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2 weeks in Bali - my luxury vacation

My 2 week luxury Bali vacation. After 8 trips, I built this itinerary based on my idea of the ultimate Bali escape.

  • Mandapa Ritz-Carlton Reserve Ubud+ 78
  • Beachfront Pool Villa The Royal Beach Seminyak
  • La Plancha Seminyak
  • 2 weeks in Bali - my luxury vacation
xscapeartistry
About Me:I love the freedom of travel which always inspires the most creative and inspired parts of my soul. I’m a flash packer with a camera, a street food connoisseur. I love street markets, alleyways (in the daytime) and getting utterly and comp... read more

AsiaIndonesia14 days / February 2020

Highs & Lows

Rice fields, food, culture, pool villas, beaches.....I can't even decide. This island packs it all in!

Traffic. Don't expect to get anywhere in Bali in a hurry. Just relax. Bali is for relaxing.

Itinerary Overview

This itinerary is a mix up of a couple of trips I've done. My ultimate Bali escape. To fit it all in, its a 2 week itinerary. Believe me, Bali can fill 2 incredible weeks and leave you wishing you'd had longer.

We'll start in Seminyak so we can get some shopping and beach sunsets out of the way. After that, we'll move down to Padang Padang Beach for some more surf and sand. Then we'll head inland to Ubud to visit the cultural heart of Bali, before heading to Sideman, a more traditional village that will give you glimpses of the 'real' Bali and some of the best rice terraces on the island. We'll finish with a bit of Jimbaran Bay luxe.  

This itinerary includes some fancy stays, and Bali does fancy well. Think pool villas with views....

Come join me for 2 weeks of bliss on paradise island. 

  • 3 Nights: Seminyak
    Seminyak is great for shopping, eating out, beach clubs and beach sunsets. Its a great spot for first time visitors too.
  • 2 Nights: Padang Padang Beach
    To spend some time on Bali's most famous surf coast, and explore Uluwatu Temple
  • 3 Nights: Ubud
    I love Ubud, so this was a return visit to one of my favourite destinations in the world
  • 3 Nights: Sangkan Gunung
    I wanted to visit a more traditional Balinese village and the Sideman and Iseh rice fields
  • 3 Nights: Jimbaran
    To visit Bali's famous Rock Bar and chill out in a luxury resort
Seminyak - Seminyak is great for shopping, eating out, beach clubs and beach sunsets. Its a great spot for first time visitors too.
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Seminyak Seminyak is great for shopping, eating out, beach clubs and beach sunsets. Its a great spot for first time visitors too.

Seminyak - Seminyak is great for shopping, eating out, beach clubs and beach sunsets. Its a great spot for first time visitors too. - Beachfront Pool Villa The Royal Beach Seminyak
Beachfront Pool Villa The Royal Beach Seminyak
Seminyak - Seminyak is great for shopping, eating out, beach clubs and beach sunsets. Its a great spot for first time visitors too. - La Plancha Seminyak
La Plancha Seminyak
Seminyak - Seminyak is great for shopping, eating out, beach clubs and beach sunsets. Its a great spot for first time visitors too. - The Royal Beach Seminyak14+
The Royal Beach Seminyak

I always love stopping in at Seminyak when I visit Bali. Its a busy area packed with boutiques, villas, hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. Its a great place for entertaining everyone, and best of all you can end the day watching the sun set over the ocean.

If you like being centrally located, and enjoy lots of facilities close by, Seminyak is a great place to base yourself in Bali. Slightly less tacky than Kuta (which is NOT on my itinerary) but it still offers something for everyone.

My spot in Seminyak is The Royal Beach Seminyak which is located on Seminyak /Double 6 Beach but is still in walking distance to plenty of action. 

Some places I recommend to visit while you're in Seminyak:

1. Mauri Restaurant if you're a true foody and don't mind forking up for an immaculate degustation. Absolutely stunning food and service, and worth every cent of the small fortune you'll pay to eat here

2. Biku is a great cafe that offers plenty of traditional Indonesian food options, but also does a fantastic high tea. You can also book in to have a Tarot Reading. Think Indonesian high tea, fabulous cocktails and Tarot..... that's a cool way to spend an afternoon!

3. Revolver Espresso if coffee is important to you. Best coffee in town, and worth noting. You'll go back daily for your brew needs.

4. Seminyak Square is a great little market where you can pick up some bargains (with a little bartering). 

5. La Plancha is 'the' place to go at sunset. Think brightly coloured bean bags, under brightly coloured umbrellas, drinking brightly coloured cocktails while you watch a brightly coloured ocean sunset. Is there anything more holiday perfect?

Padang Padang Beach - To spend some time on Bali's most famous surf coast, and explore Uluwatu Temple
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Padang Padang Beach To spend some time on Bali's most famous surf coast, and explore Uluwatu Temple

Padang Padang Beach - To spend some time on Bali's most famous surf coast, and explore Uluwatu Temple - Uluwatu Temple coast walk
Uluwatu Temple coast walk
Padang Padang Beach - To spend some time on Bali's most famous surf coast, and explore Uluwatu Temple - Dreamsea Surf Camp
Dreamsea Surf Camp
Padang Padang Beach - To spend some time on Bali's most famous surf coast, and explore Uluwatu Temple - Dreamsea Surf Camp15+
Dreamsea Surf Camp

I haven't visited every part of Bali's coastline, but I've seen a bit, and this is the best of what I've seen. The Padang Padang / Uluwatu coast is lined with cliffs and spectacular beaches, and the area attracts surfers from around the world.

My visit was a short 2 night trip, but it was a feast for my eyes. I stayed in a waterfront room at Dreamsea Surf Camp, and waterfront is almost an understatement. I cannot imagine a room more waterfront that this one. The rooms were decorated with the coolest boho vibes, the food was absolutely sensation and the views were just ridiculous.

I spent one afternoon exploring Uluwatu Temple which is absolutely worth doing. There is plenty to see there and the coastal views are absolutely world class.  The rest of my stay was spent enjoying Padang Padang beach and exploring the area by foot. 

While the food at Dreamsea Surf Camp is almost impossible to beat, if you're looking for a bit of variety, check out The Mango Tree Cafe who do the most divine smoothy bowls and fish tacos.

I'll let the photos do the rest of the talking for this destination.

Ubud - I love Ubud, so this was a return visit to one of my favourite destinations in the world
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Ubud I love Ubud, so this was a return visit to one of my favourite destinations in the world

Ubud - I love Ubud, so this was a return visit to one of my favourite destinations in the world - Kubu at Mandapa
Kubu at Mandapa
Ubud - I love Ubud, so this was a return visit to one of my favourite destinations in the world - Kubu at Mandapa
Kubu at Mandapa
Ubud - I love Ubud, so this was a return visit to one of my favourite destinations in the world - Kubu at Mandapa16+
Kubu at Mandapa

I've been to Ubud 7 times, but this itinerary is based on my most recent trip.

My husband and I fulfilled a bit of a fantasy we had to stay in a Luxury Pool Villa at The Mandapa Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud. On this trip we spent most of our time just enjoying the villa space and the resort, but we did get out to do visit a couple of Ubud favourites.

1. Hanging out at our villa and the Mandapa resort

2. Kubu at Mandapa restaurant. Even if your budget can't reach staying at Mandapa, true foodies will not regret splurging on a night out at Kubu. Our favourite restaurant in Bali.

3. Campuhan Ridge Walk. This is a favourite of ours too. Start off in Ubud town to walk to a local village. You'll pass beautiful temples, rice fields and enjoy spectacular views. 

4. Finish the Campuhan Ridge Walk at Karsa Spa where you can get the most divine massage amongst rice fields. Afterward enjoy a chilled juice and a local meal.

5. Enjoy some French cuisine while watching Ubud life go by at Kebun Bistro in Ubud town

6. Visit the Monkey Forest. This sanctuary is worth the visit just for the stunning forest and temples. But it is absolutely full of monkeys which make it a really unique experience. Just watch your bag - those monkeys are very tame and very cheeky.

Ubud offers so much more than what we covered on this trip. You can enjoy cycling, treking, white water rafting, rice fields, yoga retreats, shopping, art galleries and so much more.

Personally, I'd have no problem filling 2 weeks with activities in Ubud.

Sangkan Gunung - I wanted to visit a more traditional Balinese village and the Sideman and Iseh rice fields
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Sangkan Gunung I wanted to visit a more traditional Balinese village and the Sideman and Iseh rice fields

Sangkan Gunung - I wanted to visit a more traditional Balinese village and the Sideman and Iseh rice fields - Cepik Villa Sideman
Cepik Villa Sideman
Sangkan Gunung - I wanted to visit a more traditional Balinese village and the Sideman and Iseh rice fields - Rice fields Sideman
Rice fields Sideman
Sangkan Gunung - I wanted to visit a more traditional Balinese village and the Sideman and Iseh rice fields - Sideman Village13+
Sideman Village

Sideman is the kind of place you want to visit if you're interested in getting out of the main tourist areas and experience a little more of the 'real' Bali. Unlike all of the other destinations in this trip, Sideman is still primarily a local village. If you want to see a real Balinese market, visit Sideman morning markets. You can visit working rice fields, eat at local warungs and there isn't a souvenir or boutique anywhere to be seen. This is the spot to visit for long walks, nature and meeting locals (although most don't speak English in this area).

I visited with a new drone, so was keen to get some footage of the local rice terraces (and I got some amazing video!). I also love Balinese cuisine and local warungs (cafes) overlooking rice fields. Sideman was so much more than I'd expected, and will be a place I visit again and again in the future.

There are a handful of stunning resorts you can visit that have fantastic  bars and restaurants, but mostly, Sideman is about tranquillity. Taking time out to just enjoy nature, eat well and relax. 

I stayed at Cepik Villa, which was a lovely mid-range property, but if you're after luxe, check out Wapa di Ume for luxe pool villas, or Samanvaya Luxury Resort, a stunning adults-only property. I visited both properties and dined at their restaurants. I'd not hesitate to book either.

Jimbaran - To visit Bali's  famous Rock Bar and chill out in a luxury resort
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Jimbaran To visit Bali's famous Rock Bar and chill out in a luxury resort

Jimbaran - To visit Bali's  famous Rock Bar and chill out in a luxury resort - Rock Bar Ayana
Rock Bar Ayana
Jimbaran - To visit Bali's  famous Rock Bar and chill out in a luxury resort - View of Kisik Restaurant (from Rock Bar)
View of Kisik Restaurant (from Rock Bar)
Jimbaran - To visit Bali's  famous Rock Bar and chill out in a luxury resort - Rock Bar Ayana8+
Rock Bar Ayana

This is a resort stop, and is perfect for 2-3 days of relaxation and luxury. Ayana is really made up of 3 resorts - Ayana Resort and Spa, The Villas at Ayana and Rimba Jimbaran. Guests can enjoy the facilities of all 3 resorts. That makes up an incredible 12 pools, 19 restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, an 18 hole-golf-course, private beach, spas and shopping arcades. It really is an all inclusive holiday just being at the resort.

We spent our first night at Ayana, but with holiday optimism, we upgraded to do a couple of nights in an ocean front pool villa.

There was just so much to do in the resort, that we didn't venture out the entire time. And we definitely didn't experience all that the integrated resort facilities offered. That would take a week!

But highlights included:

1. The Rock Bar - this is one of Bali's most famous and exclusive venues. Ayana guests get priority access, but people come from across the island to line up to get into this bar. The best way to experience it is to stay at Ayana. 

2. Restaurants - Our favourites were Kisik which is located right on the ocean and does amazing seafood. We also loved Dava which is located in The Villas complex. But the options seemed endless.

 3. Spa - I enjoyed a massage at the spa, but the highlight was Thalassotherapy which was this huge saltwater therapy pool where you work your way through a series of hydro massage stations. Very relaxing and you do it all with fabulous ocean views.

4. Pools - there were so many to visit, and we certainly didn't get to most of them, but our favourite was the River Pool (and the private pool in our villa!)

Ayana is the Disneyland of Balinese resorts. There was so much to do and see here that there really was no need to leave. We didn't step foot outside of the resort the whole time we were checked in, but it was an amazing way to finish a Balinese holiday.

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    Only that I'd extend the trip to see more and stay longer.
  • Anything go wrong during the trip?

    Not a lot, but the rooms at Dreamsea Surf Camp have absolutely no noise insulation, and the (lovely) private ensuite bathroom was located across the hall. Both created a little bit of a impediment to privacy. Two nights would be my maximium there because of this (I was very grateful for normal walls and an internal ensuite at the following hotel!)
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    Kubu at Mandapa Maurie at Seminyak Kisik at Ayana And the Rock Bar - even if you don't stay at Ayana, this place is worth a visit!
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    We did some of these destinations in 5 star resorts, but honestly, Bali does accommodation really well at every level. You don't need to stay 5 star to enjoy some luxury in Bali.
  • Packing tips?

    Light weight clothes, avoid nylons, and bring your flip flops.
  • Transportation Tips?

    Finding a good driver can make your Bali trip so much easier, but to be honest I've used many drivers over the years visiting Bali, and most will bend over backwards to ensure you enjoy your trip.
  • Any surprises?

    Sideman surprised me. I totally loved it, but to be in a region in Bali without any of the tourist traps, that was refreshing and a wonderful surprise.

Lodging