Travel Review: Luxury Indonesia & Bali Birthday Vacation, Ubud, Mt Batur Volcano Hiking, Surfing, Cycling, Yoga, Spa Treatments

I like to refer to my trip on Bali as a journey rather than a vacation; it was extremely physical, spiritual and emotional...EVERYTHING I wanted out of the trip.  I surfed, cycled, hiked, went diving and did yoga and of course spa treatments every day.  My guide was extremely personal and spiritual and I loved the conversations we had and his insight into how the Balinese live.  I was traveling solo so having my guide was a huge benefit and I felt like I was able to see and learn about things I would not have otherwise.  Additionally, my private driver was very safe and was amazing navigating through the insane traffic and driving conditions on the island.

I stayed in the Ubud area in the central highlands for the first half of the trip and the hotel is very intimate and secluded with only 47 villas and it was truly amazing and the staff and service were impeccable.  I then moved down to the Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay for the last half of my stay and the hotel is everything I have ever heard or read about and then some!  Again, a villa only property with staff and service that is beyond amazing.  The villas that are just incredible, each with a private plunge pool.  The entire staff seemed to know my name so even though the property is quite large, it was very personal.  On my last day I did a Karmic Cleansing ritual complete with Balinese massage, private 1-on-1 yoga session and private ceremony with a Balinese priest on a cliff hanging out into Jimbaran Bay; words can't even describe the experience.  I loved everything about the hotel.  The staff at both hotels gave the hotels a soul and I've never had better service.  

The hike up Mt. Batur volcano at 3:00 AM to see the sunrise was unbelievable!