Walking through the resort in route to our upgraded suite was truly enlivening with large, verdant plants, a pond, inviting pools and panoramas of the ocean just a few strides away. The hotel made certain that our welcome gift of appreciation was a generous bowl of exotic fruit to nourish the body with antioxidants after the long trip. Each day the maid also left a small plate of natural snacks. Our villa was blessed with an enlarged bedroom, dining room, living room, office space, a stretched patio with multiple entryways, two bathrooms and a few TVs that were never utilized because of our desire to remain unplugged and release emotional heft from back home.

“Vacation is to relax the mind, not the body,” is one of my key mantras when touring. So of course, Misa and I initiated each morning with strength training at the WestinWorkout which is open daily 24 hours. A few times we met up with friends for a WestinRun while exploring the sites along Nusa Dua Beach such as the Water Blow where the Indian Ocean sends strong waves crashing on the jagged limestone edges of the cliff. Guests may also partake in an array of holistic activities including yoga, meditation and life talk discussions.

Nourishment would be restored through supreme Balinese breakfasts offered at Seasonal Tastes’ morning buffet. Every dish chosen incorporated fresh fruits, super green veggies, noodles, brown rice, seeds and tempeh to provide easy-to-digest proteins and complex carbs after workouts.

During the day there were endless choices of activities from sunbathing, volleyball, cabanas, pool time, selecting unique gifts at the Shopping Arcade, cocktail crafting class, Barista class and much more. Restaurants for lunch and dinner are aplenty whether its Japanese delights at Hamabe, Italian cuisine from Prego, Mediterranean grub at Velada Tapas Bar & Kitchen or local Balinese meals from Ikan while listening to live musical pleasantries. Tea Time at the lobby bar also included curated finger foods.