Finding wellness in Bali: Kalapa Resort & Yoga Retreat
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After traveling for nearly 24 hours, we finally made it to Bali. Our itinerary flew us from Los Angeles to Tokyo to Singapore. Finally, from Singapore, we flew to Bali.
The Long Road to Bali from Los Angeles to Tokyo to Singapore
After taking care of a few errands upon arrival, it was time to check in to Kalapa Resort and Yoga Retreat in Canggu (pronounced Chang-Goo). We booked a Private Pool Villa with Floating Breakfast. There were 11 different unique villas at the resort, but only one of the villas had its own private pool. Outside the villas were two other pools, a yoga studio near the front desk, a sitting area near the lobby, an in-house restaurant, and an onsite spa.
We were taken to our room by 3pm. It was everything I had envisioned. When I think of Bali, I didn’t want to stay in a hotel. I wanted a villa, a private experience. We didn’t really need to get an entire house per se. I just needed the feeling of being away, a place that would give me a sense of peace, and that’s what Kalapa Resort offered.
First impressions? I mean, c’mon….take a look at the video and pictures. This is what you’ll see. Not a big Vegas-style entrance. No crowd. Quiet. Serene. Peaceful.
Our private pool villa
Here’s the video of our Private Pool Villa. This was everything. Everything. So dreamy. When we spent three nights in Canggu at Kalapa Resort, all I could think of was how I looked forward to going back to our private pool villa. If I could only bottle up that moment, for now, these pictures and videos will have to do.
During my research, I saw the price for this Private Pool Room go up to $150 USD plus taxes and fees. For our 3 night stay, that would cost us close to $500. However, we used our points earned with our Chase credit cards. We stayed here for free (not paid anything in cash). We ended up using 31,642 Chase Ultimate Rewards for our entire 3-night stay. What was included with our stay?
- Floating breakfast or sit-down at restaurant breakfast
- Complimentary (intro) 10-minute massage per guest (we could get more, if requested)
- Yoga classes
- Afternoon tea and desserts
- Welcome drink
- Free shuttle to neighboring areas in Canggu
Even at $150 per night, that was not a bad deal. To get this all on points, it was even better in my books.
Kalapa Resort: Wellness Found
We did so many things during our stay Canggu. However, it was returning to this resort that I yearned the most. I found my peace, my solitude, my wellness.
Which credit cards made this booking possible
If we were to pay in cash for two tickets, it would cost us $500. But I had enough points to make this happen and not spend an extra dime. To earn points with Chase, you would need credit cards such as:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred,
- Chase Freedom,
- Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Chase Ink Business Preferred
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Chase Ink Cash
How can I begin earning points to travel for nearly free?
You have an option to begin flying for nearly free, but you will need miles and points. There was always one card that stood out, perfect for a lot of those who are getting into the game.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred (click here) is a perfect starter card. With its current 60,000 bonus points, those points alone have gotten us two tickets to Hawaii, have gotten us to many countries and cities in Europe and Asia, just as an example. The sign up bonus alone can be worth as much as $1,000 or more in travel.
– 60,000 Ultimate Rewards sign up bonus after $4,000 in spend in the first three months
– Points are transferable to:
- Hotel Partners
- Hyatt
- Marriott
- IHG
- Ritz-Carlton
- Airline travel partners
- JetBlue
- United Airlines
- British Airways
- Southwest Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- Flying Blue
- Virgin Atlantic
- Aer Lingus
- Iberia
– Points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal
– Primary rental car collision damage waiver
– Earn 2X points on all travel and dining
– $95 annual fee
If I were just starting out in earning miles and points, I suggest starting out with this card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred (click here). We have two upcoming trips in 2019 and we’re very excited.
- How my family booked 12 FREE tickets to Japan
- How we booked SIX FREE tickets to Hawaii this 4th of July
I wrote different entries on How We Travel for Nearly Free, and most recently, I updated my favorite travel credit cards. I’ve also written this recently:
To apply for my favorite Top Travel credit cards that I use most, click here
- Follow me on Facebook at Daddy Travels Now
- Instagram @daddytravelsnow_
Lastly, here Reader Success Tales that I featured on my site.
- The Yamaguchi’s European Holiday Vacation
- Stephen & Fiona’s Aspirational Trip to Japan
- $80 Trip to Costa Rica for 2 – Vanessa’s Tale
- Traveling is not just for the rich – Iza’s $11 Trip to Hawaii
- Last-minute trip to Hawaii – Bryan & Emily’s Tale
- The Smith Sisters conquer New York City – Gina’s Tale
- Seeing the world through my children’s eyes – Maricar’s tale
Wow, just wow! That’s probably the most zen hotel I’ve ever seen. I could live there 😍
I’m sure there are many more properties out there that are better, but man, we enjoyed this one. We looked forward to coming back home after a whole day of exploring. So peaceful.