If you’re not heading to Europe this July, it doesn’t mean you have to spend winter in the cold, you can still escape to Bali with us for Elite Retreat.
Many agents have decided to turn the trip into the ultimate ‘bizcation’ and either arrive in the Indonesian paradise a few days before the retreat kick-off on July 3, or stay to chill out and sightsee once the learning is over.
One such attendee will be Right Choice Real Estate Senior Property Manager and Bali lover, Linda Gulabovska.
“I’ve been going to Bali twice a year, every year, for years and years,” she said.
“Although, this will be my first time back since Covid and I can’t wait.
“The Balinese people are so beautiful and there is so much to see and do.
“There’s so much more to Bali than just Kuta and what a lot of people think there is.”
On this trip, as well as going to Elite Retreat, Linda is planning on visiting The Edge, going swimming and snorkelling with the Manta Rays at Nusa Penida, checking out the Mrs Sippy beach club and paying a visit to Tanah Lot Temple.
“There is nothing more magnificent than Tanah Lot Temple,” she says.
“It’s just beautiful because it is out in the water, it’s stunning.”
Linda’s also looking forward to a fresh seafood dinner at Echo Beach, which is not too far from Tanah Lot Temple.
“Echo Beach is great because it’s on the cliff edge … and it’s basically fresh seafood that you choose out of the tank,” she says.
“So if you want lobster, you go and pick what lobster you want and they cook them in front of you sit down and have a meal and there’s generally a band playing in the background.”
Linda and a group of Elite Retreat attendees are also planning to take a guided trek at Mount Batur, which is an active volcano, to watch the sunrise.
“It’s a two-hour trek up the volcano and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” she says.
“I haven’t done that before but I know plenty of people who have and they’ve all said it is next level amazing.”
Linda says if other Elite Agent attendees would like to go on the trek too they can reach out to her beforehand or at the conference.
The trek is planned for July 8, with Linda also planning a visit to the Bali swing and ATVs at Ubud on the same day.
“The ATVs, the quad bikes, are so much fun,” she says.
Some of Linda’s other recommendations include visiting Dreamlands and Sunday’s beach clubs, taking a pushbike ride through the rice fields at Ubud, as well as whitewater rafting and taking in the waterfalls at Ubud.
She also highly recommends the Sea Walker underwater experience at Sanur.
“It’s where you put similar to an astronaut suit on and you walk underwater to see the fish and the coral at Sanur,” Linda describes.
“It’s just amazing.”
Realty Assist Chief Executive Officer Sam Rettke formerly lived in Bali for 14 years and is looking forward to returning for Elite Retreat.
“Everyone is in for a treat seeing as we’re headed over in the middle of the dry season,” he says.
“For those who may be unfamiliar with the seasons in Bali, the dry season is far more appealing, where the beaches are clean and the oceans are far cleaner too.”
Sam says it’s really hard to narrow down his list of must-do attractions, but he’s managed to cut the list down to three/
Uluwatu for a day trip
Sam says Uluwatu is renowned for its international surf competitions and massive swells feeding into enormously high cliff faces.
“If visiting Uluwatu’s Blue Point (recommended) then you will enjoy a relaxing afternoon with great food and a super cold beer watching the surfers (braver than I) tackle some enormous waves,” he says.
Sunset seafood dinner
If you’re after a delectable seafood dinner then Sam recommends heading to Jimbaran Beach, where you can dine on the beach with the sand between your toes and “arguably the best sunsets in the world”.
“That’s without even mentioning the food on offer or the extremely great value for money when it comes to luxuries like lobster, crab, prawns and fabulous fish selections,” he says.
Ubud
If you have enough time, Sam says a visit to Ubud never goes astray.
“Known for its calm and green landscapes in Bali, this place is simply tranquil,” he says.
“Enjoy a day of white water rafting through the rivers of the jungle, a day visiting the monkey forest where the monkeys can be quite feisty or simply go to a resort, eat fabulous local food and enjoy one of the many locations that have a swing, where you literally fly hundreds of meters above the jungle ,which is a phenomenal experience.”
We also asked our friend ‘The Robot’ – aka ChatGPT – for other amazing things to see and do in Bali and it came up with these options:
Discover the iconic rice terraces of Tegalalang
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are famous for their stepped, emerald-green rice paddies that create a visually stunning landscape.
Take a leisurely walk through the terraces, capture incredible photos, and learn about the traditional subak irrigation system that sustains the rice fields.
Relax on stunning beaches
Bali boasts a variety of picturesque beaches. Kuta Beach offers vibrant energy, perfect for surfing and people-watching.
Seminyak Beach is known for its upscale resorts, beach clubs, and beautiful sunsets.
Nusa Dua Beach offers a tranquil setting, ideal for swimming and water sports, while Jimbaran Beach is famous for its seafood restaurants.
Lonely Planet lists Jungutbatu Beach as the best beach for day trips, while Yeh Leh Beach is the best for wild solitude.
Immerse yourself in Balinese culture
Attend a traditional Balinese dance performance, such as the graceful Legong or the fierce Barong dance.
Visit a local village, like Penglipuran, to experience Balinese customs, architecture, and way of life, or join a Balinese cooking class to learn the secrets of preparing flavourful Balinese dishes.
Discover underwater wonders
Bali is a paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
Explore the USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben, which is teeming with marine life, or head to Menjangan Island for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
The Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan islands also offer excellent diving opportunities.
Experience a Balinese spa
Treat yourself to a spa session that combines ancient Balinese techniques with natural ingredients.
Enjoy a traditional Balinese massage, known as “pijat,” which involves deep tissue kneading and acupressure.
Indulge in luxurious spa treatments like body scrubs, flower baths, and herbal compresses for a truly relaxing experience.
Trek through the Jatiluwih Green Land
Jatiluwih is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking terraced rice fields and lush landscapes.
Embark on a trekking adventure through the Jatiluwih Green Land, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature and enjoying panoramic views of the cascading rice terraces.
Dive into Bali’s cultural heritage in Batuan Village
Visit Batuan Village, located just a short drive from Ubud, to witness the preservation of traditional Balinese arts and crafts.
Explore the village’s ancient temples, such as Pura Puseh and Pura Dasar, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant paintings.
Take the opportunity to interact with local artisans and learn about their traditional painting, woodcarving, and weaving techniques.
- Elite Retreat runs from July 3-6 at the Mulia Resort, in Nusa Dua, Bali. For more information and to register, head here.
