Asia – Holiday

13 Best Hotels & Resorts in Canggu, Bali

Georgie Darling — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:00:33 +0000

Having lived in Canggu for upwards of three years, I’ve spent more time than your average tourist checking out the coolest hotels and resorts around here. Known for being Bali’s digital nomad hotspot, Canggu is a paradise for surfers, yogis, foodies, and remote workers, with something to please all kinds of energetic travelers. With a perfect balance of laid-back vibes, stunning scenery, and vibrant nightlife, Canggu gives you the opportunity to catch some waves, chill out in a cafe, or party till dawn (or all of the above) with plenty of incredible hotels to rest your head at the end of a busy day. Read on for all of the coolest hotels here!

13 Best Hotels in Ubud, Bali

Georgie Darling — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:00:46 +0000

Ubud, with its rich culture, stunning nature, and spiritual vibe, will forever be one of my favorite places in Bali. It’s hard not to get swept up in the magic of this town as you’re exploring its dense jungles, verdant rice fields, and vine-covered walkways. As well as that breathtaking natural beauty, with cascading waterfalls in every direction, Ubud is also a top spot for art and culture, with a vibrant art market running every day and a number of museums and galleries dotted around to explore. Not sure where to stay next time you check out Ubud? We’ve rounded up all of the best hotels here!

13 Best Hotels in Seminyak, Bali

Georgie Darling — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:15:40 +0000

Having lived there for just over a year, I still maintain that Seminyak is Bali’s coolest neighborhood. Home to a great range of restaurants, rooftop bars, beachfront dining spots, and independent shops, a trip to Seminyak never disappoints. Its beaches are just as ideal for surfing as they are for swimming or simply admiring from the beach with a new book in hand. And the range of hotels in Seminyak is pretty spectacular, too!

Not sure where to stay next time you head to Seminyak? Read on for all of the best hotels to check out.

9 Best Beaches in Japan

Madison Davis — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 13:00:58 +0000

Japan may not come to mind when you think of a beach getaway. However, the country is full of sandy shorelines perfect for snorkeling, swimming, surfing, beachcombing, and sunbathing. As a current resident of Okinawa, I can’t stress enough how iconic this subtropical island is. If you truly want to make your Japan trip about the beach, a stay in Okinawa (often referred to as the “Hawaii of Japan”) is a must. However, if you are visiting Tokyo or Osaka, there are a number of great beach spots that are a train ride away.

From remote islands to beach destinations that are fairly close to Japan’s popular metropolitan areas, there is a sandy shore for you among these top beaches in Japan.

13 Best Spas in Bali

Georgie Darling — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 13:00:52 +0000

Bali doesn’t hold back when it comes to incredible spas, and I’d know – I’ve spent the last few years trying out as many as possible. The Island of the Gods is renowned for its impressive wellness culture, a place where massage is practically medicinal, and aromatic herbs and spices make up the ingredients list in all kinds of treatments. The beautiful backdrops of this island make Bali’s best spas even more of an experience, with views of rice fields, active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and rainforests from your massage bed. Heading to Bali and ready for a little R&R? Read on for all of the best spas in Bali!

12 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Bali

Georgie Darling — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 13:00:19 +0000

After learning to dive in Indonesia in early 2020, I made it my mission to explore as many of the archipelago’s best diving spots as possible. And fortunately, from my home in Bali, there are plenty nearby. Bali has some of the best scuba diving opportunities in the world, with dive sites to suit all levels and a huge range of marine life to match. Indonesia sits in the Coral Triangle, an area of the ocean that supports the greatest diversity of coral species in the world, which means a dive here is always exciting. From vibrant coral reefs to elusive mola mola, endless turtles, and schools of colorful fish, read on for all the best places to scuba dive in Bali.

12 Best Day Trips in Bali

Georgie Darling — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:15:06 +0000

I’ve been based in Bali, Indonesia, since 2019 and have spent that time exploring as much of the island as possible. Thanks to Bali’s relatively small size (the island is 153 km /95 miles wide and spans 112 km / 70 miles north to south), it’s easy to venture out just for the day without spending too long on the road. And, despite its small size, Bali has a huge range of sights to see, from majestic waterfalls, picturesque beaches, incredible architecture, and fancy hotels, among plenty more.

These day trips assume that you’re spending most of your time in the Badung regency (Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Uluwatu), which is where most tourists set up camp. With that in mind, read on for all of the best day trips in Bali!

13 Best Luxury Hotels in Bali

Georgie Darling — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 13:30:22 +0000

Contrary to what my family and friends back home think, not all of my time in Bali over the last three years has been spent in luxury hotels. But, as a travel writer with a taste for the good stuff in life (and a career that practically encourages new experiences), it seemed only right to check out some of Bali’s best luxury hotels during my time here. And what a lot of them there are: from the white sand beaches of Nusa Dua through to the surfing spots of Canggu and Seminyak and the dense jungles of Ubud, Bali really doesn’t hold back when it comes to luxury hotels. I’ve rounded up all of the best ones below!

15 Best Beach Resorts in Bali

Georgie Darling — Mon, 29 May 2023 13:30:52 +0000

As an avid scuba diver and all-around fan of the ocean, I spend as much time as possible exploring Bali’s best beaches. With an almost rainbow-hued array of sand here (everything from black to gold, white, and even pink), each corner of Bali offers something a little different to explore. And, when a day trip isn’t feasible, I like to check into Bali’s best beach resorts for the full experience. Beach resorts come in all shapes and sizes here, from luxury cliffside spots overlooking the Indian Ocean to tranquil resorts hidden away in Bali’s lesser-explored corners. Read on for all of the best ones!

Best Overall: AYANA Resort and Spa Bali
Best for Couples: The St. Regis Bali Resort
Best for Families: The Legian Seminyak, Bali
Best Luxury: Bulgari Resort Bali
Best Value (Budget/Affordable): Puri Bagus Lovina Resort

Top 12 Capsule Hotels in Japan

Georgie Darling — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 13:15:54 +0000

Few things scream Japanese culture quite like a capsule hotel. Fusing a budget-friendly midpoint between a cheap yet functional hotel and a hostel, a capsule hotel offers all of the socializing with a little more privacy. You’ll spot these capsule hotels, mostly located around different things to do in Tokyo and its surrounding neighborhoods, where space is tight and room prices remain high.

A brilliant option for travelers exploring the country on a shoestring budget, these hotels tend to have individual rooms as well as larger communal spaces. Some have spas, restaurants, and balconies while others are a little more on the basic side. Either way, they all deliver the main thing: a good sleep each night before you head out to explore more of the country and culture the following day.

14 Unique Airbnbs in Thailand

Georgie Darling — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 13:00:45 +0000

Thailand: at one end, you’ll find dense jungles and verdant nature. Travel downwards and you’ll stumble across miniature remote islands, azure waters, and white sand beaches. When we say Thailand offers a lot of variety, it’s hard to put into words exactly just how much it encompasses. And that’s something that applies not just to its dramatic landscapes and scenery but also its accommodation.

Sure, you could stay in a hotel here. But you could also stay in a castle, in a luxury tent up in the mountains, a tiny structure perched in the trees, or something else entirely. Read on for all of our favorite unique Airbnbs in Thailand.

Malaysia’s Barbie Hotel is a Hot Pink Themed Getaway

Georgie Darling — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 14:15:52 +0000

There’s a high chance that, even if you didn’t grow up with a Barbie fascination as a kid, at least one of your siblings or close friends did. Barbie mania started taking over the world in 1959 and never really left the scene. Remember those vibrant, Barbie-pink bedrooms you or your friends daydreamed about when you were younger? There’s now a hotel in Malaysia bringing all of those dreams to life.

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12 Dreamy Airbnbs in Lombok, Indonesia

Georgie Darling — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:30:57 +0000

Beautifully wild Lombok is often overlooked in favor of its ever-popular sister, Bali. But this gorgeous Indonesian island has plenty to offer of its own accord, in the form of unspoiled beaches, untouched jungles, and incredible mountain peaks. Many villas in Lombok make good use of the island’s mixed terrain, with beautiful Airbnbs perched on the edge of cliffs, overlooking the sea below. The best Airbnbs here are often a little more budget-friendly than those across the water in Bali, which means a luxury experience is definitely within reach. Read on for some of our top spots in Lombok, Indonesia.

Top 16 Airbnbs in Kyoto, Japan

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 14:30:47 +0000

One of the most popular destinations in Japan, Kyoto is home to more temples and shrines than anywhere else in the country as well as being one of the top spots for cherry blossoms in the spring. If you’re looking for a quieter, less-crowded setting, you might want to stay in the Northern Higashiyama area, which has at least as many impressive sites and lush greenery as Southern Higashiyama. Either way, any of these Airbnbs, from simple and budget-friendly to luxurious, is sure to provide a great space to experience the trip of a lifetime.

18 Best Airbnbs in Japan (By Destination)

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 14:00:49 +0000

From the neon lights of Tokyo, magnificent temples and ancient traditions to soaring mountains, islands with beautiful beaches, botanical gardens, and cherry blossoms, Japan is a place that everyone should visit at least once. Whether you’re looking to delve into the hustle and bustle, experience an atmosphere of total Zen, or eat your way through the country, you’ll find plenty of Airbnbs that provide the perfect base. This list includes the top rentals in some of Japan’s favorite vacation destinations, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Tsu, Hakone, Nagano, Hiroshima, and Okinawa.

Here’s How You Can Actually Stay in The Camaya Bali Butterfly Magical Bamboo House You Saw On Netflix

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 14:30:53 +0000

The trio of hosts on the new hit Netflix show, “The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals,” have revealed lots of enticing options. And, Bali, of course, has no shortage of them. But travel expert Jo Franco exclaimed of the Camaya Bali Butterfly Bamboo House, featured in Season 1, Episode 1, that if heaven was made out of bamboo, this is it.

Credit: Airbnb.com

Camaya Bali Butterfly – Magical Bamboo House

Boasting a stunning secluded location in eastern Bali, she told House Beautiful, “The entire stay made me feel like I was a princess in a Balinese fairy tale. Plus, getting to put my feet in the actual mud of the rice terraces and stumbling upon a pond with hundreds of rose petals connected me to the land in a way I’ll never forget.”

Credit: Airbnb.com

Jacuzzi at Camaya Bali Butterfly – Magical Bamboo House

Co-host/content creator/influencer Megan Batoon named it as her favorite stay of the episode, calling it the “most visually and esthetically impressive” from the acres of verdant plants to the flower petal baths and dreamy bamboo architecture. It’s a “dream-worthy stay with a backdrop of beauty.”

Credit: Airbnb.com

Bedroom at Camaya Bali Butterfly – Magical Bamboo House

Your magical open-air cabin includes two bedrooms and sleeps up to four guests. The ultra-comfy beds have protective mosquito netting and all overlook the rice terraces.

Credit: Airbnb.com

Private hammock with rice field views at Camaya Bali Butterfly – Magical Bamboo House

A small living area connects the bedrooms and includes a place to dine, sip drinks or just hang out while taking in the view of the rice fields. By ascending the steep stairs, you’ll reach your second-floor lounge which was made to relax, watch movies, or just enjoy the view from a hanging net, the highest point in the house.

Credit: Airbnb.com

Entrance to the beautiful bathroom at Camaya Bali Butterfly – Magical Bamboo House

There’s a beautiful bathroom and a shower where you can bathe right under the open sky. You’ll have your own fireplace right out front to cozy up to in the evening. Or, soak in the hot tub and listen to the sweet sounds of the wildlife that’s all around you. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a stress-melting stay.

Credit: Airbnb.com

Homemade Balinese food

While there isn’t a restaurant within walking distance, the property includes a small local eatery featuring homemade Balinese food and breakfast is included in the rate.

Credit: Airbnb.com

Camaya Bali Butterfly – Magical Bamboo House

Immersed in nature, there are few better places to connect with the environment and experience “real” Bali.

Camaya Bali Butterfly – Magical Bamboo House
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Selat, Bali, Indonesia

10 Stunning Nature Lodges in Sri Lanka

Georgie Darling — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 14:15:34 +0000

Tucked away in the thick forests, perched high atop the mountains, or situated ideally alongside beautiful streams and lakes: it’s hard to find a nature lodge in Sri Lanka that doesn’t come with breathtakingly stunning views. We’re not sure such a place even exists. Promising an authentic and sustainable experience in some of the country’s most spectacular destinations, these stunning nature lodges provide the perfect backdrop for all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or your other half, these picturesque lodges set the scene for a chance to reconnect with nature and experience the best of Sri Lanka.

10 Best Beachfront Resorts in Okinawa, Japan

Madison Davis — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 13:15:41 +0000

Okinawa, Japan is a popular island destination due to its incredible beaches and top-notch diving and snorkeling spots. The island is home to a number of hotels, however, the resorts on this list are all beachfront properties. Experience Japan’s most beautiful beaches from these best beachfront resorts in Okinawa.

20 Coolest Treehouse Rentals in Bali

Georgie Darling — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 13:20:20 +0000

Living in Bali for the past few years has shown me that this slice of paradise has some seriously cool vacation rentals. Some of the most unique in Bali is the treehouse rentals, which offer incredibly lush surroundings where you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to another world.

It’s fair to say that treehouses have stepped up a notch since you were a kid. Once a backyard staple complete with secret passwords and late-night storytelling, these modern-day treehouses look just a little different, with AC, hot water showers, and a handful of extra luxuries – especially when they’re in Bali. With all the amazing things to do in Bali, it’s no wonder this destination has become a travel hotspot.

An island filled with spectacular landscapes, leafy forests, and world-class beaches, a treehouse rental here is just as wonderful as its surroundings. Expect rural getaways hidden deep in the jungle, sky-high bedrooms at one with the birds, and dramatic sunrises you can watch from your wooden bedroom in the clouds.

Top 12 Fall Travel Destinations in Asia

Alyssa Ochs — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 13:00:51 +0000

If you’ve been craving an epic travel experience and looking to see the world in a whole new way, it might be time to consider booking a trip to Asia. Fall is a wonderful season to experience many different places across the continent because of the weather, colorful foliage, festive events, and crowds. Fall is right around the corner, so now’s the time to start dreaming!

To inspire your next trip, here are the best fall season destinations in Asia to start planning for.