Home in on Bali for happy travels

The Balinese have a formula for being happy. Tri Hita Karana – or the three sources of happiness – is a Hindu philosophy that the people of Bali live by.

The three secrets to happiness, the philosophy says, are harmony with the divine, with other people, and with nature, which may go some way to explaining why the Balinese are some of the warmest and most serene people you’re ever likely to meet.

Of course, you don’t need to go to Bali to get a bit of Tri Hita Karana in your life. But it wouldn’t hurt. Here are four locations on the Island of the Gods where you can embrace a fascinating culture, discover fantastic food, and indulge in some undisputed well-deserved wellness experiences.

Stay in luxury accommodation, where a combination of Balinese hospitality and impeccable service will make you feel welcome from the first moment to the last – just to give your happiness levels an extra little nudge.

Jimbaran

If your idea of happiness is fresh seafood on a tropical beach at sunset, you’ve come to the right place. The fishing village of Jimbaran is home to one of Bali’s best beaches, which usually has calm conditions, perfect for swimming during the day, and comes to life with seafood restaurants, set up on the sand, every night.

Head to a traditional fish market while you’re here, to see fishermen hauling in their catch first thing in the morning. Wander among the noise and colour of the stalls, pick your seafood, and take it to a nearby cafe, where it will be cooked up for you on the spot.

As well as mellow vibes and local colour, Jimbaran is also home to some seriously luxe accommodation. The InterContinental Bali Resort, set in tropical gardens right on the beach, aims for a super-relaxed, Balinese village feel (albeit a five-star one), and offers a range of gourmet dining experiences, as well as the sanctuary of Spa Uluwatu, where you can rejuvenate to the sound of waves lapping at the shore.

Sanur

Another mellow fishing village destination, Sanur offers white sands, calm waters, reef snorkelling, and relaxed locals. As you walk or cycle along its promenade, you’ll find an abundance of laid-back restaurants and friendly, family-run shops.

Head to the nearby Duta Orchid Garden to see some spectacular blooms, and wander the Sindhu Night Market to grab some great street food (try some chicken satay sticks, and leave room for martabak – Balinese pancakes). You might also want to lap up the vibes at the Cat Cafe Sanur, where you can meet more than 50 rescued Balinese street cats.

Back in the luxury oasis of the InterContinental Bali Sanur, enjoy yoga by the pool, learn Balinese dance, and make a canang sari (a basket made from a palm or banana leaf, filled with offerings), which you can take to a nearby temple for blessings.

Seminyak

Life in Seminyak is a little livelier. High-end hotels, beach clubs, stores and restaurants provide upscale entertainment.

Order a cocktail, grab a bean bag, and get set under a colourful umbrella to watch the sun sizzle into the ocean at La Plancha Bali, a Spanish bar on Jalan Mesari Beach. Wander the streets and laneways to discover boutiques and galleries, as well as traditional markets. Make sure to visit Petitenget Temple, a small place of worship, just metres from the sand.

Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach offers casual sophistication, as well as wellness experiences including private sessions covering everything from boxing to chakra healing. At its Neighbourhood Gallery, you can learn pottery, linocut printing, and lontar art, a traditional Balinese artform in which you draw on palm leaves.

Canggu

Digital nomads love Canggu – and for good reason. It’s hipster heaven, with an eclectic food scene, great surf, lively nightlife, and a whole heap of wellness and fitness activities.

Sign up for a surf lesson, eat everything from nasi goreng at a warung to a smoothie bowl at an organic cafe, and explore Balinese culture, whether that involves just quietly observing a ceremony, or taking a cooking class.

Regent Bali Canggu provides a seriously luxurious home base, where you can embark on a restorative spa journey, and enjoy intimate dinners prepared by Michelin chefs in the Michelin Master Series. The resort offers six dining venues, six swimming pools, panoramic views, stunning sunsets, and experiences including helicopter rides and private tours of the dramatic nearby sea temple of Tanah Lot.

Find your inner harmony in Bali and book your luxury wellness escape here.