Summer Luxury Holiday Destinations, part 1 – Bali

We’re now in the middle of June and it’s the perfect time for talking summer holidays.  When the weather warms up, we’re all ready to get out of the office and take it easy on a beach throughout July and August.  Most of us unfortunately don’t have that option, but summer is one of the most popular times for a holiday with good reason.  Everyone wants to take two weeks and head outdoors for fun and relaxation.

With this in mind, we started wondering, what are the best places to head for a luxury holiday in the summer?  We’ve put together a list of three different destinations and done our best to explain why each of them is the perfect destination for you this summer.  If you take us up on our suggestions, do let us know how you get on – we’re always looking to add more detail and guidance to our list of luxurious destinations.

Our first summer destination choice for summer 2010 is Bali.  Most of Asia experiences its wet season in our summer up north, making them feel all too familiar – and not summery at all – for visitors from the UK, but not this stunning little Indonesian island.  Instead, you’ll enjoy tropical temperatures, bright sunny days, and gorgeous beaches – precisely what you want out of a summer holiday.

Bali is an incredibly peaceful place and thus the perfect stop for anyone eager to embrace a couple of weeks without work or stress.  Most residents of Bali practice Hindu Dharma, a peace-loving quiet religion that immediately calls to mind the ancient but still maintained stone temples that populate the island.  Bali has on occasion been called the island of a thousand temples; you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy quiet and solitude in stark contrast to your normal busy populated life.

There is plenty of space for creative types in Bali, too, and in fact it’s become something of a haven for artistic communities with boutique hotels and shops lining the otherwise traditional streets.  Many of the hotels you could choose to stay in on your holiday are small and provide a truly intimate feel for the perfect customised stay.  There is so much original art around that you may even choose to purchase a signature piece as your souvenir of the holiday.

If you’re after big luxury with heated swimming pools, 24 hour butler service, and silk sheets, Bali can provide that, too.  The Club at the Legian, located in Seminyak, will even provide you with your own driver, letting you relax and do nothing demanding beyond lift your drink to your lips for the duration of your stay.

If you’re more into hiking, you won’t be disappointed.  The scenery is stunning; you’ll find truly tropical jungles edged by soft sand and gorgeous ragged beaches.  Keep your camera close by because you’re sure to find hundreds of opportunities for the perfect shot which can beautifully encapsulate your entire holiday.  Join a tour guide for treks up volcanic mountains and visits to tiny, off-the-grid native villages.  Licensed divers can take a swim and discover the gorgeous colourful coral world beneath Bali’s turquoise waters.

You’ll find something for everyone on a luxury holiday in Bali.  It provides the relaxation you need for a summer holiday with tons of potential for outdoor activities of all kinds.