Last month, our North American Sales Manager, Kate Winslow, joined six advisors from Brownell Travel for a nine-night immersive journey hosted by EXO Travel Indonesia. The itinerary wove through Seminyak, Ubud, Tabanan, Jimbaran and Uluwatu, blending spiritual depth, sensory experiences and luxury hospitality that left a lasting impression.
There are FAM trips, and then there are experiences that transform your relationship with a destination. The group checked into some of Bali’s most design-forward and elevated properties, each one revealing a different facet of the island:
- Potato Head Suites: a creative hub in vibrant Seminyak
- Mandapa a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: an oasis along the Ayung River
- Kappa Senses Ubud: a wellness-centric hideaway in the jungle
- Soori Bali: perched between rice fields and ocean
- Four Seasons Resort Jimbaran Bay: serene beachside villas
- Bvlgari Resort Bali: dramatically set on the Uluwatu cliffs
From the outset, the tone was set not just by luxury accommodations but by rich, hands-on experiences that introduced advisors to Bali’s heritage and natural beauty.
- A custom perfume-making workshop at Republic of Soap gave each advisor a chance to craft a scent that captured their personal connection to the island.
- A sunrise 4×4 Jeep tour offered sweeping views of Mt. Batur and Mt. Agung, an energizing way to begin the day amid Bali’s most iconic peaks.
- A spiritual purification ceremony at Pura Mengening allowed the group to participate in sacred Balinese rituals rarely shared with visitors.
“The most profound experience of our week took place at a centuries-old temple. This wasn’t a sanitised cultural demonstration but an invitation into genuine spiritual practice. Standing waist-deep in sacred spring water while a Balinese priest guided us through ancient rituals felt both humbling and transformative.”
-Dani Crowley, Red Letter Travel
The days moved with intention, allowing time for meaningful exploration, restorative downtime and engaging conversation. After their sunrise trek, the group ventured to a hidden waterfall near COMO Shambhala for a peaceful picnic lunch tucked in the jungle. Even moments between destinations became opportunities to connect more deeply with Bali’s essence. And while those quiet moments left a lasting impression, the journey continued with even more immersive activities that showcased the richness and diversity of the island:
- A traditional cooking class led by a local chef offered insight into Balinese ingredients and flavor profiles, taught in a wood-fired kitchen surrounded by rice paddies.
- A helicopter flight over the Nusa islands added a thrill of perspective, soaring above crystal waters and craggy cliffs.
- Visits to Tanah Lot and the Sacred Monkey Forest brought a deeper understanding of Bali’s mythology, nature and architecture.
And while every day delivered standout moments, the advisors were especially taken with the balance EXO struck between structure and spontaneity. The trip came to a graceful close in Uluwatu, where the peaceful rhythm of the coast and refined clifftop setting offered space to reflect on the week. What stood out wasn’t just the five-star villas or perfectly plated meals, it was the emotional connection to a destination that welcomed them with open arms and deep-rooted tradition.
This wasn’t just a FAM trip, it was a reminder of why we do what we do. Of how powerful travel can be when it’s thoughtfully designed and deeply felt.
“I was incredibly impressed with the entire EXO team and experience from start to finish, I cannot recommend EXO and the Indonesia team highly enough.”
-Alyssa Guschewsky Childers, Walks Around the World
About EXO Travel:
EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.
Established in 1993, we’ve harnessed in-depth local knowledge and a widely-recognised penchant for authentic, groundbreaking touring to become a leading DMC for the premium travel market. As a Certified B Corporation, EXO is also demonstrably committed to sustainability and using travel as a force for good.
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