So, you have previously been to Bali and think you have experienced all this idyllic island in the sun has to offer? This writer humbly suggests you look again, as Bali has reinvented itself. For visitors like myself, Bali reveals its metamorphosis in recent years into the region’s hottest new destination. Ongoing development and innovation in coastal areas such as Seminyak, described as the coolest resort destination outside of Ibiza, as well as the creativity found in inland areas such as the island’s mountain retreat and artistic hub Ubud, where dining, shopping and wellness outlets present a veritable smorgasbord of choices of how to while away endless sunny days and balmy nights.

Long a favoured getaway destination for western travellers, Bali still caters to the young, hip and trendy visitors wishing to experience the exotic surrounds of this ancient and revered culture, however, the demands of today’s discerning traveller has also resulted in many of the world’s leading designers, artists and musicians recognising all this beautiful island has to offer and establishing numerous galleries, clubs, bars, restaurants and retail outlets that now signal it as a hot, new home base for today’s hip, cool, upwardly mobile and focused new generation of entrepreneurs.

Typically occupying sumptuous villas for privacy and seclusion during the day, enjoying long lunches on the beach or some afternoon retail therapy and a massage, this new injection of creativity and entrepreneurship into Bali signals a new era of luxury and prosperity for the island paradise

Consistently nominated by the prestigious Travel+Leisure magazine’s reader's poll as “the world’s favourite island destination”. In fact, tourism in Bali occupies a mere five per cent of the total land area of the island, so 95% remains charming, picturesque, utterly unique and just waiting to be explored. Bali is made all the more tranquil and relaxing thanks to the friendly and gentle demeanour of its traditional inhabitants as they too embrace the new face of Bali.

The increased popularity and influx in recent years of the world’s jet-set is also confirmed with the opening of numerous new 5-star resorts, such as BVLGARI, Jumeirah, St Regis and Banyan Tree, together with increased demand for residential villas and apartments such as those offered at Pantai Selatan, St Regis, Banyan Tree and Outrigger Panorama Bali. One look at the increasing number of private jets lined up at the airport by those demanding timely access confirms Bali as the destination of choice for today’s jet-set.

“The development of new, high-end, lifestyle-focused private villas and luxury resorts are feeding the establishment of many high quality, stand alone restaurants, shops, clubs and bars, as well a number of gourmet food outlets that cater to longterm visitors,” states Bali Hotels Association Chairman, Michael Birchett. “The market for these new outlets looks to be sustainable and thus we expect that most quality operators will do very well for the foreseeable future.”

“Recognition of the work done in areas such as security, environment and health is finally being received, making Bali a more “reliable” destination. Indonesia’s efforts and moves towards democracy and greater transparency are also promoting an overall positive image for the country internationally. This all supports the move towards quality, which I believe Bali is headed, now and in the future. The image of Bali being a cheap destination for budget travellers was always overstated and there is a growing awareness of the extent to which quality resorts, spas and an upmarket lifestyle are being draped across Bali.”

What has, and always will, make Bali such a special destination is the culture and the interaction with the Balinese people, coupled with the demand for quality lifestyle experiences. We all expect Bali to grow in a positive and sustainable direction.

A walk along the potholed roads winding through Seminyak reveals a burgeoning and intoxicating mix of new restaurants and bars featuring cuisines from the four corners of the globe. Created by an increasing presence of award-winning international chefs, they now regard today’s Bali as the region’s hottest new culinary destination.

From Greek taverna-style Mykonos and Meditteranean warung Taste, from Moroccan-style Khaima to one of the region’s leading Italian eateries, Ultimo, Seminyak restaurants today are a veritable United Nations of national cuisines.

Start yet another idyllic day in paradise with breakfast beachside at La Lucciola, while savouring the unique sight of traditional, handcrafted Indonesian kites soaring towards the heavens as you dine on menu selections that signal nothing short of bliss. Return at sunset for cocktails to witness the magnificence of the setting blood-red fireball sun as it sinks below the horizon, also signalling commencement of another night of wining, dining and clubbing in this most exotic of destinations. Likewise, Breeze, a teak decked oceanfront venue is increasingly popular as a sunset cocktails destination and one of the few where wine by the glass from a mouth-watering international wine list preludes the start of an evening of unequalled indulgence.

Those wishing to maximise both beachfront locations whilst also partying the night away should look no further than Bali’s premier club destination, Ku De Ta. Internationally famous for its relaxed outdoor/indoor club atmosphere, Ku De Ta is also notorious for its highlight event nights, such as the ubiquitous annual White Party, which draws in the smart set and who’s who of young bronzed revellers for an all night get down, accompanied by some of the world’s best DJs.

Alternately, Kafe Warisan, The Living Room, The Restaurant poolside at The Legian, Bacio, Paparazzi Lounge and Club Double 6 will also guarantee you definitely do not go gently into that good night, and all signal party time in Seminyak when the sun goes down.

“For those who truly enjoy the great and even the lesser known cuisines of the world, Seminyak is unmistakably a dining paradise,” states Outrigger Panorama Bali Resort & Spa Chairman, Richard McCandless.

“Like many I was originally attracted to reside in Bali for numerous reasons, however, dining just was not on the radar as a major drawcard even just a few years ago. However, today I am spoiled for choice and would confidently state that on any given night I hunger for any national style of cuisine you would care to mention and be confident that there is now an outlet in Bali featuring that particular style of cuisine, be it something exotic or simply a desire for the best Italian pasta.”

A cursory glance at any local guide will immediately confirm that Seminyak is Bali’s must-see area for glittering nightlife, trendy, cutting edge fashion boutiques, gourmet dining and total body pampering with every possible wellness treatment available, including Balinese therapies as yet unexperienced by many.

Seminyak has evolved and matured into a sophisticated villa and resort destination, widely recognised around the world today as the one of the most fashionable places to retreat to in Southeast Asia. Constantly evolving, this increasingly upmarket and trendy area has recently witnessed the arrival of a number of impressive new bars, restaurants, clubs, galleries, boutiques and retail outlets featuring designer fashion items as created by the likes of internationally renowned designers such as Bali-based, Italian fashion guru Emilio Migliavacca-Milo and others.
Move beyond the boundaries of Seminyak and Legian and spend time in the in the cool mountain climes of Ubud. Long regarded as the artistic heart and hub of Bali, traditional artists practice their crafts to international acclaim and many of their works – paintings, carvings and stoneworks – are to be found displayed in the island's leading resorts and hotels, as well as occupying pride of place in the collections of aficionados and collectors around the world.

Dramatically interspersed with centuries-old volcanoes and picture postcard rice paddy fields, Ubud today offers a unique combination of two worlds – traditional Balinese and modern international, as it too continues to develop and evolve into an area of new accommodations, restaurants, galleries and retail outlets catering to the many visitors discovering Bali for the first time, as well as those who have decided to make the island their home.

From Art in Stone, featuring intricate made-to-order white stone freize carvings to Jenggala Ceramics, where customers can experience the novelty of designing their own flatware and glassware, to the ultra-modern Etienne de Souza decor and homewares and Oishi featuring one-off unique and dramatic jewellery items, to traditional Balinese craftsmen creating unique wood and stone items according to your personal specificiations, Ubud will inspire and enthral.

Long the destination of choice for European royals in the early 20th century, Bali has now evolved into today’s destination of choice by savvy investors, jet-setting travellers, the wealthy elite and today’s upwardly mobile generation of talented and highly imaginative entrepreneurs who are embracing the idyllic lifestyle enjoyed only by the privileged and the elite a mere few decades ago.

Bali is hot, trendy, hip, cool, inspired, sensual, exotic, magical and most of all unique. No wonder it is the world’s favourite island destination!