How to Choose Your Bali Vacation Package

Bali is a wonderful place to holiday. With such a great variety of locations, hotels and sightseeing options, it's worth considering the factors most important to making your dream getaway a success. A few of these points are worth considering in regards to your Bali accommodation before taking the plunge.

Location - Lively or Relaxed?

If you are looking for excitement, nightlife and a lively atmosphere, then Kuta's a great place to be based.

Sanur might be your place if relaxation is key. Less development and a slower pace remain in Bali's first beach resort area.

Surrounding Environment - Beach, or Mountains, or Rainforest?

Bali is blessed! Beaches are scattered all over the island, giving the visitor plenty of choice here. Ubud, considered by some as the cultural centre of Bali, by comparison, sits up in the hills. Further north and north east are the imposing volcanoes of Batur and Agung. Hikers take note.

The fortunate thing is Bali's relative compactness. As long as one has more than a few days, one can sample a variety of these locations, with plenty of tour operators equipped to whisk you there are back.

Availability of Local Amenities

Most amenities are located in the South Eastern part of the island. Should you be travelling with any medical issues, please be aware that hospitals may not be as numerous or accessible in some other parts of the island. Transportation is usually quite easy to come by, but don't get caught in a remote rural area just before your return flight, and expect to return in time. Then again, in idyllic Bali, maybe that might not be such a bad predicament!

Family Friendly?

When looking for a hotel, investigate options for the kids. A children's pool or supervised pool will keep the kids occupied. A children's playground is also a great asset. A location away from traffic and wild nightlife might mean a place outside Kuta, at placid locations like Jimbaran or Sanur. Amed in the east, or Lovina in the north are quieter still.

Hotel Services and Facilities

Bali is warm all year round, so a pool is an indispensable asset, particularly if one is not located close to the beach. If one is staying out of town, it is also worth checking that your hotel offers money exchange, a restaurant, airport transfers and transportation to other locations. Many hotels can also book tours on your behalf, leaving you with maximum relaxation time.

Proximity to Local Attractions

The main tourist precinct, in the south-eastern part of Bali allows access to many attractions within an hour or so, and is therefore very convenient. If one has very specific plans however, then another location may be more suitable. Lovina, in the north, for example is renowned for Dolphin watching. The area around Amed, in the east has great snorkelling, just off the beach, including a sunken Japanese ship!

When considering various Bali hotels, take the factors above into consideration. Whatever your holiday preferences, Bali is sure to be a great host.

Looking to book holidays to Bali? Then find Bali hotel accommodation, other tourism resources and Bali island tours with Bali Dream Tours. Make online bookings for hotels and villas in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Tuban, Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur and other areas of Bali by visiting Bali Hotels.

Bali - A Luxurious World of Tranquility

Bali is truly deserving of its honorary title, the Island of the Gods. Bali luxury holidays offer the discerning traveller extraordinary natural beauty, a rich cultural history and all the indulgence of superb 5 star resorts. Most importantly, this island paradise and its serene people will provide you with a tranquil retreat from the stresses of modern life. If you looking for a place to rest and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit, let Bali be your oasis.

Many of the two million tourists who come to Bali each year spend their time in Kuta, enjoying the world-class surf beach, bargain shopping and legendary nightlife. However, those who look further afield will discover a stunning array of idyllic destinations and more than enough variety to satisfy even the most jaded tastes.

To experience the pristine white sand of the southern coasts in style, come to Nusa Dua and enjoy the very best in Bali luxury resorts. Surrender yourself to complete relaxation in this haven of endless blue skies and sparkling ocean. Melt under the expert hands of your personal masseuse; float in the warm, protected waters of the Indian Ocean; or indulge in a speciality spa treatment. You can have all this and more at the renowned Bali luxury hotel Club Med Nusa Dua. Find your oasis resting beneath the palms, or perhaps with more active pursuits such as snorkelling, yoga or golf.

Lovers of fine art and culture should head to the mountain village of Ubud, nestled in the cool, green heart of Bali. In the 1930s Ubud was one of the most fashionable destinations for international artists and their work is now displayed alongside Balinese and Javanese pieces, both traditional and modern, in the hundreds of galleries dotted throughout the area. The Agung Rai Museum of Art is not to be missed with a remarkable collection, and performances of Balinese classical music and dance.

While in Ubud you can seek the source of Bali's magic in ancient temples and palaces, have a close encounter at the nearby Elephant Safari Park or Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, or simply soak in the lush beauty of the surrounding tropical forests, emerald valleys and

terraced paddy fields.

For an exclusive view of this breathtaking landscape, take a luxury tour by private helicopter. You can see much of this relatively small island by air, including the volcanic craters of Mt. Batur and Mt. Agung, and return to the dedicated landing pad just a few metres from one of the most opulent and elegant Bali luxury resorts, the Viceroy Bali.

The Viceroy Bali is located on the slopes of the Pentanu valley and offers guests exquisitely appointed private villas with individual swimming pools and expansive views of the dramatic river gorge below. You'll want for nothing in this spectacular retreat which incorporates the very finest holistic spa. Restore your spirit with a personalised program of relaxation, meditation and whole body wellness treatments.

Connoisseurs of find food will have difficulty choosing from the magnificent restaurants of Ubud ranging from French inspired cuisine at Viceroy Bali's own CasCades, to the modern fusion degustation served the renowned Mozaic, to local style 'warungs' featuring Indonesian and Balinese dishes.

However a brief dip into the intoxicating tastes of Bali is not enough for some. The answer is a specialty luxury tour to the Four Seasons Resort Cooking School in Jimbaran Bay. In this southern fishing cove you will have your pick of the freshest catch from the sea, the lushest produce from around the island and the most aromatic of Bali flavours including chilli, saffron, lemongrass and turmeric. Whether novice or experienced cook, you will master the secrets of Balinese and South East Asia cuisine and enjoy the fruits of your labour with a sumptuous feast.

Of course you will need appropriate pampering after your culinary efforts and the Four Seasons Resort spa will detoxify and energise with lavish array of health and beauty services including massage, body scrubs and wraps, and facials. At the end of a busy day you can retire to your elegant Balinese villa with separate sleeping, bathing and living pavilions and ocean views from your plunge pool.

Come to the Island of the Gods and discover your own private world of tranquillity and happiness with a Bali luxury holiday.

Karen Cooke is a professional consultant with Travel Associates, an exclusive Australian travel agency catering to the premium travel market. More helpful travel tips and suggestions are available at http://www.travel-associates.com.au