A Dose of Bali Does Wonders

Are you the type who comes back from vacation feeling more tired than when you left? It may be time to employ a few techniques for a more restful sleep. Sometimes, hotel beds can get you tossing and turning (especially if you don't spring for a luxury hotel), and trying to pack in as many activities as possible can drag you down. If you don't have time to sit around by the pool to recharge, there are other ways to relieve the pressure of back-to-back tourism sessions, a mountain of pamphlets, and trying new and exotic cuisines.

Things to Avoid On and Off Vacation

*Avoid the 10 o'clock news. Watching too much TV before you go to bed can really affect your rest. Watching television on money matters and disturbing events can keep you tossing and turning, and experts have recommended that we watch sitcoms to help lower our blood pressure and respiratory rate instead.

*Planning the to-do list. This can definitely apply to both vacation and day-to-day routines. Experts say that it's important to do a “data dump” post-dinner so that you won't have any trouble getting to sleep. While many of us only have time to ourselves as we fall asleep, it's best not to spend too much time thinking about what you're going to do the next day.

*Drinking too much wine to unwind. Wine can calm you down temporarily, but it will later act as a stimulant as it is broken down by the body. Instead, imagine yourself relaxing on a warm beach for the next day on your Bali vacation, or remember your last vacation to a tropical location.

Bali's been called the “Morning of the World,” the “Island of the Gods,” and the “Last Paradise on Earth.” Not only can you catch their amazing festivals and naturally beautiful ocean shores, but you can explore the vast differences between South Bali, Mount Agung, West Bali, and Central Bali. While many tourists head straight for the beach areas of Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Kuta, there's plenty more to explore than you could ever imagine. You can catch amazing sunsets while you surf, but the night doesn't stop there if you are up for Bali exploration. Sightseers can visit shops, restaurants, and pubs open late, while real night lovers can check out Kuta's growing meetings of the younger night-loving set. Moving onwards to Central Bali, you'll be able to purchase handicrafts like woodcarvings and relief artwork, especially in Ubud, which also houses three major museums. Antiquities are easily found in Pejeng, as well as special art pieces and temples along the way like Goa Gaja and Pura Agung Batan Bingin. For an exploration into the quieter side of Bali, drive through Tabanan Regency in the west, where you won't see anything but paddy fields.

Wondering where to stay in Bali, especially if you're planning on exploring all that Bali has to offer? The farther the location is from home, and how different the culture is, you might like to have some creature comforts from home. The Four Seasons Hotel at Sayan overlooks the Ayung River and one of Bali's most sacred valleys, but it features impressive suites, one- and two-bedroom villas and the special Sayan Villa, a three bedroom villa. The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay has a total of 147 villas, each one over 2,100 square feet. You can soak in a private plunge pool at your villa and wander about through the separate areas for resting, dining, and socializing. If you're going to travel around Bali on an extended vacation, you can alternate a stay at the Four Seasons with a time at COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri, which is an alternative health retreat based at a location where the spring water is considered sacred.

With all of these Bali attractions to explore, you'll probably sleep heavily at night, anyway-- but if you don't, you'll have these tips to fall back on.