From Bali’s Jungles to Dubai’s Desert: Our Unforgettable Multi‑Centre Adventure

Ubud: Jungle Calm & A Private Pool Upgrade

Our first stop was Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart: a place of emerald rice terraces, jungle, temples and a wonderfully calm energy.

We stayed for three nights at the wonderful The Purist Villas, a tranquil boutique hideaway. On arrival we were delighted to be upgraded to a one‑bedroom suite with a private pool. It felt like our own secluded sanctuary: morning dips as the jungle woke up around us, lazy afternoons floating in the water and evening swims under the soft glow of lanterns.

A Small‑Group Downhill Bike Ride Through “Real” Bali

One of our favourite days in Ubud was spent on a downhill bike ride in a very small group, with a maximum of just four people. I always look for these kinds of experiences for my clients, as they allow you to see the “real” side of a destination.

Because the route was mostly downhill, it was ideal for us both: active and fun, but not too challenging. Along the way we:

• Visited a local school and caught a glimpse of daily life for Balinese children
• Passed through traditional villages and saw local culture up close
• Rode alongside stunning rice terraces that seemed to glow green in the sunlight
• Finished with a delicious meal, the perfect time to reflect on everything we had seen

Nusa Lembongan: Island Magic & Our Trip Highlight

From Ubud we travelled to Sanur and boarded the Setia Fast Ferry to Nusa Lembongan for three nights. This small island quickly became the highlight of our entire trip.

We stayed at Lembongan Bay Shore Huts, a charming and relaxed spot perfectly suited to a barefoot island escape. Our days were spent exploring, soaking up the scenery and enjoying the slower pace of life.

One day we decided that scooters were not for us, so we hired a golf buggy instead. It turned out to be such a fun way to get around: open to the breeze, easy to drive and ideal for giggles as we trundled our way around the island.

Dream Beach & The Power Of Devil’s Tears

With our trusty golf buggy, we set off to discover some of Nusa Lembongan’s most beautiful spots.

Dream Beach lived up to its name: soft sand, dramatic waves and that impossibly blue sea. It was the perfect place to simply sit together, watch the surf and soak it all in.

Devil’s Tears was one of the most dramatic and awe‑inspiring natural attractions I have ever seen. Waves crash against the rocks and explode into the air, creating a roaring soundtrack and spectacular sprays of water.

Swimming With Manta Rays & Turtles

Another hugely memorable day was our boat trip, which combined snorkelling and sightseeing. We:

• Swam with graceful manta rays, an experience that felt almost otherworldly
• Snorkelled with turtles, watching them glide effortlessly through the water
• Visited the iconic Kelingking Beach, famous for its T‑rex‑shaped cliff and jaw‑dropping views
• Stopped at Angel’s Billabong, a natural rock pool with striking colours and dramatic rock formations

Sanur: Spa Time & Beachfront Evenings

After our three nights on Nusa Lembongan we returned to the mainland and checked into the super‑special The Pavilions Bali in Sanur.

Our days were all about relaxation: chilling by the pool, indulging in the spa and enjoying that gentle Balinese hospitality. In the evenings we wandered down to restaurants by the beach, eating delicious food with our toes in the sand and the sound of the waves in the background. It was the perfect way to unwind after our island adventures.

Dubai: Beachfront Bliss & Desert Thrills

Leaving Bali behind, we flew to Dubai for a three‑night stay at JA Ocean View Hotel on Jumeirah Beach. Dubai was an ideal way to round off our trip, offering a complete contrast in scenery and atmosphere.

At JA Ocean View we enjoyed relaxing by the pool with iconic city views as our backdrop and swimming in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf just steps from the hotel.

One of the standout experiences here was our desert trip. We ventured out of the city for a dune buggy adventure across the sand. The feeling of racing over the dunes as the sun began to set was unforgettable.

We finished the day with a desert dinner, surrounded by golden sand, soft evening light and a sky full of stars. It was the perfect finale to a journey that had taken us from Balinese jungle and islands to the glittering skyline of Dubai.

A Perfect Multi‑Centre Journey

Looking back, this trip was everything I love about tailor‑made, multi‑centre long‑haul holidays: a mix of culture, nature, adventure and relaxation, with time to slow down and really make memories together.

If this has inspired you to create your own Bali and Dubai adventure, I would love to help you design a trip that is perfectly tailored to you.