BALI AQUA

Jimbaran Bay at sunset
There’s a nice vibe on this long stretch of beach around dinnertime. The bay is lined with seafood restaurants with their tables and chairs sitting right on the sand, so have a swim while you’re waiting for your food. The ocean is clean and when the sun starts to go down it turns into a bronzed paradise.

Freshwater swimming pools, Como Shambhala
These three pools, filled only by water from the estate’s sacred spring, lie hidden in the middle of a lush rainforest. Probably three of the most beautifully located swimming pools in the world. Organise to have a private picnic through the staff, though you might want to spend some time digesting on the sunbeds before you venture out of there – it’s a steep climb back up… but well worth it.

Gili Meno
White sand, clear water, coral reefs, turtles… paradise

Nammos Beach Club, Ungasan
This is the beach club of Karma Kandara resort, but for a small price you can get in and stay all day, ordering tapas, cocktails, and coconuts straight from your sun-bed. An excellent day trip from just about anywhere – but go early and stay late to avoid heavy traffic.

Bingin, Bukit Peninsula
Great surfing beach on a beautiful coastline. Less crowded than the now over-developed Dreamland, which is the next beach down. Also check out Padang Padang.

Gajah Mina, Suraberata
This beach is accessible to the public but is generally only used by guests of the Gajah Mina resort, so you’ll have some peace and quiet.

Pasir Putih, East Bali
On the east coast past Candi Dasa, keep your eyes open for the small sign. Lovely white sandy cove with yummy seafood warungs. Bali Beautiful!

GeGer, Nusa Dua
White sands without the thumping dumpers of the west coast. Go to the Nusa Dua Beach Grill for lunch or a bintang.

Swimming Pool at Anantara, Dhyana Pura
You can swim at most of the hotel pools if you buy lunch. Try Anantara’s beachside pool or the one at Sentosa.