My most recent trip to Bali may have been hot, humid, and filled with Obama-induced traffic, but the time spent at the Bulgari Hotel made all of that disappear. The hotel was the most welcoming, beautifully designed, luxurious retreat I have ever visited. It’s hard to complain when you’re waking up with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Indian Ocean, watching the sun set from a private balcony, jumping into your own plunge pool to wake up each morning, or requesting each meal to be enjoyed in your 3,000 square foot villa. It may have been the endless smiles, the daily “Selamat Pagi” (good morning in Balinese), or something in the coffee, but I immediately felt relaxed, happy, and felt very, very, lucky.

Welcome to the Bulgari! This stunning entryway is created from volcanic stone and rich exotic woods.

Set within the volcanic stone walls of the resort, each villa is similar in size and layout but each room category offers better and better views (unless you plan to stay in the two-story, 10,000 sq foot Bulgari Villa). Rich mahogany woods and luxurious furnishings create a warm and calming environment with sweeping views. Contained privately within garden walls, each villa offers contemporary elegance in both indoor and outdoor spaces combining modern with traditional design.

My living room for four incredible days.

After a long flight, there is nothing better than a spa treatment at the Bulgari Spa. Each treatment room overlooks the Indian Ocean and spa gardens.

Relax.

Do I feel like taking a shower indoors or outdoors today, or maybe a bath instead? Bulgari’s signature bath products were yet another reason to indulge.

My bathroom!

Each day we anxiously rushed home from our day of activities, hoping we wouldn’t miss the fire-bright sunlit sky. I snapped this photo from my balcony just before the sun went down.

I grabbed my camera just in time.

And no trip is complete without at least five multi-course tasting menus. After all, it’s important to make sure every single dish is perfect. And even though the gourmet food and drinks were delicious, my favorite meal was the $2 “Babi Guling,” suckling pig slow roasted with garlic, chili, and ginger, over white rice.

Dining al fresco, a wonderful way to start the day

Please contact us if you’re interested in a trip to Bali. While we may just recommend spending your days at the Bulgari completely relaxing at the hotel, there are so many places to see and things to learn about their wonderful culture. From the Green School, a school that redefines learning with a refreshing and effective approach that strives to foster a generation of responsible global citizens; to Big Tree Farms Chocolate factory, where you can enjoy classes and lectures; to learning the art of Balinese wood carving; or participating in a local cremation or wedding, we’re here to make sure your trip is as cultural fulfilling as it is luxurious.

Robyn