PUBLISHED April 7th, 2016 07:00 am | UPDATED May 30th, 2017 04:29 pm
An enchanting and magical place, Bali is a perfect honeymoon destination. Abundant in flowers, intricate temples, prayer, incense wafting through the air, a rich and reverent culture, and gorgeous landscapes, the Island of the Gods is one of the most romantic places on Earth. If you’re considering Bali as a destination, or are in the midst of planning your honeymoon, read on for an itinerary designed for the most memorable holiday to celebrate your union.
Day 1: Luxury at the Edge of the Earth in Uluwatu
Begin your journey in Nusa Dua, at the stunning, cliffside property of Alila Villas Uluwatu. Perched on an elevated plateau that meets with limestone cliffs before sweeping down to the ocean, this exclusive, five-star accommodation will have you falling in love every morning when you open your eyes to beautiful horizon. Besides enjoying your private villa, treat yourselves to romantic dinner on a private beach.
See the sun descend into the sea over sips of champagne and a four-course meal featuring dishes like prawn and Alaskan crab on organic greens with Oscietra caviar. Did we mention your dinner table is set in front of a cave? When it gets darker, the countless candles and the sound of waves crashing on the beach make for an incredible start to your holiday.
Day 2: Fun in the Sun and a Mystical Temple Performance
Bask in the glistening waters or spend time shell collecting on the hidden beach of Gunung Payung. If you’re up for a little bit more action, head to Karma Beach Club Bali, accessible only by a funicular ride down a cliff to reach an oasis of private lagoons and stunning limestone cliffs. Perhaps a session of stand up paddle yoga or sea kayaking to get the adrenaline going! For more laid back vibes, Finn’s Beach Club sits at the base of the Uluwatu cliffs and is a toe dip away from the shades of turquoise and azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Also accessed by an inclinator down a sheer cliff, the club offers stand up paddling, sea kayaking, and at low tide, a lagoon perfect for snorkelling.
In the early evening, pay tribute to the sunset with a Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple. Kecak, rooted in a trance inducing exorcism dance, is an impressive performance of 50 men chanting percussively and telling the love story of Rama and Shinta. Watch in awe together before enjoying a candlelit seafood dinner on Jimbaran Beach.
Day 3: Be Royalty
Create unique wedding portraits dressed in Balinese wedding costumes. Professional make up artists and photographers will capture this happy moment – something to reminisce about in the years to come. Thereafter, head to Ubud and check into the Nandini Jungle Resort and Spa for a luxurious experience amidst rice terraces and banana groves. This five-star resort combines luxury and seclusion seamlessly with the use of natural materials. For stunning views of the Ayung River, indulge in a tree top massage at Mango Tree Spa, a L’Occitane spa. Emerge from this sensory experience feeling pampered, relaxed, and rejuvenated.
Day 4: Pick Up a Craft and get Swept Away
What’s a better love token than one that you personally crafted? A silver smithing workshop imparting Balinese techniques will allow you create a trinket for your partner. Depending on your energy levels, you might fill your afternoon with some must-dos in Ubud, such as a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, or one of the many museums like Neka Art Museum, ARMA, and Blanco. Again, dusk is the most magical part of the day with a dinner at Swept Away, where you’ll be whisked into a world of your own, as 100 candles enliven the river and create a special ambiance surrounded by lush vegetation.
Day 5: Holy Water, Romantic Walks, and Dine under the Stars
A special way to prepare for a shared life together is to purify yourselves – spiritually – at Tampak Siring, a Balinese holy spring water temple. In Hindu culture, holy water cleanses one of evil spirits, allows for prosperity, and purifies the body and soul. There are several picturesque pools, flowing with fresh water that will leave you feeling renewed and prepared for the next phase of life. Another temple worth visiting is the remarkable Gunung Kawi, with 10 impressive, towering shrines literally carved into the rock.
Once the heat of the day has passed, enjoy a romantic walk along Campuhan Ridge, where you’ll meander through rice paddies and quaint huts, often accompanied by dragonflies and butterflies. At the end of the day, bask under a canopy of stars with a romantic dinner set on a floating platform in an infinity pool. Enjoy a five-course meal amidst flower blossoms and flickering candles, with views over the Ayung River Valley.
Day 6: Snorkelling in Amed
A charming, coastal fishing village, enjoy some of the best snorkelling in Bali at Amed. Stay at Onlyou Villas – the oceanfront villas sit in a tropical garden setting, and sport breathtaking views of the ocean and Mount Agung. After enjoying the wonders of the sea, have a romantic dinner at Sails Restaurant, perched on the hillside and overlooking the bay.
Day 7-10: Explore a Neighbouring Island Paradise
The white sandy beaches of Gili Meno are a 45-minute ride by fast boat from Amed. Known as the honeymoon island, spoil yourselves at MAHAMAYA Boutique Resort, which has brilliant snorkelling just outside your door, abundant turtles, an ocean spa, and picturesque sunset dinners on the beach. You can make it around the island by foot at leisurely 90 minutes, but bicycles are also available, as well as horse drawn carts. Other highlights of the island include a turtle sanctuary and impressive dive sites!