Another week caught in the whirlwinds of life & when my feet once again grabbed terra firma, clearly I was not in Kansas anymore. My Oz contains the cowardly, the heartless & yup even the brainless That I must skip to lou with daily but alas there's no Wizard in sight to redeem their lack ofs. So instead I sigh & declare this Dorothy dejected, disgusted & to hell with these damn ruby slippers my feet are killing me, not to mention hello I'm not 5: the gingham dress needs to go. Yup its sandals & saris...the farm girl's heading to Bali's Ubud Hanging Gardens. 
This lush haven on former & surrounding rice terraces consists of 38 villas each bejewelled with a infinity pool that overlooks the surrounding tropical mountains & Ayung River. Whisper this gem over & over, mantra of heaven in an enclave of tranquility. My own pool awash in breezes by day & candles by night: serenity.
Yes, yes I ramble but this time in Oz has not been easy, in fact its been a pebble in my shoe trotting along that brick road, but in the Ayung Spa, that's all a memory. I leave their description to tantalize you as it massaged me...
"Clinging to the riverbank, where the rocks make the water sing and consumed by tropical foliage kissed by morning mists, the Ayung Spa rekindles distant memories of Paradise Lost. Awaken your senses with the heady scents of flowers and spices, and abandon your body to the secular secrets of Balinese well-being. In pure Balinese style, the Ayung Spa offers three luxurious pavilions dedicated to relaxation and well-being. Each pavilion comprises two large spaces; one with two massage beds and a Balinese sofa, the other with a dressing area and bathroom with a bath that is surrounded by water and looks out onto the river. The interior and exterior are intimately married to nature, thanks to the use of local materials and the manner in which the pavilions open out onto the majesty of the views whilst retaining their privacy. The pavilions are linked to each other by Japanese steps surrounded by water and climbing plants clinging to the neighbouring wall, promoting a sensation of fertility. Pure luxury in a tropical paradise." 
Hanging Garden Indulgence: earthly delights... I'm on my way...
So off I jet across the waters. I'm lucky its a quick flight. Mind travel always is but when I return in a month a.k.a tomorrow, I'll be refreshed & renewed. Hopefully by then the Wicked Witch of Reality will have moved onto someone else.
Images courtesy of Orient Express & flickr
39 comments:
Oh wow......absolutely stunning :)
My oh my, this post is amazing. I feel so relaxed now! Why can't I be there instead of here in the 100+ degree furnace called Houston?!
I guess I will just have to rely on Calgon..so take me away! Thanks for the trip for my senses Alicia & happy weekend!!
I want to go to there. ;o)
You truly are one of *the* best writers I know. I love your posts as they always take to to another place - where there are no dishes to do, no laundry, no bickering children, no "we're out of white wine" moments...
Have a fabulous weekend my friend,
xo
Gosh, how beautiful! I stayed in a place just like this in my home country (Philippines). You'll love it! Tropical flowers in every color abound. As always,lovely post!
Such paradise! I love the infinity pool. And the soaking tub sprinkled with petals: wow! I would certainly find a little peace in Bali. Lovely post. I hope the wicked witch has been kind. :)
Wow....that was refreshing. I enjoyed the little respite. Quite gorgeous isn't it?
LOOKS SO RELAXING, ALICIA. HAVE A PERFECT WEEKEND!
Oh. That flight was rather exhausting. First class isn't what it used to be!!! They can't get the staff you know.
But, we are here now,and the walk up to my room was filled with the smell of hibiscus and gardenias. Begining to relax now......what delightful staff...........waiting on me hand and foot.......fulfilling my every need( well, almost !! )
Sorry...Have to go......they are calling me for my massage...........and dinner is in two hours........... hey ho xxxx
I love Bali and especially Ubud! It's truly one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.
NO WAY!!!
I'm going to jump on a plane right now to get there I really need to relax and that is the perfect place! I'll do a massage for you too ok?
Oh my goodness, that looks like heaven. A perfect place for a reprieve from the daily grind. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend! xo
Alicia, I can't figure out how to email you from your profile, so I'm just going to post my answer here. The shop is The Antique Warehouse on Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach, CA. The booth is all vintage clothing and it's on the first row. My friend is probably a 12 and it was a little tight in the arms and across the back. So, it's probably a 10. It also had a tie belt made of the same fabric. She loved it, but it just didn't fit very well. Unfortunately, I don't remember the price, but I thought her prices were pretty reasonable. Hope this helps, Karen
Oh, Alicia....I'm running slightly late for our 5 course gourmet meal.....reflexology ran over and I've still got to get into my Alexander McQueen little number......
Order me a cosmopolitan and I'll be as quick as I can......
Alicia,
I have always wanted to visit Bali, but settled for Phucket, Thailand instead. When I lived in Dubai I spend a Christmas there and the next year it was hit by the Tsunami. At least I had a nice virtual vacation via your post! I have the travel bug of late and this makes me want to hop on the next plane
Cathy
Oh, those pools...so so so nice! I would love to be there right now! Take care, Caroline
How amazing and lively you always are!
My hairs are a mess...too much wind!
Have a nice beginning of week! I know it's hard but in 5 days it will be friday again!
Loved this little sojurn to Bali - I feel very refreshed indeed! Thank you for your recommendation of the Convent in Venice. I actually heard a woman talking on the radio about the network of Convents across the world who take in travellers for a pittance. Not too sure I could abandon the luxury of 5 Star, but I admire the Sisters for their generosity.
Millie ^_^
Now that was amazingly beautiful...I WANT TO GO...I could use some me time right about now!! Thanks for the relaxing adventure!
I can smell the aromatic oils now! I left you an award on my blog today. Have a delovely day. :)
That was the best 3 minute escape ever...
I know what you mean Alicia, I can only dream of an escape like this for now. But i really wish you were going.. and blogging about your journey!!
Vitania
Oh so beautiful, thanks for the trip, i do have a day of beauty planned our local Clairens
counter at dillards is offering a hot rock massage which I signed up for on july 31 , cant wait...best to you
kate
So tranquil. I remember going to Bali on a family holiday when I was little and after seeing these images I would love to go back again one day.
Looks incredible and so very relaxing!!!
oh take me there please!! I went to the Maldives.. and I feel like I need to go somewhere like that again pretty soon!! running around a toddler is not easy! I know I should stop complaining. You are so right. Lets just contemplate!
Calgon, take me away. Thanks for the escape, Heidi
Your writing is amazing! You truly know how to tell an interesting story. What a beautiful escape...the pictures are perfect too!
What beautiful photos. Bali is on my list of places to see one day, especially after reading "Eat, Pray, Love". Thanks for your sweet comment you left on my blog!
Wow, that is such a beautiful destination! Funny you should mention getting away to Monterey in your comment on my post. . . I'm leaving for Pebble Beach on the 26th. ;-) First my daughter and SIL arrive on Saturday. So, I'm taking your advice and going to where it's cooler! Thanks for stopping by to visit. I always appreciate it.
Karen
Thanks so much , Alicia , for being a regular visitor to my little old blog.....your comments are a delight ..... its the best thing..to laugh..supposed to help you live longer....and creams.. I have face ones, eye ones,lip ones,neck ones,body ones....you get the picture.......supposed to make me look younger. Huh. ...they don't !!! Lots of love XXXX
That sound freakin fab!
I thought your comment on the ironing basket was so hilarious I had to come check you out, pleased I did!!
xx
Such a beautiful little break you have taken us on....looks so relaxing and a pleasure to read. Thank you for the escape. Have a lovely day! Ax
Hi Alicia
I actually AM going to Ubud, in two weeks time. Unfortunately I won't be staying at the Hanging Gardens - I'll just be going up to Ubud for a day visit - but doesn't it look divine?
Hi!
Yes, let me know how that wine is. I love Organic wines too! Thanks for commenting, as always. ;o)
-Kris
Hi Alicia...I'm glad I made you proud of me, I really was a good girl!
The name of the store is Blanc and they do have a web site http://www.blancmariclo.com/
Let e know if you are coming to Viareggi. I'll be your guide!
You are AMAZING and an absolute joy!! Whatever did I do before I discovered Blogs!!
Oh wow, I need to be in a place like this right now! I need some vacation!
Looks like a paradise!
I saw that you have met Gaia, she's my best friend. Isn't she amazing?
Hugs
Federica
You're the Comment Queen! Look at all this wonderful feedback you've got on your site!!! I love it!
Each time I pop over to your blog I have to smile. Someday I think our paths will cross and we'll sit down and have a cup of tea (Indonesian tea, since we're on the subject!) and have a grand ole time!!!
Toma
As I just read the last page of Eat, Love, Pray, I was reminiscing of my days past in Bali where the author lived for a few month in search of spiritual awareness. My family and I had just been deep in the rainforests of Borneo and had returned to Indonesia on the tragic day of the Tsunami. We fled to Bali in hope to find some sense in the world and a place to mourn and be close together. Your beautiful post brought me back to these days in Ubud which will be in my mind forever.
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