Here be dragons: an Indonesian adventure
From spiritual spa treatments and sun-kissed beaches to island-hopping and Komodo dragon-spotting, this 14-night itinerary makes for an unforgettable adventure. Starting in Bali, you’ll split your first week between lush jungle luxury and a breezy beachfront villa before setting sail for seven nights to explore the spectacular islands of Komodo National Park.
Package inclusions:
- First or business class return flights to Bali
- Private jet flight from Bali to Flores
- Private transfers throughout
- Days 1-3: Three nights at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
- Days 4-7: Four nights at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
- Days 8-14: Seven-night Aqua Expeditions cruise to Komodo National Park
Take off to paradise
Start your trip as you mean to go on, flying in first or business class comfort from London to Bali, with a short stop in Singapore en route. As you approach the island, be sure to look out for the beaches below, where you’ll be soaking up the sunshine in a few days’ time.
On arrival, you’ll be met by your private driver and taken north through the bustling capital city of Denpasar, with its temples, monuments and markets selling local pottery and colourful batik fabrics. As the city gives way to a lush green landscape, you’ll know you’re nearing your first stop.
Days 1-3: A jungle hideaway
Arriving at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is like stepping into another world. Tucked away in the jungle, this peaceful retreat offers the ultimate escape from the everyday. You’ll make your entrance over a treetop bridge, walking through the jungle canopy to your home for the next three nights.
Perched at the resort’s highest point, with breath-taking views of the valley below, the Sayan Villa is an exclusive hideaway complete with a private pool, terrace and garden. Unwind to the sounds of the ‘forest symphony’ in stunning natural surroundings.
Relax or get active
From chakra ceremonies and moonlit yoga to indulgent multi-day treatment packages, the spa and wellness centre offers everything to balance body and mind. For adventurous types, a paddle down the sacred Ayung River will give you a different perspective, taking in towering trees, neat rice paddies, majestic gorges and a Class III rapid or two.
Otherwise, get off the beaten track to discover Bali’s hidden gems by bike or on foot with an expert local guide. For foodies, Sokasi cooking school is a must. Head to the market with the chef in the morning, then follow his lead to cook your own authentic Balinese lunch. If you’re more into tasting than making, the resort’s restaurants offer something for everyone, all served up in stunning tree-shaded surroundings.
Days 4-7: Make a break for the beach
Day four will see you heading south for the coast and the beautiful Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay. Inspired by a traditional Balinese courtyard house, the Premier Ocean Villa you’ll be staying in is spacious and secluded, with its own private deck and pool overlooking the sea.
With its palm-fringed, white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, Jimbaran Bay is the perfect spot for sun-worshippers and water sports-lovers alike. From kayaking to catamaran sailing, there are plenty of activities on hand to help you explore offshore, while there’s heli surfing for those in search of an adrenaline rush.
Back on dry land, beach games and tennis courts are available, along with all the equipment you need. The spa and wellness centre offers yoga, massage and beauty treatments, while the mirror-like beachfront infinity pool makes for a picturesque dip when you need to cool off.
A taste of local culture
As well as tours of the water garden with its countless shrines, the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay offers an insight into Balinese culture and craft, along with cookery classes using ingredients sourced from the garden.
Come evening, you can hop on a traditional Balinese boat and head out along the coast, cocktail in hand to see the sun dip below the horizon. Back at the resort, a range of restaurants caters to every appetite, or you can opt for the intimacy of in-villa dining.
Days 8-14: Here be dragons
After a short private flight to Flores, you’ll board your home for the second week of the trip: the five-star Aqua Blu cruise ship. This spectacular seven-night cruise offers an in-depth exploration of the incredible Komodo National Park. And of course the chance to spot Komodo Dragons, the largest lizards on earth.
After sailing through some of the most spectacular coastal landscapes on the planet, your first stop will be Moyo Island, a nature reserve in its own right. A walk through the jungle will reveal a large variety of flora and fauna, topped off with a glimpse of the picturesque Mata Jitu waterfall.
At nearby Saleh Bay, you’ll have the chance to spot rare whale sharks and see thousands of fruit bats take flight as darkness falls. From there, you’ll hop from bay to bay, exploring a vibrant marine environment that’s home to more than 1,000 species of fish, including manta rays, sea turtles and ocean sunfish, as well as more than 200 species of coral.
In many of the hard-to-reach places along the way, yours will be the only boat in sight, meaning you’ll get an unrivalled view of this unspoilt habitat. The Aqua Blu cruise ship sails from April to September every year, the best season to discover the region.
Day 15: Homeward-bound
From the harbour in Bali it’s just a short drive across the peninsular to the airport, where you’ll pick up your flight home.
Getting there
Guests will travel by first or business class return flights from London Heathrow to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali.
Feeling inspired?
To book this package or create your own tailor-made trip, get in touch with one of our travel experts now on 020 8335 1070 or email travel@aircharter.co.uk. Alternatively, be inspired by our other handpicked selection of packages. Packages subject to availability.