I took my seat on the floor beneath a large wooden pergola, surrounded by a handful of fellow travelers with sun-kissed skin and eager faces. To my right, a trio of girlfriends in their 40s huddled together; to my left, a clean-shaven man who had traded his business suit for board shorts settled in with his teenage son and daughter. Each of us had come to Bali for different reasons, yet we were here for the same experience. We fell into a hush as the renowned Balinese healer Cokorda Rai emerged from a small farmhouse nearby, chickens clucking at his feet as he crossed a path of mismatched rugs toward us.
People come from across Bali — and from around the world — for a brief session with this skilled healer, whose method blends Reiki, acupressure and intuition. Over the years, Rai has brought relief and insight to thousands of visitors seeking help for a range of issues, from fertility concerns to sleep disorders and chronic pain.
When the man was called forward, his son leaned in to tell me that his father visits the healer every year when he is in town for work. This was going to be the boy’s and his sister’s first time with the healer who had once cured their father’s debilitating migraines.
Business travelers, like the man I met that day, are increasingly extending their trips beyond meetings to enjoy Bali’s wellness and leisure offerings. The island’s rich selection of spas, studios and natural retreats makes it easy to unwind and recharge before, between or after professional commitments, and many visitors bring family or friends along for the extra rest and fun.
Worker at a rice field © KRISTY ALPERT
Bali’s convenient location near Australia and the many flights connecting it to Jakarta make it an ideal place to combine business with leisure. The island, part of the Lesser Sunda chain, stretches roughly 95 miles east to west and 70 miles north to south. Despite its modest size, travel times can be longer than expected because of winding local roads and traffic, so if your stay is short, plan to explore one or two neighboring regions rather than trying to cover the whole island.
Each of Bali’s six regions contributes to its reputation as a tropical paradise. South Bali, the most visited area, includes Kuta, Canggu, Denpasar, Jimbaran, Legian, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Seminyak. Kuta buzzes with activity and is home to one of the island’s busiest beaches as well as family attractions like Waterbom Bali and Armada Flow House Bali. Nusa Dua hosts some of the country’s most upscale resorts, with strong family-friendly amenities and fitness offerings. Legian and Seminyak provide excellent surfing and stylish nightlife, while landmarks such as Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot offer spectacular sunset photo opportunities.
The quieter southeastern islands off the coast, such as Nusa Penida, draw divers eager to explore vibrant coral reefs, diverse fish species and the occasional sighting of green or olive Ridley turtles. North Bali’s secluded black-sand beaches attract visitors seeking a more relaxed pace; its accommodations and spas reflect a low-key, welcoming atmosphere. Stilted waterfront restaurants on Jalan Erlangga in Singaraja make a pleasant lunch stop after dolphin-watching off Lovina.
Photo op at dawn on top of the Mount Batur volcano © TASHKA2000 – DREAMSTIME.COM
East Bali’s coastal villages are home to some of the island’s least-visited but most beautiful beaches, many of which feature black sand from nearby volcanic activity. Hiking Mount Batur to catch the sunrise from its peak takes about two hours and is best done early in the morning; many operators offer all-inclusive sunrise treks that include hotel pick-up, a local guide, water, flashlights, a light breakfast on the summit and lunch at the base afterwards. Amed’s calm shores are ideal for a quiet beach day, and the inland village of Tenganan is known for traditional basket weaving and handcrafted goods.
Central Bali is the cultural and wellness hub of the island. Bedugul’s layered rice terraces provide scenic walks and excellent spots for a leisurely local meal like nasi goreng or urab. Ubud, often called Bali’s cultural capital, is famous for its arts scene and relaxed rhythms. The town overflows with yoga and massage studios, including popular centers near the Monkey Forest that offer a broad range of wellness services — from yoga and sound healing to Reiki and Ayurvedic treatments. Jalan Raya’s boutiques sell organic clothing, hand-pressed oils and artisanal goods, and Ubud hosts several notable vegan restaurants. A strict 10:30 p.m. noise ordinance helps maintain Ubud’s restful atmosphere, with the Ayung River providing a calming backdrop. Nearby luxury properties offer serene stays amidst working rice paddies and tailored wellness programs, including private yoga, traditional Balinese massages and therapies designed to support restorative sleep.
Yoga © KRISTY ALPERT
West Bali remains the most sparsely populated region and is a favorite of nature lovers and surfers seeking quieter shores. West Bali National Park is one of the few places to spot the rare Bali starling, and Medewi Beach is prized for long, rideable waves. Simple beachfront shacks serve refreshing drinks and flavorful local dishes like ayam betutu — a slow-smoked spicy chicken — offering memorable tastes and moments for families and friends.
Bali Info to Go
Most international flights arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport from hubs such as Jakarta, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, Bangkok and Melbourne. Rental cars, taxis, vans, scooters and executive car services are available at the terminal. While ride-hailing apps have appeared in Bali, many travelers prefer to pre-book an executive car or use a trusted taxi for longer journeys.
Where to Stay in Bali
AYANA RESORT AND SPA Perched on the cliffs above Jimbaran Bay, AYANA offers cliffside luxury, the famous Rock Bar and a renowned spa. Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran Bay $$$$$
MANDAPA, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE A tranquil sanctuary in Ubud, Mandapa features suites and private pool villas with attentive service and lush surroundings. Jalan Kedewatan, Banjar Kedewatan, Ubud $$$$$
THE MULIA RESORT & VILLAS This expansive resort complex in Nusa Dua provides multiple accommodation options, lavish pools and family-friendly amenities. Nusa Dua $$$$$
Restaurants in Bali
ALCHEMY Ubud’s well-known 100 percent vegan restaurant serves creative, health-focused cuisine in a casual setting. Jalan Penestanan Kelod No. 75, Ubud $$
KUBU Located along the Ayung River, Kubu at Mandapa offers Mediterranean-European dishes in intimate bamboo dining enclaves. Mandapa, Ubud $$$
THE ROCK BAR AYANA Famous for dramatic sunset views, Rock Bar pairs drinks and tapas with a memorable cliffside setting. Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran Bay $$