A Journey Beyond My Expectations

For years, Bali was a destination I quietly avoided. Irrational fears—fuelled by past news of drug trafficking cases and terrorist attacks—lingered in my mind. I worried about being caught up in a situation beyond my control, a deep-seated mistrust of unfamiliar systems keeping me away.

But, as travel often teaches us, reality couldn't have been more different.

What I found was a place of breathtaking beauty, a community bound by kindness, and a culture steeped in spirituality, resilience, and heart.

A Culture Rooted in Kindness

Bali practices a unique form of Hinduism known as Agama Hindu Dharma, a deeply spiritual, richly ceremonial way of life.

It’s not merely a religion but a way of living: an endless offering of gratitude, connection to the gods, nature, and each other. Every day, you’ll see canang sari—small woven baskets of flowers, rice, and incense—placed at doorways, shrines, beaches, even in taxis. A simple but profound reminder: life is sacred.

The sense of community is everywhere. Families live in compounds, generations together, supporting one another. Spiritual ceremonies are part of daily life, not separate from it. Even the way locals rally together through life’s ups and downs felt genuinely humbling—there’s a beautiful softness in their interactions, a generosity of spirit that made every moment in Bali feel welcoming and safe.

At the Four Seasons, service isn’t scripted—it’s intuitive. When I was too hot staff quietly brought a fan without. That is luxury.

Stay.

Four Seasons, Jimaran Bay.

When it came to choosing accommodation, there was never a question.

The Four Seasons has always been a name we trust—especially after a previous life-saving experience in Koh Samui where they went above and beyond during a medical emergency. It only made sense to return to that same level of care in Bali.

And once again, they delivered beyond expectations.

The Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay is a stunning property, designed like a traditional Balinese village, set across 14 hectares of lush gardens cascading down to a golden sand beach. Every villa — all with private pools—offered complete privacy, a slice of tropical paradise carved just for us.

Three main pools offered even more options to cool off, each more spectacular than the next. The top two pools looked out over the manicured gardens and across Jimbaran Bay, while the beach club pool, right by the ocean, created the ultimate barefoot luxury experience.

Food and beverage service by the pools was excellent: fresh juices, cocktails, and delicious light meals. Throughout the day, attentive staff brought refreshing sorbets, fruit, and snacks, even polishing your sunglasses without being asked. It's those little luxuries that make all the difference.

Eat.

Dining at the resort was a highlight in itself.
Breakfast was an enormous, indulgent spread—a showcase of Asian, Indian, Western, and European offerings. Fresh coconuts, a daily juice bar, every imaginable dietary requirement catered for without a fuss. The staff knew our names, our dietary preferences, and adjusted the menu without us having to ask.

One particularly thoughtful moment: when I looked uncomfortably hot one morning, a staff member simply appeared beside me with a portable standing fan. It’s this intuitive level of service that defines the Four Seasons experience.

Shopping.

While shopping isn't the main drawcard for a trip to Bali, those who know where to look can uncover a handful of truly beautiful, high-quality finds.

In Seminyak, away from the chaotic markets and the endless (and frankly off-putting) stalls of fake designer bags, you'll discover a collection of local boutiques showcasing thoughtful, original design.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of some of the homegrown brands. Elce Swimwear stood out with its chic, understated designs. Other notable labels include Uma and Leopold, offering hand-crafted feminine pieces that feel both luxurious and relaxed, while Magali Pascal delivers beautifully detailed, Parisian-inspired pieces with an island twist.

In short: Bali won't replace a European shopping spree, but if you steer clear of the obvious tourist traps, you'll find a few gems worth packing home.

Navigating Bali: The Good and the (Sometimes) Frustrating.

Australians flock to Bali—it’s famously popular, sometimes too much so. Certain areas have a reputation for attracting a more rowdy crowd, but staying at the Four Seasons meant we were blissfully removed from that scene.

Flights, however, aren’t ideal. There’s no true business class option unless you fly Garuda, which we weren’t keen on. We chose Virgin's Economy X—comfortably above standard economy but far from true premium seating. Flight times are also awkward: you land late at night, paying for a full night's accommodation you hardly use, and departures often mean overnight flights that are too short for real sleep.

Day trips around Bali are absolutely worth it but can be logistically tricky. Traffic is intense, distances deceptive. Hotel-organised transport, though pricier, is absolutely worth the extra cost. It's reliable, comfortable, and crucially—you're not left scrambling for a ride back unless you’re brave enough to hop on the back of a motorbike.

One of our best days was a private tour organised through the hotel.

We explored the Monkey Forest, wandered among shimmering rice paddies, visited a (slightly disappointing) waterfall, and made a luxurious pit stop at the Four Seasons Sayan in Ubud. There, they had prepared a daybed poolside just for us, catered beautifully to our dietary needs, and gave us a perfect, peaceful break before heading back.

Staying Healthy in Bali

We were vigilant: no tap water, and very careful with food choices.

We traveled with Travelan and BioCeuticals SB Floractiv, and they served us well—at least until we ran out after extending our trip. Unfortunately, the day we were due to fly home, our son became seriously ill.

The Four Seasons once again proved why they are worth every dollar: They swiftly organized an English-speaking doctor, tailored meals to help with recovery, and prepared special kits for hydration and comfort.

They handled everything discreetly, thoughtfully, and without drama. Extending our stay was easy, and their care genuinely made a very stressful situation manageable.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Bali surprised me in the best possible way.
It was relaxing, enriching, and full of unexpected beauty.
Would I rush back immediately? Maybe not. But when I do, there’s no question: I would stay at the Four Seasons again, without hesitation.