DESTINATION DREAMLIFE

Christmas in Bali

After a spontaneous trip from Bali to Byron Bay in Australia (all tips in our column next week, wow, what a place), we immediately pack our bags because we are flying to the Netherlands for Christmas.

Here, the upcoming Christmas days are already palpable despite the fact that it is a tropical island. Tourists are flocking to the island for Christmas in the sun. Although we prefer to leave the island to be with our family in the Netherlands (okay, we would love to take the sunshine with us), Christmas in Bali is a celebration. Therefore, here are 7 reasons why Christmas in Bali is a good idea.

1. Christmas in your bikini

Yes, it's obvious, but how nice is it that instead of spending Christmas in your thick winter outfit, you get to do it in your bikini? Goodbye hot chocolate, hello coconut! And when you come back after Christmas and everyone is pale, you return rested and tanned.

2. Santa is cooking

As you may already know, Bali has the best restaurants and cafes. A paradise for foodies. During Christmas, everyone goes all out, and the coolest spots organize delicious Christmas brunches and dinners. Moreover, you don't have to slave away in the kitchen for hours and you get something different than stewed pears and turkey. Whether you're in the mood for a Balinese ‘Nasi Campur’ from Mades Warung, a vegan Christmas dinner from Peloton, or a luxury Christmas brunch at The Slow; everything is possible, it's going to be enjoyable.

3. Relaxing at the beach

You don't have to lie on the couch to recover from your food coma; you can just walk to the nearest beach or drive to Bingin Beach. Occasionally dip into the water and then back again. Best reason ever, right?

4. Do what you feel like

If you fly out in time to avoid Christmas stress and you drape yourself comfortably on a sunbed, all the hustle and bustle passes you by while you sip your coconut. No choices about where and with whom to celebrate Christmas, how to get from A to B... The only thing you need to think about is where you want to eat, what you want to eat, and where you want to lie in the sun. The good life!

5. FOMO for home

Okay, it shouldn't really be an official reason, but your photos on Instagram and in your friends' and family's WhatsApp groups are sure to generate quite a few jealous looks. You always feel a little extra blessed that you are enjoying yourself in Bali, but you definitely deserve it.

6. Bye bye Christmas kilos

The Dutch Christmas a.k.a food coma is a fact. Wonderful on the days themselves, but afterwards you often think: OMG, I really need to go to the gym to work all this off. In Bali, you can also easily gain a few kilos with all the delicious food here, but due to all the sweating from the tropical heat (not always pleasant, but good for your body), you will lose a lot of moisture anyway. Additionally, there are plenty of health food options, even during Christmas. You can also start your Christmas mornings with a few laps in the pool or a surf session. So bye bye Christmas kilos, you'll come home fit.

7. Dancing under the palm trees into the new year

And last but not least: if you're there for Christmas, you might as well stay for New Year's, because that's when the real party starts in Bali. All the hotspots organize the best NYE parties and everything is brought out. You dance into the new year under the palm trees and you can sleep off your hangover by the pool. So, who is celebrating Christmas in Bali next year? Or are you already searching for a last-minute ticket after reading this piece? Haha.

Wishing you all very happy holidays, and for those staying cozy at home in the Netherlands; maybe we'll run into you in Amsterdam.

Merry Christmas!

Eve & Pris