Image courtesy of Amankila
Bali is the perfect honeymoon destination: luxury hotels, excellent local food, sprawling beaches, lush jungles, ancient shrines, dramatic landscapes... the works. The entire island seems to be perpetually bathed in a romantic glow.
Below, I've highlighted the three best activities to incorporate into your honeymoon itinerary, as well as the five best resorts, each perfect for a luxurious recharge with your significant other.
What to Do
Jimbaran
This quaint seaside town is a great place to start your Bali journey. It’s close to both the airport and the famed Uluwatu temple, a stunning landmark perched 250 feet above the idyllic turquoise sea. It is also home to one of the island's best beaches for surfing. Jimbaran Bay has a well-deserved reputation for having some of Bali’s best seafood, which you can enjoy at one of the many restaurants on the beach. For an especially romantic evening, grab a drink at the Four Seasons as you take in the sunset, or go on a sunset cruise around the bay, complete with views of the majestic Uluwatu Temple.
Hike Mount Batur
This active volcano sits alongside the serene Lake Batur. The hike up takes you along a rocky road, and, once you reach the top, take in the spectacular views of the heart of Bali, while sipping on fresh Indonesian coffee. The hike is especially beautiful early in the day, so you can take in the sunrise as you reach the summit.
Balinese Street Food
Experience delicious street food at the famous Gianyar Night Market, which, according to locals, has some of the island’s best food. Sample delicacies such as roast pig, sweet cakes, chicken and coconut balls, fried bananas, tempeh and tofu, or partake in “Megibung,” where people share several meals on a plate or, more traditionally, a Banana leaf. This style of dining was historically enjoyed during ceremonies and other special occasions. It’s a great way to sample many types of Indonesian specialties, all at once.
Where to Stay: Best Honeymoon Resorts in Bali
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay
The Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay
This gorgeous resort was designed to resemble a traditional Balinese Village. Luxe villas dot 35 acres of the lush, serene landscape in Jimbaran Bay, with views of the colorful hillsides laden with temples. Guests have direct access to the secluded beach, or can rinse off in their villa’s private plunge pool.
Fora Perks:
When you book Four Seasons through me, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Image courtesy of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Mandapa offers an outstanding immersive experience. The suites and villas are surrounded by verdant rice paddies, winding pathways and gently rolling hills nestled beside Ubud’s Ayung River. Ubud is regarded as the spiritual and cultural heart of Bali; as a result, it gets rather crowded. But the Mandapa is blissfully secluded, allowing visitors to experience the island’s serenity — away from the influx of tourists.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Potato Head Suites
Image courtesy of Potato Head Suites
This boutique hotel, located in Bali’s trendy Seminyak beach area, was made almost entirely by artisans, who continue to add to the grounds. It offers a number of eclectic experiences, many of which attract travelers staying elsewhere. The sleek, modern property also features an amphitheater for live music, a studio for sound healing and sustainable art installations dotted throughout.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Capella Ubud
Image courtesy of Capella Ubud
Capella is consistently ranked as one of the best hotels not only in Asia, but also the world. Famed architect Bill Bensley designed the unique property, a tented camp nestled in the heart of a lush, green forest. Each luxury tent comes with a private saltwater pool and views of the surrounding treetops. Plus, the hotel is especially prepared for honeymooners, with their various couples’ spa treatments, candlelit dinners and private picnics.
Fora Perks:
Complimentary 50-minute massage.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Amankila
Image courtesy of Amankila
Trade in the buzzy beach clubs for serenity at this stunning hotel, located at the foot of the sacred Mount Agung. The resort’s stilted suites populate a lush hillside overlooking a gorgeous stretch of coastline on the Lombok Strait. At the property’s heart is its three-tier infinity pool, which cascades down to the private black-sand beach below. You won’t want to leave: this is a fantastic place to settle in and enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments or a pristine sunrise breakfast sourced from the resort’s own organic farm.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
