There's nothing more synonymous with "ideal vacation" than visiting a tropical island. Whether it's close to home in the Caribbean or Mexico, or far-flung destinations like Tahiti and the Maldives, island getaways conjure the ultimate in rest and relaxation. And this year, it seems like everyone's in an island state of mind. According to Expedia's recent 2025 Island Hotlist study, global interest in island vacations is up 30% year over year.
But which island is worth your hard-earned travel dollars? While closer-to-home Caribbean destinations such as Dominican Republic and Aruba were high on travelers' lists, one of the islands that made Expedia's cut—Bali—is also seeing a surge in interest, thanks to increased efforts toward zero-waste tourism, and a host of new wellness retreats and spiritual stays both coastal and inland, that deeply align with GenZ and millennial travelers' interests.
It's a trend Bali resident Lauren Camilleri knows a lot about. The travel guru and host of JOURNY's new show Paradise Kitchen (Premiering October 5 via Samsung Smart TV, Plex and Sling) came to the island 16 years ago and has seen its transformative power ever since. The KYND Kitchen owner is a huge proponent for a trip, and says the time to come is now. "There's a ton of development happening...so many beautiful experiences popping up. I always think Bali's at its peak, but something else begins to unfold." Read on for all the reasons she believes everyone should visit Bali once.
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“I am half Australian—my mother is Balinese, and my father is Australian Maltese. We would always come here on holidays as kids to visit our Balinese family. On one of those trips, something just stuck with me. I connected deeply with the land and the people... and I met a Balinese boy who inspired me to move here. I was 18," says Camilleri. Now she lives in a small village called Seseh—about 15 minutes north of Canggu. "It’s still close to everything but not in the crazy touristy area. It still really has the Bali essence to it.”
In her new show, Camilleri celebrates Balinese cuisine. "Our intention is to showcase the beautiful food and ingredients and people of Bali. We traveled around to some of my favorite areas and spoke with different chefs and people in the food industry. Each episode highlights a different Balinese ingredient—from soy to jackfruit."
What Makes Bali So Special
“Bali isn’t just a holiday. It’s a place that can shift the way that you see the world… It offers world-class beach clubs, restaurants and bars, sure—but beyond that, it has something far deeper. For me, it’s the culture, the spirituality, the warmth of the people. That’s what makes Bali very different from other destinations," says Camilleri.
“At the heart of Balinese culture is a philosophy called Tri Hita Karana—the people’s guide to happiness. It means balance between three things: human to spirit (rituals, prayer, offerings), human to human (kindness, community), and human to nature (living in harmony with the environment). It’s deeply ingrained here.”
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“There’s the tourist trail of Bali... and then there’s this deep, connected, cultural side of Bali—which is what I love most. That’s what stays with you," she explains. "It’s a place that allows you to step back from your day-to-day life and just gain perspective—on your values, your vision, where you’re going. Everything is heightened here. It becomes a place of purification. What you don’t want gets amplified, and what you do want gets amplified too.”
“The spiritual energy here is very strong. You’ll see offerings and ceremonies everywhere. Even the big trees and volcanoes have temples.”
Her Best-Kept Secrets
“Everyone goes to Ubud for the rice fields, but Jatiluwih is the one you need to see. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with endless layers of rice paddies at the base of Batukaru mountain. You can do walking trails from 30 minutes to two hours. Rice is such an important part of the Island's well-being. It’s its agricultural soul.”
Melukat (Water Purification Ceremony)
“This is one of Bali’s most profound cultural experiences. It’s a cleansing ritual to wash away negative energies and restore mind-body-spirit balance. I recommend the Sebatu water temple—it’s more intimate and less touristy. Go with a local monk or guide who can talk you through the ritual so you really connect with it.”
“Just a 40-minute boat ride from Bali, but it feels like a true escape—turquoise waters, manta ray snorkeling, no traffic, and amazing warungs and restaurants. Laid-back, island vibes all around.”
Smoke Bali (Canggu)
“Backyard BBQ vibes, a fire pit where you can roast marshmallows, and the island’s best spicy margarita.”
“Okay, it’s my restaurant—but it’s iconic. Our smoothie bowls come with your name lettered on top, and the strawberry matcha is famous. It feels like a tropical paradise cafe—you step in and instantly feel on holiday.”
Sienna (Seseh)
“Where I eat most of my meals. It has a basketball court next to the restaurant—great food, cocktails and good vibes.”
“Most people know the beach club, but the hotel next door is a leader in sustainability. They only send 3% of their waste to landfill. They turn used cooking oil into candles, oyster shells into furniture and more.”
MU Bungalows (Uluwatu)
“Perched on a cliff over Bingin Beach with million-dollar views. They also host sunset seafood barbecues on the deck—it’s magical.”
Batukaru Coffee Estate
“Rustic cabins in the mountains with a farm-to-table restaurant and one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen. You feel completely surrounded by nature.”
Her Top Tips for Visiting
1) Download the app GoJek—it’s a super app for Bali. You can get motorbike taxis, rides, food delivery, groceries, even have items picked up or delivered. It makes island life way easier.”
2) “Keep your plans loose. Especially in Bali. There’s a kind of magic here that only reveals itself when you give it space.”
3) “Don’t worry about the ice! It’s filtered and safe now. You can enjoy your latte or cocktail without fear.”
4) “Traffic can be rough. Plan around peak hours or hop on a motorbike or GoJek to avoid delays.”
Final Thought: Why She Thinks Everyone Should Visit Bali at Least Once
“Don’t just see Bali as a holiday—see it as a place that can shift the way you see the world. Go beyond the touristy things. Connect to the Balinese people and culture. That’s where the real magic is. That’s what brings you home to yourself.”
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