Hairstyle Updates: Maiden visit to Club Med Bali @ Indonesia

The year started on a good note with an awe-inspiring trip to Bali. Ending the year with a trip to Europe and then keeping this Bali trip a hush-hush until my manager gives me the green light to go on a 3-day-leave was all happening too quickly for me. There had been quite an extensive traveling for me for the past few months and Bali was timely as I needed a break from the subject called stress.

"Don't grow up too quickly, lest you forget how much you love the beach."

~Michelle Held

Having nothing to expect for my maiden visit to Club Med, I arrived at the resort greeted with big smiles and welcoming faces. Men & women dressed in crisp orange Polo tee and white bermudas were lining up to greet us with fresh wet towels and a cup of aromatic tea.

The 20 ha resort located in Nusa Dua, a pristine location that hosts both 5 star international hotels and conference centre has a 0.8 km beautiful sandy beach lined with tall swaying coconut trees surrounding the sea, where gentle stirrings of the waves seemed to convey some hidden soul beneath beyond my capable vision. It was just the perfect view I'll need for my tired soul.

They are referred as G.O - "gracious organisers"

and we are G.M - "gracious members"

Arrangements were smooth with the Club Med driver picking us up at the airport right to the doorsteps of the resort. Luggages were tagged at the airport and the staff knew which room to sent them to without us having to lug our bags the moment we board the vehicle. After a welcoming greeting by Phillipe whom is the Chef de Village (GM) of Bali, we were ushered to our rooms by the G.Os.

The resort & my deluxe room with a balcony

Then it was time to explore the resort. It has a Balinese architecture with elegant roofing made with wooden tiles, quaint brick work, and also a pond where fishes and lotus plants cohabitat, all oozing with charm eventhough the village was built some 30 years ago. There were also 3 original Balinese temples within the resort. If you're lucky, you might get a sight of the resident monitor lizard which roams around the corners or islands in the pond. Noooooo...........

I know architecture certainly doesn't sound synonymous with my name nor my work but I have learnt to appreciate the wonderful work of architects and interior designers over the years when my cousin exposed me to works of the famous architects like Santiago Calatrava and Frank Gehry when we went to Bilbao.

The design and architecture of this place is not restricted to traditional Balinese concept but the recent extensive renovation reveals a much bigger and better upgrade for the resort. A breath of new life and modernity is given to all communal areas from reception, pools, bars and the restaurants. What attracted me most was the poolside and the main bar.

The main bar, located at the corner of the swimming pool and overlooked the beach was the focal point of the resort. It was spectacular in a way which its circular design brings out the convivial atmosphere and the impressive chandelier that hangs from the top of the ceiling cascading down the pillar is made of metal and resin teardrops inlaid with mother-of-pearl that flutters and dances in the wind creating a soothing sound just like a wind chime.

I was also impressed with the dining concept at Club Med. Food is very important, well, at least for me! There were 2 restaurants in the resort which serves buffet-style dining and the other a fine-dining ala carte style. When we were there, we had the opportunity to try both restaurants.

The Malaysians...
(clockwise from top left) Kenny Sia, Ian from Expatriate Lifestyle, Mayanne from West Coast Communications (PR), Edward Chin (Marketing & Sales Manager Club Med Malaysia), me, Kenn from Newman and Kiwi from Citta Bella.

I was spoilt for choice the first night I was there. Along the buffet lines, there were Balinese, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Italian and also Western cuisine. We all know that most of the buffet food doesn't taste good nor appetising but I was amazed that the quality of food here is indeed above average and the presentation of food is just as good. Ok, apart from the choice of wines, I have nothing much to complain about. They serve wines (a choice of red or white) but the wines are local Balinese wine labels so don't expect to drink your Bordeaux or burgundy here.