Cultural Bali and Diving East Sumbawa

The scenic journey should take 90 minutes, passing through emerald green rice paddies and small villages. Once you have checked in to your hotel, spend the remainder of the day shaking off your jet lag, whether it be with a relaxing spa treatment or a dip in the pool.

Spend the next few days exploring the area, whether by foot, bicycle or vintage car, picking up a souvenir or two along the way and devouring delicious Balinese delicacies - you can even learn how to make them yourselves with a private cookery lesson (which we highly recommend).

Located to the east of Bali, East Sumbawa Island is home to some of the world's most exciting diving as nutrient-rich waters have allowed for a plethora of fascinating marine life to flourish on pristine reefs. With endless views of the Jurassic Park-style islands, pink sand beaches and the famous Komodo dragon, you have the ingredients for a truly unforgettable holiday adventure.

Take a morning boat to West Komodo to dive with over 1000 species of fish and an abundance of soft and hard corals - all in superb visibility. If you fancy something closer to home, take a guided orientation of the house reef and then enjoy unlimited un-guided house reef dives (day or night). The reef is a haven for macro critters so look out for vibrant nudibranch, frogfish, bobtail squid… the list goes on.

Watch superb sunsets during supper then watch the starry sky from your villa - the sheer remoteness of this destination means there is little light pollution.

Located a 40-minute boat ride from the resort, Gili Banta is famous for its drift dives. The meeting of the Pacific and Indian Oceans brings in a whirlpool of marine life, including the big pelagics from oceanic and reef manta rays to several species of shark to huge schools of tuna. Watch this fascinating marine life while drifting in the current or on a pinnacle dive (holding on to one spot of the reef).

Back at the resort, refuel at the restaurant then spend the afternoon paddle boarding, diving the house reef or simply relaxing on the beach.

Located a 45-minute boat ride away, the diving here is characterised by a black sand volcanic reef that constantly bubbles, supporting a wonderful array of wacky macro life, including pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and frogfish. Although all the sites are pretty spectacular, a few of our favourites include Lighthouse Reef and Lava Flow.

Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool, hiking trails in the local area or taking a tour to discover the famous Komodo dragon (away from the crowds and in a private location, naturally).

Where Ubud is Bali's cultural soul, Seminyak is Bali's fashionable heart. Located in southern Bali, expect miles of sandy beaches, rolling waves, idyllic sunsets and some seriously stylish boutique shops.

After checking into your hotel, hit the beach to work on your tan or stroll along the seafront in search of a secluded spot. Search for souvenirs at the various fashion and interior boutiques or rent a surf board and hit the waves. The beach is lined with a string of trendy restaurants and bars, so come sunset pull up a seat and sip sundowners as you watch the sky turn into a vibrant shade of orange. Stay for supper or head back to your hotel for a more private setting.