Bali in Indonesia is considered to be one of the world’s best holiday destinations.
With a perfect climate, beautiful landscapes, wonderful beaches, and mesmerising Balinese culture, Bali truly is a fabulous place to visit. Bali is so good, and friendly, that it keeps on beckoning people to return.
The island has had a tough few years, thanks to Covid. Kuta’s normally bustling, busy streets have been quiet. Many of its bars and restaurants have been forced to close. Personal drivers, artisans, shopkeepers, masseuses and hotels have suffered immeasurably during Covid, but that will change as Bali has just re-opened to the world.
There are certain restrictions, of course, depending on your level of vaccination, but the Island of the Gods is now open for business again.
Sylvain Pasdeloup is the General Manager of the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Resort and is also responsible for 28 other Accor properties on both Bali and the neighbouring island of Lombok.
I was fortunate to be able to have an in-depth conversation with Sylvain to discuss how Bali and Lombok have coped during the two years that Covid has forced them to operate with a minimum number of guests.
It was a most fascinating, yet uplifting conversation. Particularly when we discussed how Accor ensured that most staff were kept employed doing other jobs to keep the properties maintained.
I have been visiting Bali for over 30 years and have never tired of the island. Part of the joy is to visit friends that I made on my very first visit there.
That’s one reason why Bali has so much allure – the Balinese people. They are friendly, caring, kind and their Hindu culture envelops just about every part of their lives. Wherever you go will encounter temples, large, small and tiny, or altars containing daily offerings to the gods.
Although parts of Bali have become somewhat westernised as the island has grown in popularity, you are never far away from the true Bali of small villages where artisans flourish, breathtaking scenery and lush vegetation.
There’s a slice of Bali for everyone, and I am so pleased to see this magnificent island opening up again.
