Ocean views stretched for as far as the eye could see – that was the sweep of the lobby at my resort. I wanted an experience of Bali by the ocean and by the jungle. For both experiences I chose the Four Seasons properties in Bali as one is on the sea front and the other, cradled by a tropical jungle.

The Four Seasons resort at Jimbaran Bay affords an unrivalled experience of being by the Indian Ocean. Its 15 hectare property encompasses three restaurants; an incredibly pretty shop; alcoves for starlight dinners; a main temple and myriad historical shrines. Bali is a Hindu island in the most populous Muslim country in the world, Indonesia. Its inhabitants are extremely religious and spiritual and believe in the positive power of spirits; they are simple-mindedand, at the resort, their warm hospitality added a dimension of innate care to luxury.

Only villas and villa suites comprise the resort. The entrance to my villa had a shrine ahead of which a resplendent garden with exotic Indonesian flowers like the Birds of Paradise and the Pink Hibiscus, awaited. An outdoor mini pool, a daytime lounging area and a night-time candle light dining space completed the edenic scene. The interiors were such that they blended into the ocean the room overlooked. Indulgent pillows to place your head on lined the top perimeter of the bath tub for an ultimately relaxing experience. Bath salts and incense sticks were stocked to add to the atmosphere of calm and indulgence.

On the recommendation of the Manager, I took a ‘mixology class’ – the art of mixing drinks. Against the backdrop of the setting sun through large glass window panes it seemed as though the sunset colors had slipped into my warmly spiced mocktails of cranberry, lychee and mango. Conversation was abuzz that the lychee mocktail that we had titled “Lemonade with a Twist” ought to be an addition to the drinks menu on offer!

Water sports were my daytime activity favorites. The resort has its very own water adventure facilities that set off from a part of the beach aptly called, The Coconut Grove. I often returned from my time in the water just to sit by the beach and take in the color and sound of the surf. This was a form of meditation in itself. All the while I was pampered by the staff with water and refreshing cold towels.

Jimbaran Bay also has a bouquet of other traditional activities. Balinese massage classes; an art and culture tour of the property; and Sushunma Meditation are some of other activities guests can choose from. Novel forms of yoga are taught daily such as Trust Yoga where you share your space with a loved one; Yin Yoga that targets the connective tissues and helps to increase collagen levels; and Sekala Yoga which works to explore oneself.

On my last evening post dinner at one of the restaurants, namely Tamar Wantilan, I sat star- gazing. Suddenly glow lights were making a beeline for the ocean skies. Tourists gathered to watch this beautiful spectacle. We were all intrigued. A waitress told us they have a wedding tradition of releasing Chinese lanterns into the night sky. It was just so therapeutic to watch these lanterns ascend till they disappeared somewhere into the playground of the stars. For 45 minutes I watched them play their light on the ocean waters as they left the shore in quick succession. One of the beauties of being in Bali is savoring the delights of nature, such that its immensity seeps into you. Becomes you. Till you realize – it is you.

Photo credits: Banner Left – agoda.com; Banner Center – booking.com; Banner Right – the honeycombers.com

Ocean views stretched for as far as the eye could see – that was the sweep of the lobby at my resort. I wanted an experience of Bali by the ocean and by the jungle. For both experiences I chose the Four Seasons properties in Bali as one is on the sea front and the other, cradled by a tropical jungle.