Day 72 - A Gentle Arrival, A Perfect Afternoon & An Unforgettable Evening in Bali

Today we lost an hour, but as the ship wasn’t arriving into Bali until lunchtime, it allowed for a wonderfully unhurried start.

I headed to the gym, but once again it was busy, so I switched plans — walking the track in the sunshine, stretching on deck, and then collecting our veggie juices. When I got back, it was time to get Joe up so he could be ready for his early morning quiz.

And what a quiz it was.
Joe was absolutely delighted — his team came first, and not only that, they were the only team to score a perfect 15/15. The cherry on top? Joe was the only person who answered the Margaret Thatcher question correctly. A very strong start to the day for Mr C indeed.

Sailing into Bali

I spent the late morning in the library, doing the crossword and sudoku and reading as we sailed gently into Bali. Joe listened to his audiobook on deck and then had a light lunch at La Verandah while I caught up on my Mindvalley course from yesterday.

Sitting on the balcony watching us arrive was really special — traditional dancers and musicians lined the port to welcome us, and we were directly under the flight path, watching planes glide in overhead. Bali already felt vibrant, alive, and welcoming.

An Afternoon & Evening at the Apurva Kempinski Bali

In the afternoon, we headed ashore for our long-awaited visit to the Kempinski Hotel. Joe wasn’t thrilled about the walk to the terminal (no buggy in sight), but once through immigration we found a friendly local taxi driver who gave us an informative and cheerful drive to the hotel.

Set across 14 acres, the Kempinski is absolutely stunning. From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely caring. Thanks to Carlos, the Executive Concierge, everything was perfectly arranged — they were expecting us and couldn’t have done more.

A beach cabana had been prepared, but Joe preferred the pool, and within moments everything was rearranged without fuss. Nothing was too much trouble. Even when Joe accidentally left his shorts in the toilets, they were found and returned — service with heart.



Joe enjoyed a swim in the pool (the clouds were rolling in, so the sea didn’t tempt him), while I took a walk along the beach. The sand was slightly stony with shells, the water cool, but the setting was beautiful. Right on cue, staff appeared with umbrellas, warning us rain was on its way — and sure enough, the tropical rain arrived.

We were moved comfortably indoors and later taken to the Departures Lounge (a brilliant concept for guests between activities), where we relaxed before getting ready for dinner.

A Night to Remember



Dinner was at the Koral Restaurant, and from start to finish it was exceptional. With steps leading down, the team immediately arranged lift access and personally escorted us in. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like VIPs — they knew our names, our preferences, and gave us a beautiful table right beside the aquarium.



We were invited for photos while the diver was in the tank, offered complimentary drinks, guided through the tasting menu, and gently looked after throughout the evening. I genuinely struggle to find the words to describe how flawless the experience was — easily my favourite evening of the entire trip so far.



Joe found the food a little too nouvelle for his taste — he prefers heartier portions — but even so, the care and attention were undeniable. We even left with a little takeaway bag of cake.


The Kempinski Bali has found a place in my soul.

At the end of the evening, we were personally escorted back to reception, where our private chauffeur was waiting to return us to the port. Perfect timing too — the rain stopped just as we arrived back, allowing us to walk back to the ship dry.



Tomorrow I’ll be sure to thank Carlos personally and ask him to pass on our gratitude to Franck for suggesting this unforgettable experience.

✨ Daily Reflection

Today reminded me that when everything aligns — time, care, kindness, and presence — moments become memories. Slowing down, being looked after, and truly savouring where you are creates experiences that stay with you long after the day ends.

🌟 Highlight of the Day

🐠 Dinner at the Koral Restaurant, Kempinski Bali
An exquisite evening of beauty, attentiveness, and wonder — a truly magical experience that I will hold close for a very long time.

 

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