It’s early morning in Ubud, and mist rises in ghost-like whisps over the tangle of jungle that laces the Ayung River. In the distance I hear the whoop of a monkey, the chime of temple bells, the tinkle of water over rocks. Being here – this connected to nature – is like a tonic for the soul. Knowing that my day to come includes a parade of experiences that will continue to slow my heartbeat and help me forget about the rest of the world makes this moment all the more special. And one that wellness seekers the world over travel to Bali for.
Bali has long been a pioneer in health and wellness tourism, with resorts that make the most of their dreamy setting with yoga studios, massage parlours, healthful restaurants and spiritual ceremonies to help create a sense of calm.
You could spend weeks – indeed months – being buffed and polished, having your chakras aligned, saluting the sun and healing your gut, all in the name of feeling good. And for the next two weeks on this idyllic island, I intend to do just that.
Beachfront luxury
Raffles Bali
At the end of a long and winding road in Bali’s coastal village of Jimbaran, I’m met at Raffles Bali with the promise of curated cultural experiences, uninterrupted peace and sublime service – all while enjoying serene surroundings. This pocket of the island houses an abundance of Eden-like resorts that cover everything from wellness to undisturbed relaxation. Raffles Bali is the newest, and arguably prettiest, of them all.
It’s the largest in scale and smallest in room number of any Raffles property in the world, its 32 villas set across 23 hectares of grounds manicured with palms, bodhi trees (under one of which Buddha is said to have found enlightenment), naupaka flowers and moringa, which looks unassuming but is actually a trendy superfood that grows wild here. Hiking trails weave through the property, and also lead to the resort’s private beach.
Given the abundance of space, it’s unsurprising to find that my villa comes with its own gazebo and private pool, a place where I (hand-dyed textiles) can be seen in the artisanal tapestries hung on the walls.
