Bali, the Island of the Gods and a thousand temples, a sanctuary consumed with magnificent mountains, rich rice paddies and encased by Bombay Sapphire blue oceans. Boasting all the natural phenomenons the world has to offer, it’s no wonder that Bali attracts a plethora of adventurers every year to bask in the numerous cultural, historical and archaeological attractions, while offering a wealth of health, wellness and spirituality retreats.
7am – Wake up at The Mulia and The Mulia Villas
The Mulia is the sheer representation of this tranquil oasis. An escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, the luxury beachfront property finished with 111 all-suite rooms offer the highest level of privacy to all those seeking to hideaway.
Service at the Mulia is second to none, with staff being incredibly attentive and flashing a smile at each and every moment.
The interior of the suite exudes both contemporary chic designs and rich opulence, and is a refuge from the summer heat, kept cool with its marble flooring and controlled temperature functions.
The room also offers remarkable views of Geger Beach and the Indian Ocean just beyond the tropical gardens, which you can enjoy from a pre-heated Jacuzzi located on the full-length balcony, or the day bed, a perfect location to laze and watch the sunrise.
The Mulia Villas goes above and beyond, combining intimate settings with lavish services and amenities. It succeeds in crafting an unparalleled island experience that transcends beyond conventional tropical getaways.
Completed with a private swimming pool, a Jacuzzi almost half the size, an outdoor shower so to experience being at one with nature, and optimal stylish interiors, the Mulia Villas exceeds expectations.
8am – Do Yoga on the beach
Traditions are deeply rooted in everyday life for the local Balinese native, from creating canang sari’s; one of the daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus, to practising Yoga, and not the kind you’d experience in a swanky London studio, but rather on a much more spiritual level to understanding one’s consciousness.
Yoga is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, and has been speculated to date back to pre-Vedic Indian traditions. Having only been to two Yoga classes in my life, both in London, I decided to experience it once again, this time away from the confines of a compact studio loft in Central London where traffic is still prevalent, but by the beach, as the sun rose and rays of light bounced off the tropical vegetation of the Eden Garden whilst the sea breeze caressed my skin.
It’s a lot easier to be at one with nature and one with yourself when it’s all around you, engulfing every aspect from your mind to your body as easy as the leaves dance in the wind.
9am – Eat breakfast in The Lounge
As daylight broke and the sun had risen, I headed towards the Lounge for breakfast, setting myself at a table with yet another fantastical view of the Oasis beachfront Pool and the Indian Ocean. Whilst consuming fresh orange juice, coffees and a plate of warm waffles with syrup and fruit, bask in all the Lounge has to offer, from its cosy interiors and array of traditional and contemporary breakfasts. The colossal marble statues flanked either side of the pool, of women with rice paddy bowls above their head allow for a tranquil start to the day.
10am – Visit the Ubud Markets and Tegallalang Rice Paddy Fields
A town in central Bali saturated in arts, crafts and culture, Ubud is all you’d expect from a local bazaar in the Far East – beautifully ornate wall carvings and carefully cut out statues on display, wicker bags and baskets hanging from all corners, cotton pom pom shorts flanked with Elephants in all the colours of the rainbow, traditional Batik shirts and hand crafted jewellery, all that and much more in this shopaholic’s heaven.
Ubud is also famous for its Tegallalang rice paddy fields, providing quite easily the most extraordinary scenic views in Bali. A true Eden, the cascading emerald green vegetation goes far beyond as they eye can see, deep into the wild. Standing atop at a peak gazing down, I stood in awe at this natural wonder, impressed by the hard work and attention gone into maintaining these perfectly lined terraces, imagining a sleeping Titania, Queen of the Fairies, lulled amongst the lush foliage.
12pm – Eat lunch at Warung Pulau Kelapa
Indulging in an authentic Indonesian cuisine is a must while in Ubud, and Warung Pulau Kelapa, known for its lush garden setting and flavoursome dishes made with finest quality ingredients grown on the grounds, satiated my appetite. Created by Hadi Sunyoto, an avid antique collector and creator of the Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets, Hadi’s love for history and culture is mirrored in the interiors of this charming restaurant, adorned with vintage photographs and paintings, and antique knick-knacks. Following lunch, I meandered through the gardens, over the bridges as butterflies fluttered by, discovering the local produce, and allowing the herbs and spices to tickle my senses.
2pm – Have a spa day at The Mulia Spa
The Lifestyle Wellness Programme at The Mulia Spa features an array of treatments, from facials, massages, body scrubs and wraps and much more, and is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a busy afternoon of exploring.
Along with a sauna and steam room session, the Mulia Spa is home to Bali’s first and only Ice Fountain Room at the Spa. The Ice Fountain Room is set at -1 Celsius and uses Chromatherapy Chakra cleansing LED-lighting colour systems that offer deep relaxation. Reminiscent of an Icefall Crystal Fountain, the sudden and extreme change in temperatures between steamy and icy environments stimulates body circulation and is highly beneficial for boosting metabolism, aching joints, detoxing and the immune system, joints, detoxing and the immune system.
4pm – Partake in a Canang Sari class
Following a day of observing and admiring the myriad of local traditions Bali has to offer, enjoy an afternoon carrying out a local tradition by creating a “canang sari,” one of the daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus to thank the Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in praise and prayer. Flowers play such an important role in daily life, and Canang Sari’s are made up of just that, ornamented with an array of colourful flowers, set upon Balinese temples, on small shrines in houses, and on the ground or as a part of a larger offering.
6pm – Enjoy an evening at the Uluwatu Temple
As dawn approaches and the evening star prepares to make its twinkling appearance, venture to the ancient and sacred Uluwatu Temple, standing atop a cliff rising 200 feet above the Indian Ocean and boasting one of the most spectacular views of the island. Bustling through the swarms of locals and tourists to find a seat in the Amphitheatre, the last rays of sunshine began disappear into dust, just in time for the nightly kecak and fire dance performance.
A tradition originating from an old Balinese ritual called the sanghyang, the story of the Ramayana, in which Rama’s wife, Sita, is abducted by the ogre Rahwana, was conveyed through its participants’ repetitive chanting; the main component which drives the trance dance. In its ancient form, the sanghyang communicated the wishes of the gods or of the ancestors.
8pm – Dine at one of the many restaurants at The Mulia
Guests can dine at further eight restaurants whilst staying at the Mulia, including the signature seaside Mediterranean and Pan Asian restaurant Soleil, a traditional Japanese cusine with a twist at Edogin, or afternoon tea or pre-dinner drinks at the Sky Bar.
Gastronomy is a huge feature in the Mulia’s ethos for providing an exceptional experience to all its guests, by tantalising taste buds and featuring different cuisines from around the world. Not only verse in their native Indonesian cuisine, the Mulia makes it a point to hire local chefs from each country in order to provide an authentic taste from each location, whether it be Italy, India or Japan.
The Mulia Bali
Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Kawasan Sawangan, Nusa Dua, Benoa, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363, Indonesia
