Why you should visit Bali
Bali isn’t just a tropical escape with golden sand. The huge island was a vital cog in the trading triangle between India and China. Asian influences added ayurveda and acupressure to Balinese wellness, and ginger and wok-cooking to island cuisine. Bali remains a Hindu sanctuary, where temples with monkey guardians distill the island’s timeless soul.
The best resorts showcase the Balinese spirit. Find chakra balancing and coconut oil massages in the spas; kite-making and traditional dance in the kids’ clubs; surfing and snorkelling just offshore. The biggest bonus is the Balinese welcome. Wall-to-wall smiles shine down from sacred mountains, through rice terraces and on to the sandy coast.