RICK Molinsky creates his own version of Eat, Pray, Love.
Full Moon at Amandari Resort, Kedewatan, Ubud
‘‘You have chosen a great time to be in Bali,’’ my driver tells me as we head towards Ubud in central Bali. ‘‘It is the full moon – very special for my village and for you.’’ When we arrive at the reception at Amandari Resort in Kedewatan village, I believe him. Ten people are waiting for me – some throwing petals – all bowing. Designed as a Balinese village of 30 walled villas overlooking the Ayun River below, it’s said to be sacred land. Only 10 minutes’ drive from Ubud village, it’s far enough away to avoid the Eat, Pray, Love groupies and Chinese tour buses, but close enough if the need arises.
My sumptuous pool villa has dramatic views of rice terraces and mountains. With my assigned guide I head off at 7am for a day of full moon activities, starting with a hike to the river, crossing bridges that Indiana Jones would have worried about, through villages and up into the rice terraces.
By mid-afternoon I’ve been blessed by a priest and, wearing a traditional sarong, I set off for the night’s big celebrations. Once the gods have been appeased, we feast on Ubud’s famous suckling pig back at the resort. Little wonder Aman resort regulars are called Aman Junkies. I am hooked.
Details: visit amanresorts.com/amandari.
Marry Me, Banyan Tree Resort and Spa, Ungasan
My temporary career as a wedding planner comes about by accident on my first day at the Banyan Tree. Set high on a cliff, the resort seems to be carved out of rock, with 72 pool villas, tropical gardens and every amenity you can imagine. There is a private beach below where staff make sure you’re hydrated and comfortable at all times.
I am hanging out by the infinity pool marvelling at the view of the Indian Ocean when a young Korean couple in matching pink T-shirts wander up to me. He’s wearing a T-shirt with ‘‘Marry Me’’ written on the front, she’s wearing one with ‘‘Do’’. Her ‘‘I’’ has somehow been lost in translation and should be a clue that things are not about to end well.
Between my animated arm gestures and saying what gorgeous a place this would be to get married, they mistake me for their wedding planner. ‘‘Do tour now? ’’ asks Marry Me, as Do nods excitedly. ‘‘Oh why not,’’ I think, as I hail a passing golf buggy.
Marry Me, Do and I head to the Ju-Ma-Na Royal, a Moroccan cocktail bar when the real wedding consultant arrives (and, in fluent Korean, gives me away). I have no choice but to slink off to the spa and indulge in one of the resort’s signature treatments.
At breakfast the next day, Marry Me and Do, far from being upset, have me pose for photos and giggle each time they attempt to say ‘‘Ricky’’. I am sad to see them go.
Details: visit banyantree.com.
Rockstar at Rock Bar, Ayana Resort and Spa, Jimbaran
Having a personal butler has always been one of my life’s dreams (just ask my mum), so when I check into the Ayana and am presented with my very own, I feel like I’ve finally arrived.
I soon discover that having a butler takes some getting used to. After an awkward moment when I attempt to unpack my own bags, I let him take the lead and decide to check out my villa. Set in a traditional Balinese compound, complete with private pool, tropical gardens and with a view of the Indian Ocean, I understand immediately why Ayana is a gold-medal-winning resort.
Every need has been anticipated and the many special touches would take a page to list. Suffice to say, life back on earth is hard to comprehend after a few days in heaven.
I quickly settle into a comfortable routine, alternating hanging out on Kubu Beach with a picnic or lying by my own pool. After yet another visit to the spa I learn that Ayana means ‘‘a place of refuge’’ in Sanskrit, which pretty well sums it up. While I enjoy the aquatonic pool therapy, I wake up nights crying to be back at the Spa on the Rocks being massaged.
On my last night I decide to visit Rock Bar, the famous cliff-top bar located on natural rocks and accessible by an inclinator. Everything about it is dramatic – including the sunsets and the DJ. Sipping my Mojito, I hear my name. ‘‘Ricky!’’
I turn to see Marry Me and Do, who have come to check out Ayana as another possible wedding venue. Announcing it as fate, they decide that I have to come to the next resort, Alila Soori, with them in their helicopter. I watch the sunset and smile, thinking, ‘‘Don’t mind if I do’’.
Details: visit ayanaresort.com.
* The journalist was a guest of the resorts. Travel made possible by kiwi collection. Details: visit kiwicollection.com.
