CityPages Kuwait June 2016 Issue June 2016 | Page 59

One day I thought, I want the perfect Far East vacation. Of course, for me there is no
vacation because I will always post on Instagram and make snapchats; but at least I
knew I would not have to attend meetings or events, so I booked.
I planned to stop in a bustling Far Eastern city such as Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur
and then fly to Bali from there. I think it’s worth visiting at least two destinations,
ideally a city followed by a resort town, to cover more of the Far East. Because of the
airline’s routes and timings, Singapore was the most convenient stop for two days
en route to Bali. This was a perfect choice! I lived the ultimate Singapore dream for
two days at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia. It offers a 180 degree view over the bay taking
in the iconic Marina Bay Sands building, Gardens by the Bay and the East Marina
business district - a splendid view. It was a nice stop because Singapore is a melting
pot of many Far Eastern cultures. Also, I so much enjoyed the in-room breakfast
experience at the hotel!
When the time came to leave for Bali, I was looking forward to the beach so much
as I thought Bali is all about the beach. I was wrong. It was a revelation to me that
Bali is actually a big island with diverse landscapes. It is also busier than I thought.
It is actually a city by itself and not a resort island that belongs to Indonesia. I loved
the people and how interactive they were, and I enjoyed talking to each one of them.
Arriving at the Ritz-Carlton was dramatic as the lobby is an open-door space
overlooking the big resort and the beach from a high cliff. I realised that to enjoy
Bali, a beautiful resort is a very important factor. Part of Bali’s charm comes from
the opulence of its resorts. The sea is not necessarily the most impressive since it
is actually an ocean. However, the weather and the greenery make it a heavenly
setting, especially in summer. Unlike the rest of the beach destinations in the Far
East which are located at a higher latitude and facing east or west, Bali is facing
south, benefiting from a southern Hemisphere winter during the hottest summer
months.
I was in Bali to review two areas of the island, beach and mountain. Ubud is the
mountain, temples and rice cultivating centre in Bali, almost an hour towards
the central north. When I arrived there, the city life became more prevalent. The
villagers were busy transferring their artisans and food products from the fields to
the markets and the temples became more concentrated per squared space. The
drive was pleasant but not the most spectacular until I reached the Ritz-Carlton
reserve of Mandapa. When I walked into the hotel, it was the first time in a very long
time that I put my phone aside and said, ‘This is for me, and I am not going to share
it with anyone’. The view of the rice paddies adds that organic feel to the resort. I
couldn't wait to see the higher category villa they upgraded me to, I knew it would
be mind-blowing.
I thought it would be too quiet but I was fortunate to be staying in a resort that knew
how to introduce both its destination and its activities effectively. I went on a rice
field trip, tried Luwak coffee (an amazing experience I will write about in the future)
and went rafting. It was the ultimate vacation for me with everything it takes to
create unforgettable times. I cannot wait to go to Bali again (in October I am invited
to a wedding). Bali is a very romantic destination and I hope I have the good fortune
to go again to the island of wonders.
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