Seven-Day Honeymoon in Bali

Depending on where you’re traveling from, you’re likely arriving from Bali after a very long trip. From the US it can take over 25 hours to get to Bali, so you’re not going to want to pack your first day with too much activity so I recommend heading straight to your accommodations and exploring the nearby area so that you can relax when that jet lag kicks in. Starting your trip in Ubud is a great option as there is a concentration of Balinese culture with food, temples, and palaces to see in the city. A resort in the jungle like the Westin Resort and Spa Ubud or Alila Ubud truly makes you feel like you’re a world away from home, immersed in a new landscape. Get checked in, and head into town for your first authentic Indonesian meal. I recommend a place where you can try Nasi Goreng or Nasi Campur like Sun Sun Warung. After your meal you can easily walk to the Ubud palace, art market, and temple. Once you’ve had a chance to explore until you’re tired, head back to the resort for a relaxing dip in the pool and rest.

Bali is home to some truly incredible spa experiences that are all incredibly affordable. On your second day when you’re still adjusting to the time zone is the perfect time to indulge in some spa experiences, whether onsite at your resort or at a nearby wellness center. No matter where you spa you’re likely to be offered the option for a famous flower bath. In the evening enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner in the rice fields. Local delicacies and a tranquil setting make this a truly romantic experience.

On day three you’ll want to get out and about to the incredible sites and experiences that the island has to offer. Ubud is a great central starting place to access several natural and cultural attractions in Bali. A day trip with a private driver is the best option that will allow you to see a lot on your own schedule. Here is a list of recommended tour stops that you can easily see in one day but also get a well rounded experience: Start at the Ubud Monkey forest, then drive up to the Tirta Empul (holy water) Temple, stop in the Ceking Rice Terrace for the views and find somewhere for lunch, and then drive south to the Hidden Canyon where you’ll have the chance to hike through beautiful landscape, waterfalls, and rice fields.

Now that you’ve seen some of the wonderful geography of the island, I recommend moving to the beach to indulge in more relaxation and romance. After a full day tour, moving to the beach to take in the waves and the pool is a great way to recharge. Nusa Dua is an area of the island that caters perfectly to honeymooners with high end private beach resorts like the Ritz Carlton Bali or the Conrad Bali. It’s about a two-hour drive from Ubud to Nusa Dua, so get checked in and head to the water for a poolside drink and relaxation. In the evening the resort can arrange a private beach picnic where you can dine in front of the sunset.

Now that you’re staying in the southern part of Bali, there are many amazing beach areas to take advantage of. Adventure out of the resort for part of the day to take the short drive to Uluwatu which has some gorgeous beaches and some world famous surfing. You can take a Gojek taxi for a quick 30-minute ride that will cost you around $6-8 to get to Uluwatu. Head for breakfast or lunch at Single Fin, a resort with a rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking Uluwatu beach where you can watch the surfers and take in the scenery. If you’re more of a night owl, Single Fin is legendary for its sunset parties with live music and DJs.

Nusa Penida is an island to the east of Bali that offers a quiet escape, beautiful landscape, and wildlife. You can book a day trip that includes hotel transfers and a quick boat ride to the island. If you’re a fan of the water I highly recommend a scuba diving or snorkeling trip to Manta Point or Crystal Bay. Take a hike to Paluang Cliff and then take in the waters of Kelingking Beach before heading back to Nusa Dua.

Before leaving Bali, take advantage of the resort for one more day. You can enjoy the seemingly endless fresh fruit available, sit by the pool to enjoy some sun, and indulge in a massage or other spa experience to hold on to those honeymoon vibes before heading back to Denpasar airport for the trip home.