Great hotels for an unforgettable trip to Bali

Planning your trip to Bali and looking for a good hotel in Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Sanur, Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan? We’ve got you covered! This handy little list of hotels is here to help you make the most out of your stay, no matter which area you wish to go. Each hotel on this list has its own unique features and charm, yet they all have on thing in common. They all have been handpicked –by the pickiest of pickiest-  tried and tested. With a stamp of approval, these hotels are ready to contribute towards an unforgettable trip through Bali.

Did you know that Booking.com often allows travellers to cancel their booking up until 24 hrs in advance. Perfect for those wanting to keep their options open and remain flexible at all times!

Where do you want to go?

Seminyak
Canggu
Ubud
Sanur
Nusa Penida
Nusa Lembogan & Nusa Ceniga

Seminyak

Villa Karisa

Looking for calm Balinese bohemian vibes in the midst of lively Seminyak? Then the rather unique Villa Karisa might just be the place for you. The villa, which is actually a boutique hotel, is roughly a 12-minute walk from the beach and a stone’s throw away from loads of shops and restaurants. Read our full hotel review here!

Room prices starting at €55 ($62.50) per night

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Canggu

The Kemilau Hotel & Villa

© photo by the Kemilau

Canggu has been booming and new hotels are popping up weekly. The Kemilau is one of these recently opened hotels offering great value for money in the streets of Berawa. The Kemilau hotel is located near loads of popular restaurants -such as Nude, Duatiga and Ruko- and only a 5-minute drive from the beach. This area is especially popular with locals, freelancers and surfers as it is slightly more peaceful than Batu Bolong and Echo beach. You do need a scooter to get around here as the roads are not paved… yet.

Room prices starting from €52 ($58) per night

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Ubud

Ubud Village Hotel

Whilst loads of Ubud’s dreamy resorts are set outside of town, the Ubud Village hotel is set right within the middle of it all. Due to its convenient location, staying in the Ubud village hotel means simply walking to most restaurants, the monkey forest, the night market, and other Ubud highlights. Don’t want to drive home or get a cab after a happy hour? Then this is the hotel for you! For the ultimate Ubud experience, combine the Ubud village hotel with a few nights outside of the center in a jungle-esque resort.

Room prices starting at €72 ($80) per night 

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Nyuh Resort & Spa

Retreat from the busy streets of Ubud to your own little sanctuary at the Nyuh Resort & Spa. The Nyuh resort is roughly a 10-minute drive from town and is a stunning setting to privately re-charge for a few days. Every villa comes with its own spacious pool,  personal assistant and diversified breakfast offering – delivered right to your own villa if desired. Guests are granted one upgrade to a floating breakfast during their stay to contribute to that genuine Bali experience.

Deluxe pool villa’s starting at €167 ($187) per night

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Sanur

The Alantara Sanur

Sanur has been one of Bali’s touristic hubs for many years now. Whilst it is an area we would usually stay clear of due to its slight over-tourism, it is the perfect transportation town to the Nusa islands. Therefore spending a night here ain’t bad at all, especially if it is at a dreamy resort such as the Alantara. Featuring their own gym, large swimming pool and spacious rooms with balconies, this hotel makes the perfect stopover!

Room prices starting at €43 ($48) per night

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Nusa Penida

Kompyang Cottage

© by Kompyang Cottage

With all the highlights to be seen in Nusa Penida, people do not spend much time in their hotel rooms. But, coming back from a day full of adventurous sightseeing has never felt better than in the tropical huts of Kompyang Cottage. These island style cottages are located in the North of the island which makes them a good jumping off point to explore both the left and right side of the island. Keep in mind that due to the sheer size of Nusa Penida, a scooter or driver is required to get around and to make your way to dining facilities of the resort.

Room prices starting at €56 ($62) per night

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Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Cengigan

 D’Puncak Villas

Turquoise waters and a carefree atmosphere; Nusa Lembongan, and in extension Nusa Ceningan, is a great place to come to rest after a few days of adventure in Nusa Penida. D’Puncak villas, located right within the middle of the island, is an ideal hotel to ensure a relaxing stay. The huts are, compared to island standards, luxurious and the friendly staff is eager to help you make the most of your stay.  Scooters can easily be arranged at the property for IDR100.000. Not a fan of scooters? The hotel also has a list of restaurants and beach clubs to choose from that have free pick up and drop off service, making the island easily accessible for everyone.

Room prices starting at €55 ($62) per night 

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All prices converted on xe.com as of 9 March ’19, in EURO and US Dollar. Subject to currency fluctuations. 

HOTEL TIP – Granada, Nicaragua

Selina Granada

Right within the centre of the color washed streets of Granada, you”ll find the large  and playful Selina. A hostel, part of an innovative hotel chain, that offers “hotels for millennials” and plays in to all the needs and wants their diversified audience might have. From the organization of parties on the weekends to rental of neat work areas during the day and arranging adventurous must see day trips.

Selina Granada is generally operated by young staff members, some more experienced than others, but overall very friendly. Location wise, it is not going to get much better than this colorful hostel. Located just steps away from the evenly bright Granada Cathedral, lively Parque Central and the bar- and restaurant street. Once finished exploring the beauty of Granada’s colonial architecture, the hostel is also a perfect jumping off point for other adventures. At the reception, they offer a variety of day trips that are  easily arranged and well executed.

For our stay, we chose the private room with shared bathroom. But, with 7m2 the room was very similar to that of Harry Potter. With no room to unpack even slightly, we decided to request an upgrade, which would bump up the room size with 200%. However, this proved to be rather difficult and unnecessarily expensive. Hence, we decided to pass, accept our rookie mistake and enjoy the rest of our stay in our closet-esque room.

That aside, this place is definitely recommended. Just make sure to double check your room size before booking, as it does like a little larger in the images, and you’re good to go. Breakfast at the hostel is fine but rather basic. With a lot of cool places around like these, we would recommend to start your day elsewhere.

Want to kick off (or end)  your trip in Nicaragua in a relaxed atmosphere and as centrally located as you could possibly be? Check out the the current prices for a stay at Selina Granada on your desired date and time here.

For a two night stay in the standard room, with a shared bathroom, we paid a total of $45 (€36.5). Breakfast is not included and can be added for $4.50 (€3.60) p.n.p.p.

*All prices as of 10 March’18, converted on xe.com 

HOTEL TIP – Brussels

Hygge Hotel

Hygge –  pronounced “Hoo-ga” – is a concept originating from Denmark and refers to the feeling of coziness and fulfillment by enjoying the simple things in life. Which is exactly what the recently opened Hygge Hotel embodies. Decorated with Scandinavian design throughout, the hotel intertwines modern, minimalistic architecture with a warm touch.

The hotel is conveniently located in the Louise area, right within the city centre of Brussels. The area is a very popular district where shopping, business, dining and bars meet another.

The rooms of the hotel are styled in cool blues and whites, with hints of wood scattered throughout. The bathrooms are decorated in Delft Blue tiles and most encompasses a spacious bath. All of the above contributes to the creation of a relaxed atmosphere to either get some work done (on the in-room desk) or enjoy a good nights sleep.

©HYGGE Hotel

The breakfast, which will cost you roughly 15 euros if you purchase it on the spot, is varied and satisfactory. With the offering ranging from freshly baked baguettes,  Scandinavian yogurts to pressed juices. It is served on the ground floor and the carved details in the ceiling allows you to let your eyes wander, whilst enjoying your meal.

So what will a stay at the cozy and centrally located Hygge Hotel cost you? For a 1 night stay, on a week day, we paid a total of €78/$95.

Hit this link to find out what a stay at Hygge Hotel is going to cost you on your desired date and time.

* All prices as of 1 March’18, converted on xe.com 

Top To Do’s in Marrakesh Under $10

Whether you’re craving the sun, want to get acquainted with foreign culture or wish to explore historic monuments; Marrakesh lends itself perfectly for all city trip lovers. But, as many are aware, those short vacations can become quite costly real fast. Therefore, finding one of a kind things to do, that do not involve reaching deep in to the wallet, are a precious find.

1. Ben Youssef Madrasa

Just a few streets away of the Souk lies the impressive Ben Youssef Madrasa. This monumental building formerly functioned as the country’s largest Islamic school, but is now by many perceived as cultural heritage. The abandonment living quarters, which used to house the students, offer phenomenal views where visitors can glare at the fine architectural details that have been crafted in to the building.  Luckily, you’ll most likely won’t explore the property alone, as creepy feelings sneak up on you fast whilst standing in these small dark chambers. The entrance fee will cost you  MAD 20, equal to $2.18.

For more information on Ben Youssef Medersa and opening hours, visit www.medersa-ben-youssef.com

2. Bahia Palace

We’ve yet to come across a palace that doesn’t excite us. The architectural brilliance that  goes in to building these royal residences have some sort of ancient glory over them. And, as they age, their beauty remains. Which is literally what the palace of Bahia stands for – palace of the beautiful. The palace, covered in colorful tiles and marble carvings, was build in the nineteenth century and is located on the south-east of the old city centre. The entrance fee of the Bahia Palace is very gentle and comes down to €1 – $1.24.

For more information on the Bahia palace and opening hours, visit www.palais-bahia.com/

3. Majorelle Garden

Lush greens and bright blues. The Majorelle garden is a small botanical garden, located some what outside of the Medina, that combines artistry with gardening. The garden is also commonly known as the YSL garden, as designer Yves-Saint-Laurent purchased it together with companion Pierre Bergé in the 1980’s, to restore and maintain the land. The place is, nowadays, as colorful as it is popular. If you’re keen on a visit without standing in line for hours, try to go early on the day and especially avoid weekend days. Another way to go around the line is to buy a combo ticket, which includes entrance to both the museum as well as the garden and can be purchased at the museum entrance, where it is considerably less crowded. This does raise the price however to 100 MAD, whilst regular entrance to the enchanting Majorelle Garden will cost you 70 MAD, equal to €6.2 – $7.6.

©FRANOISE BRO – FOTOLIA/YANN CANARI

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We weren’t kidding about the line.

For more information on the Majorelle Garden visit www.jardinmajorelle.com

Still need a place to stay in Marrakesh? Hit this link for our accommodation tips.

* All prices as of 13 February’18, converted on xe.com 

 

 

6x Why You’ll Want to Rent a Scooter in Bali

Yes, traffic in Bali is crazy, there is no arguing that. And while it may seem like an excess necessity to rent a scooter with taxis everywhere -that will take you across the island for just a few dollars- it is truly one of the more extraordinary ways to experience Bali. If you’re all about authentic ways to explore, check out why you will  definitely want to rent a scooter in Bali:

1. There is ALWAYS traffic

Bluebird taxis indeed get you across Bali for as little as some spare change, but when there is traffic, and for some reason there always is, a short distance might turn in to the longest ride of your life. Being stuck for hours at a time is nothing uncommon.  With a scooter you can do as the locals do, wiggle yourself through the traffic jam and off to enjoy your day you go.

©Tempo.co

2. Freedom

Go where ever you want to go, whenever you want to go. Simple as that.

3. It’s cheap

As cheap as taxis might be, so is driving and renting the scooter. Filling it up is done at one of many gasoline stops alongside the road. Bet you were already wondering wat is in those vodka bottles right? Well, it’s gasoline, for one liter expect to pay around IDR 10.000/ US$0.75,-.

©blogit.ulkominesterio.fi

4. No pick-up wait

It is great that the hotels, resorts and even hostels for that matter, are always willing to call you taxis at all times. What is less great however, is the wait… In Bali there is no such thing as “be there in ten”, it is more like “I am on my way now, might take 2 minutes, might take 20, might take an hour”. Great if you have the patience of an angel, we unfortunately do not.

5. Hidden spots

While out and about, the chances are you might stumble upon a gorgeous rice field, or a cute coffee bar that you would have never noticed otherwise. The hidden spots along the way make renting a scooter well worth the adventure.

6. Work on your tan 

Do you get a tan while sitting the car? We don’t think so. Enjoy the sun, with the fresh air blowing in your face instead of the air con.

Scooters are rented throughout the island. Prices will most certainly vary per rental, if you want to avoid unnecessary long price negotiations, best thing to do is to let the hotel arrange it for you. They can even offer you special deals at many occasions. In addition, the rule usually goes that, the longer you decide to rent one, the cheaper it will become. We paid roughly 35.000 Rupiah per day, which is equal to US$2.60. We’ve heard cheaper and we’ve heard more expensive, but I guess it is safe to say it is a safe common ground.

*All prices as of 7 January 2018 at xe.com

HOTEL TIP – BRUSSELS

Le Jardin Secret

Right within the Centre of Brussels, capital of Belgium, lies Le Jardin secret. A, literally, secretive hotel hidden within the walls of another hotel, named Le Berger. The entire hotel is garden themed and can only be accessed via an extraordinary plant shop. After you’ve located the plant shop in one of Brussels many alleys, you will find the cloaked reception and are ready for check-in. After which, entrance to hotel will be granted via the back door and you can make your way to to your room via the inner garden.

Before our visit we never actually realized how uncommon it is to have lots of plants in your room. Total shame because it is absolutely lovely and has a very relaxed and homely vibe to it. Also contributing to those vibes are a view of, yes, the large inner “secret” garden. All of which you can admire from your, very comfortable, window seat.

As Brussels tends to get quite busy – with either tourism, business conferences or European affairs- prices for hotels can be relatively high at times.  However, for this unique hotel we only paid EUR 68/$82.81, way below the usual Brussels average. To have the diverse continental breakfast they offer included, price will go up with EUR 14/$16.81 p.p.p.n.

Find out what it is going to cost you on your desired dates here

For more information on the hotel visit www.jardinsecrethotel.be