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by Madelyn Miller

Bali. Tropical. Mystical. Sensuous. A culture as ancient as it is exotic. The ideal setting for an exclusive and elegant retreat where you can experience the ultimate romantic getaway in a place imbued with quixotic beauty and genuine luxurious appeal.

A private place in the sun, a secluded spot in the shade and a table for two in the moonlight--the art of romance prevails at Four Seasons Resort Bali. Lovers can stroll along winding paths among the lush tropical gardens, sun in secret coves on the beach, rejuvenate in luscious spa treatments and indulge on fine cuisine,

The site is located in Jimbaran Bay, approximately 10 minutes drive from Kuta Beach and the International Airport.  The resort is set on a steep slope rising above the waters of Jimbaran Bay, affording unrestricted unique views across the bay to Mount Agung, the physical and spiritual center of Bali. Just over 2,000 square miles, Bali is one of the smaller islands of the thousands that make up the Indonesian archipelago. The island is located eight degrees south of the equator.

Bali's physical features are diverse, offering a landscape of great contrasts: majestic mountains, coastal lowlands and limestone fringes. The mountains are humid year round, with warm days and cool nights. The lowlands and limestone fringes tend to be hotter and drier with fresh persistent winds making the climate unexpectedly pleasant.

Lush and tropical Bali is a paradox of modern times. Rich traditions of spirituality and culture are woven seamlessly with luxuries of modern day tourism. The architects and designers of Four Seasons Resort Bali incorporated the best of traditional Balinese pavilion design, refined Indonesian furnishings and courtyard gardens all privately set within the confines of stone courtyard walls. Each villa is a picture of simple grace and beauty typical of the Balinese aesthetic yet with all of the amenities and technology of a state-of-the-art five star resort.

The moment you walk into your villa courtyard through a pair of carved and painted Balinese double doors, you know you have entered a personal oasis. Stepping stones, surrounded by smooth luminous green pebbles lead to the private pool. Pockets of luxuriant gardens are located throughout. Your villa will have a small temple carefully oriented by a local village sage to face the island's sacred mountain, Gunung Agung to the north, and offerings of beautifully arranged flowers are made daily. You will truly feel that the gods are watching over you. There is a gentle sound of splashing as water spouts from the carved poolside fountain. The air is fragrant with frangipani and the mood is serene. Your open-sided living and dining pavilion is located in the midst of this garden.

The indoor environment at Four Seasons Resort Bali is a natural extension of its lovely outdoor surroundings. You can sleep in air-conditioned comfort or with the open windows by the screened louvered doors under the gentle whir of an overhead fan. (This may be the most difficult decision you have to make during your visit). Sheets are made of cool crisp cotton. Bathing at four Seasons Resort Bali is a retreat to luxury, whether it be a soak in scented waters of the deep freestanding tub or rinsing off under the cool flow of the outdoor shower.

Interior marble walls and floors are accented with large sliding windows that open up to a private garden and make the most of balmy bay breezes as you enjoy splendid views from the sundeck. The design achieves a unique sense of space in a natural setting. The two Royal Villas include a private swimming pool, sauna, spa, cold plunge pool and two large sundecks. You may never want to leave this paradise.

All manner of indulgences soothe your body and spirit. A gym and spa, tennis, water sports, golf and a variety of restaurants all present themselves for your pleasure.  You must experience a Balinese Massage, with a technique that has been handed down through generations. Believed to renew, strengthen and heal the body, it is perhaps the oldest and simplest of all therapeutic treatments. Muscles are first warmed with the use of gentle palm pressure. Then coconut oil is blended with specially selected herbs and applied with a combination of reflexology, acupressure, skin rolling and long kneading strokes. Combines witch soothing baths, and spiced skin rubs the results are positively rejuvenating.

The island of Bali, in all of its exotic, natural splendor, is also home to a proud people renown for their gentle smiles and warm hospitality. Visitors are captivated and want to return again and again. Each time with a sense of new discovery--art or architecture, lush green rice fields and cool mountain mists or life-giving bright sunshine and fresh ocean breezes; elegant fine dining or late night carousing; deep sea diving or star gazing. Or just gazing into each others eyes.

The Four Seasons Resort, Bali. There's no place more private, more tranquil or more privileged.

FOR MORE INFORMATION; (62 361) 71288

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