{"id":19239,"date":"2024-06-12T13:58:13","date_gmt":"2024-06-12T05:58:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magazine-proxy.elitehavens.com\/?p=19239"},"modified":"2025-08-19T10:03:29","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T02:03:29","slug":"why-one-week-in-bali-is-never-enough","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine-proxy.elitehavens.com\/why-one-week-in-bali-is-never-enough\/","title":{"rendered":"Long Holidays: Why one week in Bali is never enough"},"content":{"rendered":"

Indonesia<\/a> is an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, each more stunning than the next. No wonder that Indonesia has secured its spot on many people\u2019s bucket lists of places to visit, and Bali<\/a> is on top of the list. The tropical island has retained its ability to enchant visitors over the years. This is thanks to its combination of stunning scenery, a spiritual thread which runs through every street, rice field and temple and some of the friendliest locals you could ever meet.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s so much to see and do in Bali that a short stay just won\u2019t cut it. The island is extremely diverse geographically. It flows from coastal shorelines to rugged mountains and lush rice-growing terraces. Give yourself at least a couple of weeks to fully immerse yourself in this magical isle. Only then will you discover why Bali sets the gold standard in offering travellers the complete tropical island holiday experience.<\/p>\n

Back to black<\/h2>\n

The first thing you realise about Bali is that this is an island dominated by its volcanic past and present. Mount Agung is an active volcano and responsible for some of the black sand beaches you\u2019ll see around the island. It\u2019s a switch-up from the usual white sandy<\/a> stretches of coastline you may be used to. The black sand beaches provide for some gorgeous unusual photo opportunities. There are limestone cliffs too, world-class surfing breaks and dramatic water spouts which form out to sea at certain times of the year.<\/p>\n

Head off the beaten track away from the popular Kuta and Nusa Dua<\/a> strips. Discover your own perfect remote beach along the Candidasa<\/a> and Canggu<\/a> coastlines. Villa Zelie<\/a>, a heritage chic holiday home is just 150m from Canggu Beach. Come here to enjoy holiday living on a grand scale. You\u2019ll love the beautiful teak and ironwood buildings. These are inspired by traditional Javanese joglo<\/em> pavilions. The villa also showcases handcrafted furniture and treasures selected by the owner around every corner.<\/p>\n

\"traditional<\/a>

Traditional Javanese Joglo – Villa Zelie<\/p><\/div>\n

Head for the hills<\/h2>\n

After experiencing the beach life for a week, it’s time for a change. It would be a crime not to spend time getting to know Bali\u2019s cultural heart \u2013 Ubud<\/a>. There\u2019s a completely different vibe in this delightful town in the island\u2019s interior. You would already be familiar with a temple at every corner in the south. But in Ubud, the innate creativity and islanders\u2019 dedication to their culture<\/a> finds its most glorious expression.<\/p>\n

Every surface, doorway and chair is carved and made beautiful. The scent of incense and piles of offerings<\/a> at temple gates make you feel like you\u2019ve wandered into a film set<\/a>. Artistic ability seems to pour out of the Balinese effortlessly. This makes Ubud a great place to pick up unique works of art by some of the town\u2019s many artists and artisans. Don\u2019t miss the chance to join a culinary masterclass in Balinese cuisine \u2013 Ubud hosts many such classes. You\u2019ll soon be an expert in spotting the best babi guling<\/em> (roast suckling pig) on offer \u2013 and a lifelong fan as a result.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Clifftop living<\/h2>\n

If you get a taste for living at altitude, book a stay at Pandawa Cliff Estate<\/a> \u2013 it\u2019s the ideal choice if you\u2019re travelling with a group of friends or family as it\u2019s a collection of four exceptional private villas, sleeping up to 42 guests. Located high above the ocean on Bali\u2019s southernmost tip, this is one of Bali\u2019s most sought-after wedding<\/a> and special events venues. Unforgettable.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Wedding at Pandawa Cliff Estate<\/p><\/div>\n

Escape to another clifftop paradise at Villa Sol Y Mar<\/a>. Lounge on the edge of infinity, soaking in the Indian Ocean panorama. Unwind in the master suite’s four-poster bed or the spacious living areas, all catered to by personalized butler service. A skilled chef creates delectable meals, from poolside lunches to unforgettable sunset barbecues, making Sol y Mar ideal for families or groups.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Villa Sol Y Mar – Uluwatu<\/p><\/div>\n

Food, glorious food<\/h2>\n

Bali has a naturally fertile landscape and frequent tropical rainfall. This makes it the perfect place to grow produce such as rice, exotic fruits and vegetables. Being an island also lends it to freshly caught, sensational seafood. Street food is a popular option here (don\u2019t miss satay sticks fresh off the grill and charred sweetcorn, the perfect snack to enjoy as you explore on foot). However, there are also many top-class international restaurants on the island. Bali has long been a drawcard for famous chefs from around the world who are attracted to create new dishes on this verdant and ingredient-rich island.<\/p>\n

Enjoy the greatest benefit of renting a villa – the option to relish delicious food cooked just for you. Asian and western cuisines can be prepared where and when you desire. If you\u2019re keen to experience Bali\u2019s delicious cuisine, we suggest a long stay at Bendega Villas<\/a>. Allow yourself to be pampered by a full-time chef. The cook will delight you with beautifully presented dishes at mealtimes. From roasted vegetable salads and Balinese chicken curry to nasi goreng (fried rice) and perfectly cooked steak and chips, there’s no limit here. Don’t miss the desserts either. Bendega has its own pizza oven, which produces some wonderful gourmet pizzas to order. If you prefer to eat out on occasion, the villas are just a short stroll from Canggu\u2019s hipster cafes which have a growing reputation for serving up some of the island\u2019s most delicious food.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Villa Bendega’s own pizza oven<\/p><\/div>\n

Rest and reconnect<\/h2>\n

Of course, it\u2019s possible to spend your extended stay in Bali at one of our beautiful villas. For instance, Villa Simona Oasis<\/a> in Canggu makes it almost impossible to drag yourself away. You will love this villa surrounded by two sacred streams with the ever-present tropical jungle and tiered rice terraces nearby.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Villa Simona Oasis<\/p><\/div>\n

Reconnect with your loved ones at this five-bedroom retreat. Spread over 5000sqm, this private, cloistered paradise is designed by Elaina Myers. Settle into this cool, contemporary villa or throw a pool party in the 13-metre pool. Capitalise on the many opportunities for alfresco dining and drinking, thanks to the dedicated staff at the villa. <\/p>\n

When eyeing for a longer stay, Villa Bie is also a spot on choice. A haven for family gatherings, Villa Bie<\/a> in Uluwatu boasts seven luxurious bedrooms with stunning ocean or pool views. This Feng Shui masterpiece offers a world-class recreation complex, serene gardens, and a captivating water wall. Unwind with attentive staff, including a chef and butlers, for leisurely meals, breathtaking sunsets, and unforgettable family time.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Villa Bie, Uluwatu<\/p><\/div>\n

Relax, rejuvenate, get a massage (or a few). Spend long days and elegant evenings reconnecting with your inner self and the people who matter most to you. Why rush around when you can stay awhile?<\/p>\n

Plethora of activities<\/h2>\n

Enjoying cocktail evenings and gazing at sunsets never gets old. But if you’re itching for more action, Bali has plenty to keep even the most extreme thrill-seeker occupied. Experience water sports like jet skiing, surfing (including lessons for newbies), wakeboarding and even jetpacking here. If you want something more relaxed, try leisurely water-based activities like snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding.<\/p>\n

Yoga<\/a> is big in Bali too, thanks to the deeply spiritual vein running through the whole island. We can arrange for a specialist yoga instructor to come to your villa for private lessons in tranquil surrounds. <\/p>\n

\n