When I said yes to a Bali group trip, I imagined spa days, spiritual awakenings, and sipping cocktails under palm trees. What did I get? Well, that—and a whole lot more. We booked a 7-bedroom private villa, complete with a pool, daily housekeeping, a private chef, and the kind of amenities that would make Beyoncé nod in approval. But as anyone who’s ever traveled with a group of adults knows, luxury doesn’t always mean calm.

Let’s start at the beginning.

The Arrival: Greeted With Flower Garlands and Gecko Chirps

After a long flight, we pulled up to our villa, dusty but excited. The staff welcomed us with cold towels and fragrant frangipani garlands, and the smell of lemongrass had convinced me I was in a Spa Week retreat commercial. I was not, however, prepared for my new roommate: a persistent gecko we named Gerald, who chirped like a smoke alarm at 3 AM.

But with the chef cooking up mie goreng, the pool glistening under the sun, and massages scheduled right in the villa, I decided Gerald could stay, as long as he didn’t bring friends.

How to Choose the Right Villa in Bali

Not all villas are created equal—some come with personal chefs and perfect views, while others come with lizards that think they pay rent. To make sure you book the former, not the latter, here’s what to look for when planning your Bali stay:

• Staffed Property: Ensure the villa includes housekeeping, a chef, and groundskeeping. When 7+ adults share one space, it’s not just about luxury—it’s about practicality.
• Chef Services: Ask for sample menus and if the chef can accommodate dietary preferences. Ours handled pescatarians, spice-lovers, and one who thinks ketchup is spicy.
• Private Pool: You’ll want your own space to swim, lounge, and have impromptu floaty parties without sharing with strangers.
• Location, Location, Location: Choose between Ubud (lush, cultural) and Canggu/Seminyak (beachy and social). Proximity to excursions and dining matters.
• Reviews Matter: Don’t book anything without reading recent reviews. If multiple mentions of “leaking ceilings” or “roach roommates ” are present, run.
• Bathroom Ratios: Count the bathrooms. Trust me, seven bedrooms and only three bathrooms equal arguments, delays, and possible friend breakups.

This is your vacation home—treat the selection process like a second job. A well-chosen villa will make your Bali experience unforgettable for the right reasons.

Villa Life: Massages, Meals, and Midnight Confessions

Fix your life if you’ve never had a full-body massage poolside while someone else makes your breakfast.

Every day started with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, local pastries, and Bali coffee strong enough to caffeinate a sloth. Housekeeping came in like gentle ninjas, folding laundry I didn’t even know I’d worn. Honestly, I started to question every life choice that had kept me from living like this daily.

We rotated between lounging by the pool, pretending to journal (mostly scrolling), and discussing who would get which massage slot. When the **masseuses arrived—yes, plural—**our villa transformed into a spa, complete with cucumber water and unsolicited soul-baring.

One Night, Balinese Dancers Showed Up… and So Did the Wine

For dinner one night, our chef pulled out all the stops: satay skewers, whole grilled fish, nasi campur, and coconut panna cotta. The drums started when we were halfway into our second glass of local rosé.

A group of Balinese dancers in ornate costumes twirled onto the patio, firelight bouncing off their golden headpieces. It was stunning—until one of our friends shouted, “Do y’all take song requests?” They did not.

Note to self: Cultural performances are not karaoke. But the dancers were gracious, and we tipped like it was our job.

A Visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest (And Yes, They Steal)

No trip to Bali is complete without visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. I imagined peaceful strolls, spiritual awakenings, maybe even a monkey whispering secrets of the universe into my ear.

What I got was a monkey that tried to steal someone’s beer and another that almost grabbed my sunglasses. I was sprinting like an Olympian because one was sizing up my crossbody bag like it owed him money.

Still, the forest is lush and beautiful, and watching the monkeys in their natural habitat is surreal. Don’t make eye contact, and leave the snacks at home for the love of your tourist dignity.

The Infamous Flower Swing: A Photoshoot Gone Sideways

You’ve seen the photos: dramatic flower swings against a jungle backdrop, influencers giving windswept goddess energy. So, of course, we had to try it.

We arrived and were instantly dazzled—massive floral installations, a breathtaking valley view, and men in harnesses ready to strap us into the iconic swing. One by one, we took our turns, shrieking and posing mid-air.

Then came the moment.

One woman in our group—let’s call her “T”—decided to go full Vogue. As the swing launched, she leaned back, arms outstretched, hair blowing perfectly. And then… she slipped.

Thanks to the safety harness, she didn’t fall all the way out, but there was a collective gasp, a very loud “JESUS!” from someone’s aunt, and the whole place fell silent. Thankfully, she was fine. But we laughed so hard we had to reapply our sunscreen.

Instagram pic: worth it. Emotional trauma: TBD.

Black Sand & Bougie Vibes at the Ocean Club

We spent a day at a beach club known for its black sand and infinity pools to unwind from our brush with viral swing fame. The moment we arrived, I knew I wasn’t cool enough to be there.

Think: deep house music, Instagram models in metallic bikinis, and cocktails that cost more than my checked luggage fee.

The black sand beach was a trip—soft, warm, and slightly glittery. The infinity pools overlooked the ocean, and the whole vibe was very “I left my worries back in 2022.”

We sipped drinks, floated under the sun, and debated whether we could open our own beach club called “Just Vibes.” It is still in beta testing.

Bali Is Earthy… In Every Sense

Here’s something Instagram won’t tell you: Bali is very much alive.

You’ll hear frogs croaking like a symphony at night. There are bugs. So many bugs. There was one mosquito I’m convinced had a vendetta against me. At one point, I opened the bathroom cabinet and saw something skitter. I closed it. Whatever lived in there now owns that space.

I recommend packing:

• Deet (the strong stuff)
• Bug bite cream
• A sense of humor

Because while Bali is lush and gorgeous, nature is not playing around.

What to Pack for a Bali Group Trip

Yes, pack the swimsuits and the outfits for the ‘Gram—but don’t forget the basics Bali requires. Here’s what saved us:

• Universal Power Adapter: Bali uses the European 2-round-pin plug. If you forget an adapter, you’ll watch your devices die slowly.
• Insect Repellent: Strong DEET-based sprays are a must. Mosquitoes in Bali do not care about your lavender essential oil.
• Lightweight Clothing: It’s hot and humid. Pack breathable fabrics, flowy dresses, loose shirts, and backups for sudden rain.
• Walking Shoes: Whether you’re navigating temples, monkey forests, or slipping at the flower swing, solid footwear helps.
• Medications: If you’re going on ocean excursions, bring antidiarrheals, electrolytes, allergy meds, and motion sickness tablets.
• Sunscreen (Reef Safe): The sun in Bali doesn’t play. Protect your skin, especially if you’re lounging by a black sand beach that reflects heat.
• Small Crossbody or Belt Bag: Keeps your hands free, making you less tempting to curious monkeys or market pickpockets.

Optional but appreciated: a travel fan, a quick-dry towel, and a packable raincoat. Bali is beautiful, but she’s also a little unpredictable.

That Taco Spot Deserves Its Own Praise Section

One night, we ventured out for something different. We stumbled across a cash-only taco bar that should have its own travel documentary.

It was a no-frills place with string lights, mismatched chairs, and a menu written in Sharpie on cardboard. But those tacos slapped. Fresh cilantro, spicy aioli, handmade tortillas—pure magic. We ordered six rounds. The margaritas came in mismatched cups and tasted like regret (and lime), but I’d go back in a heartbeat.

If you go:

• Bring cash
• Sit near the fan
• Get the fish taco. Trust me.

Group Travel Logistics: Herding Cats, But With WiFi

Traveling in a group sounds like a good idea. Until someone forgets their passport, another person loses WiFi, and dinner reservations go rogue. Thankfully, Inforno Travel handled most of the chaos before we even left the airport.

Here’s what worked for us (and will work for you too):

• Use a Group Trip Planner Like Inforno Travel: From the moment we landed, Inforno had everything organized—villa bookings, private drivers, even dinner recommendations. This kind of support is gold when planning a multi-stop trip with a big crew.
• Splitwise App: Our go-to for tracking shared expenses—villa staff tips, tacos, spa services, you name it.
• WhatsApp Group Chat: Kept everyone connected and helped coordinate pickups with our local driver (booked via Inforno). Bonus: you can mute that one friend who sends 42 memes a day.
• Assign Roles: One person handled transportation, another was in charge of activity confirmations, and someone (bless them) kept us on schedule. Delegation saves friendships.
• Build in Rest Days: Bali is a sensory overload—in the best way. But after a day of sightseeing, give your group time to nap, swim, or quietly stare into the jungle with a coconut.

Group travel is a lot. Group travel in paradise? Totally worth it—with the right plan and people (shoutout to Inforno Travel for helping us stay sane and spoiled).

Final Thoughts: Would I Go Back?

Absolutely. Bali was everything: luxurious, earthy, hilarious, cultural, chaotic, and unforgettable. I got massaged within an inch of my life, ate better than I deserved, and gained about ten new inside jokes.

It was a trip where someone lost a sandal to a monkey, someone else nearly went airborne off a swing, and we all realized that life is better with a private chef and a gecko named Gerald.

Tips for Planning Your Own Bali Group Trip:

• Book a villa that includes staff. It’ll elevate your whole experience.
• Split costs upfront. It avoids confusion and preserves friendships.
• Pack bug spray, sunscreen, and electrolytes. You’ll thank me later.
• Respect the culture. The Balinese are some of the kindest people I’ve met. Don’t be that tourist.
• Embrace the chaos. Bali isn’t sterile luxury—it’s soul, spice, and realness.

Ready to Book Your Own Villa Adventure?

Bali is waiting—with swings, satay, and possibly a monkey with your sunglasses. Grab your crew, passport, and maybe a bug zapper—and start planning your unforgettable group getaway.

→ Thinking about going? Drop your must-do Bali activities in the comments! Or ask me anything about villa life—I’ve got stories.