Everything was great
I have dealt with your firm for many, many years. I can pick up the phone, pass Keely Papworth the information and she does all the hard work sorting my travel plans (normally last minute as my life is hectic). Tis takes the sting out of planning for me. Through the years I have built a rapport, and have 100% trust and confidence as I’ve NEVER been let down. This is “customer service” done right.
Very pleased - will definitely use you again
Helpful from initial booking through to departure.
Was particularly pleased that we were phoned a couple of days before we went and asked if we had any last minute questions
Bradley excelled once again, He always delivers
Thank you for the holiday of a lifetime
I have always booked my flights and holidays with you and I have not been disappointed. Ryan has always looked after me and I trust his judgment.
We were totally satisfied with the arrangements made by Monika and Tamarind Global and as a result we had a marvellous and memorable experience. The comfort and food on British Airways was poor and put to shame by the performance of the internal airlines.
Thank you Eve/guys we had a wonderful trip and look forward to booking again soon
Excellent as always
The app worked well and the whole customer service was fantastic.
Efficient and friendly service, straightforward to arrange multiple flights and hotels. Would recommend and use again.
Excellent service from start to finish. Have already recommended DialAFlight to others on holiday too. Now back at home thinking about the next one.
Thanks to Brandy for sorting our flight and hotel arrangements - it all went smoothly!
Fantastic helpful service. Like you have done over the last 15 years
Great service from DialAFlight
Everything was done very professionally
All went fine! Thank you
As always great service
Dale and his team constantly go above and beyond to help. I’m about to book with you again and have recommended you to my friends.
Troy was really helpful every time I contacted him!
Times between gates on Saudia very tight due to excessive security at Jeddah. Less than 70 minutes and you won’t make the connecting flight
Callum did a terrific job as always.
All aspects very efficient and I have recommended you guys to my friends but some seem determined to spend hours on the internet to save pennies. Stupid in my opinion.
Next time I will choose a hotel with a sea view.
Freddie delivered everything he promised.
Excellent service as always
Thank you Travis for all your help
Robert organised everything for a special birthday present for my husband. I gave an idea of which hotels and places we'd like to visit and Robert came back with amazing itinerary and price. Kept up to date on every aspect even when away. Service and support is outstanding and highly recommend using DialAFlight.
It’s raining and suddenly my terrace is flooded with sound - heavy droplets drum down, frogs chatter, birds hiss and cicadas chant in chorus. A high-pitched wail from some jungle creature pierces the sultry, twilight air and halts my swim. Peering over the edge of the infinity pool into the waterfall and jungle below, I feel like I'm living an episode of Planet Earth.
Ever bewitching, Indonesia has the power to simultaneously arrest every sense. I'm treated to this dusk performance while taking a dip in my private plunge pool, just one of the many fabulous features of the luxurious treehouse-style suites at Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan in Ubud.
From an unassuming entrance on a dusty street, guests travel along a road flanked by treetops oblivious to the Bond-style lair that lies beneath the canopy. The main building has been designed to resemble a huge rice bowl laden with unexpected surprises on each level – Jati bar, Ayung Terrace restaurant and a spa all overlook the lush greenery present at every turn.
In harmony with its locale, the hotel offers a day in the life of a Balinese farmer experience - learning how to plant and farm a rice paddy field, followed by a traditional lunch and then a revitalising Chakra ritual.
Our friendly guide Santika leads us to the outer edges of the hotel, which spill into Ayung Valley's green paddy terraces.
After a tour of the herb garden, packed with fragrant and healing plants, we learn about ‘taksu’ a spirit said to dwell within each of us. Then it’s time to don a traditional farmer’s hat and wellies as I vigorously turn over the turf, letting the water swell over my ‘rice patch’.
Following a lunch of rice, fruits and meat, I head to a small spa overlooking the water. Frangipani suffuses the air and after completing a heath survey, I have a Manipura Chakra ritual focusing on my digestive system. I’m given ginger and honey to drink before being scrubbed with Himalayan salt and sea oil and wrapped in mud. Eventually I take an alfresco herbal bath before I’m kneaded with a soothing massage into utter relaxation.
I also try anti-gravity yoga, which involves swinging and contorting myself in a hammock. It involves a lot of time upside down and soaring through the air.
I regain my balance with a Buddhist nun who arrives to meditate with my yoga group. Although she’s only in her thirties emanates an ancient wisdom. Melodiously, she encourages us to appreciate the present, to listen to distant water trickling, chickens clucking and her singing bowl lilting across the incense-infused air. Some of my group are so moved they weep.
It’s hard to deny the island has an intoxicating energy, drenched in timeless mysticism. It’s why there are so many yoga retreats here and travellers following the trail of the cult movie Eat,Pray, Love.
I’m holidaying at both hotels on the island that Julia Roberts stayed at during filming. My contrasting, yet equally luxurious, second address is a laidback beach haven, Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay, favoured by celebrities including Nicole Kidman, Nicolas Cage and Cameron Diaz.
The dreamy retreat overlooks the bay’s enticing white sands and cerulean waters with the jade outline of Mount Agung in the misty distance.
Guests are housed in villas with private gardens and the resort is built in the style of a Balinese village. Despite there being 147 villas and nine residences, while sprawled out on a sun-lounger I feel like I have this slice of paradise all to myself.
Energetic guests can try paddle-boarding, kayaking and surfing lessons. I opt for Hatha yoga, revitalised as I meditate to a soundtrack of waves crashing against rocks.
Uluwatu monkey temple is nearby. From the lofty pinnacle of the park, you’re rewarded with breath-taking ocean panoramas. Tirta Empul temple in Tampaksiring, bustling with pilgrims, is also worth a visit.
Closer to Jimbaran is Pedang Pedang - the hidden beach of fantasies. After a climb down a winding staircase you’re confronted with a paradise expanse that stole a scene in Eat, Pray, Love.
Blessed with a cinematic backdrop, intriguing spirituality and glamorous hotels, the magic of a spa break in Bali will linger with you long after you've left.
First published in the Mail Online - July 2017
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