I was lucky enough to earn a spot on the coveted Hoot Legends trip. When I found out it was to Bali I actually got really excited. It was finally time to check out what all the hype was about.
Add to that I was going with Stephanie Jones (Hoot Holidays Product Manager) who has been to Bali countless times. How lucky was I?
Flying economy with Garuda Indonesia was a fabulous way to get into the Bali way of life – helped by a little pre-flight sparkling in the Garuda lounge.
Upon arrival we had all of our forms completed so bypassed everyone frantically scanning QR codes to get through the formalities and were immediately hit by that afternoon Bali heat.
We arrived in air conditioned comfort at the Double Six – what a stunning, chic resort. The pool overlooking the ocean was amazing and that cold Bintang and nasi goreng was a delicious way to start.
This was quickly followed by a full body massage at the Aqua Perla Spa and dinner at the Plantation Grill. I was already in love with Bali!
The next day we headed up to Ubud for some buggy fun. After watching the most terrifying safety video I have ever seen, we headed off. It was exhilarating to just get out there and let loose and fortunately not become a star on future safety videos.
Day two was utter indulgence; massages at the Bodyworks with some insta-worthy photos followed by a lazy cocktail and chicken wings at the Atlas Beach Club, laughing and generally just getting our Bali on. Dinner was at Suzie Q and I have to say I loved being guided by some Bali experts.
The next day we headed to Nusa Dua and it was so exciting to see the contrast of two very popular tourist areas. Seminyak being that crazy, thrilling Bali you imagine with motor bikes, street food, shops and markets everywhere, and then heading down to Nusa Dua which reminded me of the Fijian Coral Coast.
Here we found beautiful sprawling green resorts with pools and traditional Balinese furniture. We checked out the Grand Mirage, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Samabe Bali Suites before heading out in the afternoon to Uluwatu and to the very exclusive Beach Club El Kabron.
Upon arrival we did realise we were slightly older than the rest of the clientele but after a few cocktails we showed those young, gorgeous, bikini clad influencers who had the moves.
The DJ was pumping and after all the dancing and eating and drinking we headed back to Seminyak – exhausted and on a party high, only to realise it was 8pm…
On our last morning we were left to enjoy a final massage or three, shopping and generally soaking up that Bali feeling before a final sunset and cocktail before flying home on Garuda Indonesia in business class, which was a huge treat.
If I wasn’t busy taking photos and enjoying the slippers I’m sure I would have got some much needed sleep…although after all the massages I was already pretty relaxed.
I am very pleased to say that Bali well and truly exceeded my expectations and what wonderful, generous kind people they are. I am more than excited to take my family to Bali.
