Bali in Focus - Part 1
When I think of Bali as a destination, visions of sun, sea, surf, honeymooners, food and Bintang tshirts come to mind. And you, no doubt, think much the same. In short, a great place for a holiday. Correct?
Actually, that’s incorrect! It’s not just about that dream holiday.
How about having your next meeting, conference or event there? Believe me, it’s not a crazy idea at all!
Besides being very easy to get to and extremely cost effective, there’s a lot more on offer in Bali than you’d imagine. My recent trip there proved this, as the Dovetail team visited more than 24 hotels and 10 venues in 5 days and discovered a world of amazing hotels, locations and unique spots at which to hold engaging conferences and events.
KUTA
Tucked away behind the scenes of noisy traffic and bustling markets, vibrant nightlife and restaurants there are an astonishing number of hotels and resorts that have excellent conference facilities. There are too many to mention here, but I can confirm that there are definitely perfect opportunities to create a unique event - whether it be for a group of 50 delegates or 250 delegates.
Celebrating its opening night when we were there was the brand new Golden Tulip Jineng Resort, located on the quieter side of Kuta. It’s got the right mix; spacious, but intimate with a great combination of outdoor areas and excellent restaurant options.
If your group is bigger and includes bringing your family (or a partner program), then a resort like the Hard Rock Hotel or Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel are ideal as they offer different activities for all age groups. The ballroom at The Stones Hotel in Legian is something spectacular and can very easily host your group of up to 2,000 delegates!
As most properties have beach access and more than one swimming pool, they are ideal for team-building activities, themed parties and a great way of relaxing after a conference. There’s also cooking class team-building options, Amazing Race experiences, quad-biking, white water rafting and more.
NUSA DUA
Usually associated with honeymooners and family holidays, the famous enclave of 5-star resorts in Nusa Dua, offers fantastic options for those with a bigger budget. The Bali Tourism Development Centre’s complex of world-class hotels, up-market shopping, golf, white sandy beaches and well maintained gardens and streets boasts extraordinary properties and ideal MICE venues, such as, the Conrad Bali, Mulia Resort, Grand Hyatt and Grand Mirage (and more!)
All have a wide selection of ballrooms, meeting spaces, restaurants and themed dinners ranging from cultural events to barbeques. We found the the perfect way of bringing the outdoors into a ballroom by making use of the 180-curved projection screen in the Grand Ballroom at the Mulia Resort and the perfect venue for hosting a welcome dinner at the Grand Hyatt’s Pasar Senggol outdoor dining area. Here guests can experience a contemporary Balinese night market, traditional dinner and entertainment under the stars.
SEMINYAK
An abundance of luxury hotels and villas, good shopping, restaurants, bars and superb meeting facilities await delegates staying in Seminyak.
The Breezes Resort & Spa with its four-tiered swimming pool has great facilities and is a close walk to the golden sands of Seminyak beach. We took a quick drive along the beachfront to visit the new Plantation Grill at the Double-Six Hotel, home of the famous chef Robert Marchetti’s. Here you can also enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the Sling Bar and at the Double-Six Rooftop – one of the world’s largest rooftop bars with an incredible sea view.
However, it’s not only about work! There’s no shortage of indulgent spa facilities at all properties, amazing sights to visit like the Tanah Lot Temple and the Uluwatu Temple where delegates can enjoy a Kecak dance performance and seafood barbeque before heading over to the iconic Rock Bar for a nightcap. Of course, there’s always time for a quick sundowner at the famous Potato Head Beach Club and Ku De Ta for an after-party for to end off a successful conference.
Our last stop was in Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart in the mountains. In my next blog I’ll share some insights and ideas for having your conference there.
Such a vast selection and so many options, makes it a challenge to select the perfect spot for your event. But that’s something that we’re here to assist you with, as we make Bali your next MICE destination.