Getting to Bali, Indonesia

I travelled from Nairobi on Emirates and the service was out of this world. I checked in at JKIA and once on board, the experience on the seemingly new aircraft was great. I was flying business class and I have to say they really pull out all the stops for you. No matter the class you are traveling, emirates has an easy way of making everyone feel like a queen or king which to me is very important. The highlight of my trip and also the wow factor for me were the cameras on the plane which allow you to watch as the captain takes off and lands. You've got to be pretty confident to let your all your passengers watch you. Another cool thing was that once you are airborne, for those of you that just have to have your phones, you can use them on some of their aircraft. You can imagine my surprise when someone's phone went off. I was about to go ballistic on them when I found out it is allowed. From Nairobi, I went all the way to Bangkok via Dubai. At Bangkok, I boarded Emirates partner, Thai Airways, who were just as good (only less leg room) but hey I was on my way to Bali so I really didn't care...

The Stay

Bali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. The province covers a few small neighbouring islands as well as the isle of Bali. With a population of nearly four million people, the island is home to most of Indonesia's Hindu minority. It is also the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music. Bali, a tourist haven for decades, has seen a further surge in tourist numbers in recent years and I have to tell you I've just come back from this magical place and I had an amazing time and the perfect holiday. I was staying at the Conrad Resort and Spa which was truly a beautiful place.What I loved most about staying at the hotel was the breakfasts and boy did I ea! I put the chef to work ordering Eggs Benedict one day then pancakes and waffles the next. I was in heaven. My room looked out to the garden but before you even got to the garden there was a plunge pool that I could swim in. So all I had to do every morning was wake up, put on my swim suit, walk out onto my veranda then a few steps down and I was frolicking in the pool! Amazing.

Things To do:

Bali Jet Set Dive and Marine Sports is Bali's newest and most exclusive water sports centre. Located on the white sandy beach in the south of Bali, they offer both motorised and non-motorised water sports. Still a bit of a baby when it comes to this so I soaked up the sun and watched my friends race each other on jet skis. They seemed to have lots of fun.

- Paon Bali Cooking Class Embark on a culinary adventure unlocking the secrets of authentic Balinese cooking, utilizing traditional ingredients and preparation methods, in a fully equipped community village kitchen. Your day starts early at the Ubud markets, where you can pick from fresh herbs & spices, crisp vegetables and choice cuts of meat, before heading off on guided 'padi' expeditions. Upon your return to Laplapan village, you will be warmly welcomed and expertly guided by your host, Puspa, who will help you to discover how to create your very own delicious authentic Balinese dishes the best part about this is that you can have a dinner party when you get back and show off everything you have learned.

-Bali cycling and riding tour on mountain bikes will make you enjoy the whole heart of Bali in a glimpse! A must have memory for every tourist.

-The Devdan show is an alluring and daring show that takes the audience on a magical journey across Bali and the Indonesian Archipelago. It features a fusion of traditional Indonesian dance activities with modern contemporary dance, world-class aerial acrobatics attractions, dazzling costumes and hi-tech special effects.

-'The Lobby' livens late nights in Nusa Dua, serving bespoke cocktails and spirits. The Lobby incorporates authentic Balinese touches in a lounge bar and veranda setting, with an ergonomically sensitive interior. Japanese-born DJ Cozi spins the decks on Thursdays and Saturdays. Daily open: 11 pm - 2am

-Bali Collection: Your Best Shopping, Dinning & Entertainment Experience in Bali. With eight-hectare prestigious area, Bali Collection is the largest, finest and luxurious shopping mall in Nusa Dua, located in an exclusive tourism area and surrounded by five-star hotels and resorts.