When was the last time you took your loved ones on a thrilling date? A date that lasts a long time, a date that brings you back to the memory of your first one, a date that rekindles the butterflies in both of your stomachs? Because let’s face it, after being together for a while, routines can put a loving relationship in a rut.
According to renowned psychotherapist and the New York Times bestselling author, Esther Perel, there is a big difference between routines and rituals. To have a healthy relationship, it is important to differentiate it. “Inviting the concept of ritual into our daily lives converts the mundane into the significant. Setting the table each night is a routine. Decorating the table with flowers, candles, and a special china is a ritual for a perfect date night,” wrote Perel. “Rituals are routines that are elevated by creativity, driven by intention, and imbued with meaning. They lift us up and create excitement.”
Creating a new ritual and doing something new together is a great way to add fun and connection to a relationship. Here are 15 first date ideas in Bali that you can try. From a languorous Sunday brunch by the sea to pick up a new hobby, create happy times that keep your sparks flying.
Love at the Beach at Sundara
Start your first date ideas in Bali by spending a leisurely afternoon on Jimbaran Bay’s coastal destination, where chef de cuisine David Gavin curates a lavish brunch menu, including a two-tier seafood platter and freshly grilled ‘catch of the day’. Available every week, the Sunday Brunch also invites you to make the most of your time on the island’s longest beachfront infinity pool, kayaking, and sipping on a Kelapa Negroni as you watch the sunset. Starting from Rp950,000 per person.
For more information, visit sundarabali.com
Spa & Dine at Karma Kandara
The oceanfront Karma Spa at Karma Kandara offers an idyllic spot for a couple’s escape from the everyday. Treat your loved one to experience a relaxing 75-minute Karma Rhythm couples’ massage, followed by an infrared detox sauna session and basking in an open-air, cliff-edge Jacuzzi. The indulgence continues with a four-course dinner with a complimentary bottle of Karma Private Collection wine on the edge of the island. Rp5,500,000 per couple.
For more information, visit karmagroup.com/karma-spa/
Have a Chic Picnic at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
With its gentle waves and powdery white sand, the peaceful Nusa Dua Beach is the perfect setting for a beach picnic. The thoughtfully designed picnic by Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort is perfect for couples who wish to have a barefoot gourmet feast with an elegant setup that is easy on the eyes. Sit down in your fabulous outfits, make a toast with Champagne, and savour a cheese and charcuterie platter as a starter. A minimum one-day advance booking is required. Starting from Rp750,000 per person.
For more information, visit sofitelbalinusadua.com/chic-picnic/
Visit Bali’s neighbouring islands with a private boat
Charter a stylish boat to Nusa Penida and/or Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan for your first date ideas in Bali – three charming islands for an exhilarating island-hopping adventure for two. Discover hidden coves and stunning beaches, snorkelling spots, and memorable sunsets with a team of expert crew. The full-day cruise departs from Serangan Harbour and it takes approximately 60 minutes to reach the islands.
For more information, visit pulauprivatecharters.com
Have a VIP experience at Sundays Beach Club
Every day’s a Sunday at the stunning Sundays Beach Club for a reason. Time slows down when you arrive at this idyllic corner of paradise with its crystal clear water, pristine beaches, and glorious gourmet offerings. Book one of the four VIP Bungalows which comes with perks such as exclusive sunbeds, a private shower and washroom, a butler service, and amenities on arrival. Enjoy various water activities, indulge in a massage or revitalising ice bath rituals, and have a playful time for two. The VIP Bungalow is priced at Rp12,000,000 (incl. Rp7,000,000 F&B credits and two sessions of Ice Bath Rituals).
For more information, visit sundaysbeachclub.com
Brunch and sunset at W Bali – Seminyak
It’s not hard to see why Sunday Brunch at Starfish Bloo is often fully booked in advance. Its groovy, beachfront ambience is a delight and most importantly, a feast for seafood lovers. Find freshly shucked oysters, grilled lobsters, sashimi and sushi, and an array of globally-inspired specialties that go well with a bottle of chilled Champagne. Prolong the relaxing day with a sunset session at Woobar where craft cocktails, a plush sofa, and chillout tunes from a live DJ make up for a cosy Sunday for two. Brunch starts from Rp950,000 per person.
For more information, visit wbaliseminyak.com
A private romantic dinner at Raffles Bali
Celebrate your special occasion in a secluded gazebo, set on the rocks, above the water at Raffles Bali. The curated experience for first date ideas in Bali starts from the moment you walk in, where a path is lit with flickering flames and a table for two is set in the Purnama Honeymoon Bale. Savour the five-course degustation menu, paired with a bottle of Billecart-Salmon Champagne for a night to remember. Reservation in advance is required. The Premium Champagne package is priced at Rp9,500,000 per couple.
For more information, visit raffles.com/bali/dining/
Learn to make pasta at Amici by Enrico Bartolini
Under the guidance of head chef Alessandro D’Amico, pick up a new skill that you can take home in Amici’s Pasta Class. Available every Tuesday, learn how to make ravioli from scratch. From creating the dough, and infusing it with colour and essences to shaping, filling, and finally, cooking it, it is a fun activity to do together. The class ends with a lunch made of your creations as well as Amici’s signature pizza and tiramisu. Rp500,000 per person.
For more information, visit amici-bali.com
Sunset Couple Blessing and Healing Rituals at Anantara Uluwatu
Receive a blessing from the island’s high priestess as you continue your journey as a couple. Held near sundown, the 90-minute ritual involves a water blessing, a past life purification, and a chakra cleanse to spiritually lighten your path and strengthen your bond together. Booking is required. Rp4,333,410 per couple.
For more information, visit anantara.com/en/uluwatu-bali
Partner in life and padel
Now is a good time to pick up a new skill that is not only perfect for staying active together but also fun to do as a couple. Obvious first date ideas in Bali because Often played in doubles, padel is a fun and accessible sport activity, explaining its recent popularity worldwide. Sign up for a class with Jungle Padel. With many locations across Bali, they have classes for beginners as well as advanced players.
For more information, visit junglepadel.com
Mastering the art of pottery making with Kevala Studio
Engaging in a creative activity together is known to heighten a greater feeling of closeness. Plus, it is a fun way to spend half a day playing with clay. Learn how to throw and turn a pot on a potter’s wheel, hand painted, and décor your piece. The couples can proudly bring six glazed pieces home as a memento. Rp2,500,000 per couple.
For more information, visit kevalaceramics.com/studio/
Embark on a Journey to Serenity at Sava Spa
Located within Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, this half-day wellness experience for couples is a holistic relaxation journey for body and soul. The signature treatments and mindfulness exercises comprise a 45-minute breathwork and sound bath, a 90-minute warm bamboo massage, a 30-minute foot massage, and a 60-minute facial treatment. The blissful experience ends with a nourishing Southeast Asian or Western set menu lunch at Makase. A minimum one-day advance reservation is required. Rp9,000,000 per couple.
For more information, visit seminyak.hotelindigo.com/offers/journey-to-serenity/
Craft bespoke jewellery at John Hardy Masterclass in Ubud
Get up close and personal with the master artisan at The John Hardy Workshop and Kapal Bamboo Boutique in Ubud. Learn more about the heritage jewellery-making techniques and processes and gain insights by joining an exclusive tour of the archive and workshop departments. Then, create your design, carve them into wax for the mould, and weave together the John Hardy’s Classic Chain design, link-by-link to have hands-on experience in handmade silver making. The customised pieces can be cast and finished while the rendered design and wax carving will make for an excellent keepsake. The class is followed by a family-style communal Long Table lunch. Starting from Rp4,000,000 per person (incl. Rp2,000,000 gift card to be spent at the boutique on the day of class).
For more information, visit johnhardy.com
Dedari Sunset Cruise with Jimbaran Puri, A Belmond Hotel, Bali
Escape the crowd and have an intimate sunset sailing experience on board Dedari. The two-hour cruise starts from the resort or Kedonganan Port. Take in the scenic coast as you sail towards the iconic Uluwatu Temple. Partake in a simple traditional blessing ceremony guided by the captain then dive into the ocean while enjoying the sundown. Rp3,630,000 per couple.
For more infprmation, visit belmond.com/hotels/asia/bali/belmond-jimbaran-puri/
Celebrate love at Padma Resort Ubud’s Bamboo Nest
Located at Padma Resort Ubud, and nestled amid a verdant bamboo forest, the one-of-a-kind Bamboo Nest showcases the resort’s surroundings enchantingly. Perfect for your first date ideas in Bali list, couples are in for a treat when they sign up for a dinner for two experience in this peaceful river valley. Enjoy a scrumptious five-course Western or Indonesian tasting menu, while the soothing sound of nature is the only romantic song that you need. A minimum two-day advance reservation is required. Rp3,800,000 per couple.
For more information, visit padmaresortubud.com