One man’s paradise
“My family and I consider a 10,000-mile commute a small price to pay for living in paradise. The yin of our Bali home — an open-air Bornean building made of wood and bamboo, overlooking rice paddies — may have its yang in being sealed into a pressurized cabin for a day at a time. But we’ve adapted.“
Read why world famous jewelry artist John Hardy, lives in Bali but travels to New York once a month to go to his office.
Bali Sacred & Secret
Bali Sacred and Secret by Gill Marais is a timely reminder that there still exists a possibility for life and spirituality to be celebrated through rituals that allow the living to keep in harmony with their ancestors and the forces of nature that surround them. The Balinese have carefully maintained their ability to be finely attuned to God and the realm of nature through traditions both sacred and secret that charge the island with its precious spiritual energy.
This offering is a token of the author’s gratitude to Bali, a distillation of her fifteen years of privileged access into the culture. This book also serves as an invitation and a challenge for those who visit Bali to delve beyond the veneer of commercial tourism to see the depths of a golden, living culture.
About the Author & Photographer
Gill Marais is a photojournalist and author. She began her career with SIPA Press in Paris, and has reported in the field of culture, medicine and travel. Her book, The Amchi, on travels with a Tibetan doctor has been published in France, England and India. Born in South Africa, after her marriage to a French Diplomat, France has been her home for over forty years. Her work has taken her through North America, North Africa, Kenya, the Middle East, Europe, Russia, India, Pakistan, China and South East Asia. She now resides in Bali for six months of the year, and has two grown children.
Quick Guide to Bali
Bali’s idyllic location, constant warm temperature and welcoming people have made it a key destination for travellers from all over the world.
Where is it?
Bali is one of the Indonesian islands, set in the Indian Ocean, just 8 degrees south of the equator. It is popular for romantic breaks, honeymoons and weddings as well as being a key surfing destination.
Where can I stay? (more…)
Bali Ranked World’s Best Island
Bali has been ranked No. 1 World’s Best Islands by readers from Travel and Leisure Magazine. This is the 11th annual poll by the magazine and it is the fifth time that Bali has won first place in the Island category.
Bali was closely followed by Kauai and Maui in 2nd and 3rd places respectively. The poll was taken in early 2006 by readers of Travel and Leisure Magazine and judged based on natural attractions, activities, restaurants, people and value.
Other winners include Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Mount Desert Island in Maine, Tasmaniz, Hawaii, Galapagos Islands, Santorini and Phuket in Thailand.
Wedding Anniversary at Villa Semana
The peaceful settings and the beauty of the natural surroundings where Villa Semana is situated make this a wonderful place to have your wedding or wedding anniversary. Here are a few photos from Mr & Mrs Hacot’s wedding anniversary (posted with permission) that they sent us. An elaborate celebration was organised by our staff and took place on the grounds of Villa Cempaka. You could book a villa or our entire resort and invite your family to a private and what will be a most memorable event.
Beautiful Ubud for your Bali Vacation
What is it about Ubud that one should visit this beautiful village? Because Ubud has much to offer; from its stunning panorama of Ayung River valley and the terraces rice filed, its most talented artist, its typical traditional market and myriad of shops that line the road is a heaven for shopping, its undying culture, its serene environs and plentiful of nice small hotels and restaurants and many more.? ? (more…)