Bali: A Mother-Daughter Adventure from Ecuador

I still smile when I think about this trip—just my daughter and me, flying halfway across the world to Bali to celebrate her 15th birthday. It was our first time traveling just the two of us, and our first time in Southeast Asia. We had 18 days in total, with 10 of those spent exploring three very special parts of Bali: Uluwatu, Nusa Penida, and Ubud. I planned every detail myself, looking for places that felt calm, meaningful, and far from the usual party vibe.

We flew out of Ecuador full of excitement (and a few nerves), ready for something completely new. I had read so much about Bali, but nothing prepared me for how it would actually feel—to stand on a cliffside at sunset, to share quiet beach moments, or to be surrounded by rice terraces that stretched beyond the horizon.

Our first stop was Uluwatu. Although we stayed at The Ritz-Carlton in Nusa Dua, we spent most of our days exploring the laid-back beaches and coastal charm of Uluwatu. One of the most memorable moments was watching the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple—it was spiritual, powerful, and absolutely mesmerizing against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. We wandered down to Padang Padang and Thomas Beach, each one a calm escape with turquoise water and relaxed energy. Whenever we needed a coffee break, Suka Coffee was our go-to: chill, delicious, and the perfect little pause in our day. For lunch, we just grabbed light bites or fruit, knowing we’d enjoy a leisurely dinner back at the Ritz-Carlton’s restaurants, which consistently impressed us with their variety and service. Another highlight in Uluwatu was dinner at Ikagai, a beautifully curated Japanese restaurant that felt like a secret retreat.

View from The Ritz-Carlton Lobby

Padang Padang Beach

From there, we took the boat to Nusa Penida. This was a different pace—more secluded, more rugged. We stayed at Semaya Beach Resort, perched on a cliff with its own private beach, which gave us the chance to slow down. After all the beach-hopping in Uluwatu, we took a day just to rest and get massages by the sea. That quiet day, with the waves crashing nearby and no rush to be anywhere, was everything. But of course, the adventurers in us couldn’t sit still too long. We set off to see Broken Beach, Kelingking Beach (yes, we went down the cliff—intense but so rewarding), and Angel’s Billabong the next day. Stunning, yes—but also exhausting! Thankfully, the resort had amazing food, with dinner and breakfast served right by the ocean. And yes, we treated ourselves to another massage. One of the biggest highlights for us was snorkeling in Manta Bay. Floating above the reef, seeing those majestic rays glide beneath us—it was magical. It felt like we were in another world, and I could see on my daughter’s face that she was just as amazed as I was.

Kelingking Beach

We wrapped up our trip in Ubud. For this final stretch, we stayed at Bisma Eight Villas, which was peaceful and tucked into nature—perfect for reflecting on all we’d experienced. Instead of joining the crowds at Mount Batur, we chose a quieter route. We explored the northern temples and wandered through the stunning Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, finishing the day at Tanah Lot Temple. It was the perfect mix of culture and serenity. That evening, we had a beautiful dinner at Chora, one of the best meals of the trip. Another standout dining experience in Ubud was at Mori, a Japanese-Balinese fusion restaurant tucked away in the jungle—it felt like a hidden treasure.

Jatiluwih Rice Terrace: UNESCO World Heritage site

Tanah Lot Temple—perched on a rock formation surrounded by the sea

One day, we traded temples for thrills and booked a rafting and ATV combo—it was so much fun and, honestly, the perfect bonding experience. We also visited the Monkey Forest and explored Ubud by foot, soaking in the town’s energy and picking up a few last souvenirs. We visited the Ubud Art Market, where we found beautiful handmade items and small gifts. We also went to the Icon Mall, which sits by the beach in Sanur. While it’s not your traditional Balinese experience, we had fun wandering around, enjoying the air conditioning, and laughing at how it reminded us of malls back home, but with a Balinese twist—it was a little random, but sometimes that’s what makes a travel moment memorable.

ATV - Bali with Friends Tour

Monkey Forest

We got our nails done in Ubud—one of those lovely spontaneous moments that became a highlight. Southeast Asia is truly one of the best places in the world for massages and nail art, and it’s something I absolutely recommend making time for. The attention to detail, the creativity, and the prices are unbeatable.

We made it our mission to try as many ice cream places as we could—our favorite was Magali Gelato, but we loved every place we tried. Gelato Secrets and Gelato Factory also made it onto our top list. For coffee, we discovered two lovely cafés: Garçon and Novus. Both had a great vibe, perfect for resting our feet and talking about everything we’d seen.

This wasn’t just a vacation—it was a journey I curated from the heart, for us. As two girls traveling from South America—just mother and daughter—I was deeply aware of the responsibility I had to make it safe, memorable, and meaningful. I always try to customize our trips to avoid overly touristy spots. I love discovering places that let us connect more personally with the culture and the people.

This adventure gave us that—and more. We returned with stories, laughs, and a deeper connection that I’ll treasure forever.

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Tips for other moms planning a trip like this

• Don’t overpack your itinerary—leave space for spontaneity.

• Book massages whenever you can and get your nail art appointment.

• Choose calm, beautiful accommodations where you’ll want to unwind after a long day.

• Carry snacks—teenagers get hungry at the most unexpected times.

• Involve your daughter in the planning—it makes the trip more exciting for both of you.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Bali page.