where are we going?

Virtual Vacation (aka- pretend blog vacation)

The last Virtual Vacation destination at the Maya Ubud, Bali relaxed and

rejuvenated you, but our next trip is going to get the adrenaline pumping

through your veins! So which of the following three are you up for 1,2 or 3?

Leave your choice in the comments below, and the one with the most votes 

will be our next destination for next week. Surf, Dive or Mountain Bike?

Virtual Vacation- Bali

I didn't get to post yesterday, a friend that works for an ad agency

needed mums and kids for the new Australia zoo ad they are shooting,

so we all had the day off to play with snakes, crocks and kangaroos.

But I've packed my bags and I'm ready to take you on the next adventure,

(part 2 of the virtual vacation),

another exotic destination, the lush and tranquil town of Ubud, in the hills

of Bali. I can't imagine a better place to rejuvenate and unplug for a few

days. I'm seriously thinking of making time every day (time...ha) to meditate.

Funny how I know what's good for me but never seem to have time or

effort/inclination to make good habits and break old bad ones! 

    

Bali, Ubud

This time we're travelling by private jet, because it's a virtual vacation

(pretend) we should milk it for all it's worth.

The yellow car is pretty amazing, I wonder where we will put the luggage?

(above images) 1,2

The very vibrant town of Ubud is About one and a half hour drive from 

Denpensar International airport. It's a beautiful drive into the hills, many stone

sculpture workshops and mind boggling variety of arts, craft and homeware

 manufacturers line the winding road against a deep green backdrop.

(above images) 1,2

We will be staying at the stunning Maya, Ubud Hotel. Perched atop

of a very private ridge between two rivers in the forest. I've stayed

here a couple of times and I'm always happy to come back! It ticks

all the boxes, service, food, yoga, architecture and a fabulous day Spa.

A sketch of the entry into the private Villa with plunge pool. I had

a great time sketching the gardens when Mr S and I stayed here.

I reserved the Petanu Presidential Villa. (only the best for you).

With large living/dining open pavilion that sits above a 15 metre lap pool. 

With two more pavilions with canopy draped beds, overlooking the 

rainforest and river below.

The Spa Villas are located at the bottom of Maya's property, perched

above the river. The attention to detail in the design and decorating

is superb, You will feel completely relaxed and spoilt by the spa staff

as soon as you enter the open welcome villa. You will be asked try and 

choose the oils, creams they will use and the type of herbal bath mix

they add to the canopy covered bath overlooking the rainforest and

ambient river rushing below. (Can you see why I keep coming back?)  

(Above) Itinerary for the next eight days......sigh, (If only it was for real!)

(above image) 

Ubud is the spiritual and yoga hub of Bali, and many spiritual and art

festivals are held here every year, one of these is the Bali Spirit Festival .

 There are many specific yoga retreats in Bali, the Yoga Barn (above picture) 

is an earthy and unpretentious sanctuary set amidst terraced rice paddies 

in Ubud village.  

"The wardrobe" 

Images via my dream wardrobe 

Of course the shopping is A-MAZ-ING , everything is super cheap and

you can find some really unique jewellery and homewares. in Ubud village

there is block after block of the cutest boutiques and cafes and I seem to 

find the energy to explore every one of them (a foot massage after helps too). 

(above) Ubud markets, French bookshop and cafe, Clear Cafe  
Relaxed much?


  Previous virtual vacation, Vietnam  

where are we going?

Prayer flags for the East Coast. image

Hope you're all having a fantastic weekend, it's a bit crappy/rainy here. Not as bad as

America's East Coast right now though. Have been checking online with what's

happening over there as we have no tv on the boat (nice and quiet).

The "Zen Master" 

 

image1,2,3 

On a lighter (and very superficial) topic, have you decided where we are going

on our next "girl-cation" yet? The above destinations are all wonderful in their own

right, but the aim for our next virtual vacation is to declutter our brain, heal the

soul and return with a completely balanced mind, body and spirit.....which usually

lasts for about a day if you get stressed out as quick as I do. So what's it going to be?

1, 2 or 3?

The virtual vacation.....

Pack your bags, because I'm taking you on a virtual holiday! (All expenses

paid of course). I really need a break and I wanted to thank you for following

my blog and leaving all your fabulous comments. So here is your first class ticket

and a goodie bag- I've painstakingly scoured newsagents for your favourite magazines,

there are indulgent sweets, and skin care products that you like among other things!

 We're going to have the ultimate virtual girls weekend away......... lets go!  

We will be staying at the most amazing resort, the Six Senses .  

It sits on the the most incredible rock formations overlooking the East

Vietnam sea, on the dramatic Ninh Van Bay. These exclusive villas have been

designed to be at one with nature but still have that luxurious feel. You will

get a true Vietnamese feel with the traditional style to the resort. Oh and I

almost forgot, it has a spa!

Your going to come home with the most amazing Tailor made silk clothing

made by Vietnam's best tailors in the heritage town Hoi An. We can also

get funky and unique shoes made to order. You must bring back silk lanterns too, 

they make great gifts and they are easily folded down to fit in your luggage. 

A sketch of the Villa we will be staying in, plenty of room for us girls to have

cocktail parties, mixing up our stash of duty free with exotic juices. The fruit juice

is incredible in Vietnam, all the different and exotic fruits and the FOOD! it's to die

for......I think we will have to make up our own aqua aerobics classes in our plunge

pool and early morning yoga classes so we don't leave with extra baggage! 

Because this is a "virtual" vacation I can pack whatever I wish, practical

or not, I'm packing these. Via my dream wardrobe pinterest

Yes I know, but on our holiday we WILL have legs like these and perfect hair

and makeup. So it won't look strange at all, that we see the sights on

a rickshaw dressed like this. image 

images via pinterest Vietnam

Food! glorious Food! In my opinion Vietnam have the best food I have ever tasted. 

Must be the fusion of fresh produce and the French Colonial influence. The variety of 

fresh produce is mind blowing, just wait till you walk through the markets, the colours 

and the smell of herbs are amazing. The only thing that might freak you out is the 

section where they sell dog. (Sorry did I just shatter the daydream). 

Images via Tropical living 

image

I had an awesome time, we should do this more often! I'm already planning for our 

next big "virtual vacation". Another place better than the last, maybe somewhere 

a little more pampering and relaxing and less sight seeing? Don't worry you will 

come back totally relaxed from the next trip, you will be a Zen master, you'll see.

Sarah x