The Best of Both

Anantara Seminyak Vacation Club in Bali Is a Luxurious, Quiet Hideaway Amid the Island’s Energetic Tourist Centres. A Perfect Place to Escape Without Becoming Totally Secluded
 

Bali Hasn’t Needed an introduction for years, but here’s one anyway. Engulfed in clear ocean water and wrapped in ribbons of coral reefs, the Indonesian island’s beaches, iconic rice paddies, volcanic mountains, religious sites and animated nightlife have become the stuff of legend.

In fact, its reputation precedes it so far across the globe that many Western tourists mistakenly believe it is its own country. A blunder that’s somewhat understandable when you arrive. Bali has an entirely unique culture, language and religion that set it apart from its parent nation.

What’s never misconstrued is the island’s status as a tourist magnet. Nearly every wayward backpacker to set foot in Southeast Asia has travelled there in search of a party. But families find their place, too. As do couples, elderly tourists and most everyone else. Action-packed or laid-back, take your pick.

My very first trip to the island turned out to be the latter. A mellow, escapist experience in a cosy and quiet one-bedroom pool villa at Anantara Seminyak Vacation Club. Surrounded by lush foliage and colonial-era architecture, it’s an easy place to forget the honking horns and buzzing crowds of Bangkok – if only for a brief weekend.