We’ve turned our favourite tropical playground into a ‘happy compromise’ break – fruit cocktails and facials for the girls and wild waves for the guys.

HIS
By Myles Clemones

Ladies, take note. If you want a relaxing, pampering, cocktails-by-the-pool trip to Bali, book now for October this year. Super-cool bike, surf, art and fashion brand Deus throws an annual “Slidetober” festival that will keep your man occupied while you’re on the massage table.

The surf event is the main attraction, where laughs and good times are more important than the points. Invite-only competitors spin the wheel on the front-end of a custom Deus motorcycle to be allocated a board ranging from a 5-foot twin fin to an 8-foot single. It’s not about who wins and loses; it’s all about the retro Deus culture.

Old-school moves are on display with classic one-handed cutbacks and tube riding drawing loud cheers from the huge crowd. Final placings are held until festivities kick off in the Deus Bali bar and cafe – which multi-tasks as a motorcycle workshop, surfboard-shaping bay, artist studio, showroom and gallery. Local talent rocks out then a special-guest indie band is welcomed to the stage (this year it was Dappled Cities).

Deus Bali was dreamed up by Dare Jennings, founder of the original Deus Cafe in Sydney and it’s evident everything produced within these walls is done with passion. World- renowned surfing photographer Dustin Humphreys has taken up residence, describing it as “a window to the world, a creative space where vision is brought to life”.

Whether it’s surfing, art, bikes or just a great feed from the cafe – the Deus “Temple of Enthusiasm” is a cultural mecca for the boys.

www.deuscustoms.com

HERS
By Kellie Hush

I’m a surfing widow and only have myself to blame. When my husband gave up football, I bought him a mini Malibu, hoping to replace the thrill of chasing that sherrin ball. Be careful what you wish for – we now live, stay and play within moments of the waves.

After numerous boys’ trips to Bali, this year I decided to get in on the action – and after 10 blissful days in Seminyak I returned home and booked for the same time next year.

Travelling with six adults means luxury and privacy is essential and Bali Sentosa nails both. Our private villa had three pavilions (all equipped with amazing outdoor bathrooms and private pools) and the property also features a gym, communal pool and restaurant. My rave? Bespoke dinner parties held in your pavilion.

I whiled away my stay with daily treatments at Bodyworks day spa. Pedi, mani, massages…I was never disappointed. With its gorgeous ocean views, Ku De Ta is perfect for cocktail hour with the girls. La Lucciola also offers incredible beachfront dining. For more traditional fare, try the incredible nasi goreng at Made’s Warung, in the heart of Seminyak.

Share the love with a day trip to Uluwatu. While our husbands hit the waves, us girls found a clifftop hotel where you can lie by the pool for $20 a day. On the way home we treated ourselves to a cocktail at the breathtaking Bulgari Hotel (now on my bucket list as a must-stay one day).

www.balisentosa.com; www.bodyworksbali.com; http://kudeta.net; www.bulgarihotels.com

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