When I was invited to meet a few girlfriends in Bali for a week of relaxation to see in 2020, I didn’t hesitate in saying yes! Beaches, spas, incredible food, poolside cocktails, every wellness experience under the sun, and the chance to enjoy it all with a fabulous girl gang – what’s not to love about that!

CANGGU

We started our week in Canggu… it was my first time staying in this area of the island and I will definitely be back! Located further along the coastline and away from the hustle of Seminyak, for us it offered the perfect balance. With plenty of vibes in the form of beach clubs, bars, restaurants, shops and spas, Canggu also offers a chance for some quiet relaxation, without the crowds that flock to other areas of the island.

We stayed at The Como Uma Canggu, and absolutely loved it! We soaked up the sun by the pool, indulged in the day spa, made our way through the healthy and delicious breakfast spread, and even found time for fitness – I mean who can say no to sunrise pilates overlooking the ocean? Waking up with the sun is not everyone’s idea of a relaxing vacation, but when it comes with a chance to start your day right while watching the surfer’s hustling for the best of the morning swell, it’s not hard to drag yourself out of bed! Our last night at The Como was New Year’s Eve, and we saw in the new decade with bubbles in hand, dancing under the stars as the fireworks lit up the sky. It doesn’t get much better than that!

If you’re considering a trip to Bali, I can highly recommend The Como Uma Canggu for all kinds of vacations - whether it’s a fun group trip like ours, a romantic escape for two, or a family holiday.

UBUD

For the last few days of our trip, we opted for a change in scenery, and headed inland to Ubud. This time we stayed in a private villa rather than a hotel, for a more relaxed and secluded experience. Set within a tranquil walled garden, with our own plunge pool and on call service from the beautiful staff, Villa Alam Surya offered us a private haven away from home.

Each morning we woke to the sounds of the village waking up around us, and enjoyed a cooked breakfast while contemplating whether to spend the day exploring Ubud, to fill the day with activities, perhaps a wander through the village rice fields, or indulge in a day of relaxation at the Villa. With so much on offer in Ubud and the surrounding area, the Villa staff are on call to help you create your dream stay. Choose from a wide range of local sightseeing excursions, shopping, yoga, as well as in-house services including massage, and a private chef experience. If a private escape is the kind of holiday you are dreaming of, look no further than Villa Alam Surya.

A few highlights of my Ubud stay were…

Private chef experience at Villa Alam Surya, complete with explanation and demonstration of traditional Balinese recipes
Taking some time out to enjoy a Balinese massage in the Villa grounds
Wandering through the artisan stores of Ubud town
Embracing my inner Yogi and taking a class at Yoga Barn
Walking through the rice terraces for lunch at Sari Organik

TIPS…

CANGUU: There is no shortage of great dining venues in Canguu, a few of my faves were… The Slow, Mason, and Penny Lane.
UBUD: Something to keep in mind when staying in a villa, is that most are located outside the main town area, so hiring a local driver is a must. I have someone I highly recommend, so if you’re heading to Bali please contact me for the details at info@amicicollective.com.

The Ultimate Girl's Trip to Bali