There is nothing quite like a little Bali getaway to recharge the batteries!
It was time for me to get away from it all and truly indulge – so why not in Bali? The flights from Darwin only take around 2 hours and 25 minutes, and not only are they short, but more often than not they are also dirt cheap!
I landed into Bali Denpasar airport later than planned at around 10.30pm and after whizzing through immigration thanks to the newly introduced lack of Visa on Arrival requirements for Aussies (woohoo) I was whisked away from the airport into the heart of one of Bali’s most popular regions – Seminyak.
Seminyak is Kuta’s slightly classier younger sister, and is popular due to its densely packed bars, restaurants, shops and nightlife. I was only to be in Seminyak for one day and one night before heading up to Ubud and instead of wanting to go out and party, I was looking for somewhere quiet to relax and recharge.
Enter the beautiful Kunja Villas and Spa. This glorious collection of Balinese villas is located right in the heart of Seminyak, but somehow manages to avoid most of the hustle and bustle that comes with staying in such a popular part of Bali. It is the perfect accommodation for those who want to be near everything, but also want to have a quiet little haven to retreat to when the busyness of Bali becomes a bit much.
I was lucky enough to score this beautiful one bedroom villa for the night and everything about my stay was wonderful. I was effortlessly picked up from Denpasar airport and transferred to the villa without any hassle at all. My driver was lovely, the car was comfy and a cool little feature of the transfer was that the Kunja Villas fleet of cars come equipped with Wi-Fi, so I was able to snapchat my life away during the ride.
After a seamless check in, I was given a cool welcome drink and shown around my gorgeous lodgings for the night. All the Kunja staff were so friendly and welcoming, something that makes the often tedious arrivals process so much nicer!
On the plane I had been falling asleep in my seat and I thought that when I arrived at my villa I would immediately hit the hay. However, there is something to be said about the effects of arriving in a new place on fatigue – I swear it is almost as effective as caffeine!
So up I stayed. I explored all the beautiful little features of my villa, like the complimentary assortment of fresh fruits and the truly cloud-like bed!
Then, just like my last trip to Bali, it was time for some midnight swims! Check out this beautiful pool! Many one bedroom villas in this region only have the space for a small plunge pool, but this one was just about big enough to do laps in!
Seminyak is a pretty steamy and muggy place even in the middle of the night, so cooling off in a pool is pretty much perfect.
In the morning I woke up to breakfast being served up on my dining table. Fresh fruit and pastries were what I requested, but there are heaps of different options available.
After another little swim, I was treated to an incredible in-room 2 hour massage! I felt like absolute jelly by the time it was finished, in the best possible way. Then once the massage ended I figured the pampering was over, but alas it was not!
I went to shower to get all the oil off my skin and out of my hair, but upon entering my bathroom, I found a beautiful flower bath waiting for me!
It goes without saying that I smelt of nothing but flowers for the rest of the day. I had never had a bath like this before, so it was a lovely touch.
A bit of an awkward moment transpired about halfway through my bath. The poor masseuse had returned and knocked on the bathroom door to see if everything was okay, I said it was fine to come in (I was covered in bubbles) and as she entered, she looked rather taken aback upon seeing the camera on a tripod facing me! She must’ve thought I was doing weird things, but really I just wanted to get the following shot. I thought the whole thing was hilarious but I still think she was more than a little freaked out!
After I finished my bath it was off to check out a little more of what the Kunja Villas had to offer. Someone had vacated one of the big three bedroom villas, so I was able to go and suss it out (call it research for future visits) to see how it compared to the villa I had stayed in.
First impression: How is that for a private pool!?
All too quickly it was time to leave Seminyak and head to Ubud. I waved goodbye to the gorgeous Kunja Villas and their beautiful staff and vowed to return as soon as humanly possible.
T H E L O W D O W N
Getting to Bali: Flights to Bali are frequent, check out adioso.com to find the cheapest dates to fly
Getting to Kunja Villas and Spa: Transfers to and from the airport can be arranged with Kunja staff
Kunja Villas: Rates start at $340 USD per night in the low season – click here to book
Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M1 with M.Zuiko 12-40mm f2.8 lens
What to Pack: Clothing that is light and breezy, it is too humid in Bali for anything else
Remember: Lots of the appeal of Bali is the opportunity for indulgence, so go ahead and indulge!
Don’t forget to add me on Snapchat and Instagram – @wwellend – for more foolishness and travel adventures!
I just came back from my first trip to Bali! I stayed in the Alila Ubud and absolutely adored it. This resort looks spectacular!
How long were you there for? Oooh I will have to check that one out! I definitely recommend Kunja Villas if you ever return 🙂
1 night in Seminyak and 3 nights in Ubud! Kunja Villas look absolutely beautiful. I love the pool. 😀 Really enjoyed your blog post on your trip.
Thank you so much! I cannot wait to head back to Bali in a few weeks 🙂
Gorgeous!! ❤️
Thank you! 🙂
Wow, looks so beautiful.
Wish flights were as cheap from Melbourne, I’d be over there in a heartbeat! 🙂
It is one of the Darwin perks I cannot lie! Although I think the Tiger flights from Melbourne are not terribly pricey!
Hmm, might have to look into them!
It was worth it all to get that photo! Embarrassment be damned.
Absolutely! I thought it was hilarious haha
Beautiful photos! We’re in Bali right now-thanks for the info!
Awesome! How long are you there for?
We just got back-it was beautiful and amazing!! We had such a great time!
Awesome! I am so glad 🙂
Absolutely stunning – wish I was there! xx
Maybe it is time for a getaway?… 🙂
Oh to live only 2.5 hours away from Bali…
Definitely a perk to living in the Top End!
Ohh, Bali knows about ultimate spa treatmets!
It really really does! I miss the massages so much!
Lovely Bali must be to Australians, as Cancun or the Caymans are to us Americans. Great that there is no visa required for you.
I think it definitely must be! So close and so easily accessible! Do Americans need visas to go to the Caymans?
Looks amazing! Never been to Bali but hoping to go soon!
I definitely recommend it! Not only is it an amazing place, but you can also make your moolah go a long way!
I stayed here back in 2007 but haven’t been able to come back ever since… glad to see they’re still up and running well!
Any plans to head back in the future?
Not yet, but would love to!
You must have felt like a princess there! It’s a gorgeous place :3
I really did! Such a gorgeous place!
Serenity at it’s finest.Will put on my bucket list.
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@sheismelrose
Awesome! It is definitely worthy of a spot!
Having been to Bali I can only imagine your hilarious camera bath time moment! The villa looks gorgeous.
It really was hilarious! Definitely will stick out in my mind for years to come haha
Enjoy Bali. Your hotel in Seminyak looks great
Thankyou! I definitely will do 🙂
I think I would stay a week and unwind
It would definitely be a week well spent! I am heading back to Bali in about a fortnight and will have almost an entire week of relaxation to enjoy 🙂
It looks amazing
It really was – well worth spending a few nights in!
Looks beautiful!
It really is! Such a nice retreat in Bali 🙂
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beautiful pictures
Great blog Ellen! I just did a post on travelling solo in New Zealand so it was perfect timing that I came across your blog. I haven’t been to Bali but your pictures look fantastic!
Awesome – thanks so much! I will be sure to check out your site and read up on NZ!
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Dream House
I can’t decide between the Dusun and the Kunja. Since you stayed at both, which would you recommend more?
Hmmmm, I think the Kunja! The pool is bigger and better for swimming at the Kunja and the villas are a little bit bigger 😊