With winter just around the corner and the change in weather about to blow out some super chilly elements, it only seems right to let the mind wonder to sunnier times. If you’re thinking of a winter escape or just want to relive the summer I’ve got the perfect destination for you.
On my recent adventures in Bali I stumbled across paradise and thought it was something you should experience too. I’m kind like that!
Skipping slightly ahead of myself mainly because I can’t keep this one a secret any longer, after arriving in the beautiful but busy lands of Bali, you quickly realize that a place so stunning is of course going to be flocked with people. Brilliant buzz but not necessarily the tranquil Balinese setting your imagination had in mind.
We hopped into a taxi driving out of the tourist spots through quiet towns, passing countless lush rice fields until we landed at Waka Gangga in Tabanan.
Owned by three brothers, the four star resort feels just like five stars, the family friendly atmosphere will make any roaming spirit feel at home.
Greeted with cold pressed towels and welcome drinks in the form of rosy red rosella juice.
Directed to our villa by a charming new member of staff who instantly made us feel like we’d known each other years. Our villa had its own thatched porch, after unlocking the gate we were led up a pathway through a jungle-like garden to an unbelievable villa.
Our chaperone explained that sixty staff look after the eighteen units that are set at Waka Gangga, which was instantly evident by how immaculate every inch of the resort was.
The garden villa had a vast ceiling, despite the impressive height the space felt incredibly light and airy even with the chunky timber elements throughout.
The bedside table lamps were made of stone, carved with people to look like they were holding up the lampshades. Such a fun touch!
One of the showstoppers was the huge four-poster bed that was ridiculously comfy. Close your eyes and imagine sleeping on your very own gigantic non-edible marshmallow. You’ll be dreaming of skipping through rainbows with unicorns before you know it.
Fabrics were a mix of soft sumptuous coral and turquoise blues in true Balinese batik prints.
A stunning three-dimensional tiled wall created a striking feature within the space, broken up with suspended copper elements located in the centre.
The villa had separate lounge zones, a desk area and of course TV zone.
Through a sliding door you’ll fall into a gigantic dressing room, in keeping with the design throughout – the hanging rails were made of natural timber.
Lastly but not least step inside the bathroom, fit for a princess or squealing lady like myself.
The bathroom was a stunning space that brought the outside in, quite literally with floor to ceiling windows looking out onto your private garden. The interior was wonderfully bright with golden yellow Balinese tiles uplifting the entire space.
His and hers deck mounted basins, accompanied with products that’ll make you smell like you’ve just dipped your entire body into a spa.
Separate WC also provided a wonderful view outside, indoor shower decked with yellow patterned tiles and an amazing freestanding bath overlooking the garden.
Lau couldn’t wait to test out the tub!
As if that wasn’t enough, through the smooth pebbles outdoors nestled amongst frangipani stood an outdoor shower to help you really feel one with nature.
The garden felt really private and added to the secluded paradise that we’d landed in. There was an outdoor seating area beneath a pergola with stunning day bed; table and chairs which we instantly decided would become our breakfast spot.
After settling into our new home we headed to the pool overlooking the sea. To reach the pool you step across a pond with floating lily pods.
The pool was huge stretching across the grassy gardens, with views into the distance of waves rolling in.
Luckily for us we had the entire pool to ourselves, and were waited on hand and foot by the attentive staff. Thoroughly spoilt by the peace and quiet we snuggled on fluffy white towels on sun loungers watching the world go by.
The silence didn’t last long, we soon realized it was time to order a round of frozen daiquiris and toast our good fortune in the pool.
Giggling like children, balancing our cocktails as we splashed about in our floating watermelon.
We spent the afternoon reading, sunbathing and enjoying every second of moments like these.
Balinese afternoon tea was served poolside; it consisted of sticky rice in coconut syrup, deep-fried banana and coffee, all part of your package when you stay.
The beach is not for swimming, as the waves are too fierce in this region. As mature adults do we pretended to jump the waves from a safer spot.
Just look at those colours merging!
I watched as a romantic dinner for two was set up on the beachfront, before the lovebirds arrived.
As the sun cooled, families arrived on the beach playing all kinds of sports in the dark sands.
Surfers also flocked to the beach.
Quad bikes whizzed across the sands splashing in the puddles, the ideal adventurous activity for adrenaline junkies.
As the sunset we enjoyed young coconuts, bruschetta and calamari to keep us going.
Before dinner we took turns bathing in our freestanding tub, candles flickering and sipping on the rest of our coconuts. Feeling rejuvenated we slipped on dresses and headed to the restaurant.
One brother is an architect who collaborated with a Japanese designer for the restaurant and reception areas. The restaurant is an architectural structure, intended to allow the setting and views to take centre stage.
All that could be seen looking out was the dark sea rippling in, twinkling candlelight filled the restaurant.
Dinner of course resulted in seaside delicacies in the form of pan-fried barramundi with pea purée and Bok-Choy, washed down with vino. We tried and tested the seafood gnocchi with roasted vegetables that was also delicious.
The evening was spent chattering as the waves crashed in below and the stars glittering from above.
Slept like angels, knowing that we’d wake up in paradise all over again.
With the most heartfelt thanks to Waka Gangga for an incredible trip and special thanks to the lovely Tendy Nur Feranti for organizing our stay.
Pop back for your next adventure in paradise..
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