Viceroy Bali

So now you know. This is exactly what heaven looks like. My entire trip to Bali was inspired by seeing a friend post this exact photo on Facebook and I knew I had to visit. In this case, reality really did exceed expectations. Go now. Do it.

The Welcome

It was rainy when we arrived, which gave our welcome an otherworldly quality. It felt like we’d landed on the set of a dinosaur movie. Sounds of the jungle were all around us – birds, monkeys, cicadas, rainfall – creating a nature symphony completely opposite to the city sounds I was used to. Within minutes of checking in, I had a string of flowers around my neck, a fruity drink in my hand, and a silly smile on my face.

Out of this world. The view and my humidity-infused hair.

Sweet Suite

Our room was ridiculous. Infinity pool? Check. Canopied four poster bed? Check. Little wooden gazebo hanging out over the pool and the jungle below? Check Check Check. See for yourself:

Just having our tea… in the awesomest place I’ve ever seen

Interior pretty enough to compete with the view outside

The best part? Waking up the next morning to the sound of monkeys knocking on the window 😀

Food-tastic

The main restaurant’s terrace overlooks a valley of greenery. Breathing the freshest air and feeling on a bit of a high from the surreal surrounds and the jet lag, even the bread served had an exquisite taste.

At breakfast: omelette with a side of jungle

Spa-mazing

Bali is famous for its massages and when it’s raining, a trip to the spa is a must. You can opt to do an outdoor massage to get in touch with nature, balance your mind, and pinch yourself every few minutes to believe it’s all real.

A spa on the edge of the world

Viceroy 5

The Verdict

On this trip to Bali, I was accompanied by two of my close friends from grad school and we had an amazing time enjoying our luxurious surrounds and venturing out into Ubud, which is the cultural heart of Bali. From traditional fire dances to bicycle rides in rice paddies, it was truly an adventure. I would recommend this hotel, however, to honeymooners and couples who want to hole up together in the most beautiful suite in the most beautiful hotel enjoying the most beautiful view. In fact, most of the other guests staying at the hotel were honeymooners. To that end, the outfit I’ve curated is one ideal for a romantic getaway of staying in and tuning out. Enjoy!

#WhatToPack

Hang up that Do Not Disturb sign and make the most out of a romantic getaway at this gorgeous hotel. Take a dip in your private infinity pool, have long talks that melt into evening in your little gazebo, or just stay in bed all day.

Viceroy Bali by holidaysinheels featuring Diptyque

Agent Provocateur Darcia Lace Playsuit
4,110 AED – harrods.com

I D SARRIERI bath robe
2,215 AED – trouva.com

Dolce Gabbana perfume fragrance
335 AED – harrods.com

Essie nail polish
67 AED – nelly.com

Diptyque candles candleholder
120 AED – neimanmarcus.com

Guest Post by Rupert Wright of Ashbright

Welcome

Paris holds no terrors for well-heeled travellers, who can check into one of the city’s eleven palaces such as the Georges V, Plaza Athénée, Le Bristol or my favourite, Le Meurice. But for those on any kind of budget, finding a decent place to stay in the French capital can be a challenge. Bedrooms smaller than a bathroom, bathrooms smaller than a bidet, we’ve all stayed at one of them and lived to regret it. So, it’s with great pleasure that I have found almost the perfect Parisian hotel – and you don’t need to be a tech billionaire to afford it. The Bedford has been family owned and run for more than a hundred years, combining Swiss roots, French flair and English tradition. It benefits from strong leadership, attention to detail, and a staff eager to look after you. With just 140 rooms, it is large enough to intimate, but not so large that you are anonymous. It’s a 4 star, but deserves more.

The rooms

Parquet flooring; high ceilings; comfortable beds and pillows; keys rather than plastic cards; and best of all, real switches, that turn the lights on and off. The Bedford has sensibly ignored many of the technical traps that can make staying in a hotel room more challenging than setting up your own satellite transmission site. The result is a place that combines understated elegance with modern touches and old school service. Some rooms overlook the rue de l’Arcade, others look over a courtyard, but all are a decent size and a muted colour. There is air-conditioning too, which is a relief when the summer strikes.

Eating

Breakfast is a buffet in a glorious belle époque room, boasting stucco reliefs and a glass roof. Dinner happens here too, French cuisine and fairly formal. There’s also a relaxed bistro/bar that serves meals and cocktails.

Location

A stone’s throw from the Place de la Madeleine, the Place de la Concorde and the Tuileries Gardens, and the Opera, this is one of the best areas to stay in Paris. (Marcel Proust used to live just around the corner). It is a lively area, with great boutiques, wine bars and an eclectic mix of restaurants, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Lebanese and French too.

Don’t miss

The Bedford knows that many people like to travel with their pets, so they are allowed to stay too.

HOTEL BEDFORD, 17, RUE DE L’ARCADE 75008 PARIS Tel. : +33 (0)1 44 94 77 77 Fax : +33 (0)1 44 94 77 97 More information at www.hotel-bedford.com

Rooms from €250; Suites from €450

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Sara Hamdan

Welcome to a magazine editor’s guide to luxury hotels and what to wear when you’re there! My work has appeared in: The International New York Times, Rolling Stone, Variety and CNN Travel. I’ve held editorial roles at VIVA Magazine, Dubai Magazine and Stylist Arabia. Now, I freelance for the likes of Google, CNN and Savoir Flair!

Editing travel pages was always my favourite part of working for lifestyle magazines. I started this blog out of a love of beautiful hotels that provide the fairytale escape of a day as a princess where breakfast is a buffet and chocolates appear on my pillow.

PR queries, feedback and compliments? Email sara@holidaysinheels.com!