Ritz Carlton Bali - Pretty As a Picture

The Ritz Carlton Bali Resort & Spa can only be described as picture-perfect. With a lush tropical backdrop and plush interiors it qualifies as one of the world's most beauteous luxury hotels. Did we say beauteous? All wrong, for it is also one of the most commodious. Disposing of 368 guest rooms it also has its own beach, wonder of wonders! Step into its lobby and you will be swept away by its exotic interiors comprising artworks and artifacts from the surrounding islands of Java, Sulawesi, Borneo, and Irian Jaya. As for the Balinese hospitality and grace that you'll get doused with, you'll wonder why you never visited before.

The luxury resort, now re-christened Ayana Resort & Spa, is located in a fishing village called Jimabaran and is a near 15-minute drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport.

And in case you thought you were in Hindu country, think again: The luxury resort houses two stunningly beautiful chapels on its premises. And what is it that a typical guest at the Ayana Resort & Spa (neé Ritz Carlton Bali Resort & Spa) may expect in terms of room amenities? Well, quite a bit actually. You may look forward to non-smoking rooms, a daily newspaper, internet connection, in-room safe, ironing board, color television with an LCD or Plasma screen, a mini bar, a private pool, to mention a few.

Facilities include a smoking room for smokers, a poolside bar, customized tours, babysitting, bar and coffee shop, pub, laundry, WiFi etc. Step out of the hotel premises and go on a safari perched atop an elephant. Kids love it! Bird lovers shouldn't miss the Bali Bird Park featuring some of the rarest Indonesian birds' species. Its beautifully manicured lawns and gardens make it an ideal spot for casual strollers as well.

Love thick forests with plenty of wildlife? Don't miss the Ubud and Sangeh monkey forests, in that case. Do be careful of these mischievous little devils, though, and keep your bags and eats in safe custody, away from their prying eyes.

Then are those falls, all of them lush, lovely, and eternal. Create a splash at Singsing Falls, the Gitgit Falls, or the tranquil blue Yeh Sanih pools.

Many visitors to Bali like to explore the mellow beach town of Lovina with its shoal of bucolic settlements like Anturan, Pemaron, and Tukad Mungga, to just name a handful. The sand in these coastal villages is grayish owing to the surrounding volcanoes.

And how can you miss Denpasar, the beautiful Balinese capital? It is the haven of art lovers and museum freaks. If you can ignore the noise and bustle, you will love its tree-lined avenues and gardens, not to mention its huge main market.

When you return to Jimabaran treat yourself to some really exotic seafood in any of its 24 eateries. We recommend fire-grilled fishes and crabs in accompaniment with water spinach and steamed garlic and rice. The tongue-teasing local sauces will leave you hankering for more. Indulge yourself!