Simply Bali

Discover Indonesia’s most beloved island on this week-long itinerary, combining the cultural riches and lush countryside of Ubud with the calm seas and sandy beaches of Bali’s southeast coast.

Indonesia Honeymoon

From boutique Bali retreats to an intimate paradise on Lombok, this 10 night Bali and Lombok itinerary is perfect for honeymooners and couples seeking a romantic Indonesian escape.

Guide to Bali's beaches

Bali is a much-loved beach destination and thanks to long swathes of sandy beach, seriously laid-back vibes and rugged coastlines, it is easy to see why. In Bali, no beach is the same, meaning that whatever your idea of paradise may be, there is bound to be a beach that ticks all the boxes for you. With each stretch of coastline offering something different, it is often difficult to know where to start when it comes to discovering Bali’s hidden coves, forgotten bays and sugar white beaches. To help, we’ve handpicked a few of our favourite Balinese beaches, choosing where’s best and for who.

Bali for honeymoons

Bali is loved by honeymooners and with its idyllic beaches, stunning boutique hotels and secluded settings, it is no surprise. We’ve shortlisted a handful of our favourite properties which are perfect for a post-nuptial celebration or simply a romantic retreat.

Temples in Indonesia

Indonesia is a melting pot of cultures, religions and peoples and its diversity is no more obvious than in its temples. Perched precariously on vertiginous clifftops, floating on serene lakes, and relentlessly pummelled by the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, the setting of Indonesia’s temples is as phenomenal as their architectural merit. We’ve shortlisted our very favourite temples from across the archipelago.

Wildlife in Indonesia

The wildlife at home in Indonesia is as diverse as almost everything else in the archipelago. With such a range of remarkable ecosystems and habitats, it is almost no wonder that elephants, monkeys, tigers and orangutans live side by side there. Exotic and at times elusive, Indonesia’s wildlife is surely worth tracking down for an unforgettable encounter in Asia.

Hiking in Indonesia

Whether it be lacing up your boots to reach the summit of a burbling volcano or taking a leisurely stroll through rolling rice terraces, Indonesia has got it all. Thanks to such a unique topography it is amongst Asia's top hiking destinations, offering a huge variety of vast and varied terrain, all just waiting to be discovered on foot. We've shortlisted a few of our favourite hikes, showcasing the very best of the trails and tracks across Indonesia.

Romance in Indonesia

With its lush jungles, soaring volcanoes, spiritual temples and tropical beaches, Indonesia is without a doubt one of Asia’s most romantic destinations. We’ve handpicked our top 5 hotels across the Indonesian archipelago - from elegant private pool villas to remote and rustic outposts - that we think are just perfect for a honeymoon or romantic escape.

Romance in Indonesia

With its lush jungles, soaring volcanoes, spiritual temples and tropical beaches, Indonesia is without a doubt one of Asia’s most romantic destinations. We’ve handpicked our top 5 hotels across the Indonesian archipelago - from elegant private pool villas to remote and rustic outposts - that we think are just perfect for a honeymoon or romantic escape.

Uma Ubud, Bali

Tucked away amongst the lush, green jungle vegetation of central Bali is the Uma Ubud, part of the stylish COMO group. A chic hideaway of whitewashed walls, billowing bed canopies and subtle touches of traditional Balinese design, this romantic bolthole is a stunning spot for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.

Some of the rooms feature private pools or walled courtyard gardens, whilst others look out across the terraced hillsides. The main pool is a quiet haven after a day of exploring the galleries, shops, markets and artists residences of Ubud, and the food is sublime, offering traditional Indonesian fare alongside lighter, spa cuisine from their COMO Shambhala menu. Try your hand at recreating some Indonesian fare with a cooking class, relax in the spa or partake in some yoga in the open-air studio overlooking the Tjampuhan Valley.

Romantic Indonesia

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Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali

Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Bukit Peninsula, Alila Villas Uluwatu offers the ultimate in luxury seclusion. This collection of private pool villas are stylishly designed with minimalist flair, featuring open plan living and stark white interiors. Your private pool ends with a covered ‘bale’ just perfect for lazy afternoons enjoying a book or soaking up the sun, and your own private butler will ensure you want for nothing.

An ideal retreat for the beginning or end of any Indonesian itinerary, Alila Villas Uluwatu is all about subtlety and privacy, giving you the space to relax and enjoy the surroundings. With no beach to speak of, Uluwatu is all about the surf, so you can try your hand at this popular pastime on the beaches below. Alternatively, indulge at the spa or simply lay back on your lounger overlooking the coastline as the sun sinks low over the ocean – these are some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see.

Romantic Indonesia

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Qunci Villas, Lombok

Located on Bali’s more laid back neighbour, Lombok, Qunci Villas offer up luxurious villas amongst tropical gardens set back from a stunning beach. Perfect as the beach destination at the end of your honeymoon itinerary, the peaceful pace of life on Lombok provides a welcome contrast to the buzz of Bali.

Qunci’s Villas are stylishly designed with private pools and ample space to lounge around and relax, with traditional pitched alang-alang roofs and serene décor. Admire the sunsets from the poolside, soak up the sun on the long, golden beach and take trips to the nearby Gili Islands for snorkelling or diving.

Romantic Indonesia

The Elysian, Bali

The name itself means ‘paradise’, so it will come as no surprise that your stay at The Elysian in Seminyak will be a blissed-out experience. Located in the heart of one of Bali’s most stylish neighbourhoods, the private, walled pool villas of The Elysian offer up contemporary style and private luxury.

Not on the beach itself, but tucked away from the hustle and bustle of town, you can relax by your own pool set amongst leafy gardens and if getting dressed for dinner seems like too much of a chore, allow your butler to bring a delicious BBQ feast straight to your sundeck.

Romantic Indonesia

Nihiwatu, Sumba

For something a little different and totally out of this world, head east from Bali and totally off the beaten track to the island of Sumba. Here, miles away from the stresses and strains of everyday life, you’ll find Nihiwatu, a magical eco-retreat set on a stunning coastal cliff with views out over some of Indonesia’s most infamous surf breaks.

Unlike your typical romantic escape, the luxury of Nihiwatu comes with the unusual, the seclusion and the unimaginable beauty of the location. Private villas are all designed using local materials and borrowing influences from the Sumbanese culture, making them completely unique. Jet skiing, horse riding, yoga, fishing, diving, surfing and cultural experiences are all on offer here at Nihiwatu, but for the ultimate romantic experience, head to the beautiful spa, or enjoy a private dinner on the beach watching the sun go down.

Romantic Indonesia

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