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Ahhhhhh…Bali!
By Dru Jensen-Jones

Indonesia is a beautiful country, small by some standards, but showcases a brilliant array of culture, gracious hospitality, and spectacular beaches. Bali is one of over 17,000 islands in the Indonesian region, and is located just over a mile from the eastern tip of the island of Java. This beautiful island is home to approximately 4 million people and stretches about 90 miles from east to west. Bali is truly an island paradise which offers a myriad of options to fit anyone’s budget and travel preferences. We were fortunate to experience three very different areas of this tropical oasis!

THE HARD ROCK HOTEL; KUTA: The Hard Rock Hotel, Kuta, is one of Bali’s most tourist-laden villages and by far, the area most boasting a party atmosphere. The Hard Rock sits across the street from the ocean, in between well-worn streets amidst crowded street vendors selling t-shirts, Balinese crafts, and various other souvenirs. The hotel’s accommodation options are somewhat lacking in comfort (think Spring Break in Daytona Beach), however one certainly doesn’t visit Bali to lounge in their hotel room, so off we went!

The Hard Rock’s meandering pool is surrounded by swaying palm trees and beautiful cabanas. The partially-sandy bottom was most fun, letting you sink your toes into the cool sand as you sip your coconut drink or Bintang beer from the swim-up bar. The pool hosts a range of activities throughout the day, making it a prime spot for sun-seekers and children of all ages. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the hotel’s Centerstage Bar which features a great rock-and-roll house band that plays through the midnight hour for late-nighters.

Breakfast, included in the room rate, is served under lazy palm ceiling fans on the deck overlooking the pool. Standard breakfast buffet fare was served including Asian and Indonesian specialties. The signature Hard Rock Café is on property for a great burger, and the hotel also offers a deli serving sandwiches and ice cream. The small spa provides traditional Balinese massages and other standard treatments. For a real treat, however, opt instead for an inexpensive, fantastic foot and leg massage in a neighborhood salon.

There are unbelievable sights to behold throughout Bali including thousands of temples and shrines, rice fields, and volcanoes. For an expert tour, we were fortunate to find Master Guide, Dewa Astawa. As a Balinese local, he was able to show us special sights that many others may not have the opportunity to experience; such as a local cremation ceremony that will never be forgotten. He is one of the best on the island and is definitely worth your time to have him show you all Bali has to offer.

The Hard Rock Hotel, Bali, is a great vacation spot for families and young travelers who enjoy a lot of activity throughout their days and evenings. Those who frequent Hard Rock properties when they travel will not be disappointed.

VILLA KUBU; SEMINYAK BEACH: We left The Hard Rock in search of Villa Kubu in Seminyak Beach, just north of Kuta. Seminyak is a sophisticated village and home to several high-end resorts and restaurants. Nestled amidst Seminyak’s tiny streets, Villa Kubu offers fourteen lovely private pool villas equipped with every modern convenience possible. Large stepping stones behind the wooden doors of our villa led into the lush garden where we found our private plunge pool. The villa was expertly furnished, and we loved the outdoor bathroom featuring the black granite tub overlooking a bubbling koi pond. Each evening at turn-down, mosquito-repelling incense coils were lit, and although the villa was air conditioned, the mosquito net was elegantly draped over our large, comfortable bed. We took great advantage of the well-stocked maxi-bar, wireless internet, and most especially enjoyed the iPod stocked with lovely Balinese sounds.

Dinner was pool-side consisting of silky pumpkin soup with coconut cream, grilled king prawns, delicious plump chicken breasts, and a dessert of fresh tropical fruit and homemade ice cream. In addition to the expansive, international menu, Villa Kubu offers in-villa barbeques of fresh lobster and seafood, classic meats, or local Indonesian fare. Traditional music and Balinese dancing are also available for hire. Another special treat was dinner at Bumbu Bali at Kedonganan Beach, made famous for seaside dining. Diners select their dinner from large tanks inside the restaurant. Our selections of lobster, king prawns, and calamari were expertly grilled with garlic butter, however a rich, spicy Balinese sauce was also available. Midway through dinner, guests are treated to traditional Balinese dancing, fire eating, or live music.

In May 2009, Villa Kubu expanded their retreat to include the luxurious Spa Venus. Under the management of Swiss-born, Nadja Katharina Nufer and her capable staff, guests are provided treatment options in three forms; Pampering, Deep Healing, and Therapeutic Healing. Guests in search of soul-fulfilling experiences gravitate to Spa Venus and the Spa has attracted exceptionally gifted therapists and healers to assist their
guests along their particular journeys. In honor of Spa Venus’ commitment to healthy living, the Villa Kubu restaurant will soon be serving a raw menu featuring gourmet-prepared vegan cuisine.

One other note of importance worth mentioning; Villa Kubu has twice won Bali’s prestigious Tri Hita Karana award for their commitment to creating an environment honoring Balinese design concepts; creating harmony with man, nature, and the environment. Villa Kubu is a very special place. Look for Villa Kubu in the upcoming movie, “Eat, Pray, Love”, featuring Julia Roberts!

KARMA KANDARA; UNGASAN: As our holiday was ending, we reluctantly left Villa Kubu to visit Karma Kandara, a beautiful, five-star resort atop a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. This resort boasts forty-six, 1,2, 3, and 4, bedroom pool villas, and at a year old, is gaining huge popularity with repeat vacationers in search of uber-luxury accommodations.

Our 3-bedroom villa was beautifully appointed with Balinese elements, and we loved that the living room doors opened onto the deck of our private plunge pool. A short walk down the lovely stone pathways adorned with colorful bougainvillea was the Spa that provided luxurious treatments overlooking the ocean. A facial and massage with the sounds of the crashing waves humming in your ears is true bliss, and a must-do!

For dining, Karma Kandara offers their signature restaurant, di Mare, overlooking the resort’s gorgeous infinity pool and the Indian Ocean. The beachside Nammos Beach Club and Grille features delicious brick oven pizzas, seafood, and Indonesian fare. Guests must take the hill-side gondola down the cliff to access Kandara’s unspoiled, private beach sprinkled with unusual shells and sea glass. We were surprised to see wild monkeys around the property as we ventured to breakfast and dinner each day. The property and the view are spectacular. Every effort is made to ensure guests receive the utmost in customer service excellence. We were not disappointed!

Getting There:
Visitors from the West Coast will travel on major airlines through cities in Asia to reach Denpasar airport in Bali. Although the flights may be particularly long, the journey will be very worth the expense and time for a trip of a lifetime. Taxis and motorbikes are plentiful and inexpensive to hire on the island, as well. US residents will require a visa, obtained upon arrival in Denpasar at a cost of $25.

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Hard Rock Hotel; Bali
Jalan Pantal, Banjar Pande Mas
Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
T: +62.361.761869
F: +62.361.761868
www.hardrockhotels.net

Villa Kubu
Jalan Raya Seminyak, Gang Plawa N. 33
Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia
T: +62.361.731129
F: +62.361.735500
www.villakubu.com

Karma Kandara Resort
BR. Wijaya Kusuma
Ugansan, Bali, Indonesia 80362
T: +62.361.8482200
F: +62.361.8482244
www.karmakandara.com

Bumbu Bali; Jukung Bali Seafood
Kedonganan Beach; Kuta
Jalan Pantai Kedonganan No. 2
Bali, Indonesia
T: +62.361.8537400

Tour Guide: Dewa Astawa
Jalan S. Parman Gang Anggrek, No. 12
Kediri-Tabanan
Bali; Indonesia 82123
T: +81.558.916.395
pujaasawa@yahoo.com
www.bali-tours.nl

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