Franglo

This resort was another gem, which felt more like an all-inclusive resort with multiple pools and an outdoor restaurant on the beach. They upgraded our group’s accommodations; we had little huts and an outdoor bathroom. Usually, it’s just the shower outside, but in this hotel, they put it all outside, which made the middle-of-the-night bathroom trips unusual. The most significant upgrade at this resort is in-room air conditioning. Bali is hot, and we weren’t even in the summer season.

Our group loved a massage; our CEO, Vera, worked her magic and got us all the appointments we wanted. We had a group dinner when we arrived; this resort menu has more of a Western influence. The food was good, but we were all tired and hot.

The next day, our snorkelling adventure. Our day began with a private group yoga session on the beach as the sun rose. We had breakfast on the beach and then headed out on the boat, and naturally, I make friends with local dogs wherever I go. We saw another spectacular temple along the water, this one honouring Ganesha.

I have snorkelled in many places, including Belize. Bali offers an unmatched experience, with many fish species and vibrant coral ecosystems. The highlight of these two underwater experiences is the largest turtle I have ever seen. The ocean is my happy place, and I spend much time underwater exploring. My group was now referring to me as the little mermaid.

Bali is a modest country, but when it comes to spa services and specifically massage, they are much more comfortable with nudity than we are in North America. I had another massage at this resort, and one of my fellow travellers booked it at the same time. It became a couple’s massage as they worked on us in the same room. I had never been to a spa with my girlfriends since this happened.

Our superhuman CEO, Vera, arranged a dinner at the resort tonight. We had an open-air truck to take us there; think of childhood in the 1980s. This restaurant had fantastic food and a live band. The band members were friends of Vera’s. At one point in the evening, members of our group joined the band. Vera was singing, and one of the other girls played the bass guitar.

A surreal evening concluded with three of our group jumping into the pool, fully clothed. Photographic evidence and names have been removed to protect the innocent.