OVERVIEW
A trip to Indonesia can combine beautiful beaches, dramatic landscapes and a cultural reminder of the ancient civilisations throughout. Bali is usually top of everyone’s list, but we always recommend to factor in a visit to some of the neighbouring islands on the doorstep.
Java is just one of the places you could visit on your tailor-made trip to Indonesia, with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit here alone alongside trips to rainforests promising a sighting of local orang-utans and elephants. Bali offers bustling city life in Ubud, fantastic surfing and indulgent spa hotels for the perfect end to any honeymoon. For keen divers, be sure to visit Gili Air to soak up the amazing snorkelling and scuba diving available, just a few hours boat ride from the mainland. Lombok also boasts white sand beaches and a tropical breeze. Lying east of Bali, it’s easily accessible by ferry. Or how about a short flight to the world-famous Sumba, an island that has been put very much on the map of late with the incredible hotels that opened there in recent years, opening it up to tourists keen to immerse themselves in Sumba’s rich heritage and incredible landscape. Expect unspoilt white-sand beaches, eco-conscious lodges and a chance to swim with horses in crystal blue waters.
Travel is my therapy
CURRENT FAVES
JAVA
Surrounded by eight jaw-dropping volcanoes, this mountainside setting really makes you feel away from it all. Set in 22 luscious hectares of gardens, MesaStila is also stunningly beautiful. Located amongst coffee plantations, you would spend your nights in luxurious bedrooms with private balconies and plunge pools. The accommodation is within huge traditional Jepara houses where you overlook the national park. The hotel prides itself on wellness boasting a spa with an authentic Turkish hammam and four treatment rooms. There’s also a great restaurant with stacks of healthy Indonesian food on offer, a jungle gym, hammam and excellent spa.
BALI
FOUR SEASONS RESORT BALI AT SAYAN
Confused as to where to stay in Ubud? Look no further than Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, rising out of the rice fields above the Ayung River with incredible facilities and a jaw-dropping location to keep you and the family entertained for days. Discover the local villages on the hotel bikes, indulge in their complimentary yoga or book a Balinese healing ritual with a Hindu high priestess at the wonderful Sacred River Spa. Located in the tiny hillside village of Sayan, Ubud is an easy 10-minute drive away, accessible via the hotel shuttle service that runs daily until 5PM. Days will be spent lying by the infinity pool and wondering how you’ll ever leave.
SUMBA
Set in captivating, off-the-radar Sumba, Cap Karoso is a pioneering island getaway with sustainability and community engagement at the heart of its everyday activities. Comprising of 47 rooms and 20 villas set on a stunning beachfront location, a three-hectare organic farm and facilities including a spa, gym and Kids Club, Cap Karoso offers a change to connect – and give back – to the local community and island’s nature. With a real focus on gastronomy, their fine-dining option at Julang throws its kitchen doors open to chefs from all over the world whilst their Beach Club is a little more casual.
