Bali: A Tropical International Resort

Bali is said to be about the same size as Ehime Prefecture in Japan. While it was once common to access Bali via Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, direct flights are now extremely convenient for travel from Japan. From Narita, a direct flight takes about 7 hours, and with only a 1-hour time difference, the physical travel time aside, the physical strain from jet lag is minimal.

While Indonesia is mostly located in the tropics, Bali lies in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning its seasons are opposite to Japan's. Located at 8 degrees 22 minutes South latitude and 115 degrees 8 minutes East longitude, close to the equator, Bali has an annual average temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius, truly fitting the description of a year-round tropical island. From April to September is the dry season, with low humidity and a dry atmosphere, making it more comfortable than Japan's summer. However, there can be temperature differences between day and night, so caution is advised regarding clothing.

Although much of Indonesia can be classified as having a tropical monsoon climate, Bali tends to have a savanna climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The upcoming season (Japan's winter) marks the beginning of the rainy season. However, even during the rainy season, the rain primarily comes in the form of evening downpours, with very few instances of all-day rain. Yes, the climate is much like Japan's summer. Even when Japan is in the depths of winter, Bali remains tropical as one might imagine.

For reference, the top nationalities visiting Bali are Australians, followed by Chinese, then Japanese, and Malaysians. It is truly international, and upon visiting, you will notice various languages being spoken. In major spots, shops, and restaurants, English is common, and you'll find many places where Japanese is also understood. The high number of foreign tourists is also a factor contributing to the exotic atmosphere of the mystical island of Bali.

To the north of the island, Mount Agung and Mount Batukaru, both over 3,000 meters high, can be seen, and the lush Kintamani Highlands lie at their foothills. When one hears of a tropical resort, beaches often come to mind, but the scenery created by the mountains also soothes the soul. Leaving the hot beaches behind, seeking coolness in the highlands during the day would be a pleasant option. In the foothills of Mount Batukaru, in central Bali, lie the world-heritage listed rice terraces, captivating visitors.

A 5-Star Luxury Hotel

The primary goal of this trip was to relax in a tropical paradise, leaving behind the biting cold of Tokyo. While one might imagine a tropical resort filled with marine sports, I departed Japan with just a few books I'd bought but hadn't read, a camera, and my laptop, with no particular plans. Of course, traditional Balinese dance, temples, and ancient ruins are appealing, but doing nothing can also be a unique pleasure. Relaxing on the beach, enjoying a spa treatment unique to this island of healing, or savoring local cuisine are also wonderful options.

In Bali, popular activities include sports such as diving, beach activities, and golf, as well as trekking and rafting to enjoy the rich nature, elephant safaris to interact with elephants, and exploring galleries and shopping in Ubud, a town known for its artists and historical sites. It's also understandable why couples from all over the world visit to hold their weddings on the picturesque beaches. Indeed, a wedding ceremony against the backdrop of blue seas, sky, and white sand beaches would be quite romantic.

Conrad Bali, where I stayed this time, is Conrad's first resort hotel, developed by a company renowned for its luxury hotels worldwide. It boasts a prime location with a 350-meter stretch of beach facing east, where the morning sun rises to signal the start of the day. The building itself presents a modern yet chic facade, complemented by what is said to be Bali's largest lagoon pool, a 33-meter main pool, a 6.8-acre private garden surrounded by lush greenery, and restaurants with distinctive menus. High-quality service, unique to Conrad, can be expected from these facilities. The seaside wedding chapel, Infinity, with its unique design, is sure to create unforgettable lifelong memories.

Since its opening in 2004, Conrad Bali has received numerous accolades, including the Expedia Insider Select 2010 Asia Top Hotel Award. Furthermore, Jiwa Spa, located in the North Wing of the hotel, won the SpaFinder Readers' Choice Award for Favorite Spa in Bali 2010. While I don't intend to simply recommend a hotel based on awards, the fact that it has been recognized by so many people eloquently speaks to its quality.

As you know, choosing the right accommodation is paramount to fully enjoying your stay at a resort and having a fulfilling time. In this regard, Conrad Bali is sure to meet the personal needs of guests seeking a luxurious resort experience.

Cultural Heritage Sites in Bangkok That Captivate Tourists

In September 2013, to coincide with the APEC Ministerial Meeting, the Jalan Tol Bali Mandara, an elevated highway over the sea, was opened after just 13 months of construction. This highway has halved the travel time from Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali's gateway, to the Benoa Peninsula. Conrad Bali is located on the southern side of the Nusa Dua coastline, along the Tanjung Benoa area, where the Benoa Peninsula begins.

The property, with its 180-degree ocean view to the east, is divided into four main accommodation wings, housing a total of 353 guest rooms. Each guest room offers a minimum of 45 square meters of space, with 53 of these being suites, known as Conrad Suites, measuring over 110 square meters. While the entire hotel is non-smoking, smoking is permitted on the balconies, ensuring a comfortable stay for smokers.

The Conrad Suites feature a dedicated building and a private pool. Although it is some distance from the main entrance of Conrad Bali, there is a separate entrance for the Conrad Suites, ensuring no inconvenience for external access. Furthermore, guests of the Conrad Suites have access to a private lounge where they can enjoy complimentary afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Breakfast is also complimentary at "RIN," a restaurant located on the floor below the lounge, exclusively for Conrad Suite guests.

Additionally, all laundry services during your stay are complimentary, as is internet access within the guest rooms. I actually made use of the laundry service twice during my stay. Given the tropical climate, one tends to change clothes multiple times a day, inevitably running short of shirts. However, being able to easily send clothes to the laundry meant that despite packing minimally, I never lacked for clothing and enjoyed a comfortable stay. I must add that the speed of service, with items returned by evening if submitted in the morning, was greatly appreciated.

Guests receive a 15% discount on services at the hotel's restaurants, business center, and spa. This allows for receiving first-class service at a reasonable price. Incidentally, the Conrad Suite lounge and "RIN" are not accessible to guests under 12 years of age, making it an exclusive space for adults.

The suites, with their expansive spaces exceeding 110 square meters, feature a kitchen and dining table, offering ample room. While the furniture is modern in design, the furnishings and artwork on the walls are unified in Balinese style, creating a calm atmosphere that invites relaxation. The bathrooms are equipped with separate bathtubs and shower booths. The dressing area also has a spacious dedicated area, which should be a welcome feature for women. The large balcony includes a sizable couch sofa, perfect for a day of reading while gazing at the sea.

Enjoying a Staycation at a Luxury Resort Hotel

After an early breakfast at "RIN," the restaurant exclusively for Conrad Suite guests, I asked the concierge about any non-sport activities available within the hotel. I was introduced to a workshop called a cooking class, which uses local ingredients. The dishes prepared under the guidance of a dedicated chef become lunch, offering a two-for-one benefit.

I immediately signed up for the cooking class and, until the scheduled time, took a stroll around the lagoon pool. As the name suggests, the lagoon is quite extensive. Some rooms offer balconies with direct access to this lagoon pool, making them ideal guest rooms for those whose primary goal is to enjoy the pool.

Near the building housing the Conrad Suites stands Infinity, a seaside wedding chapel. Water features at the entrance create a luxurious ambiance. In the adjacent private garden, preparations for a party are underway. It seems a couple is set to be married here today. Imagining this brings a smile to my face. The white tablecloths stand out beautifully against the greenery.

The cooking class menu featured a one-plate dish with local vegetables and shrimp. The special outdoor kitchen was set up in a corner of the main garden overlooking the pool, under the blue sky. Having confessed my lack of culinary skill, the chef seemed to have chosen a simple menu. The colorful vegetables were truly representative of a tropical region. Under the chef's easy-to-follow instructions, lunch was soon ready. The plating was done with consideration for color. The portion size was just right for lunch.

Later in the afternoon, after a short break, I headed to Jiwa Spa. This was also booked through a request to the concierge that morning. Although I came to Bali with no specific intentions, it's hard not to want to experience various things. I was told that 'Jiwa' means 'soul' or 'spirit' in Indonesian. The spa consists of 17 independent treatment rooms, with some buildings offering couple's treatments.

The menu is extensive, featuring full-body massages with luxurious aromatherapy oils, mud packs rich in marine minerals, flower baths, and stone massages. If you are staying for several days, trying a different menu each time would be a good idea. The spa also includes a pool, jacuzzi, and sauna, guaranteeing relaxation. This time, I indulged in a 60-minute aromatherapy full-body massage, which left me feeling utterly refreshed in body and mind, returning to my room in a blissful state.

For dinner, I decided to enjoy Balinese and Indonesian cuisine at SUKU, a restaurant located on the first floor of the main lobby. As it is a buffet, you can choose your dishes while asking the serving staff for details, so even those who dislike spicy food can dine with peace of mind. There was also an outdoor pork barbecue, offering a feast for the eyes as well. Shortly after, Kecak dance performances began with the pool as a backdrop. Enjoying such traditional Balinese entertainment while dining is one of SUKU's highlights.

Consulting the Concierge About Optional Tours

While I enjoyed a resort lifestyle filled with dining, spa treatments, and pool time, I decided to seek out some quintessential Balinese scenery. Not having any specific plans or preferences, I consulted the concierge. The suggestions included sightseeing in Ubud, shopping at the market, and a visit to a chocolate factory. Naturally, a Japanese-speaking guide and transportation were included. The chocolate factory is located in the highlands where cacao is grown, but the itinerary allows ample time to explore Ubud leisurely and visit the world-heritage rice terraces.

While booking optional tours through a travel agency in advance is a good option, the ability of a luxury hotel concierge to consider various requests and propose an efficient itinerary that covers key points is unparalleled. Actively utilizing their services is the mark of a savvy guest.

Departing the hotel, we toured Ubud. The market offers everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to souvenirs. In fact, the market opens at 5 AM and is bustling with locals buying ingredients and flowers for offerings, serving as the community's kitchen. By midday, parts of it transform into an artistic space displaying wood carvings and paintings. Prices are generally not marked, so bargaining is necessary, which is also part of the enjoyment of Bali.

The rice terraces are a must-see in Bali, where rice can be harvested several times a year. After enjoying the magnificent views, we returned to Ubud for lunch. In the afternoon, we drove for about 30 minutes from Ubud to the much-anticipated POD Chocolate Factory. Although called a chocolate factory, it is more of a workshop in scale, unlike the automated factories we might imagine in Japan.

The factory is located in the highlands because cacao grew abundantly in this region in the past. Currently, they use organically grown cacao and employ traditional methods of fermentation using banana leaves and sun-drying. Visitors can experience making chocolate by hand using these ingredients. While the chocolate sets, guests can also enjoy elephant trekking on the grounds where elephants are kept.

Returning to the hotel with handmade chocolates as souvenirs, I enjoyed dinner at Eight Degrees, a Mediterranean restaurant, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore. It was then time for my flight back to Japan. Bali offers the advantage of a full day of activities on the departure date, as there are late-night flights departing just after midnight. After checking in at the airport and heading towards the departure gate, I discovered POD chocolates for sale at a duty-free shop. Despite being a premium chocolate representing Bali, I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity.

CONRAD BALI

Jalan Pratama 168 Tanjung Benoa

On the Coast of Nusa Dua

Bali 80363 Indonesia

Tel. +[62] 361-778788

Fax. +[62] 361-773888

http://conrad.hiltonhotels.jp/hotel/bali/conrad-bali