Relax - Honeymoon destinations: Tembok, Bali

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Honeymoon destinations: Tembok, Bali

Female Brides | Tue, Aug 11 2009

The remote northeast coast of Bali offers honeymooners a blend of culture, spirituality, spa luxury and privacy.

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Some travellers adore Bali for its art, spirituality and bustling party scene, but few have ventured far across to the remote northeastern village of Tembok, where the island’s pristine beauty is still very much intact. Lush haven Three hours' drive from Denpasar airport, Tembok is a local seaside village situated at the foot of the island's remote northern mountain range. Here lies the luxurious resort of Spa Village Tembok, which doesn’t just offer couples absolute quietness and romance, but also a slice of the real Bali. You won't not find any touristy strip, shop or restaurant here – just breathtaking views of terrace padi fields set against majestic volcanoes. Inside, the gentle spirit of Bali comes alive with the staff’s gracious hospitality, the estate’s gorgeous pool and manicured lawns, the daily cultural activities (such as yoga, painting, palm leaf weaving, and evening cruises on a traditional fishing boat) and the calming view of blue waves lapping an empty black sand beach. This is the life... There are only 31 rooms and every one of them, from a superior room to a sea-facing villa, is large and decorated Balinese-style. All is restful and intimate, and the resort makes sure of that with its no-children below 16, -smoking, -cell phone, and computer-free policy. The best treats for couples are the resort's unique spa treatments. One such therapy is the Segara Giri, a foot treatment where you bury your feet in a sunken pit of steaming black volcanic sand, then walk through a pool with water-sprouting gargoyles. Every night, each guest gets a complimentary daily massage. Rates also include three daily meals, with lunch and dinner being three-course affairs. If you fear having to eat bland health-foods, you’ll be surprised by the light, clean yet scrumptious meals created by Chef Danny Lau, who used to work at the ultra-luxury Pangkor Laut resort in Malaysia. Getting To Tembok Garuda, Jetstar Asia and Lion Air have regular flights from Changi to Denpasar. Airport transfers are included in the package rates. Check out Spa Village Tembok at www.spavillage.com or call 6276-1381/9686-7668 for reservations or more information. Must-Know Fact There are plenty of great sightseeing spots in the area, so do plan at least one half-day trip. Must-visits include Bedugul, a scenic city-village that sits at 1,400m above sea level within the crater of an ancient volcano; the town of Penglipuran that is the epitome of old Bali; and Kintamani, the site of the earliest known Balinese kingdom dating back to the 10th century. Romance Tip The rooms at Spa Village Tembok boast extremely spacious bathrooms, so remember to bring your favourite bath essences, perfumed candles and massage oils for your nightly romantic couple soak-and-snuggle time. What To Pack The resort provides each guest with a comfortable yoga outfit and straw slippers, so all you need are swimwear, some light clothing, sunscreen, and a good book. Other romantic destinations: - Greece: Culture and architecture - Maldives: Marooned on a tropical island paradise. This article first appeared in Female Brides, published by SPH Magazines.