Whether you’re choosing Bali as your holiday destination this year or whether you’ve got your eye on a trip in the near future, it’s widely recommended to visit the island between May and July to enjoy the best weather.

Surfers tend to like it bright, hot and sunny at this time when the beaches in the west enjoy the best waves. Explorers and honeymooners prefer it cooler.Eastern and Asian holiday makers tend to visit the island during Christmas as well as the summer months. Most Europeans head to Bali between June and July.

The tourist heart of the island is in the south – Kuta, Legian, Sanur and Nusa Dua.

For one of the highlights of your stay in Bali head to Seminyak beach at around 5.30pm. Grab your front row seats at one of the elegant beachside bars and restaurants. Breeze or Ku de Ta are the pick of the bunch. Settle back with a glass, or a bottle, and soak up one of the most spectacular and dazzling sunsets on the planet.

Next, the beaches. And there are many beautiful ones to choose from. Some are good for relaxing and swimming, others ideal for surfing. Some hotels and villagers groom the sand and ensure they’re spotless. For more info take a look at Bali Beach Guide.

A visit to Bali is never complete without a trip to the island’s Monkey Forest Sanctuary at Ubud. Our most beloved residents live in a dense forest just south of Ubud, Bali’s creative capital. If you go with children, be careful! The monkeys are funny and cute but will be attracted to your glasses, cameras, jewellery and any other shiny object you have on you.

Whilst you’re there you might want to take a look at the Ayung River. You’ll have two options. Raft down it or stand back and admire the awe-inspiring views surrounding it. At least get yourself wet and send those photos home to the friends. Bali Adventure Tours will organise your day – www.baliadventuretours.com

After all the exertion, it’s surelytimefor a Balinese Massage. You’re in Bali so you’ll need to try the four handed approach. Much better than two! And why not throw in a Javanese body scrub using blends of rice flour and herbs. Then take as long as you need in the hot tub. We recommend Spa Hati in Ubud where profits go towards supporting community programs and under privileged children.

To round off a perfect day, you’ll need a good night out. Night life in Bali starts late – around midnight. If you’re tempted to open an early bottle or two, take it easy.
It’ll be a long night! Be sure to visit Ku De Ta and grab yourself a lounger facing the sea and surf which is lit up at night with floodlights from the club.

Once the hangover’s been dealt with, it might be time for some shopping amongst the many boutiques on the island. You’ll be spoilt for choice – handicrafts, arts, antique furniture, Balinese paintings, gold, silver, wood and stone carvings, woven fabrics and much, much more. And then there’s the duty free shops for your wine!
Do remember to bargain, no matter where you are. It’s an accepted part of life and you might even become quite good at it!

Whatever your preference, a trip to Bali is essential. And if you’re lucky enough to be coming this year or at some point in the near future, you’ll certainly be taking fond memories home with you!
Villa Concierge at Bali.More than just a holiday.

Tags: Essential

You may have planned your holiday for 2010 already. If you haven’t and you’re looking for a dream vacation and somewhere to take the family, Bali may just be the ideal place!

Bali remains one of the best places to take the children. Of course you still have the lively areas, the nightspots and the bars if you fancy escaping for a night. And Villa Concierge can always arrange baby-sitters day or night.

Where to Stay

A family holiday in Bali begins and ends with the right accommodation and the right location. And the variety of Bali Villas can be overwhelming.

• Choosing a popular location which is close to family orientated attractions tends to work best – something near to the
beach and shops, restaurants and amusements.
• You’ll also need something more suitable for the kids; a pool, connecting bedroom doors and playgrounds for example.
• And don’t forget to enquire about discounts for the toddlers and children under a certain age.
• Private transport is by far the most convenient if you’re travelling with the family so do check with your villa if they provide
private transport as part of the holiday package.

Things to See and Do

Bali is a safe haven for children and every attraction on the island is child “friendly” – which means Bali is also the ideal destination for parents as well!

Here are just some of the activities for all the family;
• Surfing
• Sand and beach activities
• Cultural activities such as dancing, temple visits, and traditional Balinese experiences
• Rafting
• Cycling
• Bungee jumping
• Elephant rides
• Theme parks such as Bali Zoo, Bali Bird Park and the Butterfly Park

And a full list of Bali tours, including volcano tours will be provided on arrival.

Our Balinese culture and traditional music and dance are also ideal for all the children. The girls tend to like the music, costumes and movement of the Legong. The boys are more attracted to the Ramayana, a famous mortal duel with warriors.

Big hotels and shopping centres tend to feature dance performances at night whilst the Ramayana is performed outdoors several times each day. A full listing of Balinese dances and ceremonies can be provided.

Something a Little More Adventurous

Outdoor activities are more popular in Bali than ever. And many of these are ideal for children.

Anyone 7 years old and above can raft down the Ayung River, a two-hour journey which takes you through rain forests and paddy fields and down 25 rapids. Jungle treks, ocean kayak journeys and mountain biking are also available.

And for the risk takers there’s the bungee jump at Kuta beach

Then there’s the Waterbom Park in Kuta and the new Taman Barung Bird Park in Batubulan. At Waterbom you’ll find swimming pools and water slides, restaurants, bars and shops. At Taman Burungyou’ll see more than 250 different species of birds.

Eating Out in Bali

Ask anyone who’s ever been to Bali and they will surely tell you, eating out in Bali is simply the best – the choice of venues and cuisine, the cost and quality, not to mention the hygiene. And then of course there’s the romantic and exotic settings!

Hotel restaurants tend to be more expensive. Local restaurants offer the best deals. And you could always eat at the villa. Just remember to tell the chef, not too spicy for the kids!

There are many options for all the family and a huge variety of cuisine to choose from. And chefs will always cook something suitable for the children, including something western and a little closer to home.

Don’t hesitate ask as to what you and your family would prefer. Balinese people will be more than happy to point you in the right direction, either near to your villa or further a-field.

Salah Makan! And enjoy your vacation this year. Wherever you may be!

Villa Concierge. More Than Just a Holiday.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010 at 8:01 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

Your big day is planned to the Nth degree. All that remains now is to say, “I do”.

Then it’s time for some precious time alone with your partner. And the first day of the rest of your married life.

Whether your honeymoon dreams call for a simple, romantic break near the beach or an elaborate event in one of the biggest,
most luxurious villas on the island, from the moment you arrive you’ll know this is the honeymoon paradise you’ve been looking for.

Surveys continue to prove that the island of Bali as one of the world’s most idyllic, romantic and enchanting travel destinations in the world. You’ll find gentle people, a fascinating and vibrant culture celebrated with festivals, dance and music, traditional arts and crafts and unspoilt natural attractions. Then there are the unguided treks through jungles, rice terraces and temples. Or you could both try scuba diving and snorkeling in crystal clear waters.

What better place to celebrate your “I Do’s” than the island of the Gods.

Villa Concierge will ensure you’ll enjoy the friendly welcome of your private driver, your discreet Balinese house staff, and the comfort and informality of staying in your own private, luxurious villa. We’ll make sure everything is taken care of so you can relax and unwind after your big day in spacious, comfortably furnished living and dining areas. And you’ll enjoy the tropical garden and the privacy of your very own swimming pool.

Whether you’re looking for luxury spa treatments for two or a Balinese flower bath alone, feasts of fine food, a sunset cruise or a stroll along the white sands, Villa Concierge recognizes that this is one of the most important times of your life and we will help to make sure your honeymoon in Bali is something to be remembered for a lifetime.

Peace of mind comes from knowing there’s someone you can rely on.

Our specialists have years of experience in arranging, planning and organizing honeymoons in Bali. All your needs will be attended to through continual and discreet dialogue with Villa Concierge. With the help of our expertise and local knowledge, we’re sure you’ll be taking your memories home with you.

Explore the opulence and romance of Bali’s most treasured private villas and make this special occasion a memorable one; http://www.villaconciergebali.com/honeymoon-villas

Best of Luck and Warmest Wishes from Villa Concierge, Bali.

Villas for Romance

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 11:18 am and is filed under Bali Info. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

You may already be familiar with Bali’s many unique and distinctive cultures, rituals and traditions. However, if you would like to brush up on some local rituals before your visit to the Island of the Gods, here’s an interesting place start - The age-old traditional ritual of Med-Medan.

Simply translated – Kissing and Hugging.

Literally translated as a hug and a kiss between a young boy and a young girl, Med-Medan originates from Bali’s distant past and is performed once per year on Ngembak Geni, the day following Nyepi, the island’s annual day of respect and silence.

Members of Banjar Kaja (the Village Hall) gather to engage in an activity where the young boys and girls of the community gather on the local green. Boys congregate on the left. Girls on the right. Gradually advancing to each other, both groups gradually break into full-on charge, before culminating in an exchange of kisses with the opposite gender.

Tradition dictates that one sole charge of the lips is never enough and this normally means further relentless sessions of kissing. This all takes place in the apt area known locally as, The Kissing Fields.

No one is absolutely sure of the origination of Med-Medan. However, where it ends is less of a mystery. Many married couples trace their ‘first contact’ to a celebration of Med-Medan in years gone by.

Proper and complete observance of the festival is mandatory for the youth of the Banjar, who quickly abandon any reticence in the face of stories of natural and personal disasters that have befallen those who failed to participate in the special ritual.

And, as with all special events in Bali, God’s blessing is always sought first via a solemn procession to the community temple before undertaking the important task ahead. When prayers are completed, the boys and girls then separate into two groups; there they pluck up their courage and pucker their lips for what follows. Concerned parents, perhaps playing a role that will be assumed by policemen in the future, bring buckets of holy water to cool off the romantic ardor of their children accidentally overcome by the moment.

Welcome to Bali!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 at 8:37 am and is filed under Bali Info. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

A Very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year from Villa Concierge at Bali

Whether you’re thinking about spending the festive vacation in Bali or considering a trip to the island of the gods in the new year, Villa Concierge can offer you more than just a holiday.

As a specialist in Luxury Private Bali Villas, we have a selection of over 300 luxury private villas which have made the grade so far, all unique and all distinctive. As you might expect, we also know where all the best ones are; Seminyak, Umalas, Kerobokan, Canggu, Tanah Lot, Sanur, Gianyar, Ubud, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and Uluwatu. 
Just choose between breathtaking views of rice fields, stunning beachfronts or exquisite tropical landscapes.

You do the vacation. We do the rest.

There are plenty of things you won’t have to worry about. Which means your precious time away starts when it’s supposed to start – immediately. We’ll have you comfortable and feeling at home in your luxury villa before you even know where you are.

Relax and rejuvenate in the Island of the Gods.

At Villa Concierge you will experience service with integrity, flexibility and unsurpassed quality. Our friendly luxury villa staff will attend to your every need; from the moment we hear from you we will make it our business to ensure your expectations are not only met but surpassed at every stage.

Without a worry in the world, your holiday dream won’t be a dream anymore – you’ll actually get to live it. And take your cherished memories home with you.

We know where all the best places are too. And we should; we live here. So whether you want wining and dining, dancing and romancing, retail or culture, a day outdoors or an afternoon in the spa, we’ll plug you into your mood.

Here’s a little background info in anticipation for your visit in 2010.

The Indonesian island of Bali remains the top island tourist destination. And all the stories are true; a tropical island paradise with a magical mix of ancient cultures vibrating with the spirit of the past, the island of Bali remains the number one island destination for life nurturing energy, rejuvenation, health and wellness.

And here are few things that just might take your fancy:

Start off with a typical Balinese Fire Dance celebration
Surf the best beaches in the world on the island’s west coast
Take a world class scuba diving course
Watch the sun set over the Temples at Tanah Lot
Shop for fashionable, tailored clothing in Seminyak’s sheek boutiques
Search for local jewelry and artifacts on the island’s cultural centre of Ubud
Enjoy a quiet romantic moon-lit seafood dinner on the beach at Nusa Dua
Party all night long at some of the island’s hippest nightspots.
Enjoy a round of golf in the mountains at Bedugul
Ride a horse through the surf along Saba beach
Kayak down the unforgettable Ayung River
Trek through the jungle to see a different side of Bali
Reap the rewards of pampering and a traditional Balinese massage

Whatever your preference, Villa Concierge will be working diligently and discreetly to make sure you enjoy it all until your heart’s content.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 14th, 2009 at 10:22 pm and is filed under Bali Info. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.