Traditionally, The Balinese believe their mountains to be the home of the gods, while the ocean is the domain of demons. But don’t let that stop you from making the most of the island’s warm blue waters. Divers are bound to blow bubbles at the sight of the teeming marine life around the coral-encrusted wreck of a WWII-era cargo ship off Tulamben, on Bali’s east coast (contact Tauch Terminal Resort: 62-361/774-504; tulamben.com). Drift dives and the chance to spot an ocean sunfish await off the small island of Nusa Penida (contact Blue Season Bali: 62-361/270-852; baliocean.com), while Menjangan Island in Bali’s northeast offers colorful reefs for divers and snorkelers alike. For those who prefer to be on rather than under the water, Bali has plenty of thrilling surf breaks. If you’ve never been on a board before, learn how to master the waves at the Ripcurl School of Surf (62-361/735-858; ripcurlschoolofsurf.com), which also teaches advanced technique and kite surfing. Continue reading »
Australian-Born Janet De Neef,owner of Ubud’s Casa Luna Bali (62-361/973-282; casalunabali.com) and author of foodie memoir Fragrant Rice, has been feeding hungry tourists for close to 20 years. Adjoining her Casa Luna guesthouse, de Neef’s cooking school offers different daily classes that explore the intricacies of Balinese cuisine. On the island’s southeast coast, Alila Manggis (62-363/41-011; alilahotels.com) runs themed half- and full-day cooking classes, including one that sees guests pluck ingredients from the resort’s private organic garden and prepare the vegetarian feast seaside.
With a beachfront location on Bang Tao Bay, this ever-popular resort continues to be in constant demand. The Banyan Tree’s “tranquil location” had you swooning, while its “transquil location” had you swooning, while its “top service, food, and amenities” guaranteed that you’ll be coming back for more (66-67/324-374; banyantree.com/phuket). Continue reading »
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