If you go

When to go: Culture Vultures should circle June 5-7 (Ubud Food Festival), June 9-13 (Bali Arts Festival) or Oct 28-Nov 1 (Ubud Writers & Readers Festival). Ravers would rather dance the night away at Dutch-led Dreamfields EDM Festival on Aug 15. Nyepi can be experienced on March 9, 2016, but head there a few days earlier to catch Melasti and see colorful processions of pilgrims collect sacred water from the sea.

Where to go: Named Asia's leading family resort for 2013 by the World Travel Awards, Conrad Bali has most bases covered with its long private beach, range of water sports, lush gardens, multiple swimming pools and Infinity wedding chapel. Julia Roberts opted for a private villa at the Four Seasons when filming Eat Pray Love. W Hotel was described by one expat writer as "the best fun you can have in a hotel with your clothes on". If you want to break the bank, check out the Bulgari Bali Hotel & Resort, or The Mulia Bali and its Greek architecture.

Getting there: Garuda, one of Asia's most improved airlines, operates regular flights from China to Bali via Jakarta. The service is top-notch and the cabin crew really does make the difference.