With the average cost of an Aussie wedding being two cents short of a house deposit, it’s not surprising that many Aussies are choosing to say ‘I do’ in gorgeous (and cheap) OS destinations.
What’s better than having your wedding overseas? Attending someone else’s nuptials of course! All the fun, without the planning ;)When I heard Mr LML’s brother was going to have his special day in Bali, I was pretty excited. And when I clicked on the luxurious Conrad Bali Resort, let’s just say you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
The large lagoon pools wind around the four wings of the resort, with poolside bars serving up five star alfresco meals and cocktails at affordable prices. Pre-wedding day we bath, pamper, sip, pop (develop Buddha food bellies) and get physical!
Some of the crew take to the water/sky with a bundle of water sports available from the Conrad’s private stretch of beach front. There is actually zero reason to leave the resort.
Hello relaxation (and cocktails)
Bringing down the adrenaline levels and relishing in the magic hands of a Balinese masseuse is next on our holiday hit-list. The Conrad boasts a high-end, award winning day spa, the Jiwa Spa, complete with seven serene treatment and relation zones for signature and traditional massages, as well as a full list of beauty services including hair care, facial, mani and pedis.
| Budget tip: The main strip of Nusa Dua, adjacent to the Conrad is host to many small beauty salons. Although not as glam, staff are friendly and you will still leave feeling like a pampered pooch! And they are so cheap you can make this a twice daily event if you want to. I certainly did! |
Sun-kissed and refreshed, us girls pop on some pretty frocks and jot over to the other side of the island in the Conrad’s limousine service to catch the stunning sunset. We settle into our vantage point with cocktails and bites at the infamous ‘Rock Bar’ at Ayana Resort, Jimbaran Bay. This trendy bar is perched on a rock face alongside the sparkling Indian Ocean, oozing ‘hipster’ appeal with a splash of island-living glamour. The already top-notch ambience is complemented by DJ sets and live bands.
We order, we taste, then we order more. ‘Ayana Passion’ and the never fail classic ‘Mojito’ cocktails are our top picks.
| Hot tip: Get to Rock Bar no later than 4pm or you may miss out on a table for prime sunset viewing. Also, check the dress code before you go as staff may turn you away if not appropriately dressed. |
Here comes the bride
While Mr LML preps with the groom for the ceremony, I ease my way into the afternoon with a treat on my ocean view suite balcony which also overlooks the Infinity Chapel, sticky beaking on what is yet to come.
However, even with the sneak peak nothing could prepare me for what was yet to come; a picture perfect wedding ceremony for the ecstatic couple….
The Conrad Bali has three wedding venue options; the Infinity Chapel, a beach wedding or a garden wedding. There’s also multiple package options available and even hotel wedding specialists. The attention to detail is simply amazing, from the white doves down to their ornate fruit arrangements!
It’s certainly a wedding to remember. And the best part? There’s no need to return to reality immediately after the wedding when there’s Bali bliss to enjoy!