… awaits on the tropical Indonesian island of Bali where making new friends and leaving the daily hassles of life behind is a requisite part of every visit

There’s something in the name Bali that instantly conjures up images of palm-tree lined beaches, happy smiling faces and lush, tropical interiors – the reality isn’t far off.

From the warm, welcoming faces of the staff at the immigration desk of the airport, to the taxi driver who chats away as he winds his way through the moped-lined streets of Denpasar, everyone that you meet in Bali is keen to make every second of your stay an experience to remember.

We arrived late in the day so we were pleasantly surprised to discover that the transfer to our hotel was just a quick 30 minutes. This is the case with most of the resorts along the popular coastlines of Nusa Dua, Kuta and Sanur.

Nusa Dua was our first port of call and couldn’t have been more charming. Passing a grand entrance and imposing banyan tree, we arrived at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa’s open lobby terrace – complete with fountains, statues and more friendly, smiling faces.

Recently renovated, the resort is dotted around a central system of beautiful blue pools that front a long stretch of beach, which it shares with several other five-star resorts (including the Westin). A favourite holiday spot of the Sultan of Brunei, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel also boasts a quaint amphitheatre, Balinese and international restaurants, a (divine) day spa and its own Hindu temple.

More than 90 percent of the inhabitants of Bali follow the Hindu faith and the concept of Tri Hita Karana “which completes the alignment and harmony in the life of the Balinese”, according to the Bali Tourism Office.

Exploring the many cultural customs of the people of Bali should be part and parcel of anyone’s stay on the island, and we recommend that this exploration begin with a visit to the sacred pools of Pura Tirta Empul. Despite the tourist market, which you’re forced to walk through when you leave, we were touched by the peacefulness of this place. Get there early to avoid the hordes of Eat, Pray, Love pilgrims and wander around the beautifully decorated temples. You can even take a dip – bathing in the volcanic spring-fed waters is said to offer a kind of personal purification of body, mind and spirit.

Follow a visit here with a trip inland to the art lovers’ paradise of Ubud. High up in the hills above the Ayung river, the town is full of arts and crafts stores where you can buy exquisite hand-carved wooden furniture, printed fabrics and statues. These can be bought all over the island, but Ubud is home to some of Bali’s finest craftsmen. This is also a great place to stop for lunch or enjoy a drink in one of the gardens of the many cafés that are dotted along its main thoroughfare.

If shopping isn’t your thing and you’re looking to explore more of the island’s stunning interior, a drive out to Lake Batur and the Kintamani volcano is well worth it - if only for the photo opportunity. It’s a bit chillier up in the highlands, so it provides a nice escape from the heat of the sun during the summer months. Perched on the terrace of one of the many restaurants scattered along the crest of one of the hills surrounding the enormous crater, you can still see evidence of Kitamani’s last eruption back in the 1960s. The views really are spectacular.

Another must-do, if you have a free day in your itinerary, is a Bali-Hai cruise out to Lembongan Island. Complete with its own beach club and Hai Tide beach huts for those who want to stop overnight, the island is idyllic. Pull up a sun lounger beneath a swaying palm tree, have a massage on the beach or grab a snorkel and explore the nearby reefs. But whatever you do, don’t miss the delicious barbecue lunch accompanied by a live Balinese band. A perfect day.

We flew in to Bali with Singapore Airlines, enjoying a quick stopover and a spot of shopping in Singapore’s Changi Airport on the way. One wave of our boarding pass and we were instantly entitled to dining, shopping, lifestyle and transport offers. Sadly we only had a couple of hours to play with, but if your stopover is extended, the discounts continue at participating outlets and tourist attractions in the city centre – worth knowing for next time!

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Where to stay?

Bali Hyatt Hotel, Sanur
With its distinctive architecture and lush tropical gardens, Bali Hyatt Hotel is situated in the serene village of Sanur. Guests can relax on the beach, by the Goa Gajah pool or try out the traditional Balinese village-style spa. And it's only a 40-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Mustn’t miss: An aperitif at the hotel’s piano bar before dinner

The Oasis Lagoon, Sanur
This ultra-modern and minimalist hotel is found in the heart of the village of Sanur – a bustling little village full of quirky cafés, restaurants, boutiques and souvenir shops. Its location makes it ideal for travellers who like to be in the thick of the action, but it can get a little noisy. The pool offers a welcome retreat, wrapping itself around the whole property.
Mustn’t miss: Breakfast on the hotel’s lobby terrace in the morning sunshine

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua
This secluded seaside resort offers guests a wide range of recreation options including three pools, a variety of water sports, four floodlit tennis courts and a gym. Alternatively, guests can relax and unwind in The Westin Spa or on the nearby links while the kids have fun at the Westin Kids Club.
Mustn’t miss: A wood-fired pizza at the Veranda poolside café

The Royal Pita Maha
Located in the spiritually charged village of Kedewatan – Ubud, The Royal Pita Maha is enriched by celestial history. Overlooking the Ayung River, this villa property has been designed with sensitivity to the surrounding environment. Each villa has its own private garden and swimming pool.
Mustn’t miss: A dip in the hotel’s Holy Water swimming pool