By the time I arrive at Club Med Bali, a lush resort nestled on the island’s southeast peninsula, I’m technically two days late to the party.
In what would be my first international holiday since a certain virus decided upend the world, it was fitting that the 3pm flight from Sydney to Denpasar Bali was cancelled less than two hours before takeoff.
However, after the false start, I arrive a little more travel-weary but no less excited for the unparalleled rest and relaxation that can only be promised by a beach holiday.
Spoiler alert: the three-day whirlwind trip delivered.
The sprawling resort of Club Med Bali occupies some of the best stretches of Nusa Dua’s beach front. Between roughly 500 metres of the Java Sea coastline and a lush green property, the grounds are generously sprinkled with palm trees, beach umbrellas and pool recliners. You’re also never far from a fresh laundered towel or a zesty mojito or fresh juice made on demand.
For those unaware, the French travel group are in the business of the all-inclusive holiday, and it’s a term they take very seriously. Yes, this applies to their open bar and long list of resort parties and activities (more on that later) but as the world eases back to travel, you can also get added peace of mind with services including airport pick ups and transfers, a very comprehensive travel insurance policy, and child care facilities.
In this case, while the airport misadventure was out of our hands (such is the nature of travel in 2022) there was a certain comfort in knowing the staff were on hand to help.
To eat: Lean into the buffet life
While the surroundings were a visual holiday, the food options were another highlight. While the all-inclusive package offers a range of a la carte options for those looking for a private restaurant experience, or oversleep the dining hall’s opening hours for breakfast (no judgment), there’s a unique joy in a resort buffet that’s unmatched.
You’ve got your pick from a range of cuisines (Korean, Indonesian, Italian, French, and Chinese), and health sensibilities, with speciality dishes plated up to rival a MasterChef challenge. Seconds are encouraged, as is dessert with your choice between tropical fruits, ice cream, cheese platters and baked delights. While a classic breakfast buffet hash brown will always get my heart beating a little quicker (I’m a sucker for the classics) this one came with a portion of fried noodles and plates of fresh passionfruit, papaya, guava and mango.
In a nod to Bali’s rich street food culture, there’s also a roaming Makan on Wheels food truck that offers snacks throughout the day.
It’s a playful and thoughtful touch, that also resulted in a post-pool snack of deliciously savoury Nasi Goreng and juicy chicken satay skewers.
To do: Craft your own dream holiday
While a holiday spent alternating the beach for the pool, is an utterly justifiable way to spend a vacation, over-achieving schedulers are also accounted for at Club Med.
A hefty list of 38 activities like snorkelling, tennis, windsurfing, surfing, kayaking, archery and even trapeze lessons are on offer for both kids and adults. If you’re a creature of routine, there’s also a well-equipped gym, plus fitness and yoga classes too.
As someone who’s now a little less pathetic with her backhand, I can also confirm that beginners are welcome and very well catered for.
Otherwise, there’s an adults-only Zen Pool with sun lounges aplenty and a private cocktail bar. For a bit of a pamper session, the pool attached to the day spa lets you savour the day with nothing but the sound of the wind rustling through the palm leaves (yes really) and the nearby water feature.
In the name of research, this journalist gave both locations a strenuous road test, and it’s the most relaxed she’s felt since the invention of the push notification. The hour-long aromatherapy massage may have also helped.
To see: Bali is back
Once you’ve refreshed yourself with ample pool and beach time, consider venturing beyond the resort and into the bustle of Seminyak, Kuta and Canggu. Although Club Med offers excursions into Bali’s lush landscapes and authentic cultural gems at an added cost, the team will gladly also help arrange a taxi to take you into town.
Should you pick the latter, there’s a choose-your-own-adventure list of things to do. Maybe even overwhelmingly so, but that’s just reason for another holiday.
You’ve got beach clubs to explore (think: Mrs Sippy, Azul and Potato Head), stalls and markets where you can try your hand bartering, or the option of a dreamy massage for bargain prices. While I opted for a heavenly spa session at Club Med, the Bodyworks Spa in Seminyak came highly recommended.
With your days fully planned, Club Med has you covered once the sun goes down. Each night has a revolving list of entertainment. Some evenings start with a ‘cocktail party’ that wouldn’t look astray to an episode of The Bachelor. Except in this version there are towers of canapés alongside the colourful drinks, and guests are encouraged to chat and talk about their home towns and the day’s activities.
Across our three night stay there was a themed White Party followed by an epic dance night, complete with a Queen cover sung by a man in a Freddie Mercury costume. Another evening featured an intimately crafted candy buffet that would tempt even the most hardened non-sweet tooth.
The monumental attention to detail aside, it was the openness and friendliness of the staff and other guests that took me most by surprise. While 2022 was the year of the flight cancellation, and pre-trip AirTag panic buy, the last two years have also made small moments of connection with strangers feel all the more valuable.
And although, the start of the holiday wasn’t quite as planned, an all too short but just as revitalising Bali escape has re-confirmed why the island is such a holiday faithful for Aussies.
Now, if you need me, I’ll be day dreaming about that Zen Pool.
This writer was a guest of Club Med Bali