Below you’ll find a curated mix of offers and ideas that have appeared on my Facebook page. Whether you’re considering a beach holiday, a city break, a cruise, a wellness retreat, or any other kind of travel, this page brings together a range of possibilities to help guide your planning.
Prices shown on Facebook were accurate at the time they were published and remain a useful guide to what similar holidays may cost today. As availability and rates change regularly, the most up-to-date pricing for straightforward trips – such as flights paired with a hotel and either transfers or car hire – can now be checked instantly through the booking portal on this website.
If something catches your eye and you’d like it tailored to your dates, style, or budget, you’re very welcome to get in touch. All ideas can be personalised, and I’m here to help shape them into a trip that fits you perfectly.
To enquire further, please click here.
Happy browsing.
Planning European travel from the UK? Read about the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS here.
💕 Valentine’s Day in Jamaica, where February means warm Caribbean water, dinner overlooking the sea and absolutely no need to scrape ice from the car.
Couples Tower Isle is a couples-only resort in Ocho Rios, with a private beach, seven restaurants, six bars and plenty included beyond the usual all-inclusive food and drinks.
You can try scuba diving, play a round of golf, take a catamaran cruise or simply settle beside the swim-up bar. Your room has an ocean view and a private balcony, so even doing very little comes with a good view.
There is also a private au naturel island, complete with its own pool and swim-up bar. Entirely optional, of course, but you can safely leave the swimwear in your room because nobody over there wants to see it.
💕 Departing 9th February 2027
🌙 9 nights’ accommodation plus 1 night on board
🏨 Couples Tower Isle, Ocho Rios
🌊 Deluxe Ocean Room with balcony
🍹 All Inclusive
✈️ Direct Virgin Atlantic flights from London Heathrow
🧳 23kg checked baggage per person
🚗 Private return airport transfers
🤿 Up to two complimentary group dives per day for certified divers, with scuba equipment included
⛳ Complimentary green fees at Upton Golf & Country Club
💷 Total package price: £5,460
👫 Based on two adults sharing
💷 Equivalent to £2,730 per person
Deposit: £100 per person
Guests choosing to play golf must pay a mandatory cart and caddie fee of $50 per person, per round, locally. Club and shoe hire cost extra. Night dives, private dives, specialist dives and diving courses may also cost extra.
Sold by Travel Lyn Style.
Package organised by Merlin Travel Group Ltd - ATOL 11770.
The total package price includes the stated flights, accommodation, checked baggage and private return airport transfers. Prices are correct at the time of posting and are subject to availability and change. No compulsory local accommodation taxes have been advised at the time of posting. Alternative travel dates may be available on request, although prices may vary.
#JamaicaHoliday #ValentinesEscape #CouplesTowerIsle #TravelLynStyle
Have you ever noticed that you’re a slightly different person when you’re on holiday?
Holiday you will happily spend an hour over breakfast, even longer over dinner and wander through a village or city without really needing to know exactly where you’re going. You’ll try something because it looks interesting, order something because you’ve never heard of it and sit down for a coffee simply because the view is lovely.
You might read a book cover to cover, take a swim before breakfast, have a nap in the afternoon or discover that a glass of Prosecco at 9am seems perfectly reasonable when somebody has thoughtfully added it to the breakfast buffet.
Some of your usual rules disappear, you stop watching the clock quite so closely and somehow it really doesn’t matter.
Eventually, of course, you have to come home, and sometimes reality arrives with a bit of a bump. One minute you’re enjoying a warm Mediterranean evening and a few hours later you’re standing outside an airport in the middle of the night wondering why your cardigan is packed in your suitcase and not in your hand luggage.
Luckily, holiday you is always ready for the next trip.
So, who are you when you’re on holiday?
#TravelInspiration #HolidayYou #TimeToTravel #TravelLynStyle
On 25th August 1919, Aircraft Transport and Travel Limited (AT&T) began one of the world’s first daily international scheduled air services, flying between London and Paris.
The service left Hounslow Heath, not far from where Heathrow Airport stands today, and flew to Le Bourget in Paris. The aircraft was an Airco DH.16, with room for just four passengers, although that first service carried only one fare-paying passenger, allegedly a journalist from the Evening Standard.
He wasn’t travelling alone, exactly. Also on board was a rather eclectic cargo of newspapers, Devonshire cream, jam and grouse. Apparently, even in 1919, there were some things worth importing from Britain.
The journey took around two and a half hours, a considerable improvement on travelling between the two capitals by rail and ferry, and marked the beginning of regular international passenger air travel between London and Paris.
AT&T would later become part of the complicated family tree that eventually led to today’s British Airways, but aviation in 1919 looked very different from the industry we know now.
One passenger, a small cabin, an open cockpit for the pilot and a consignment of cream, jam and grouse. International air travel had arrived.
#DidYouKnow #AviationHistory #TravelFacts #TravelLynStyle
🍝 Fancy spending a few days in Tuscany learning to cook Italian food, tasting local wine and exploring some of its lovely towns?
This four-night break takes you to La Garfagnana in northern Tuscany, where you'll stay at La Mezzaluna and get properly involved in the local food and culture.
You'll join Chef Rita for two hands-on Italian cookery lessons, with wine included, as well as enjoying a local wine tasting. Away from the kitchen, there are excursions to beautiful Barga and Lucca, plus a visit to the local markets in Pisa.
There's free time too, so you can relax, explore the surrounding countryside or simply find somewhere pleasant to sit with a coffee and watch Tuscany go by.
✈️ Departing London Heathrow on 13th October 2026
🏡 4 nights at La Mezzaluna in a double room
☕ Breakfast included, plus 1 lunch & 1 dinner
🍝 2 hands-on Italian cookery lessons with wine
🍷 Local wine tasting
🏘️ Excursions to Barga, Lucca & local markets in Pisa
🚐 Transport for excursions & shared airport transfers
💷 £1,275 per person
💷 £2,550 total for 2 adults sharing
A short break with a little bit of sightseeing, plenty of good food and the chance to come home knowing how to make something more impressive than spaghetti hoops on toast. 😉
Price includes compulsory local charges and is subject to availability at the time of booking.
Sold by Travel Lyn Style.
Package organised by Travelpack Leisure & Marketing Services Ltd – ATOL 2866.
#Tuscany #FoodAndWine #ItalyTravel #TravelLynStyle
Lyon had relaxing plans for the day: find a sun lounger, settle down by the pool and do as little as possible. 🦁☀️
Unfortunately, everyone else appeared to have had exactly the same idea before he did, and the search for somewhere to park himself wasn’t going to plan.
Just as he was beginning to think he might have to admit defeat, the pool attendant appeared with a suggestion.
A Bali bed? Well, now you’re talking! 😎
It seems Lyon may have discovered that being late to the pool has its advantages after all.
#TravelHumour #HolidayLife #LyonOnTour #TravelLynStyle
It sounds like a fairly ridiculous question. Seven nights is seven nights, surely?
Well... take a 7-night trip across the Atlantic. You might reasonably assume you’ll be spending seven nights at your destination but take a closer look and you may find that you’re really only staying at your hotel for six nights. The seventh is spent on the overnight flight home.
There’s nothing wrong with that. Overnight flights back to Europe are a fact of life on many transatlantic routes, and waking up back at Heathrow or Dublin instead of paying for another hotel night can make perfect sense.
It does, however, make a difference when you’re comparing prices.
Two holidays can both say “7 nights” in the headline, yet one includes seven nights’ accommodation and the other only six. Suddenly that cheaper option isn’t quite the comparison you thought it was.
Flight times are worth a look too. An early arrival can give you most of your first day at the destination, while a late arrival might mean your first night consists of finding your room and going straight to bed. At the other end, there’s quite a difference between leaving for the airport after breakfast and having almost another full day before your flight home.
Head east and the counting can get even more interesting. A long-haul trip to Asia might include an overnight flight on the way out and another on the way home. A holiday described as 12 nights could therefore mean only 10 nights’ accommodation and the other two spent somewhere at 35,000 feet.
Those options aren’t automatically better or worse. Sometimes the saving is well worth losing a few hours or a hotel night. Sometimes an extra night at the hotel for a relatively small difference in price wins hands down.
The important thing is to count what you’re actually getting before deciding which holiday offers the better deal.
So yes, a seven-night holiday can indeed be only six nights in situ.
Travel maths. Who knew?
#TravelTips #HolidayPlanning #TravelAdvice #TravelLynStyle
🌴 THAILAND — BANGKOK & KOH SAMUI FAMILY ADVENTURE
Thailand works brilliantly for a family holiday when you mix a few days of exploring with plenty of time to slow down by the sea — and this 14-night trip gives you both.
You’ll start with 4 nights in Bangkok, staying in a Deluxe Family Suite at iSanook Bangkok. There’s time to explore the city at your own pace, plus a Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour with more than 15 tastings included. 🍜
Then you’ll leave the city behind and fly to Koh Samui for 10 nights at Coco Palm Beach Resort, staying in a Quadruple Family Bungalow. You’ll be right by the beach, with plenty of free days for swimming, relaxing and deciding whether doing absolutely nothing counts as a plan. 🌴
Two family-friendly experiences are included while you’re on the island. You can spend half a day at Samui Elephant Home, with drinks, snacks and hotel transfers included, and head out by speedboat on a Pig Island eco tour for snorkelling, lunch and a beach where the resident pigs may well steal some of your holiday photos. 🐘🐷
✈️ Depart London Gatwick on 20th May 2027
🌙 14 nights — Bangkok & Koh Samui
🏨 4 nights iSanook Bangkok — Bed & Breakfast
🌴 10 nights Coco Palm Beach Resort — Bed & Breakfast
🍜 Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour with 15+ tastings
🐘 Half-Day Samui Elephant Home Visit
🐷 Pig Island Snorkelling Eco Tour by Speedboat
✈️ Internal flights included
🚐 Private transfers throughout
🧳 Luggage included
👨👩👧👦 Based on 2 adults & 2 children aged 2–11 at time of travel
💷 £5,925 per family
💳 £120 per person deposit
You get Bangkok’s food, colour and bustle first, then ten nights of island time with some family adventures already taken care of — and enough free days left to make the holiday your own.
Package booked by Travel Lyn Style and organised by Merlin Travel Group Ltd - ATOL 11770
Prices are correct at time of posting and are subject to availability and change. No local taxes applicable at the specified accommodations have been advised at the time of posting.
Included excursions can be swapped or removed on request.
#ThailandFamilyHoliday #KohSamui #FamilyAdventure #TravelLynStyle
You might have an obvious reason to celebrate — a honeymoon, a special anniversary, a big birthday or the start of retirement. 🥂
Perhaps you’ve started a new job, changed career, watched the children finally leave home, become a grandparent, finished a degree, sold a business or paid off the mortgage. You might even have signed the divorce papers and decided that somewhere fabulous is called for!
Your reason might be more personal. Perhaps you’re ready to take your first trip alone, you can finally travel again after an illness, or you’ve come through a difficult period and want something exciting to look forward to.
Then there are all those things you’ve been promising yourself you’ll do “one day”. See the Northern Lights. Walk along the Great Wall of China. Spot a tiger in the wild. Watch the balloons over Cappadocia. Visit the Canadian Rockies. Make it all the way to Bora Bora.
You don’t need a traditional milestone to justify a special trip. You just need to decide that “one day” has waited long enough. 🌍✈️
#TravelInspiration #TravelDreams #MilestoneTravel #TravelLynStyle
⚡ It looks dramatic, and it can certainly sound dramatic too — but lightning strikes on commercial aircraft are surprisingly routine.
Airbus says an aircraft in service is struck by lightning on average about once a year, or every 3,000 flying hours. Modern aircraft are designed and certified with this in mind, allowing the electrical current to travel through the structure and exit again without compromising the safety of the flight.
If you’re on board when it happens, there may be a brilliant flash accompanied by a very loud bang or thump, which can understandably be pretty terrifying!
A lightning strike isn't simply ignored once the aircraft lands either. After a known strike, the aircraft is inspected before returning to service, looking for signs of damage at possible entry and exit points and checking any systems or equipment that may have been affected.
So, while the flash and bang might give you quite a fright, for the aircraft it's something its designers have planned for. ✈️⚡
#DidYouKnow #AviationFacts #TravelFacts #TravelLynStyle
🌴 PHILIPPINES — PALAWAN & CEBU
Palawan is made for exploring by boat. Limestone cliffs rise from clear blue water, coral reefs surround tiny islands and some of its best-known sights are hidden beneath the landscape.
This 10-night adventure starts in Manila before flying to Puerto Princesa. Spend an evening on the Iwahig River watching fireflies amongst the mangroves, then travel to Sabang and take a boat along the Subterranean River as it passes through a vast limestone cave towards the sea.
Back on dry land, a hike beneath St Paul Mountain leads to the Batak and Tagbanua village at Sitio Kawasan. Meet members of two of the Indigenous communities of Palawan, learn about their traditions and perhaps try fruit straight from the cashew trees.
From here, travel north to Port Barton, a small coastal town where the first afternoon is deliberately left free. Walk to Pamuayan Falls, find a stretch of white sand or simply stay put for sunset.
The following day is spent island hopping around Port Barton, travelling between places including Turtle Sanctuary, Exotic Island and Paradise Island. Swim and snorkel amongst coral reefs, stop on white-sand beaches and see how local fishermen still use kawil — a simple hand-held hook and single nylon line — to fish these waters.
El Nido comes next, with its jagged limestone islands, rocky coves, lagoons and beaches. A full day of island hopping and snorkelling is included, as well as free time to explore.
Finally, fly to Cebu for three nights. An included day trip visits Oslob and Tumalog Falls before continuing to Moalboal to snorkel amongst sea turtles and the enormous shoals of the famous sardine run.
✈️ London Heathrow – 17th March 2027
🌙 10 nights
🧳 International & domestic flights with 20kg checked luggage included
🏝️ 7-night escorted Palawan tour
🏨 3 nights at the 4* Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, Cebu
🍽️ Selected meals included
🚐 Touring, transfers and excursions included
💷 £3,099 per person, based on 2 adults sharing
💳 £550 per person deposit
💰 No mandatory fees payable locally
Full itinerary available on request
Prices are correct at the time of posting and subject to availability and change.
Sold by Travel Lyn Style
Package organised by Travelpack – ATOL 2866
📞 +44 7707 129 306
✉️ info@travellynstyle.com
#Philippines #Palawan #Cebu #TravelLynStyle
🎂 Travel Lyn Style is 3 today!
Three years ago today, I took the plunge and started my own independent travel business.
Since then, I’ve planned adventures all over the world, tackled some wonderfully complicated itineraries and, most importantly, had the pleasure of seeing so many clients head off on holidays that I helped bring together.
A huge thank you to everyone who has booked with me, recommended me, followed along and supported Travel Lyn Style over the past three years.
Year four starts here. 🥂✈️
#MerlinTravelGroup #IndependentTravelAgent #TailorMadeTravel #TravelLynStyle
Tomorrow, Travel Lyn Style turns three. 🎂
Three years of arranging holidays has reinforced my thoughts on a few things about travel that are worth sharing.
💷 The cheapest holiday is rarely the best-value holiday.
That lower price can be tempting, but sometimes there's a reason for it. Awkward flight times, extras that aren't included, a long transfer or simply a hotel that doesn't suit the people travelling can easily outweigh the saving. Value isn't always found in the lowest number on the quote.
🔎 The little details often make the biggest difference.
Flight times, room location, transfer length, whether a car would be useful, what's within walking distance or which part of an island you stay on might not seem like the most exciting bits of planning a holiday. Once you're there, they can make an enormous difference to how much you enjoy it.
🧭 "The best" is very rarely that simple.
The hotel with fabulous reviews won't suit everyone. Neither will the cruise ship everybody recommends, the destination that's currently everywhere on social media or somebody else's perfect itinerary. What matters is whether it's right for the people actually travelling.
Three years down the line, I'm probably more interested in the details than ever. Not because every holiday needs to be complicated, but because getting those details right is often what turns a perfectly good holiday into the right one.
#TravelPlanning #TravelAdvice #TailorMadeTravel #TravelLynStyle
🌴 BARBADOS — WITH FREEDOM TO EXPLORE
Perched dramatically above Crane Beach on Barbados’ south-east coast, The Crane is no ordinary beach hotel. Dating back to 1887, it combines historic character with a spectacular clifftop setting, sweeping Atlantic views and one of the island’s most distinctive beaches just below.
There’s plenty of temptation to stay put. Days can disappear between the pools, beach and spa, with seven restaurants and bars across the resort when venturing further than a sun lounger feels unnecessarily energetic.
There’s more to Barbados than sun loungers and hotel restaurants, and that’s where this package gets better. Instead of private transfers, an economy hire car is included from the moment you arrive at the airport. For a day out, head into Bridgetown for its UNESCO-listed historic centre and Garrison, follow the Atlantic coast north to Bathsheba and the dramatic rock formations at Bathsheba Beach, or cross to the west coast for calmer Caribbean waters. Harrison’s Cave takes you underground among stalactites, stalagmites and streams, while a visit to one of the island’s rum distilleries adds another very Barbadian experience to the itinerary.
✈️ Direct flights from London Gatwick
🌴 Departing 9th November 2026
🌙 8 days / 7 nights — 6 nights at The Crane + overnight return flight
🏨 4* The Crane Resort
🛏️ Junior Suite
☕ Bed & Breakfast
🚗 Economy car hire — airport pick-up & drop-off, unlimited mileage
💷 £1,549 per person — £3,098 total for 2 adults sharing
The total price includes the mandatory US$58 resort fee, payable locally. Its sterling equivalent has been included in the advertised package price and may vary slightly with the exchange rate.
Prices and availability are correct at the time of posting and subject to change until booked.
Sold by Travel Lyn Style
Package organised by Merlin Travel Group Ltd – ATOL 11770
📞 +44 7707 129 306
📧 info@travellynstyle.com
#Barbados #TheCraneBarbados #CaribbeanHoliday #TravelLynStyle
Lyon has been getting to grips with the finer points of travelling.
First lesson: definitions can vary considerably from one country to another.
Take a “light lunch”, for example…
Fortunately, finding the right holiday is rather less open to interpretation. It’s about understanding what matters to you, what doesn’t, and getting the details right before you travel.
As Lyon is beginning to discover, those details can make all the difference. 🦁
#TailorMadeTravel #TravelAgent #TravelTips #TravelLynStyle
TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR — From safari to sea, a match made in heaven
There are few better combinations than the excitement of an African safari followed by a few days beside the Indian Ocean, and this trip packs an impressive amount into just 8 nights.
Your adventure begins in Arusha before heading into the Central Serengeti for private 4x4 game drives and an overnight at Golden Safari Camp. This is the Tanzania you’ve come to see, where the wildlife rather than the clock dictates the pace of the day. Then it’s on to Ngorongoro for a crater descent, wildlife viewing and picnic lunch.
After the safari, an included internal flight takes you across to Zanzibar for five nights split between three very different parts of the island. You’ll have two nights on the coast at Jambiani, a night among the winding streets and historic buildings of Stone Town, and finally two nights at Nungwi in the north.
There’s plenty included along the way too, with a Prison Island and Stone Town spice tour, plus a snorkelling and dolphin trip off Nungwi. It’s a lot of Tanzania in one trip, but with those final days beside the Indian Ocean providing a rather good reward for all those early safari starts.
🦁 Private Serengeti 4x4 game drives
🌋 Ngorongoro Crater descent
🌴 Jambiani • Stone Town • Nungwi
🐬 Snorkelling & dolphin tour
🌿 Prison Island & spice tour
🚗 Private transfers throughout
🧳 Luggage included
📅 25th July 2027
✈️ London Gatwick flights
🌙 8 nights / 9 days
💷 £4,443 per person based on 2 adults sharing
💳 £750 per person deposit
⏳ Book by 4 September 2026
Total package price for 2 adults: £8,886 of which £108 (£54 per person) is payable locally.
Booked through Travel Lyn Style. Package organised by Merlin Travel Group Ltd – ATOL 11770.
Prices correct at time of posting and subject to availability/change. Total price includes mandatory local fees/taxes based on £1 GBP = $1.30 USD. Exchange rates/local taxes may change before local payment.
📞 +44 7707 129 306
📧 info@travellynstyle.com
#TanzaniaSafari #Zanzibar #SafariAndBeach #TravelLynStyle
SRI LANKA: A world in one island
Thirty days in Sri Lanka gives you something that a shorter tour simply can’t: time.
Departing on 16 February 2027, this journey begins with two nights in Negombo before heading into the wilderness for four nights at Wilpattu Safari Camp. From there, the route continues through the Cultural Triangle and Kandy, with three nights in each, before one of Sri Lanka’s best-known journeys takes you by train from Kandy through the tea country to Ella.
Four nights in Ella are followed by four nights at Gal Oya, where the focus turns firmly back to nature, then another four nights around Yala and the coast. By the time you reach Beruwela, there are still five nights left to settle beside the beach and enjoy a completely different side of the island.
The longer stays are what make this itinerary particularly appealing. Rather than constantly moving on, there’s time to see more of each area and choose how busy you want your days to be.
Optional experiences available along the way range from wildlife and boat safaris to village visits, cooking demonstrations, tuk-tuk tours and cycling. There are opportunities to walk sections of the Pekoe Trail, visit temples, discover local crafts and traditions or spend time with the Veddha community. You certainly won’t need to do everything.
✈️ Direct flights from London Heathrow
📆 Departs 16th February 2027
🌙 30-day journey
🏨 Accommodation throughout
☕ Daily breakfast
🚗 All transfers
🚂 Kandy–Ella train tickets
💷 £11,798 total for 2 adults
👫 £5,899 per person, based on 2 adults sharing
💳 Deposit £500 per person
For anyone who has Sri Lanka on their list but would rather experience the country than race around it, this is a rather lovely way to do it.
📞 +44 7707 129 306
📧 info@travellynstyle.com
Sold by Travel Lyn Style
Package organised by Merlin Travel Group Ltd – ATOL 11770
Prices are correct at the time of posting and are subject to availability and change. No local taxes were
advised as applicable to the specified accommodation at the time of posting.
#SriLanka #SlowTravel #WildlifeTravel #TravelLynStyle
✈️ DID YOU KNOW?
The world’s shortest scheduled flight links two tiny islands in Orkney: Westray and Papa Westray.
The two airports are just 1.7 miles apart and the flight is scheduled to take around two minutes, although the actual time in the air is usually closer to 90 seconds. With the right wind behind it, the crossing has reportedly been completed in under a minute.
The route is operated by Loganair, and because curiosity got the better of me, I checked whether you can actually book it. You can. A one-way fare starts from £19, including baggage.
I’m not entirely sure you’d have time to settle into your seat before preparing to land, but it must be quite fun to say you’ve flown the shortest scheduled passenger flight in the world.
Blink and you’ll miss it. 🐸✈️
Would you book it just to say you’d flown it?
#DidYouKnow #TravelFacts #Orkney #TravelLynStyle
Of course you can book your own holiday. You can compare the flights, work out which fare actually includes luggage, open fifteen hotel tabs, read reviews until they all start contradicting each other, check whether the room with the better view is worth the extra, sort the transfers and make sure all the pieces actually work together.
For some people, researching every last detail is part of the fun. For everyone else, several evenings disappearing down a rabbit hole of flight times, hotel reviews, room categories, baggage allowances and cancellation policies probably isn’t quite how they planned to spend their free time.
Tell me where you’d like to go, what matters to you and what you’d like to spend, and I’ll take it from there. I’ll search and compare the options, look at the details that can make a real difference to a trip and put everything together around you. You make the choices that matter; I deal with the legwork, and you have someone to turn to if you need help along the way.
Perhaps the best part of planning a holiday should be looking forward to it.
Thinking about your next trip? Get in touch and tell me where you’d like to go.
#TailorMadeTravel #IndependentTravelAgent #HolidayPlanning #TravelLynStyle
🦁 MEET LYON
Travel Lyn Style seems to have acquired a new member of the team.
He’s curious about the world, particular about the details and firmly believes that the right holiday depends entirely on the person taking it.
So, Lyon will be coming along for the journey.
You’ll find him exploring destinations, investigating hotels, discovering different ways to travel and occasionally asking the questions that might help you decide whether somewhere is right for you.
He has opinions. He notices things. He’s rather fond of the good life, and judging by his first appearance, he’s already found a Greek taverna. 🍷
Lyon won’t be replacing the personal advice, planning and support behind Travel Lyn Style. He’s here to add another perspective and perhaps make choosing your next adventure a little more fun and a lot less stressful.
#MeetLyon #TailorMadeTravel #TravelInspiration #TravelLynStyle
🚢 ITALY, BERMUDA & FLORIDA
How does 18 nights away, a transatlantic cruise and a balcony cabin for £2,575 per person sound?
Your holiday begins in Rome on 29th October, with a night in the city before boarding Celebrity Ascent for 14 nights and setting off across the Atlantic towards Florida.
First come Cagliari in Sardinia, Málaga and Madeira. Then it’s time to settle into life aboard Celebrity Ascent, with five consecutive days at sea before reaching Bermuda. No ports, no early starts and plenty of time to make use of everything on board.
And with five days of Atlantic ahead of you, having your own Infinite Edge Balcony sounds like a very good idea. 🌊
Spend the day at Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard, with its historic buildings, waterfront and those famously clear turquoise waters, before continuing to Florida.
Once in Fort Lauderdale, three nights at The Westin Beach Resort give you time to enjoy the sunshine before flying home.
✈️ London Heathrow flights
🏨 1 night 4* Hotel Latinum, Rome – Room Only
🚢 14 nights Celebrity Ascent – Full Board
🌊 Infinite Edge Balcony Cabin
🍹 Classic Drinks Package & Basic Wi-Fi
🌴 3 nights 4* The Westin Beach Resort Fort Lauderdale – Room Only
💷 £2,575 per person (£5,150 total based on 2 adults sharing)
💰 £300 per person deposit
£2,508 per person payable to MTG Holidays + £67 per person payable locally.
The £67 is included in the total price above.
Optional onboard gratuities: £414.96 per cabin.
US entry requirements apply. Eligible travellers will require a valid ESTA or appropriate visa.
📅 Departs 29th October 2026
Book by 27th August 2026, subject to availability.
Prices correct at time of posting and subject to availability and change. Local payment calculated at £1 = US$1.35; exchange rates and local charges may change before payment.
Sold by Travel Lyn Style.
Package organised by Merlin Travel Group Ltd – ATOL 11770.
Fancy swapping grey November days for the Mediterranean, Bermuda and Florida? Send me a message.
#CelebrityCruises #TransatlanticCruise #Bermuda #TravelLynStyle
🚂 INDIA, BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
There are journeys where the transport simply gets you from one place to another, and then there’s the Palace on Wheels. For seven glorious nights, this luxury train becomes your hotel as you make your way through Rajasthan, waking each day somewhere new and stepping off to discover palaces, forts, and some of India’s best-known sights.
From Delhi, journey through Jaipur, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, continuing to Bharatpur and Agra.
🐅 Search for tigers in Ranthambore National Park
🏰 Explore Amber Fort, City Palace, Mehrangarh Fort and Chittorgarh Fort
🐪 Watch the sunset over the Sam Sand Dunes
🛶 Cruise Lake Pichola
✨ And finish with one of the great sights of India – the Taj Mahal
On board, your Deluxe Cabin has its own ensuite, with full-board dining, bar lounge, spa and onboard hospitality. The package also includes 2 nights at the 5* Le Méridien New Delhi, transfers, sightseeing, entrance fees and English-speaking guides.
✈️ Flying from London Heathrow
📅 Departing 8th March 2027
🌙 9 nights / 11 days
👫 Based on 2 adults sharing
💷 £7,089 per person — £14,178 total package price
💳 Deposit £750 per person
⏳ Book by 26 August 2026
Also included:
🍽️ 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners
🚌 Luxury coaches for excursions
🐅 Shared canter safari in Ranthambore
India is one of those destinations where having the arrangements taken care of makes an enormous difference. Unpack aboard one of India’s best-known luxury trains and let Rajasthan come to you.
If this sounds like your kind of India, send me a message and I’ll talk you through the itinerary.
📞 +44 7707 129 306
📧 info@travellynstyle.com
Sold by Travel Lyn Style.
Package organised by Merlin Travel Group Ltd – ATOL 11770.
Prices and inclusions correct at time of posting and subject to availability and change. No applicable local accommodation taxes have been advised at the time of posting.
#LuxuryRailTravel #IndiaByTrain #PalaceOnWheels #TravelLynStyle
Every traveller has their own idea of the perfect escape.
Apparently this little fella prefers Tuscany...
Where would you go?
Let me know in the comments. 🦁
Did you know that sloths can take up to a month to digest a single meal?
Their metabolism is one of the slowest in the animal kingdom. Living on a diet of leaves, they conserve energy by moving very little, sleeping for around 15 hours a day and taking their time over... well... just about everything!
It's a surprisingly effective survival strategy. By moving slowly, they use less energy and are less likely to attract the attention of predators.
So perhaps we can all learn something from a sloth.
Not every journey has to be rushed. Not every itinerary has to be packed from dawn until dusk. Sometimes the best travel experiences come from slowing down long enough to notice what's happening around you.
Whether that's watching wildlife in the Costa Rican rainforest, lingering over lunch in a village square or simply enjoying the view with nowhere else to be, travelling at a gentler pace has its own rewards.
Life in the slow lane doesn't seem like such a bad idea after all.
#TravelLynStyle #DidYouKnow #WildlifeTravel #TravelSmarter
Two Countries. One Extraordinary Journey.
Some holidays are about slowing down, whereas others are about seeing how much of the world you can experience in a single trip. This is most definitely the second.
Beginning in Panama, you'll discover the remarkable engineering of the Panama Canal, explore the modern skyline and historic quarter of Panama City, spend time with an indigenous community and escape to the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro, where life revolves around colourful wooden houses, crystal-clear waters and cacao plantations.
Crossing into Costa Rica, the journey becomes your own. Collect your hire car and explore at a relaxed pace, stopping whenever a viewpoint, a waterfall or a roadside café tempts you. Rainforests replace island life, hanging bridges lead you through the forest canopy, sloths, monkeys and scarlet macaws become regular sightings, while visits to family-run coffee and pineapple farms offer a glimpse into everyday Costa Rican life. The backdrop of Arenal Volcano provides one final change of scenery before the journey comes to an end.
Every stop has been chosen for a reason, right down to the accommodation, where you'll stay in everything from a Caribbean beach lodge and glamping tent to a rainforest treehouse and a hotel with views of Arenal Volcano.
Your package includes:
✈️ Return flights from London via Newark
🌎 14 nights across Panama & Costa Rica
🏨 Carefully selected accommodation throughout
🚗 Transfers, domestic flight and car hire
🍽️ Daily breakfast, selected lunches and one dinner
🛶 A programme of guided experiences and excursions
📅 Departure: 2nd January 2027
💷 £4,745 per person, based on 2 adults sharing.
ℹ️ ESTA approval for US transit via Newark is required and not included. Subject to availability at the time of booking.
If you'd like to discover where each day takes you, I'd be delighted to send you the full itinerary.
Package sold by Travel Lyn Style and organised by Merlin Travel Group Ltd (ATOL 11770).
#TravelLynStyle #Panama #CostaRica #MultiCentreTravel
Yesterday, we looked at why the best holidays start with the right questions rather than the right destination.
So here's another one...
What is your holiday must-have?
Perhaps it's sitting outside over breakfast while the rest of the world is still asleep. Maybe it's a balcony with a view, a hotel where everything is taken care of, or somewhere so peaceful that you forget what day it is.
Or perhaps it's wandering through local markets, discovering little cafés, swimming in warm seas, walking in the mountains, finding exceptional restaurants, enjoying a glass of wine as the sun goes down, watching wildlife, visiting museums, exploring gardens, meeting local people, or simply knowing there's absolutely nothing planned.
There isn't a wrong answer.
The same destination can be completely different depending on what you're hoping to get from it, and that's why one person's perfect holiday can leave someone else completely unmoved.
So, if you had to choose just one...
❤️ Sunshine
🍷 Food & wine
🌊 The sea
🏔️ Mountains
🚶 Exploring
🏛️ History & culture
🌿 Nature & wildlife
🛏️ Peace & quiet
🏨 Luxury hotels
👨👩👧 Time with family
🎭 Entertainment & nightlife
🍹 Doing absolutely nothing
Or is it something else entirely?
I'd love to hear your answer. Leave a comment below and let's see which holiday must-have comes out on top!
#TravelLynStyle #TravelInspiration #HolidayPlanning #YourPerfectHoliday
What if you're asking the wrong question?
One of the first things many people do when they start planning a holiday is ask, "Where should we go?"
It's an understandable question, but it isn't always the most useful one.
A destination is only part of the story. The better place to start is by thinking about what you want from the trip.
Perhaps you've had a demanding few months and simply need to slow down for a week. Maybe you've reached a milestone worth celebrating. Or perhaps you've realised it's been far too long since you wandered through the streets of somewhere completely new with absolutely no agenda.
Those answers tell you far more than a map ever could.
By the time you've worked out what you want your holiday to do for you, the list of possible destinations has usually become much shorter.
Choosing where to go is important and understanding why you're travelling is even more so.
The best holidays don't begin with a destination. They begin with the right conversation.
#TravelLynStyle #TravelAdvice #TailorMadeTravel #TravelPlanning
Four Canary Islands. Four very different personalities.
One journey to discover them all. 🌋🌴
One of the things I've enjoyed most about learning more about the Canary Islands is discovering just how different they are from one another.
If you're visiting for the first time, choosing just one isn't easy.
For me, Lanzarote is the artist, where volcanic landscapes and César Manrique's vision have created an island unlike any other.
Fuerteventura is the free spirit, with seemingly endless sandy beaches and a relaxed pace of life.
La Palma is the nature lover, greener than most people expect and a favourite for walkers, gardens and star-filled skies.
Tenerife is the cultured explorer, combining Spain's highest peak with elegant towns, dramatic coastline and a surprising variety of landscapes.
The beauty of this itinerary is that you don't have to choose between them.
Over 15 days, you'll have the opportunity to experience all four Canary Islands, with Lisbon and Madeira adding even more variety along the way. It's long enough to give you a flavour of each destination and perhaps discover the one that deserves a longer return visit in the future.
If this sounds like your kind of journey, here's what's included:
🛳 Cunard Queen Anne
📅 29th November – 13th December 2026
💷 £1,049 per person, based on two adults sharing a Britannia Inside Stateroom (standard aft, allocated by Cunard).
💰 Deposit £160 per person.
Your itinerary:
🚢 Southampton - 🚋 Lisbon - 🌿 La Palma - 🌋 Tenerife - 🏖️ Fuerteventura - 🎨 Lanzarote - 🌺 Madeira - 🚢 Southampton
Your fare includes accommodation, full board dining and onboard entertainment.
Gratuities of US$18 per person, per day apply. Other stateroom categories, drinks packages and shore excursions are available at additional cost, subject to availability.
Sold by Travel Lyn Style.
Arranged by Cunard Cruise Lines.
The best holidays don't begin with a destination.
They begin with the right conversation.
If you're curious to find out which Canary Island might suit you best, let's start that conversation.
#TravelLynStyle #CanaryIslands #Cunard #Cruise
Before last week, I'd never been to the Canary Islands.
My visit to Tenerife challenged quite a few assumptions I'd made. I came home thinking I'd discovered one island. Instead, I found myself reading about all eight.
The more I learnt, the more I realised they each have their own character. Some are made for walkers, others for artists, beach lovers, divers or anyone simply looking to slow the pace.
That's one of the things I love most about travel. The more you discover, the more curious you become.
So I started wondering...
If each Canary Island were a person, who would they be?
Swipe through and tell me... which one sounds most like you?
#TravelLynStyle #CanaryIslands #TravelInspiration #IslandLife
Confession time...
Until last week, I'd never set foot in the Canary Islands. Sure, I knew the names, but I really hadn't appreciated just how different they are from one another.
So here's a little challenge to see how well you know them.
Swipe through, make your guesses and let me know your score in the comments.
(And yes... no Googling! 😉)
#TravelLynStyle #CanaryIslands #TravelQuiz #DidYouKnow
Over the past few days I've shared why North Tenerife deserves far more attention than it often receives. Today, I'd like to finish where it all began... at the 5* Gran Hotel Taoro.
When a hotel invites a travel professional to experience its property, it places a great deal of trust in that person. Every detail matters, and every experience contributes to the recommendation that follows.
Gran Hotel Taoro did far more than showcase a beautifully restored historic hotel. The team shared their pride in North Tenerife, introducing us to its landscapes, history, food and traditions as well as their own exceptional hospitality. It was an approach that left a lasting impression.
The hotel itself is somewhere you can happily spend a day doing very little at all. Relax by one of the heated swimming pools, stroll through the gardens, enjoy the ocean views from your room, linger over dinner on the terrace as the evening light changes, or simply pause to appreciate the history of a building that has been restored with such care and respect.
If you'd like to experience everything you've seen over the past few days, this itinerary combines a stay at the Gran Hotel Taoro with the freedom of your own hire car, so you too can explore North Tenerife whenever the mood takes you.
✈️ Departure: 19th September 2026
🗓️ 5 nights
💷 £1,110 per person, based on two adults sharing
Your package includes:
✈️ Direct British Airways flights from London Heathrow
🧳 Cabin baggage and 23kg checked luggage
🚗 Six days' car hire with free additional driver
🏨 Five nights at the 5* Gran Hotel Taoro in a Deluxe Ocean View Room
🍽️ Half Board (breakfast and dinner)
💳 Deposit: £100 per person
My sincere thanks to everyone at Gran Hotel Taoro for making us feel so welcome, and to Workham Hotels for the invitation. It has been a privilege to discover this remarkable hotel and the beautiful corner of Tenerife it calls home.
Sold by Travel Lyn Style.
Package organised by Merlin Travel Group Ltd – ATOL 11770.
#TravelLynStyle #GranHotelTaoro #NorthTenerife #Tenerife #WorkhamHotels
Three days isn't enough to know North Tenerife. It is, however, long enough to understand why so many visitors return time and time again.
When I arrived at Gran Hotel Taoro last Friday, I knew I was about to experience a beautifully restored five-star hotel. What I didn't appreciate was how perfectly it would introduce me to the region that surrounds it.
Every day revealed something different.
One morning was spent wandering through the streets of Puerto de la Cruz, where historic squares sit comfortably alongside a modern seafront promenade. Returning another evening for dinner and an evening stroll showed the town in a completely different light, proving it's somewhere to savour rather than simply pass through.
Our full-day excursion revealed yet another side of the island. We observed the famous Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos, paused at the Mirador de Garachico with a traditional barraquito in hand, explored the remarkable town of Garachico and its story of resilience after the volcanic eruption of 1706, before returning through landscapes that reminded us just how varied North Tenerife really is. That afternoon took us to La Orotava. Its beautifully preserved houses, carved wooden balconies and quiet streets speak of centuries of history, inviting you to slow down and look a little closer.
The scenery is quite different from the south of the island. The slightly cooler, greener climate supports vineyards alongside plantations of bananas, mangoes, avocados and papayas, while the Atlantic provides a spectacular backdrop almost everywhere you look. Sometimes the clouds drifted in across the mountains, but rather than spoiling the view they added another dimension to the landscape and made exploring on foot all the more comfortable.
Food became another highlight of the visit. Whether we were dining at the hotel, enjoying leisurely lunches or discovering restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz, every meal celebrated local ingredients, generous hospitality and excellent Canarian wines. We certainly weren't in danger of coming home hungry!
Gran Hotel Taoro was the constant throughout it all. Its elegant gardens, several heated swimming pools and commanding position above Puerto de la Cruz made it a wonderful place to return to after each day's adventures. Rather than feeling tucked away from the island, it felt completely connected to it.
Perhaps that's what I'll remember most.
The hotel was exceptional, but it never tried to be the whole experience. Instead, it encouraged us to step outside, explore North Tenerife and come back each evening with another story to tell.
For me, that's exactly what great travel should do.
Tomorrow I'll be putting together an itinerary inspired by this visit, for anyone who'd like to experience North Tenerife in much the same way.
#TravelLynStyle #Tenerife #NorthTenerife #GranHotelTaoro #WorkhamHotels
After lunch yesterday, our hosts at Gran Hotel Taoro swapped volcanic landscapes for elegant architecture as they introduced us to La Orotava, a town where history seems to spill down every steep cobbled street.
I quickly discovered that looking at La Orotava and exploring La Orotava are two very different things. Every side street seemed to reveal another carved wooden balcony, flower-filled courtyard or carefully restored façade. It’s a town that rewards wandering without much of a plan.
As a travel planner, I found myself noticing the little details that help bring a destination to life for clients. The famous Canarian balconies are beautiful, but so too are the quiet squares, colourful façades, hidden gardens and viewpoints that many visitors simply walk past.
By late afternoon we were back at Gran Hotel Taoro with just enough time to freshen up before heading out again, this time into Puerto de la Cruz for dinner.
The evening light transformed the harbour. Fishing boats rocked gently beneath the old harbour crane, golden sunshine caught the volcanic stone of Castillo San Felipe, and dark Atlantic clouds gathered dramatically over Mount Teide without ever quite spoiling the sunset. Even the fairground rides waiting to open seemed to glow in the last light of the day.
After dinner, we lingered a little longer, strolling along the waterfront as Puerto de la Cruz slipped from sunset into night. Restaurants filled, waves crashed against the lava rocks, and the town took on an entirely different atmosphere to the one we’d explored earlier in the day.
It’s easy to understand why so many visitors return here year after year. There’s history in the streets, life around the harbour and, wherever you happen to be, the Atlantic never seems very far away.
Thank you once again to the team at Gran Hotel Taoro for another thoughtfully planned day, introducing us not only to the hotel but also to the character of northern Tenerife.
#TravelLynStyle #Tenerife #PuertoDeLaCruz #GranHotelTaoro
Today’s Tenerife has been a reminder that on an island like this, the weather has absolutely no intention of sticking to one season.
Breakfast began with rain drumming on the terrace. A little later we were driving through sunshine, then mist, then cloud, before emerging back into bright blue skies. If we’d managed to find snow, we’d probably have completed the set.
One thing I’ve particularly appreciated during this stay at the Gran Hotel Taoro is that they haven’t simply shown us the hotel. Today’s excursion was organised by the team so we could experience more of northern Tenerife itself, from its landscapes and history to its local traditions and cuisine. Our route has taken us from one of Tenerife’s oldest living landmarks to one of its most beautiful historic towns.
🌳 We stood beside the famous ancient Dragon Tree, whose sculptural form looks more like something from another planet than a tree.
☕ We finally tried a traditional barraquito. Layers of coffee, condensed milk, liqueur, frothed milk and cinnamon… definitely not your average morning coffee and very delicious.
⛪ We wandered through the churches and quiet streets of Garachico, a town that rebuilt itself after the volcanic eruption of 1706 changed its history forever.
🌊 And from high viewpoints looking down over the Atlantic to sea level beside the harbour, the scenery kept changing almost as quickly as the weather.
Then we came it back to Puerto de la Cruz for lunch… before continuing our discovery of North Tenerife and that’s a story for the next post.
#Travellynstyle #Tenerife #CanaryIslands #TravelInspiration #workhamhotels #granhoteltaoro
Sometimes first impressions deserve a second chance.
After sharing my thoughts on Puerto de la Cruz this morning, I found myself wandering back into town this afternoon. Without a schedule to follow, I took a few different streets and discovered a very different side of the town.
Away from the seafront, I found quiet cobbled lanes lined with traditional Canarian balconies, peaceful churches, small squares and reminders that this was once an important fishing port. The sculptures along the waterfront celebrate that maritime heritage, while the volcanic coastline continues to remind you that you're on an island shaped by nature as much as by history.
It's a useful reminder that familiarisation trips aren't just about ticking off attractions. Sometimes it's the unplanned hour, walking without a map or an agenda, that gives you the clearest understanding of a place. Puerto de la Cruz certainly rewarded a second look.
Back at the Gran Hotel Taoro, the evening continued at OKA, the hotel's Japanese restaurant. Beautifully presented dishes, excellent ingredients and relaxed service made for a memorable dinner, followed by an espresso martini overlooking the Atlantic as daylight gradually gave way to another spectacular Canarian evening.
One day, two walks through the same town... and two completely different impressions. That's exactly why I never like to judge a destination too quickly.
#TravelLynStyle #PuertoDeLaCruz #Tenerife #GranHotelTaoro
Stepping into Puerto de la Cruz
One of the advantages of staying at the granhoteltaoro is that Puerto de la Cruz is within easy reach… provided you’re happy with steps.
The walk into town took us about fifteen minutes, almost entirely downhill through gardens and quiet streets. Returning to the hotel was rather different. A ten-minute taxi ride for €5 seemed a perfectly sensible investment.
This morning’s guided walk reinforced something I’ve been reminded of many times in my travels: a destination doesn’t have to become your favourite for you to appreciate it.
Puerto de la Cruz is a town of contrasts. Historic churches sit alongside colourful street art. Old defensive walls overlook the Atlantic while modern apartment buildings remind you that this is a living town rather than an open-air museum. Small religious images decorate house walls, fishing heritage is celebrated in murals, and tropical planting softens the volcanic landscape.
It isn’t the polished image that many people picture when they think of Tenerife, but perhaps that’s the point. North Tenerife has its own character, shaped as much by its history as by tourism.
Returning to the Gran Hotel Taoro, lunch at the poolside La Carola showcased a combination of Canarian and Peruvian flavours that reflected Tenerife’s long-standing connections with Latin America. After a relaxed afternoon by the pool, the culinary journey continues this evening at OKA, the hotel’s Japanese restaurant.
Tomorrow we’ll be exploring another side of Tenerife, and I’m curious to see how the island continues to surprise me.
#TravelLynStyle #BehindTheBrochure #NorthTenerife #Tenerife
There are hotels that impress from the moment you arrive, and there are hotels that gradually reveal themselves.
Gran Hotel Taoro falls firmly into the second category.
Following a meticulous restoration, the hotel’s historic character has been preserved while carefully introducing everything expected of a modern five-star property. The new additions don’t compete with the original building; they respect it. Even the concrete balconies have been designed to complement the architecture rather than imitate it, allowing old and new to sit comfortably together.
As I wandered through the hotel, I found myself noticing the details. Anne Semonin products appear consistently throughout the property, from the guestrooms to the wellness area and even the public facilities. It isn’t about showcasing a luxury brand, but about creating a seamless experience.
The real highlight, however, arrived over dinner.
With my back to the Atlantic, my attention was drawn inland towards Mount Teide. Throughout the evening the clouds slowly lifted, revealing the observatory high on the mountainside before drifting back down again like a soft cloak over the landscape.
As daylight faded, the atmosphere changed almost imperceptibly. The light softened, bringing out the colours of the gardens, trees and historic buildings before the sky gradually filled with shades of pink and orange.
It was a fitting end to my first full afternoon at Gran Hotel Taoro.
Tomorrow I’ll be exploring much more of the hotel, discovering Puerto de la Cruz and learning more about why this part of Tenerife has such a loyal following. If today is anything to go by, there’s plenty more to uncover.
My thanks to the team at Gran Hotel Taoro for such a warm welcome. More to come…
TravelLynStyle is visiting Gran Hotel Taoro as a guest of the hotel and Workham Hotels as part of a familiarisation trip. As always, the opinions and observations shared are my own.
#TravelLynStyle #Tenerife #GranHotelTaoro #LuxuryTravel
Tenerife update…
I’ve often heard people describe Tenerife as “not very pretty”.
I can see why they say it. There are certainly parts of the island where concrete seems to have won the battle against aesthetics.
And then there’s somewhere like El Médano.
Black volcanic sand instead of golden beaches. A mountain that looks as though someone carefully placed it there. Constant Atlantic breezes, surfers everywhere and an atmosphere that feels completely different from the south-west coast that most visitors know.
It isn’t polished. It isn’t trying to be glamorous. But somehow, the more you look, the more beautiful it becomes.
Yesterday I joked that I was heading south in search of cooler weather. As it turns out, that’s exactly what I found.
While Britain has been busy melting, El Médano has been sitting at a very civilised temperature with a gentle Atlantic breeze. Warm enough to spend the day outdoors, but without feeling as though you’re being slowly poached.
Our hotel is right on the beachfront, so the sea breeze is part of the experience. Better still, it’s an easy stroll into the town for restaurants and bars, yet somehow the soundtrack is mostly Spanish conversations rather than English ones.
It feels authentic, relaxed and refreshingly unhurried.
Perhaps Tenerife isn’t one destination after all. It’s several very different islands sharing the same piece of volcanic rock.
These photos certainly aren’t helping the argument that “it’s not very pretty.” 😉
#TravelLynStyle #Tenerife #CanaryIslands #ElMedano
Today's weather in London appears to have been accidentally borrowed from somewhere in the Sahara.
Meanwhile, the temperature forecast for Tenerife is sitting very comfortably at around 25°C.
For years the Canary Islands have been sold as somewhere to escape the British weather and find a bit of warmth. Tenerife was built for sunshine. Houses have shutters, restaurants have shade, air conditioning is generally expected, and people sensibly arrange their lives around the fact that it gets warm.
Britain, on the other hand, responds to temperatures above 30°C by melting railway lines, emptying the shelves of every fan within a 20-mile radius and collectively deciding that nobody can reasonably be expected to function.
Tomorrow I shall be heading south in search of lower temperatures, which as someone from the Northern Hemisphere feels a bit surreal. Travel really does have many ironies.
Has anybody else reached the point where 25°C suddenly sounds perfectly civilised?
#TravelLynStyle #TravelIronies #Tenerife #HeatwaveUK
There seems to be an awful lot of pressure attached to travel these days. Social media is full of bucket lists, "must see before you die" destinations and articles telling us that we absolutely have to visit somewhere before we are 50, 60 or perhaps before next Tuesday.
Apparently, we should all want to see the Northern Lights, climb Machu Picchu, visit Japan, stay in an overwater villa in the Maldives and spend at least a week taking photographs of ourselves in New York.
The trouble is that travel is a rather personal thing.
Some people dream of safaris, while others would rather spend a fortnight reading a book beside the sea. Some people save for years to visit a particular destination, and others look at exactly the same place and wonder what all the fuss is about.
So I'm curious. Which destination seems to appear on everybody else's wish list, but simply doesn't appeal to you?
No judgement. No need to justify yourself. I'm just interested to see which places divide opinion the most.
I await your nominations.
#TravelLynStyle #BucketList #TravelTalks #TravelOpinions
Behind the brochure…
Travel changes. Hotels change. Destinations change. Restaurants close, new ones open, flight schedules evolve and entire areas reinvent themselves.
A brochure can tell me how many swimming pools a hotel has. A website can show me beautifully staged photographs. A webinar can explain which rooms have been refurbished.
None of those things tell me how a place actually feels.
How far is the walk into town?
Would I feel comfortable recommending it to a solo traveller?
Is the location peaceful or simply isolated?
Does the atmosphere suit couples, families or friends?
Is the service genuine or merely well-rehearsed?
Over the past three months I've found myself in India, Norway, Bali and several trips to France in between. This week, for the first time in more than 30 years working in travel, I shall be setting foot in the Canary Islands.
Tenerife has somehow remained one of the gaps in my own travel experience.
That means I shall be seeing it exactly as many clients do: with curiosity, a few preconceptions and plenty of questions.
Over the coming week, I'll be sharing my first impressions as I discover Tenerife for myself.
Not simply what the photographs show, but what it actually feels like to be there.
And perhaps, by the end of it, I'll finally understand why so many people have spent years telling me that I really ought to visit Tenerife.
#TravelLynStyle #BehindTheBrochure #Tenerife #TravelAdvisor
One last Bali thought before I stop talking about the island.
Over the past few weeks I’ve taken you from Ubud to Tejakula, Amed and Jimbaran, shared ceremonies, offerings, waterfalls and village life, and perhaps most importantly introduced you to the people of Bali. Their pride in their island, their traditions and their desire to share them with visitors is often what makes people fall in love with the Island of the Gods.
The itinerary I followed costs around £2,000 per person and, if I’m honest, I would happily do exactly the same journey again. But not everybody has a £2,000 budget.
If you’ve enjoyed following my Bali adventures and have been quietly thinking, “I’d love to go, but not at that price”, then Bali can still be done for under £1,000 per person.
This 11-night twin-centre combines the peaceful surroundings of Ubud with time to relax in Canggu, giving you a taste of Bali’s cultural heart alongside its coastal lifestyle.
📅 Departure: 10 March 2027
🛏️ Duration: 11 nights plus 2 nights in flight
💷 £999 per person
💳 Deposit: £99 per person
Your package includes:
✈️ International flights from London Heathrow with 23kg baggage
🏡 3 nights at Senetan Villas & Spa Resort, Ubud
🥐 One Bedroom Bungalow with breakfast
🚗 Private transfer between resorts
🌴 7 nights at The Bali Dream Villa Resort, Echo Beach, Canggu
🥐 Superior Room with breakfast
🚘 Private airport transfers throughout
Senetan sits amongst the greenery outside Ubud and offers a quieter side of Bali, whilst Canggu provides beach sunsets, cafés, surfing, restaurants and a different pace of island life.
Additional local charges:
📄 Visa On Arrival: 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person (approximately £25-£30)
❤️ Bali Tourist Levy: 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person (approximately £6.50-£7)
This may not be exactly the Bali that I chose for myself, but one of the things this trip reminded me is that there is no single “right” way to experience the island. Whether you want to explore four different regions or simply split your time between jungle and coast, Bali remains one of the most rewarding destinations I know.
And now, I promise, I shall stop talking about Bali. At least until somebody books it, even if that somebody happens to be me!
Price based on 2 adults sharing.
Price and availability correct at the time of posting and subject to change.
Package sold by Travel Lyn Style.
Organised by Merlin Travel Group ATOL 11770.
#TravelLynStyle #BaliHoliday #Bali2027 #IslandOfTheGods
I've never really understood the idea of a bucket list.
Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of places I'd still like to visit, but I've never seen travel as something to be ticked off and completed.
I've just returned from my seventh visit to Bali. By bucket list logic, I should have crossed it off years ago and moved on to somewhere new.
Instead, every visit leaves me with the same feeling: that there is still more to see, more to understand and more to learn. Not because Bali is changing particularly quickly, but because I am. The places that mean the most to us often reveal themselves gradually, one visit at a time.
Perhaps that's why I find the idea of "doing" a destination slightly odd. A country isn't a museum exhibit to be viewed once before moving on to the next. The more time you spend somewhere, the more layers begin to emerge, and the more you realise how much you missed the first time around.
For me, the best destinations aren't necessarily the ones I've never visited. They're the ones that still make me curious after all these years.
So here's my Friday evening question.
Which destination could you return to again and again, and why?
📍 Bali, June 2026
#TravelLynStyle #TravelInspiration #BucketListTravel #WanderMore
Yesterday, communities across Bali celebrated Galungan, one of the most important festivals in the Balinese Hindu calendar.
Galungan marks the victory of Dharma (good, truth and righteousness) over Adharma (evil, chaos and disorder). More than a celebration, it is a reminder of the constant balance between these opposing forces and the importance of choosing the right path in everyday life.
It is also believed that during Galungan, ancestral spirits return to visit their families. Homes and temples are prepared with offerings and prayers, and families gather to honour those who came before them, express gratitude and strengthen the bonds between generations.
The most visible sign of Galungan is the appearance of penjor, the tall bamboo poles decorated with coconut leaves, fruit, rice and flowers that line roads and village streets across the island. Their graceful shape is said to represent Mount Agung, Bali's most sacred mountain, as well as prosperity, gratitude for the harvest and devotion to the divine.
Galungan is celebrated every 210 days according to the Balinese Pawukon calendar rather than once a year. Preparations begin well in advance, with families making offerings, decorating homes and temples, and preparing for a series of ceremonies that continue until Kuningan ten days later, when the ancestral spirits are believed to return to the spiritual realm.
While visitors often notice the striking decorations, the true significance of Galungan lies in prayer, family, gratitude and the enduring connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. It remains one of the clearest expressions of the faith and traditions that continue to shape everyday life in Bali.
Selamat Hari Raya Galungan to everyone celebrating.
#TravelLynStyle #DidYouKnow #BaliCulture #Galungan
If you've been following my Bali diary over the past two weeks and found yourself thinking, "I'd quite like a bit of that", this is the exact route we followed. Minus the malfunctioning laptop, the scooter expedition, the slippery stones and my ongoing fascination with Bali's wildlife.
What you will get is a journey through four very different parts of Bali, from the cultural heart of Ubud to the quieter north coast, the black sand beaches of Amed and a relaxing finish in Jimbaran.
📅 Departure: 14th October 2026
🌙 Duration: 12 nights in Bali + 2 nights in flight
💷 From £2,000 per person based on 2 adults sharing
Your Package Includes:
✈️ Economy class flights from London Heathrow with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
🧳 30kg checked luggage per person
🍳 Breakfast throughout
🌿 3 nights at Mathis Retreat Ubud in a Garden View Bungalow
🏊 3 nights at The Tiing Villas Tejakula in a One Bedroom Ocean View Villa with Private Pool
🌊 3 nights at Good Karma Bungalows Amed in a Sea View Villa
🌴 3 nights at InterContinental Bali Resort Jimbaran in a Classic King Room with Balcony and Garden View
🚗 Private transfers throughout, including airport and hotel transfers
Things to See & Do:
The following are some of the experiences we enjoyed whilst travelling this route. Excursions are not included in the package price but can be arranged before departure or during your stay.
🌾 Explore the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
🛕 Discover Bali's temples, ceremonies and daily offerings
🌋 Enjoy views of Mount Batur and Bali's volcanic landscapes
🐒 Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud
🥥 Explore traditional villages and rural Bali
🐠 Snorkel coral reefs and discover Bali's underwater world
🚤 Watch colourful fishing boats line the beaches of Amed
🌅 End your journey beside the sands of Jimbaran Bay
Additional Local Charges:
📄 Visa On Arrival – 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person (approximately £25-£30)
❤️ Bali Tourist Levy – 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person (approximately £6.50-£7)
This holiday is dynamically packaged by Travel Lyn Style and protected through Merlin Travel Group. Price is correct at the time of publication, based on the stated departure date, and is subject to availability and change.
One of the reasons I enjoy Bali so much is that every region feels different. Move around the island and you'll find rice terraces, volcanic landscapes, traditional villages, coral reefs, fishing communities and long sandy beaches, often all within a few hours of each other.
If you'd like to discover the Bali beyond the beach clubs and social media hotspots, I'd be delighted to help.
#TravelLynStyle #Bali #Indonesia #CuratedTravel
One of the things visitors to Bali quickly learn is to watch where they're putting their feet.
At first, it's because the small woven baskets of flowers, rice and incense seem to appear everywhere. Outside homes, shops, restaurants and temples. Beside swimming pools, at crossroads, in rice fields and even on the dashboards of vehicles. After a few days, you find yourself automatically checking the ground before taking a step.
The Balinese call these daily offerings canang sari. They're expressions of gratitude and devotion, intended to help maintain harmony between people, nature and the spiritual world. During my recent trip, one of our hotels provided a simple explanation of their significance, but what fascinated me most wasn't what they meant. It was how completely they're woven into everyday life.
The first offerings appear before dawn, long before most tourists have emerged in search of breakfast. Fresh flowers are carefully arranged, incense is lit and the day begins. By the following morning, the process starts all over again.
Most visitors photograph the neat, colourful offerings, and rightly so. Some are extraordinarily beautiful. Yet one of my favourite photographs from this trip is of yesterday's offerings gathered outside a temple after a ceremony had ended. The flowers are fading, the leaves are beginning to dry and they will soon be replaced by fresh ones. To me, that's far more interesting than the perfect examples because it shows that this isn't something arranged for visitors. It's simply part of daily life, repeated day after day, year after year.
One of the things I've always found interesting about Bali is that the offerings tell you a great deal about the place you're in. In rural areas such as Tejakula, Amed and the villages around Ubud, they're impossible to miss. In some of the more heavily developed tourist areas, they seem to fade into the background. They haven't disappeared, but they're no longer the first thing you notice. For me, that's often a clue as to whether I'm experiencing Bali itself or simply a destination that happens to be located in Bali.
I also noticed a small tradition that many visitors probably overlook. In some of the more traditional family-run shops, banknotes received from customers are briefly passed over the merchandise before being put away. The gesture is intended to share prosperity and invite good fortune for the business. It's easy to miss if you're busy putting away your change, but it's another example of how spirituality and daily life remain closely connected.
Amusingly, after spending part of my holiday on a mission to find culinary pandan to bring home, I started noticing familiar plants appearing everywhere. The flowers, leaves and natural materials used in offerings don't come from a separate world reserved for ceremonies. Many are the same plants growing in gardens, used in cooking or sold in local markets. In Bali, daily life, nature and spirituality aren't neatly separated into different boxes. They coexist quite naturally.
My first visit to Bali was in 1993 and the island has changed enormously since then. There are more hotels, more traffic and more visitors than ever before. Yet every morning, all over the island, somebody is still weaving leaves, arranging flowers and lighting incense before the day begins.
During our stay, preparations for Galungan were already underway. We saw people working on offerings, carrying materials and preparing for one of the most important festivals in the Balinese calendar. I kept hoping we'd round a corner and find the roads already lined with decorated penjor poles, but we were just a little too early.
Our driver on the journey back to the airport promised he'll send me photographs once everything is in place, which feels rather fitting. After two weeks spent noticing the details that most visitors walk straight past, I'm now sitting in England waiting for pictures of decorations I narrowly missed.
For me, that's Bali in a nutshell. Not just the beaches, temples and resorts, but the daily rituals, traditions and quiet acts of gratitude that continue whether tourists are watching or not.
And that's why those small baskets of flowers, rice and incense tell you far more about Bali than any brochure ever could.
Bali – Day 14 – Time to Say Goodbye
Our final morning in Bali began much as the previous three had. Breakfast happened, the musicians smiled back, and the resident monitor lizards emerged for what appeared to be a communal hydrotherapy session beneath the fountain.
Meanwhile, my laptop chose this particular morning to retire the letters I and O, along with the number 0 and the backspace key. Not ideal when online check-in, travel admin and the small matter of writing yesterday’s epic tribute to Cuca were all on the agenda.
Fortunately, my trusty iPhone came to the rescue. Several hours of squinting at a screen the size of a digestive biscuit later, everything was eventually accomplished. I may now require stronger glasses.
By then it was lunchtime. We headed to the Sunset Bar beside the beach, found a shady table, ordered lunch and settled in. The drinks arrived promptly. The food did not. By the time our meals eventually appeared, our shady table was in full sunshine, we had completed the Times Jumbo Crossword and finalised our departure strategy.
Back in the room we had just over two hours until our airport transfer. My other half’s suitcase was already packed and standing neatly by the door while he headed off to the pool for a final dose of sunshine. I, naturally, had not started packing. Instead, I decided my remaining rupiah needed converting into souvenirs, with very little consideration for the increasingly theoretical amount of space left in my suitcase.
First stop was the supermarket for ginger sweets, dragon fruit and Bali soap, followed by the little offerings shop across the road for incense. I wanted the real thing, the fragrance that drifts through temples and shrines every day, not the version packaged for tourists.
The young lady serving spoke very little English and my Balinese remains limited to polite greetings and goodbyes. Through a combination of pointing and enthusiastic gesticulation she understood that I wanted incense and seemed slightly disappointed when I explained that I only needed one packet of 100 sticks. She informed me the total was 40,000 rupiah. I smiled and pointed at the 25,000 rupiah price tag on the shelf. Balinese people don’t visibly blush, but there was definitely a sheepish smile before she agreed that perhaps it was 25,000 after all. I handed her the 40,000 rupiah anyway and told her to pray for me. The smile that followed was worth every rupiah.
Next came a return visit to a souvenir shop I’ve frequented on previous trips. Pushing open the door, I announced, “Hati-hati! Tourist in the house! Selamat siang!” There were giggles. There were smiles. I explained that I was desperately short of both time and suitcase space but that I absolutely needed a duck to remind me of Bali. Naturally. An appropriate duck was located, wrapped and purchased while I chatted with the young man behind the counter and mentioned that I remembered his mother from previous visits. We parted company smiling, my duck safely wrapped and the clock ticking ever louder.
Back at the hotel I had one hour remaining. First things first: a cup of tea. Then came the awkward realisation that I had absolutely no idea what to do with the kettle I had acquired earlier in the trip. It certainly wasn’t coming home with us, and leaving it behind somehow felt wrong.
A quick WhatsApp message to our driver, complete with photograph, solved the problem. He wanted it. Everyone was happy.
Packing eventually commenced. Some creative redistribution of luggage contents may have been required, but eventually both suitcases closed successfully.
As we climbed into the car, the scent of pandan drifted from the offering on the dashboard. The small basket was covered with dried shredded pandan leaves, releasing that familiar fragrance I had spent half the holiday obsessing over. It felt oddly fitting.
The ducks, the monitor lizards, the peacocks, the squirrels, the pigs, the koi carp, the waterfalls, the rice terraces, the snorkelling adventures, the friendly smiles, the pandan expeditions and even the occasional minor catastrophe all seemed to arrive together for one final farewell.
The journey to the airport passed without incident. Check-in worked. Security worked. Immigration worked. Frankly, it all felt suspiciously efficient.
Standing at the aircraft door, I smiled at the staff and announced, perhaps a little louder than necessary: “Bye Bye Bali. It’s been fun.” Several smiled and wished us well. And just like that, our visit to Bali came to an end.
Next stop, Istanbul. Then Heathrow. Then home.
Bali – Day 13 – Jimbaran
Another lazy wake-up in our almost soundproofed room. We can hear the fountain, but the wildlife appears to have signed a non-aggression pact with the hotel management. No dawn chorus, no competitive rooster crowing, no dogs conducting neighbourhood meetings at 3am.
Breakfast took place in the main restaurant, where we were escorted directly to our “usual” table in the garden in front of the musicians. It was reassuring to see that the same musicians were still there six years later and still not smiling. Naturally, this became my mission for the morning. A little applause, plenty of smiles and an enthusiastic thank you for allowing me to film them eventually yielded two smiles out of three. Progress.
At 11am we set off for the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, better known as GWK. The journey south was conducted largely at walking pace thanks to traffic, which at least gave us time to observe the surroundings. Fast food chains and coffee shops have firmly established themselves here and, whilst perhaps inevitable, they do make parts of southern Bali feel rather less Balinese than they once did.
We also passed a durian shop and spent several minutes wondering whether spending every day surrounded by the world’s most divisive fruit might have consequences for one’s social life.
At one point traffic ground to a halt beside a traditional market. I was convinced my elusive pandan leaves were lurking just a few metres away. Before I could leap from the car in pursuit, the traffic cleared and my opportunity disappeared into the distance.
GWK itself is a curious place. The approach feels more like arriving at a government complex than a cultural attraction, with vast avenues, manicured lawns and enormous animal sculptures scattered throughout the grounds. Buying tickets should have been simple. It wasn’t. After successfully navigating the online booking system, we discovered we also needed a time slot for our guided tour inside the statue. This information only became apparent after several rounds of showing tickets, receipts and screenshots to various officials. Eventually we secured places on the 1pm tour and were left with an hour to fill.
Inside the park, we wandered past the immense statues of Wisnu and Garuda, dodging selfie sticks, influencers and small children strategically positioned to block pathways. The statues themselves are impressive, and the accompanying audio guides explain the significance of Wisnu, the Hindu god who preserves and protects the universe, and Garuda, his mythical eagle-like companion.
The Lotus Pond offered spectacular views of the surrounding limestone cliffs, although not a lotus was visible. Naming conventions appear to be somewhat flexible.
Soon it was time for our buggy ride up to the main attraction: the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue itself. Standing 121 metres tall, it is one of the tallest monumental statues in the world. Conceived by Balinese sculptor Nyoman Nuarta in 1990 and finally completed in 2018, the project took almost three decades to finish and weighs around 4,000 tonnes. Seeing photographs beforehand simply does not prepare you for the reality of standing beneath it.
The guided tour takes visitors inside the structure itself. Behind the copper and brass exterior lies a vast steel framework that feels more like the inside of a skyscraper than a statue. We learned about the engineering challenges involved, the wind testing, the construction process and the sheer scale of the undertaking. Looking out from the viewing level across southern Bali was surprisingly disappointing. As an engineering achievement alone, it is worth visiting. By the time we returned to the car we were hot, tired and sporting an impressive step count.
Fortunately, the day was about to improve dramatically. We stopped in Jimbaran to collect our laundry and, more importantly, to see whether my pandan leaves had actually been put aside for me. They had. I cannot adequately explain the level of joy this generated.
The shop owner seemed quietly amused as I enthusiastically purchased pandan, along with galangal, ginger and turmeric. Thanks to modern technology and a great deal of pointing at things, I emerged triumphant. For the equivalent of about 20 pence, I had finally secured my culinary treasure.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent by the pool sharing a scoop of coffee ice cream and enjoying the return of the sunshine after several cloudy days. With our final full day in Bali slipping away, there was a definite sense that the holiday was beginning to draw to a close.
Dinner that evening was at Cuca, just a short walk along the beach from our hotel. This was our third visit. For anyone staying in Jimbaran, I genuinely believe it should be on the list of places not to miss.
Opened in 2013 by Chef Kevin Cherkas, whose career included time in some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, Cuca has collected an impressive number of international awards and recommendations, including recognition from Tatler and the Michelin Green Guide. More importantly, the food is exceptional. We sat at the kitchen counter, watching a brigade of chefs produce dish after dish with astonishing precision. It was exhausting just observing them.
I started with a Bali Mary, made with Cuca’s own house-made Tabasco. My better half chose a Sungria that arrived looking like a science experiment before wine and brandy were poured over frozen fruit and sorbet.
We selected three dishes each. Whilst technically described as tapas, the portions are considerably more generous than many tapas bars would dare to serve. Every dish brought different flavours, textures and surprises. Nothing felt complicated for the sake of it; just thoughtful, creative food executed brilliantly. Desserts followed and demonstrated that restraint had abandoned the kitchen entirely. As always, Cuca delivered an experience rather than simply a meal. If I return to Bali in the future, and I sincerely hope I do, I have absolutely no doubt that I will return to Cuca as well.
Our walk back along the beach felt rather reflective. Tomorrow would be our last day on an island that has once again reminded us why we keep coming back. The plans for tomorrow are simple. Sunshine permitting, a final day of relaxation. And packing. Mostly packing.
Bali – Day 12 – Jimbaran
Today was a very late start for me as the soundproofing I’d hoped for yesterday actually worked. No roosters, no dogs and, most importantly, no peacocks announcing the dawn of a new day. Just the gentle hum of the air conditioning and eventually an announcement from my other half that we would miss breakfast if I didn’t get a move on.
Breakfast didn’t quite go according to plan. The resort has been hosting a wedding over the past three days and we have never seen it so busy. We arrived expecting one of our usual tables outside only to be told there was a queue of around twenty minutes. Rather than spend part of our holiday standing in line for coffee, we defected to another restaurant.
Before doing so, we checked on the resident monitor lizards. Three were spotted lurking around the fountains, looking like miniature dinosaurs that had somehow survived extinction and found gainful employment at a five-star resort.
Our alternative breakfast venue initially seemed like a triumph. We secured an outside table immediately and ordered coffee. Five minutes later we were congratulating ourselves on an excellent decision. Thirty minutes later we were still waiting for a fried egg. By the time it arrived, we suggested that management might consider issuing the staff with roller skates.
After breakfast, we split up for the morning. He headed for the pool while I embarked on a solo expedition involving laundry, a pharmacy, a dinner reservation and, most importantly, the acquisition of pandan leaves to bring home.
The first few tasks went remarkably smoothly. Even crossing the main road was becoming second nature. It is surprising how quickly repeatedly dicing with death starts to feel normal. Unfortunately, my lie-in meant I had missed the best time to visit the traditional market. A consultation with AI suggested an alternative supermarket, so off I set through the residential backstreets of Jimbaran. The walk itself was fascinating. Small temples stood outside family compounds, ornate gateways framed hidden courtyards and dogs lounged outside homes keeping a watchful eye on passing strangers.
Then things took an unexpected turn. A woman on a scooter slowed down beside me and shouted, “Hey Miss, where are you going?”
“The supermarket,” I replied.
“Hop on, I’ll take you.”
For reasons that remain entirely unclear, I accepted. Moments later I was clinging to the back of a scooter driven by a complete stranger, without a helmet, weaving through narrow roads and wondering whether this was either the best or worst travel decision I had ever made. My impromptu taxi deposited me safely at the main road, wished me a happy holiday and disappeared into the traffic. I still can’t quite believe that happened.
The supermarket turned out to be smaller than expected and, naturally, had no pandan leaves. It did, however, have sambal, kecap manis, gado-gado seasoning and an intriguing Japanese tea maker that nearly followed me home. My search continued.
A post office smelled strongly of pandan but had none for sale. Market stalls had none. Small shops had none. One vendor looked at me as though I had developed a sudden and rather worrying fixation with leaves. Eventually, I found a stall overflowing with herbs, vegetables and spices. Victory seemed certain. They had sold out.
Apparently more would arrive tomorrow and I have persuaded them to put some aside for me. Whether this agreement survives contact with reality remains to be seen, but I am cautiously optimistic.
On my wanderings, I also came across a less attractive side of Bali. Tourism has brought prosperity to many communities across the island, but it has also brought an enormous increase in waste. Bali’s waste management infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with the rapid growth in visitor numbers and population. Whilst many local organisations, businesses and volunteers work tirelessly on clean-up initiatives and recycling projects, rubbish remains a significant challenge in some areas. Plastic waste in particular often finds its way into rivers, roadsides and eventually the sea. It is a reminder that paradise and reality frequently occupy the same space, and that responsible tourism matters more than ever.
Back at the hotel, we decided to give the breakfast restaurant a second chance for lunch. This proved to be an error. A poke bowl and a Caesar salad required more than thirty minutes to appear. Fortunately, Bali’s wildlife department stepped in to fill the gap. A squirrel spent the waiting time performing increasingly ambitious acrobatic manoeuvres between a palm tree and the awning above our table. It moved too quickly for photographic evidence, which is unfortunate because it was by far the most efficient thing operating in the restaurant.
To compensate for the delay, complimentary coffees and ice cream were offered. We declined, worried they might arrive sometime next Tuesday.
Later, I mentioned the Japanese tea maker from the supermarket and was informed that I should have bought it. This led to a highly educational fifteen minutes during which I discovered that I could order an actual kettle online for less than £5 and have it delivered directly to the hotel. Twenty-five minutes later, kettle in hand, I was enjoying a proper cup of tea and feeling extraordinarily pleased with myself. Better still, I discovered that the same app can deliver pandan leaves. My backup plan was complete.
Then the heavens opened. Not gentle rain. Not drizzle. Proper tropical rain. Great sheets of water falling from the sky and bouncing off the ground in all directions. It lasted only a short while, but afterwards the air was filled with that wonderful scent of rain falling on hot earth. There is even a word for it: petrichor. Sadly, the clouds lingered and our hoped-for sunset never materialised.
Dinner was at Balique, just across the road from the hotel and one of our favourite restaurants in Jimbaran. The menu blends Indonesian and French influences and, once again, it did not disappoint.
Tomorrow we are planning to visit the GWK Cultural Park and we have a special dinner reservation. There is also the small matter of collecting laundry and, hopefully, finally taking possession of some pandan leaves. The suspense is becoming almost unbearable.
Bali – Day 11 – Amed to Jimbaran via Sidemen
The day dawned with its usual flurry of activity, although I missed the actual dawn entirely. My considerably more motivated other half was up early enough to capture the spectacular sunrise photos attached to this post. Whilst lying in bed enjoying some well-earned sleep has its merits, discovering afterwards that Mother Nature put on one of her finest performances without me is mildly irritating. Note to self: make more effort.
Tea was consumed, breakfast was enjoyed and then came the now familiar packing ritual. This one felt particularly bittersweet because Good Karma has quietly worked its way into our affections. Of all the places we've stayed so far, this is the one I was least ready to leave.
Talking of packing, I owe a debt of gratitude to my now retired airline pilot Dad. Thanks to lessons learned on family travels and later refined at boarding school, I can still fit what appears to be a small household into a suitcase. A useful life skill when travelling with snorkelling gear, electronics, emergency supplies and enough tea bags to survive a minor apocalypse.
With a few hours to spare before departure, I went on one final expedition around the hotel gardens in search of pandan leaves. My plan was simple: smuggle home enough fragrance to make the house smell faintly of Bali for a few weeks. The mission failed completely, but it proved a pleasant excuse to wander the grounds one last time, say goodbye to the staff, chat with Wayan from our snorkelling trip and watch the fishermen preparing their boats.
At 11.30, we hit the road. More accurately, the road hit us. A particularly enthusiastic collection of potholes just outside the hotel had us bouncing around the back seat like contestants in some obscure village fairground ride.
Our route took us inland through eastern Bali. Familiar landmarks flashed past, including Tirta Gangga and the giant flying duck at Maha Gangga Valley. Sadly, there was no opportunity for photographs because we were on a mission to reach Sidemen for lunch.
As we descended into Sidemen Valley, it became obvious why so many people rave about it. Sidemen feels like Bali has quietly stepped back a few decades. There are rice fields, rivers, villages and mountain views, but remarkably little noise. No traffic chaos, no endless souvenir shops and no one trying to sell you a day bed package. The loudest things, apparently, are the frogs. If your idea of a holiday involves doing very little whilst staring at Mount Agung, this may be your happy place. It has certainly found its way onto our list for next time.
Koli Koli, however, was a rather different experience. Perched dramatically on the valley side, it consists of terraces, plunge pools, day beds and approximately fourteen million steps. There were influencers carefully posing at every available viewpoint, not a handrail in sight, and very few Balinese guests. It felt less like Sidemen and more like a beach club that had taken a wrong turn somewhere near Canggu. That said, the view was spectacular, my prawn tacos were excellent and our table occupied prime real estate overlooking the valley. I can't complain. Well, not much.
Back on the road, Bali continued to provide entertainment. We saw pigs being transported in a manner unlikely to feature in any luxury travel brochure, passed coffee farms, watched villages preparing elaborate decorations for Galungan and listened to our driver explain one of Bali's most important festivals. Galungan celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the return of ancestral spirits to visit their families. Various locals have also described it to us as "a bit like Christmas" or, less helpfully, "nothing very interesting for tourists".
As we approached the south of the island, traffic density increased dramatically. Scooters carrying entire family units squeezed between buses, trucks and cars, all apparently operating under the same principle: arrive first, ask questions later. This brought us to the Bali Mandara Toll Road, a 12.7-kilometre stretch built across Benoa Bay. It saved us all of ten minutes, cost the princely sum of 14,000 Rupiah and satisfied my curiosity. Money well spent.
Arrival at the InterContinental Jimbaran felt like stepping into a parallel universe. A gong was sounded as we entered. I chose to believe this was a welcome rather than a warning to the staff to hide anything breakable. Check-in was swift, my IHG membership was acknowledged and we were upgraded to a rather splendid mezzanine room overlooking immaculate gardens inhabited by what appears to be a small army of peacocks. The wildlife tally continues to grow.
Our attempt to catch the final moments of sunset failed by roughly ten seconds. Consistency is important.
Instead, we headed to the new supermarket outside the resort. Officially, we needed water and sugar-free tonic. Unofficially, browsing an Indonesian supermarket is one of my favourite holiday activities. I inspected candlenuts, ginger, galangal and yet again searched unsuccessfully for pandan. The staff informed me that if I wanted pandan, I would need to visit the traditional market the following morning. Challenge accepted.
We also encountered durian. I quite like durian. My other half reacts to durian as though it has personally offended him. We left it on the shelf in the interests of domestic harmony.
Dinner was taken on Jimbaran Beach. Whilst the resort restaurants are lovely, it is difficult to ignore twenty beachfront seafood restaurants sitting fifty metres away. Unfortunately, before reaching them, a rogue wave launched a surprise attack and soaked our shoes. Apparently wearing shoes on a sandy beach was our first mistake. We eventually found a table beside the sea, enjoyed a simple dinner with a cocktail and a small Bintang as we watched local dogs conducting their nightly patrols amongst the offerings left on the sand.
Walking back along the beach, avoiding further aquatic ambushes, we reflected on how different this part of Bali feels from the places we'd visited over the previous ten days. Less authentic perhaps, more polished certainly, but still undeniably Bali.
As we returned to our room, the resident peacocks were settling into their rather luxurious accommodation in the resort gardens. Whether they are capable of replacing Bali's army of roosters as the official dawn alarm system remains to be seen, although given that this is a five-star resort, I'm hopeful that somebody has explained the concept of soundproofing to them.
Tomorrow's mission involves relaxation by the pool for him and a traditional market and a determined search for pandan leaves for me. The odds of success currently appear to be roughly on a par with spotting a unicorn.
Bali – Day 10 – Amed
For reasons that remain unclear, sleep and I had a disagreement during the night. Whether it was the waves, the heat or my brain deciding that rest was overrated, I couldn’t say. The upside was being awake in time to watch the fishing boats return to shore at dawn.
The black volcanic beach beside our room was almost deserted as the traditional jukung boats appeared one by one on the horizon. A little further along the beach, a lady sat waiting with her three children, all eyes fixed firmly on the sea. Somewhere out there was Dad. Amed may be popular with snorkellers and divers, but it remains very much a working fishing village. Long before tourists emerge in search of coffee, many local fishermen have already been at sea for hours.
After breakfast I wandered back down to the beach and discovered two freshly caught fish lying on a wall exactly where the family had been sitting earlier. No explanation was required. Dad had clearly done his job.
At 10am we met Kayan and his boss Wayan for a snorkelling trip. The first stop was the Japanese Shipwreck. To be fair, describing it as a shipwreck raises expectations. What remains today is less “sunken maritime relic” and more “underwater reminder that there was once a ship here”. Fortunately, Jemeluk Bay more than redeemed the morning. Huge shoals of fish drifted over the reef, occasionally parting around us as though we’d accidentally wandered into somebody else’s underwater motorway.
Back on dry land, we immediately inspected the photographic evidence. This involved my phone inside a waterproof pouch that I had spent the entire morning distrusting and my other half’s waterproof camera. Against all expectations, both survived. A handful of my photos turned out reasonably well. Many of his were excellent. Unfortunately, his camera has now refused to communicate with his iPad, so the best images of the day are effectively being held hostage until we get home.
Lunch was a delicious nasi goreng, adding yet another serving of rice to what is becoming a remarkably rice-based diet. Afterwards came a well-earned siesta, some route planning for tomorrow’s transfer and an unexpected biology lesson as I continued my hunt through the hotel gardens for culinary pandan.
As evening approached, we boarded the shuttle to Mathis Lodge, the sister property of the Mathis Retreat in Ubud and thankfully free of rebellious ducks.
The journey up the mountain was memorable for all the wrong reasons. Just when we thought we had experienced Bali’s most challenging roads, this one raised the bar. Our backsides regularly lost contact with the PVC-covered benches as we bounced through potholes of increasing size.
Yet the journey itself was fascinating. Through open doorways we caught glimpses of family life; children watching television, parents preparing food and offerings, neighbours helping each other with building projects and youngsters enjoying the simple thrill of a ride in the back of a pick-up truck.
The higher we climbed, the cooler the air became. The road became a track. The potholes became geological features. Eventually we arrived at Mathis Lodge, perched high above Amed with sweeping views across the hills and sea beyond.
The setting is spectacular. Had it not required an assault on the lower spine to reach it, we could happily have stayed there. Instead, we settled for cocktails, a delicious dinner and a shared crème brûlée that was entirely worth every calorie.
The journey home was considerably more comfortable thanks to Wayan and one of the lodge’s electric vehicles. Along the way we chatted about life in Bali. He explained that he still lives with his parents, as many young adults do, because living independently is expensive.
When Indonesians talk about money, they talk in millions. Wayan explained that weddings, houses and family ceremonies can easily cost hundreds of millions of Rupiah. It turns out that young adults in Bali face many of the same challenges as young adults everywhere else. First you have to find the right person. Then you have to pay for the wedding. Then you need somewhere to live. Then come the children. Suddenly those potholes on the road up to Mathis Lodge didn’t seem quite so frightening.
Bali often feels wonderfully carefree to visitors, but conversations like this are a reminder that behind the beaches and sunsets are ordinary people like Wayan, working hard, saving what he can and hoping to build a secure future for himself and his future family. We found ourselves quietly hoping he succeeds.
Back at the Good Karma we thanked Wayan, wished him luck in finding both love and prosperity and wandered back along the beach. Then we looked up. Away from the lights, the sky was astonishing. Thousands upon thousands of stars stretched across the darkness, more than either of us could remember seeing in years. For a few moments, we simply stood and stared.
Tomorrow we leave beautiful Amed behind and head south to Jimbaran for the final three nights of our Bali adventure.
Bali - Day 9 – Amed
The dawn chorus at Good Karma is slightly different from previous mornings. Yes, the roosters are still convinced that everyone needs waking at ridiculous o’clock, the dogs continue their ongoing negotiations with one another, and the insects hum enthusiastically. But here, all of that is overshadowed by the fishing fleet.
Just after sunrise, dozens of traditional outrigger boats appear on the horizon and begin their daily return to shore. Sails billow in the morning breeze before being lowered in a surprisingly orderly fashion. Nets are tidied, catches sorted and, one by one, each boat makes a determined charge towards the black volcanic beach.
The early arrivals enjoy the luxury of choice. The latecomers have all the fun of trying to parallel park an outrigger boat between several others already occupying the available real estate. It is a daily spectacle somewhere between a ballet and a marine version of supermarket car park chaos.
The fishermen’s wives gather on the beach to inspect the night’s catch. Judging by the expressions this morning, nobody was planning an extravagant shopping trip. We later learned that fishing has been difficult for several months, although things are slowly improving.
After breakfast it was time for our snorkelling adventure. Being considerably more sensible than I am, my other half tested all of his equipment in the swimming pool beforehand. Everything worked perfectly. I tested mine using a far more advanced method known as optimism.
Our guide, Kayan, and skipper were waiting for us on the beach. Boarding the boat demonstrated once again that there are two types of people in this world. Those who spring gracefully aboard like Olympic gymnasts, and those who resemble a sack of potatoes being loaded onto a ferry. I shall leave you to guess which category I occupied.
As we headed north, it became clear that Amed is changing. Beautiful villas sit alongside increasingly ambitious developments, some more sympathetic than others. One enormous building now blocks the sea view for properties that had enjoyed it for years. Meanwhile, a beautiful traditional property nearby sits abandoned whilst bureaucracy does what bureaucracy does best.
Our first snorkelling stop produced exactly what had been promised: turtles. Four of them in fact. Now, before anyone writes to me, turtles are magnificent creatures and seeing them in the wild is genuinely special. But after ten minutes of watching them graze peacefully on seagrass, it did occur to me that we were essentially observing underwater cows having lunch.
The second stop at Jemeluk Bay was more revealing. We had heard stories of colourful coral gardens and underwater temples. The reality was rather more sobering. Whilst parts of the bay showed signs of the damage that tourism and warming seas have caused over the years, there were also encouraging signs of regeneration, with artificial reef structures helping new coral establish itself.
Everything took a turn for the extraordinary when Kayan showed us how to quietly attract some of the smaller fish. Within moments I was surrounded by hundreds of tiny fins. Sergeant majors, damselfish, wrasses and even a couple of parrotfish appeared from seemingly nowhere, swirling around us in a glittering cloud of colour. For a few minutes it felt as though we’d been allowed into a world that normally carries on quite happily without us.
Unlike the ducks in Ubud, these creatures actually seemed grateful for my attention.
Back at the resort, lunch disappeared remarkably quickly before the afternoon dissolved into a mixture of poolside relaxation and, inevitably, another snorkelling expedition on the house reef. The underwater camera finally made an appearance and plans were immediately made for another snorkelling trip tomorrow.
As evening approached, pink clouds drifted across the sky above the Bali Sea whilst the fishing boats rested on the black sand beach, waiting for darkness and another night’s work. A warm breeze rustled through the trees and for a while I simply sat watching it all unfold. There are places that impress you with grand monuments or famous sights. Amed isn’t really like that. Its charm lies in something much quieter: the feeling that life here is still closely connected to the sea, the weather and the passing of the day. Sitting there, listening to the wind and watching the boats wait patiently for their next voyage, I felt remarkably at peace with the world. Dinner followed, along with an early night.
Tomorrow there will be more fish, more snorkelling and, if luck is on our side, some colourful coral and a turtle or two.
The ducks remain unbeaten in the category of least appreciative wildlife encountered on this trip.
Bali – Day 8 – From Tejakula to Amed
Our final morning in Tejakula dawned much like the previous ones, with a chorus of roosters, dogs and assorted wildlife enthusiastically announcing the start of a new day. One particularly keen rooster had started at 3am. Either his watch was broken or he’d had a late night at the local warung.
Breakfast came with an unexpected side order of geological drama. News alerts were reporting a powerful earthquake off the Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the Pacific and as far south as Indonesia. There is something rather surreal about reading headlines involving potential natural disasters whilst calmly eating tropical fruit and drinking coffee beside a swimming pool. Thankfully the warnings were later lifted, leaving us to continue with the considerably less dramatic challenge of packing our suitcases. This time, however, it was remarkably civilised. No bulging emergency bags. No sitting on suitcases. No negotiations with zips. We appear to be learning.
Our driver arrived exactly on time with cold water and Balinese sweets waiting in the door pockets. He confirmed that we could stop for lunch wherever we liked because we were his only clients for the day. It was a stark reminder that Bali’s usual high season crowds are still slower to arrive than expected. Events thousands of miles away have a habit of rippling through the world in unexpected ways.
The journey south-east towards Amed was easy, with light traffic, conversation, music and increasingly impressive views of Mount Agung appearing ahead of us. After about an hour we turned inland to the Palm Springs Dive Resort, which I had selected for lunch largely because it looked attractive on Google Maps. Sometimes, dare I admit it, that is the full extent of the planning process.
The road in was beautiful. The surface less so. Potholes and crumbling edges required a degree of concentration that suggested the road and the scenery were competing for attention.
The resort itself was immaculate. The gardens looked as though an army of gardeners had been working through the night. Frangipani trees were heavy with flowers, sprinklers hissed away across bright green lawns and the swimming pool looked very tempting indeed.
Lunch was enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the gardens. Smashed avocado on toast for him, mie goreng for me. A combination that probably sums up modern Bali rather well. Business was clearly quiet. At one point our waitress disappeared to carry a newly arrived guest’s suitcase to her room before returning to process our bill. Hospitality, reception and porter services all rolled into one.
Back on the road, we made a brief supermarket stop before continuing along the coast. Dive centre signs began appearing in several languages, a sure indication that Amed was approaching. The town has grown noticeably over the years, stretching further along the shoreline and creeping up the surrounding hillsides. It’s popular, but still nowhere near as busy as we expected. We had grand plans of venturing out and exploring Amed’s nightlife this time. Unfortunately, after repeatedly declaring “the hotel must be just over this hill” and being wrong on four separate occasions, we eventually concluded that our sense of distance remained as unreliable as ever. We also discovered that there wasn’t actually very much within easy walking distance. Plans were quietly revised.
Check-in brought a pleasant surprise. We were given Villa 210, the very same villa we stayed in during our 2023 visit. It genuinely felt a little like coming home. A hammock has since been added across the terrace. It looks lovely and slightly obstructs access to the room. This is very much in keeping with the Good Karma philosophy, where aesthetics occasionally win the battle against practicality.
The beachfront has changed too. When I first stayed here in 2001, fishermen’s boats sat comfortably on the beach while guests wandered freely along the path. Years of coastal erosion have narrowed the shoreline considerably. Nowadays, the outriggers stretch across sections of the walkway and navigating them has become something of an obstacle course. Limbo dancing appears to have become an unofficial local sport.
We had hoped to spend the afternoon snorkelling on the house reef, but the falling tide and rocky entry suggested this might be more painful than enjoyable. Instead, we settled by the pool where we were soon approached by a local boatman offering snorkelling trips. Plans for tomorrow were made within minutes. Promises of colourful coral, tropical fish and excellent visibility were exchanged, and we booked ourselves onto a private morning excursion. Whether the underwater camera chooses to cooperate remains to be seen.
The remainder of the afternoon passed peacefully before dinner. The restaurant blends Balinese, Japanese and Western influences, resulting in a menu that somehow makes complete sense once you’re sitting in front of it. Fish curry with coconut for me. Chicken and vegetable soup for him. Then came dessert. A steaming portion of pisang goreng – fried banana drizzled with honey. It was excellent. It was also entirely unnecessary. The leftovers accompanied us back through the beachfront obstacle course and safely returned to Villa 210 for later consumption.
No tsunamis. No transport dramas. No rogue ducks. No missing keys.
Just a smooth transfer day.
Frankly, it made a pleasant change.
Bali – Day 7 – Waterfalls, Wellness and an International Incident
We woke to the now familiar soundtrack of roosters, barking dogs and crashing waves. The cows appeared to have taken the morning off. I found myself strangely disappointed by their absence. The ducks, meanwhile, remain sorely missed.
Breakfast came and went without drama. The sea continued to do sea things. The coffee was good. At 10.30am we met Alit for a short excursion to Yeh Mampeh Waterfall and the traditional village of Julah.
The drive to the waterfall took only about twenty minutes, although the road seemed determined to fold back on itself at every opportunity. At the car park we were handed over to our guide, the unforgettable Jasper, who introduced himself cheerfully as “the friendly ghost”. With that reassuring introduction, we set off.
The walk to the waterfall follows a steep and narrow path through tropical forest. Jasper turned the journey into a botanical quiz, stopping every few minutes to point at another plant and ask us what it was. Our score was not impressive.
We saw vanilla growing on vines, cocoa pods beginning to form on the bark of trees and cloves drying in the sun. Most interesting of all was pandan, a plant whose leaves are widely used throughout Southeast Asia. It gives rice, desserts and drinks a distinctive sweet aroma that I instantly recognised from countless Balinese meals. At last, the mystery ingredient behind my homemade nasi goreng had been identified. Naturally, within minutes I discovered that I can buy dried pandan online and have it delivered to my front door in England within 24 hours at excessive cost! Nothing says “authentic local discovery” quite like next-day delivery.
As we climbed higher, Jasper explained that many visitors come here seeking spiritual enlightenment. The waterfall is fed by pure mountain springs and the surrounding forest has become something of a wellness destination. People arrive to meditate, fast and reconnect with nature. Being a Sunday, however, nature was sharing the space with children of varying ages on fishing expeditions and a surprising number of scooters carrying youngsters who clearly saw no reason whatsoever to walk uphill when internal combustion had already been invented.
We passed a handful of isolated villas hidden amongst the trees. According to Jasper, almost all belonged to foreigners.
“That one is Balinese,” he said proudly, pointing at a building in the distance.
It turned out to be a cow shed.
The waterfall itself was pretty. A ribbon of water plunging down the cliff face into a cool pool below, surrounded by dense vegetation. The spray was wonderfully refreshing after the climb.
Jasper also pointed out a series of pipes carrying fresh spring water down the mountain to local homes. In many parts of Bali, these mountain springs remain an important source of daily water, a reminder that not every village relies on modern infrastructure in quite the way we do.
The return journey proved slightly more challenging than the ascent thanks to several polished stones that seemed specifically designed to test the dignity of unsuspecting tourists. Nobody actually fell, but there were enough frantic arm movements and last-second recoveries to suggest that gravity was taking a keen interest in proceedings.
Part way down we encountered a monkey enjoying a breadfruit lunch. Upon spotting us, it abandoned its meal and shot up a tree. Jasper advised us not to make eye contact. Apparently monkeys interpret prolonged staring as a challenge. As somebody who had no desire whatsoever to engage in diplomatic negotiations with an irritated monkey, I followed instructions.
Back with Alit, we headed towards Julah, one of Bali’s oldest villages. A short drive brought us to an extraordinarily narrow road which somehow functions as the village’s main street. Julah belongs to the Bali Aga tradition, the island’s original inhabitants whose customs pre-date many of the Hindu influences seen elsewhere in Bali. While much of the island has modernised rapidly, villages such as Julah retain traditions that have been passed down through generations. We parked beside the village temple and were told we were welcome to photograph it but not enter. That seemed straightforward enough.
Unfortunately, we then spotted a small path leading upwards and concluded that it might offer a better view.
A few minutes later we were intercepted by Alit, accompanied by a serious-looking young boy of about eight years old.
It transpired that the area above the temple is reserved for priests and certain religious ceremonies. Foreign visitors are not permitted there. We had accidentally committed what may be Bali’s least threatening international incident. Apologies were offered immediately. The young boy graciously accepted them and then proceeded to become our guide for the next part of the visit.
He showed us the village meeting hall before leading us through narrow lanes lined with family compounds. Traditional Balinese homes are often built around a shared courtyard, with different structures serving different purposes and multiple generations living together. We visited a family who were weaving trays and baskets from bamboo and palm leaves. These are still used daily for offerings and ceremonies throughout Bali. One lady demonstrated how she prepares a traditional mixture of betel leaf and areca nut, chewed across much of Asia for centuries. The practice turns the mouth and teeth a vivid red colour and was traditionally believed to help maintain oral health, although modern medical research takes a rather more cautious view.
As we continued through the village, we passed homes ranging from simple wooden structures to elaborate compounds with carved stone entrances. Outside one house, our guide pointed to a feather placed amongst the daily offerings. The feather, we were told, was intended to remove bad feelings, conflict and negative energy from the household. I made a mental note that I could probably use a bulk order to be delivered with my pandan.
Lunch followed at Warung Seni, a delightful predominantly vegetarian restaurant hidden amongst tropical plants. Service operated at what can best be described as a deeply relaxed pace, but nobody seemed concerned, and once the food arrived it was absolutely worth the wait. The bill was astonishingly small. I checked it twice.
Back at the hotel there was time for a swim, a drink and another spectacular sunset over the Bali Sea.
Dinner happened.
Nobody took photographs.
Tomorrow we pack our bags once more and head for Amed, Bali’s diving and snorkelling capital, where new adventures undoubtedly await and where, with any luck, nobody will need to explain that we are standing somewhere we shouldn’t be!
Bali – Day 6 – The Art of Doing Very Little
After several days of temples, rice terraces, monkeys, ducks with attitude problems and long drives through the Balinese countryside, today was deliberately left free to relax and it turns out that doing very little is surprisingly easy in Tejakula.
Dawn arrived in the usual subtle Balinese fashion, which is to say a rooster somewhere nearby decided that everyone within a two-mile radius needed to be awake immediately. Several of his colleagues clearly agreed and joined in. The dogs contributed their thoughts. A cow somewhere in the distance added a supporting statement. Nature’s alarm clock here has no snooze button.
Breakfast was followed by a leisurely wander through the village. One of the things we enjoy most about northern Bali is that daily life feels very visible. Unlike many tourist destinations where life appears to happen behind the scenes, here it unfolds right in front of you.
The village population seems to consist of roughly equal numbers of people, dogs, chickens, cats and motorbikes. Chickens shepherd tiny chicks through the roadside vegetation whilst dogs lie across pathways apparently confident that everyone else will simply walk around them. Which, to be fair, they do and we did too.
As we passed a nearby temple, I stopped to photograph one of the guardian statues. To western eyes, these figures can look more like something from a horror film than a place of worship. Bulging eyes, enormous teeth and expressions suggesting they’ve just received an electricity bill.
Their purpose, however, is protective. Balinese Hinduism places great importance on maintaining balance between opposing forces. These fierce guardians stand watch over sacred spaces, keeping negative influences at bay. The larger and more terrifying they appear, the better they are at their job. Looking at this particular example, I suspect very few spirits would dare argue with him.
Reaching the main road we came across what initially looked like a collection of recycled plastic bottles filled with suspiciously coloured liquids sitting outside a small market stall. This, as it turns out, was a petrol station.
Motorbikes are the primary form of transport for many Balinese families and in not everyone lives close to a conventional filling station, or for that matter wants to queue at one. Fuel is often sold from small roadside stalls, measured into bottles ready for purchase.
Years ago these would frequently have been recycled glass bottles, often with their former contents still proudly displayed on the label. I remember seeing Absolut Vodka bottles being pressed into service during a previous Bali trips. Nowadays plastic bottles seem to be taking over, although the principle remains exactly the same.
To a European visitor it looks slightly alarming, particularly when accompanied by a funnel that appears to have seen active service since the previous century. Yet somehow it works perfectly.
Health and safety departments everywhere would probably need a lie down, but the locals simply stop, buy their fuel and carry on with their day.
A little later when we turned off back to the Tiing, we found several large piles of coconuts stacked beside the road. Coconut palms are often called the “Tree of Life” across Southeast Asia because virtually every part is useful. The water is drunk, the flesh eaten, the oil used in cooking, the leaves woven into offerings and decorations, the husks repurposed as fuel or fibre and the timber used in construction.
Once you understand that, you stop seeing coconut palms as tropical scenery and start seeing them as one of the foundations of everyday life.
Back at our hotel, the sea continued its ongoing campaign against the shoreline. The north coast may be calmer than some parts of Bali, but the waves were still energetic enough to make us happy to remain on dry land.
Four local children had reached a different conclusion. For the best part of an hour they launched themselves repeatedly into the surf, were unceremoniously thrown back towards the beach and immediately charged in again. The sea was clearly winning on points, but their enthusiasm never wavered.
As the sun began to set, the colours softened, the waves continued to crash incessantly and another day drifted to a close. Dinner was pleasant, uneventful and entirely lacking in stories worth repeating.
Tomorrow, however, we leave relaxation behind and head off in search of fresh adventures. Which almost certainly means more opportunities for me to accidentally misunderstand something and then write about it afterwards.
Bali – Day 5 – Ubud to Tejakula
Our final morning in Ubud began much as the previous ones had, with roosters announcing the day, frogs singing in the rice paddies and the child next door exercising its tonsils loudly. The local mosquitos had clearly enjoyed an all-you-can-eat buffet overnight, leaving me with enough bites to resemble a relief map of Bali.
Breakfast provided unexpected entertainment. A small scorpion made a brief appearance in the restaurant, causing rather more excitement than concern. In all our previous visits to Bali, this was our first encounter with one and thankfully it was a miniature version rather than something from a nature documentary. It was swiftly escorted back to the rice fields by staff armed with a broom and a calmness that suggested this was not entirely unprecedented.
Then came the duck drama.
Regular readers may remember that I previously paid a visit to the resort's four ducks and was met with complete indifference. This morning there appeared to be movement in the duck house despite all four residents being outside. Investigation revealed two new arrivals behind a gate. We watched as they were introduced to the established flock in what can only be described as a Balinese version of a secondary school playground. There was some posturing, a little pushing and eventually an uneasy ceasefire, with the newcomers occupying one end of the pond whilst the original residents guarded the exit ramp.
Sadly, I never discovered whether the new arrivals would have been more appreciative of my duck-feeding efforts because it was time to pack.
Packing is one of those holiday activities that nobody ever talks about. Why do dirty clothes occupy twice as much space as clean ones? And why can nobody ever remember the exact sequence of world-class Tetris manoeuvres required to fit everything into a suitcase five days earlier? Unsurprisingly, we acquired an overflow bag. That overflow bag very nearly became our downfall.
As we checked out, the hotel presented us with Tri Datu bracelets, traditional Balinese bracelets symbolising protection, balance and blessings for the journey ahead. We gratefully accepted them and hoped they might also provide protection from self-inflicted travel disasters.
A few moments later, as our driver loaded the luggage into the car, I noticed a growing puddle of milk spreading across reception and on closer inspection also across the boot of the car. The overflow bag had, quite literally, overflowed. The bracelets clearly still had some work to do. A rapid bag swap and clean-up operation later, we were finally on our way.
Bye bye Ubud, it's been fun.
We headed uphill towards Kintamani, passing through an area famous for its oranges. Roadside stalls appeared every few hundred metres, each piled high with fruit. Had we stopped at all of them, we could probably have opened our own juice bar by lunchtime.
Our destination was the rim of Mount Batur's crater. Many visitors choose to climb the volcano before dawn to watch the sunrise. We instead chose the considerably less strenuous option of lunch with a view. This comes with a risk of its own. By afternoon, cloud often rolls in and obscures the scenery entirely. Fortunately, whether through good fortune or divine bracelet intervention, the skies cleared as we arrived.
At the Mount Batur checkpoint, where visitors normally pay an entrance fee of 50,000 rupiah per person, our driver explained that we were simply passing through on our way to Tejakula rather than stopping to visit the area itself. The charge was promptly waived. It wasn't a life-changing saving, but every traveller enjoys the feeling of being waved through a barrier without having to hand over any money.
We found Ritatkala Café, which I had earmarked for lunch, and any fears of battling crowds quickly disappeared. We almost had the place to ourselves and settled into comfortable seats overlooking the immense crater. The view was mesmerising. Small clouds drifted across the landscape, casting moving shadows over the villages dotted around the crater lake. The huge black lava fields stretching across the valley floor served as a reminder that although the last major eruption was more than twenty years ago, Mount Batur remains very much an active volcano.
Lunch was fresh, delicious and reasonably priced. Sometimes spending far too much time researching places before a trip does actually pay off. With full stomachs and plenty of photographs taken, we continued our journey north.
The road followed the crater rim before beginning its descent towards the coast. Gradually the landscape changed. The cafés, boutiques and yoga studios of Ubud disappeared, replaced by villages where daily life seemed to carry on largely unaffected by tourism. For me, this is often where the real character of a destination starts to reveal itself.
The roads became narrower, steeper and increasingly dramatic. At one point we found ourselves travelling along a ridge with deep jungle-covered valleys dropping away on both sides. Once again, we felt rather pleased with our decision to hire a driver rather than attempt Bali's roads ourselves.
Google Maps briefly disagreed. At one stage it attempted to send us down what appeared to be little more than a goat track.
Our driver wisely stopped to ask a local for directions and some impressively skilled reversing followed before we regained the main road. A little later, Google became confused again and required a second opinion from Apple Maps. Technology is wonderful until it isn't.
The rest of the journey unfolded through small villages, hairpin bends and increasingly frequent glimpses of the water in the distance. This prompted a discussion in the car when I announced that we could see the sea and was immediately corrected with claims that it was in fact an ocean. AI was called upon to settle the matter. It turns out that the water to the north of Bali is indeed the Bali Sea, whilst the southern coast faces the Indian Ocean. I shall refrain from dwelling on who was right.
Eventually we arrived at our next home away from home, The Tiing Tejakula. Sometimes a hotel looks good in photographs and turns out to be merely pleasant. Sometimes it exceeds expectations completely. This was the latter.
The private pool was impressive enough, but it was the enormous sitting room overlooking the sea that really made us stop and grin at each other. Add in a comfortable air-conditioned bedroom and not one, but two bathrooms, one inside the other outside and we immediately knew we were going to enjoy our stay.
As the sun began to set, we walked along the black volcanic sand beach watching local fishing boats preparing to head out for the evening. The sea, however, looked considerably less inviting. The strength of the waves was obvious without any need for personal experimentation, so between our villa pool and the hotel pool, we'll be playing it safe.
Dinner was taken beneath the palm trees beside the shore. My North Balinese prawn fritters were plentiful and delicious. The pesto chicken was rather less memorable, although perhaps it was at a disadvantage after spending the day competing with volcanoes, duck politics and exploding luggage.
The combination of travelling and several interrupted nights finally caught up with us and we were tucked up in bed surprisingly early. Tomorrow's plans are refreshingly simple: a sea view, a swimming pool and nowhere in particular that we need to be.
Bali – Day 4 – Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
The day began with nature’s alarm clock in full working order. Roosters crowed, frogs sang, insects buzzed and the child in the next room delivered an impressive solo performance. Somehow, aided by a cup of tea and a stern conversation with myself, I was functioning at 7am.
The morning was largely uneventful. Some relaxed. I tackled emails and discovered that several things I thought I’d neatly tied up before leaving the UK were busily unravelling in my absence.
At 2pm our driver arrived and we set off for Jatiluwih, around 90 minutes northwest of Ubud. The journey itself was a lesson in Balinese road etiquette, namely that the largest vehicle has right of way and everyone else works around that fact. Buses appeared around blind bends, scooters emerged from nowhere and pedestrians wandered calmly through it all as though immortality had been officially confirmed.
Not far from Ubud we passed the Sangeh Monkey Forest. Several monkeys sat on walls watching the traffic stream past. They looked thoroughly unimpressed by the whole affair, which is fair enough considering they get front-row seats every day.
As we climbed higher, villages gave way to elaborate family temples. Every Balinese home has one, and some were grand enough to make a small church feel underdressed. I innocently asked whether we had reached a particularly wealthy area. Our driver explained that honouring the gods is expensive, regardless of your income.
One thing that became immediately obvious was the number of children riding scooters. We followed one young lad who couldn’t have been much older than eleven or twelve, confidently making his way along the road without a helmet. When I expressed mild surprise, our driver laughed and pointed out that there were no police around here.
In another village we passed a temple where cock fighting takes place. While controversial to many visitors, it remains part of Balinese tradition and religious ceremonies in some communities. Judging by the sea of parked scooters outside, it was attracting considerably more interest than feeding four mildly irritated ducks had managed yesterday.
Further along we passed a wedding celebration decorated with magnificent woven bamboo displays framing a photograph of the bride and groom. When I admired it and mentioned stopping for photos on the return journey, our driver casually informed us that wedding guests are generally welcome to help themselves to the food. Apparently gatecrashing weddings is less frowned upon here than it is in the UK.
Eventually we reached Jatiluwih and paid the princely sum of 75,000 rupiah each, about £3.40, for access to one of Bali’s most famous landscapes.
Jatiluwih covers more than 600 hectares and forms part of Bali’s UNESCO-listed Subak irrigation system, a cooperative water management network developed over a thousand years ago. Meanwhile, back home, some of us still struggle to organise a neighbourhood WhatsApp group.
The rice was not the vivid green I had imagined. Much of it was red rice, a local speciality, growing taller than many other varieties and approaching harvest, turning the terraces shades of gold rather than emerald. Rice is so central to life in Indonesia that the average person consumes around 100kg each year. Looking at the number of rice-based snacks being sold along the trail, we could well believe it.
The threatening skies finally delivered on their promise just as we stopped to admire a puppy determinedly chewing a scooter tyre. We sheltered in a small warung, chatted to a French couple and attempted to make friends with two equally enthusiastic puppies.
When the rain eased, we continued. Faced with a choice between a shorter route and a longer route, we naturally selected the longer one. This led us to a steep descent into a river valley and the inevitable realisation that every step down would eventually need to be climbed back up.
The climb was manageable. The second downpour was less so.
Our refuge this time was a toilet charging 5,000 rupiah per person. There are still places in the world where spending a penny costs about 21 pence.
By the time we emerged, the light was fading and the terraces had taken on a dark, atmospheric appearance. Very photogenic. Slightly less appealing when you’re wondering where exactly the path goes next.
We eventually reunited with our driver and headed to the Bintang Market to complete yesterday’s unsuccessful shopping mission. Every missing item on the list was found. Spirits were immediately lifted. It turns out retail therapy works surprisingly well when the total bill is less than the price of a sandwich at Heathrow.
Dinner was taken at one of the restaurants we had passed on yesterday’s rice field walk. It was simple, local and perfectly pleasant. Not every meal has to be life-changing.
Tomorrow we leave Ubud and head north. Hopefully with fewer emails, less hill walking and slightly drier weather.
Bali – Day 3 – Around Ubud
Despite nearly 24 hours of travelling and a Business Class bed, sleep remained a somewhat optional activity. New surroundings, unfamiliar noises and several mysterious light sources ensured I spent much of the night wondering whether I was awake or asleep.
Breakfast brought our first opportunity to study the hotel’s interpretation of “included”. This consists of one hot drink, one juice, one menu item and either fruit or bread. Not both. Let’s not get carried away.
As not much of this was suitable for my diabetic other half, we enquired about substitutions. These were indeed possible, for an additional charge. A second coffee was also available, for an additional charge. Fortunately my Eggs Benedict was excellent and the view across the paddy fields helped restore perspective.
The day then took a turn when I discovered our bathroom door was locked from the inside despite the room being completely empty.
There followed a trip to Reception, a diversion to the restaurant facilities and the arrival of what appeared to be most of the hotel’s maintenance department. The lock, it transpired, had only recently been replaced. A key was produced and the crisis resolved.
I am pleased to report that a bathroom key has now been added to the room key set, meaning future guests will hopefully not find themselves outwitted by an unoccupied toilet.
At 11am the activities programme announced “Feed the Ducks”. Visions of dozens of eager ducks immediately sprang to mind. Instead, I was handed a tiny plastic pot containing approximately twelve molecules of duck food and directed towards a duck house containing exactly four ducks. I threw a handful of pellets. One duck looked at me. I looked at the duck. The duck looked at the remaining pellets. I apologised and left.
Before heading off for a walk through the rice fields, we decided it might be wise to place our passports and valuables in the safe. The key didn’t fit. Reception was called. Again.
By now I imagine conversations in the staff room were beginning with the words “What have they done now?”
The correct key eventually arrived and the safe was tested successfully. Confident that all was now well, I locked the safe. Then discovered I couldn’t unlock it. For a brief moment I thought our passports would be spending the next month or two in Bali even if we weren’t.
Fortunately a member of staff performed some sort of magical manoeuvre and rescued both the safe and its increasingly embarrassed occupants.
Deciding that we should probably stop breaking things inside the hotel, we headed off into the rice fields. We immediately missed the turning. Once we finally found the correct path, however, the walk was lovely. The route wound between paddy fields and irrigation channels and was shared by walkers, dogs, scooters, lizards and one snake, all apparently getting along perfectly well.
After half an hour we reached the conclusion that whilst the path was undeniably beautiful, it wasn’t actually going anywhere. So we turned around and walked back.
The afternoon was spent recovering from the exertions of duck feeding and safe management before setting off in search of sweeteners, a lilo and Slimline Tonic. Two supermarkets later we had located none of these items. Bali has been very welcoming so far. Bali does not appear to believe in artificial sweeteners.
Our final outing of the day was Hikaria’s immersive light experience, a beautifully designed trail of lights, music and storytelling through the rice fields. I am particularly proud to report that despite darkness, uneven pathways and my usual level of coordination, I successfully completed the entire walk without falling headfirst into a paddy field. This achievement should not be underestimated.
We returned to the hotel for dinner and an early night, our step count considerably healthier than our energy levels.
Tomorrow we head to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. With a bit luck, the ducks won’t be involved.
Bali – Day 2 – The Arrival
I left you yesterday somewhere over the Indian Ocean, armed with a rather excellent white and dark chocolate mousse complete with its own glowing candle. Turkish Airlines clearly felt that if I was going to sleep, I should do so feeling celebrated.
A quick glance at the route map before bed showed us approaching Baku. It was a sobering reminder that whilst I was cocooned in comfort at 35,000 feet, life on the ground below was considerably less peaceful.
Then came the serious business of sleeping. Or at least attempting to. My bed was made up, duvet deployed, eye mask secured and I drifted off… for roughly an hour.
What followed was a long-running battle between me and the in-flight entertainment system. First, the screen in the empty seat opposite lit up like a floodlight. Then my own screen decided it had aspirations of becoming a nightclub. At one point it displayed psychedelic coloured stripes and the words “Please Wait” for so long that I felt personally invested in the outcome.
There were resets. There were more resets. There was an offer to move seats. There was a moment where I seriously considered throwing a duvet over modern technology and pretending none of it existed.
Eventually I gave up, put on a film about elephants and promptly fell asleep.
Two hours before landing I was woken for breakfast somewhere near Singapore, having accumulated perhaps three hours of sleep in total and a newfound appreciation for functioning electronics.
The flight made up time and landed in Bali 55 minutes early.
As the aircraft door opened I immediately announced, “It smells like Bali.”
This caused great amusement amongst the welcoming airport staff. Apparently not everyone arrives on an island and starts sniffing the air like an enthusiastic Labrador.
Denpasar Airport was astonishingly efficient. Having completed visas, tourist levy and arrival paperwork before departure, we sailed through the new e-gates and reached baggage reclaim in minutes.
Our driver, however, was expecting us almost an hour later. When he arrived, apologising profusely, we were standing exactly where we should have been if the aircraft had landed on schedule.
The drive to Ubud was my first introduction to Balinese traffic. According to our driver, it wasn’t bad. I would hate to see bad. Scooters appeared from directions I hadn’t previously considered possible. Cars braked apparently on instinct rather than necessity. Everyone survived. Somehow.
An hour and forty-five minutes later we arrived at Mathis Retreat. And suddenly all thoughts of malfunctioning seats, airports and sleep deprivation disappeared.
Rice fields stretched away beside the hotel. Frogs provided the evening soundtrack. The pool glowed invitingly in the darkness. Our room was beautiful, complete with a bath large enough to comfortably accommodate a small sailing dinghy.
After dinner we wandered through the illuminated paddy fields, soaking up the warm evening air and trying to process the fact that we were finally here.
By this point I had been awake, asleep and awake again across three continents, two airports, several time zones and one stubborn entertainment system.
Bed was calling. Loudly.
Tomorrow: Ubud begins. And judging by the chorus of frogs outside our room, there will be no need for an alarm clock. 🐸🌾✈️🇮🇩
#Bali #Ubud #TravelLynStyle #TurkishAirlines
