Travelling Round Europe & BeyondBlog about travelling around Europe & the rest of the world

As luxury holiday destinations go, very few places can come close to the decadent comfort that Bali can offer visitors. Bali is a gorgeous island that belongs to Indonesia. One of its sobriquets is “Island of the Gods” and indeed, Bali seems to have been blessed with an abundance of everything good. Nature, history, culture, arts – everything seems to have come together perfectly and gracefully in Bali. So getting away for a holiday to this island is the logical thing to do!

There are plenty of luxury holidays villas in Bali which come equipped with private pools, spa, spectacular views and every friendly people serving you with everything your heart desires. There is a sense of laid back style, as far as Bali is concerned, for the serene nature here will calm your senses like no other holiday destination. Even its star hotels are tucked away in oases of green and calm waters. The dazzling combination of turquoise waters and white sandy shores are typical of Bali.

As far as beaches go, Bali has a plethora of them to offer and you can visit the very bohemian Ubud, which has beautiful souvenirs for sale too. Luxury resorts also can give you plenty of scenic splendor coupled with landscape that defies explanation in terms of its beauty. Another place that you can go to is Tuban, which is known as the thousand cave city. Exploring the teak forest and breathtaking beaches is a great way to spend time here.

In fact, a holiday in Bali can also include its neighboring island of Lombok as well. Nusa Dua Beach is another opulent beach with many luxury hotels close to it as well. For coconut palms and fine sand, you could head to Tanjung Benoa, which resembles a picture postcard in terms of beauty.

Apart from the wonderful beaches of Bali, you can also look at enjoying the very unique customs and gentle traditions of Balinese culture. The Balinese seem to have a sense of serenity that is apparent in every facet of their life. You can pick up some marvelous Balinese paintings and the Batik work that Bali is famous for. For even more local flavor as far as Bali goes, you can partake in the temple festivals that each village has. There are also plenty of festivals where the entire island joins as one and celebrates an event. One of the most remarkable events is Nyepi, when the entire island shuts down completely to ward off the evil spirits that are said to fly in from the sea.

Balinese dance performances are also remarkable for their grace, deeper meaning and life itself. Understanding and appreciating the meaning of dance forms in Bali is an insight into the way life in Bali is interwoven deeply with religion and spirituality. You can pick up paintings, carvings and rice decorations that depict these dance and drama forms and keep a perpetual reminder of the deeply meaningful luxury that Bali provides for the body and soul.

Eurostar breaks can take you to many exciting destinations. Here we will look at some of the more popular ones.#

Probably the most popular destination of all is Paris and there is no better way of reaching the city that with Eurostar. One of the major advantages is that you do not have to make that unpleasant journey from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the centre of Paris, as Eurostar takes you right to Gare du Nord railway station which is right in the heart of the city and close to many Paris hotels. In no time you will be enjoying the most romantic city in Europe.

Lille is another great French destination and getting there from London takes just one and a half hours. Once a fairly run down industrial town, Lille has been rejuvenated and now sparkles with stylish shops, superb restaurants, and art museums. The city is very different from Paris, and it has a strong Flemish influence which is particularly apparent in the old town.

Brussels is also a popular destination and there is plenty to do and see there. The city boasts both French and Flemish influences and there is a clear yet harmonious division between the two cultures. Wining and dining and café culture is prominent in this European centre. Enjoy the chocolate and the fruit beers; visit the Grand Place and the many museums and galleries.

If you have never visited the Belgium coastline, then you are likely to be surprised by its mile after mile of sandy beaches. The Eurostar destination is Ostend. Once just a small town, this vibrant city by the sea has much to offer the visitor; promenades along the sea front, piers, tiny streets, busy markets, grand churches, the Napoleon castle and a casino are all part of the scene.

Are you interested in diamonds? Then take a Eurostar break to Antwerp, the European capital of diamonds and pick up a bargain; there is no better European city to get engaged in. It is both sophisticated and charming offering the visitor a combination of the metropolitan and coastal resort. It boasts many monuments dating from medieval and renaissance times and is also a major fashion centre.

Ghent is another favourite Eurostar destination and it is just three hours away from London. The town is renowned for its cobbled streets, stunning architecture and serene waterways. It is only recently that the wonders of Ghent have attracted the modern tourist who is looking for something different. It has an exciting history and there are many things to do and see. It is also famous for its cloth production and there are some fine examples available for purchase.

Travelling a little further afield to the Netherlands, Eurostar breaks in Rotterdam are very popular. You will need to change trains at Brussels, but the whole journey takes just four hours. The city was virtually destroyed in the Second World War and what awaits the visitor is a modern city with a thriving nightlife. If you love fun, then there is plenty to be had in this energetic city.