Bali Bliss: 9 Days, 3 Unforgettable Destinations for First-Time Visitors
Bali is a place where culture, wellness, and natural beauty come together effortlessly, creating an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation and exploration. It’s also a little hectic & eye opening but all in all an amazing place to visit. It is hard to describe being in Bali - you just have to experience it for yourself! Recently, I had the privilege of leading a group of 16 amazing women from New Zealand and Australia on a custom-designed 9-day journey that introduced them to Bali’s beauty & uniqueness. This itinerary is perfect for first-timers who want to see the sights and three completely different sides to Bali.
Bali Group Trip with Best in Travel October 2024! The mot fabulous group of women.
Here’s a peek into our trip and how you, too, can experience Bali’s highlights by following our itinerary.
Day 1-3: Ubud – A Cultural and Wellness Escape
Our adventure began in Ubud, Bali’s lush cultural heart, where we stayed at the stunning Desa Visesa Ubud Resort. Surrounded by nature, this resort set the perfect stage for our wellness-centered trip. Our days in Ubud offered the chance to explore, shop, eat, unwind, and connect with Balinese people & traditions. We all loved Ubud’s centre which was bustling, and escaping to our oasis back at the resort.
• Tegallalang Rice Terraces: We started with a visit to the iconic rice terraces, which are just so impressive to see. The swings and zipline was right there, so a bunch of us did one or the other, enjoying the swings and getting some epic pics. I am still in disbelief I did the Zip line! Highly recommend.
• Manuaba Waterfalls: Nothing like cooling off in Bali’s hidden waterfalls! This was a refreshing, serene escape in the middle of Ubud’s lush landscape, but beware there are quite a lot of steps. There are two waterfalls on this walk, the second offering a chance to get up close. You exit through a gorge with your shoes off which was really cool..
• Kaveri Spa Massage: After a day of sightseeing, we enjoyed pampering massages at Kaveri Spa, letting us fully unwind and ease into the journey. We also had a really impressive two course lunch while at the Udaya, it was SO GOOD!
• Free Time in Ubud’s Markets: Our group had time to explore Ubud’s vibrant art markets, where we shopped for locally-made crafts and indulged in delicious Balinese cuisine. Lots of the girls walked away with more than one handbag and presents for home.
Day 4-6: Nusa Lembongan – Island Relaxation and Underwater Adventure
Next, we set sail for the pristine island of Nusa Lembongan. With a change of scenery, we checked into the award-winning Hai Tide Beach Resort & Beach Club—a beachfront gem where we were greeted by white sands and turquoise waters. This part of the trip was all about relaxation and ocean adventure.
• Snorkeling at Nusa Penida: A short boat ride brought us to Nusa Penida, where we explored vibrant coral reefs, spotted exotic marine life. At our next stop we were lucky enough to see some turtles! So beautiful.
• Beachside Bliss: There was a lot of beachside & poolside relaxation at Hai Tide,, soaking up the sun, and savoring fresh coconuts and local dishes by the water. Definitely recommend going to happy hour at the Bar & Grill while you watch the waves and boats come in.
Day 7-9: Uluwatu – Coastal Charm and Sunset Views
Our final stop brought us to the stunning coastal area of Uluwatu. Known for its dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views, Uluwatu provided the ideal wrap-up to our journey. We stayed at the serene Cross Bali Breakers Resort and started each morning with yoga, allowing us to connect with ourselves and the beauty around us. Most of the group had never done yoga so it was great to see these ladies giving it a go and loving it!
• Uluwatu Temple Visit: Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple offered breathtaking views along with a lot of entertainment from the monkeys. We had been warned about the monkeys and were told to ‘not look them in the eyes - but we escaped unscathed!
Belangan Beach: This cool little surfing spot is well worth a visit One of the girls and I took the hotel shuttle to check it out and ended up at Jimmy’s down the far end perched with a fresh, cold coconut watching the surfers. We then had a dip! Watch out, it’s rough here.
• Sunset Dinner: We gathered for a farewell sunset dinner, savoring delicious food with the sea stretching out before us at Ulu Cliffhouse - which is a really beautiful spot, we just didn’t realise there was a full moon party going on that night, so it ended upping a bit more energetic than we had anticipated!! Still, it was lovely to spend our last night together and take a moment to celebrate our journey and the friendships formed.
Uluwatu was a spectacular conclusion to our trip, providing a sense of closure as we watched Bali’s sun dip below the horizon.
Practical Tips for Your Bali Adventure
Planning a trip to Bali? Here are a few essentials to make your travels smoother:
• Apps to Download: Use Gojek and Grab (similar to Uber) for convenient transportation across Bali.
• Travel Card: Sign up for a Wise travel card (using my referral link!) to manage your currency needs seamlessly.
• Visa and Health Declaration: Bali may require a visa on arrival depending on your nationality, so be sure to check current requirements. You’ll also need to complete a health declaration form before arriving. I recommend getting your visas online before you arrive to avoid long lines on arrival.
Ready for the Next Women’s Wellness Adventure?
This Bali journey was about more than just the sights—it was about creating a safe, welcoming space for women to connect, recharge, and explore together. Each woman returned home not only with beautiful memories but with friendships and a sense of fulfillment that only comes from traveling with like-minded companions.
Next year in April, I’m leading a retreat in Bali focused solely on relaxation and unwinding. If you’re dreaming of a serene escape in paradise, come join us for a 7-day wellness retreat where you can relax, rejuvenate, and connect with a community of inspiring women. Make sure you’re following me on Instagram to keep up with when the trip launches!
Stay tuned for beautiful photos and moments from this Bali adventure—and get ready to follow in our footsteps!
