🎙️ Hosted by Tim Johnson & David Brodie

Bali—an island paradise with stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, and deep spiritual roots. But beneath its beauty lies a bustling tourism hub. In this episode, Tim and David explore the duality of Bali, its breathtaking experiences, and how to travel sustainably in one of the world’s most Instagrammed destinations.

🔹 Bali’s Dual Identity – A tropical dream or an overtourism hotspot?

🔹 Tim & David’s First Impressions – How Bali has changed over the years.

🔹 Where to Escape the Crowds – Hidden gems and quieter regions like Uluwatu.

🔹 Ubud & Artisanal Culture – A place to connect with traditional crafts.

🔹 Surfing in Bali – Beginner-friendly lessons in Kuta Beach.

🔹 Top Hotel Picks –

• Renaissance Bali Uluwatu: Cliffside luxury with stunning infinity pools 🌅
• Mandapa Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Jungle retreat with private pools 🏡
• Kempinski Bali: Iconic 60m pool blending into the ocean 🏖️

🔹 The Gili Islands Escape – A castaway paradise just a ferry ride away! 🏝️

✅ Bali offers a mix of party hotspots, wellness retreats, and secluded getaways.

✅ Uluwatu and Ubud provide more serene experiences than bustling Seminyak or Kuta.

✅ Surfing, cultural immersion, and eco-friendly travel options abound.

✅ The Gili Islands offer a motor-free escape with world-class diving.

Tim and David return to dive into Bali’s incredible food culture, from beach clubs to warungs!

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Have you been to Bali? Share your experiences with us on social media!

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Welcome to our first episode of 2025 and Season 12. Today, we'll be going over our first ever annual list of our 10 favourite hotels, based on David's travels to 19 countries and Tim's trips to over 20 in the past year! They dive into unique and memorable stays that range from unique options like capsules in Copenhagen to luxurious experiences such as the Four Seasons in Bora Bora. With discussions about stunning locations, exceptional service, and unforgettable dining experiences, the hosts highlight places that have inspired them and left a lasting impression. Our top hotels of 2025:

1. Four Seasons Hotel Prague: Located in the Old Town, this 5-star hotel offers views of Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.
2. Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa: A luxurious resort in the Maldives, offering overwater villas and a world-class spa.
3. Kruger Shalati: A unique lodge in South Africa, set in a restored train on a bridge over the Sabie River, offering a distinctive safari experience.
4. Kuname Lodge: An exclusive safari lodge adjacent to Kruger National Park, providing intimate wildlife encounters.
5. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: A luxury resort in French Polynesia, featuring overwater bungalows and stunning views of Mount Otemanu.
6. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island: A modern hotel built over the Yas Marina Circuit, known for its unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
7. Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul: A former Ottoman palace turned hotel, offering luxury accommodations along the Bosphorus.
8. Château de la Chèvre d'Or: A historic property in Èze, France, featuring panoramic views of the French Riviera and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
9. Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana: A beachfront hotel offering stunning views of Copacabana Beach and Sugarloaf Mountain.
10. CityHub Copenhagen: A modern, budget-friendly hotel in Copenhagen, featuring micro-rooms and a Scandinavian spa.

Honourable Mentions

1. Hotel 34B Paris: An affordable boutique hotel in Paris, offering complimentary minibar and access to happy hours across its chain locations.
2. Rosewood Hotel Georgia: A restored historic property in Vancouver, known for its central location and top-rated spa.
3. Fairmont Banff Springs: A grand hotel in the Canadian Rockies, resembling a castle and offering luxurious amenities.
4. The Langham Sydney: A luxury hotel in Sydney,...

In this special bonus episode, host David Brodie explores Copenhagen’s unique offerings. Join him as he:

• Experiences one of the world’s most unusual spas, CopenHot, blending industrial charm with Nordic wellness.
• Delves into the social dining movement at Kanalhuset, where communal meals meet Danish coziness.
• Uncovers the cultural roots of these experiences, from winter bathing to Denmark’s folk high schools.

Whether you're planning your first visit or rediscovering Copenhagen, this episode provides a fresh perspective on the city’s evolving culture.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

1. CopenHot Spa Experience:

• David takes us to CopenHot, located in the historic Reffen dockyard.
• Explore how the spa combines hot tubs, wood-heated saunas, and “hot tub boats” in an urban-industrial setting.
• Learn about its sustainability ethos and unique views of landmarks like CopenHill

👉 Book your CopenHot experience here: CopenHot Official Site

1. Social Dining at Kanalhuset:

• David chats with locals at Kanalhuset, a hub for communal dining in Copenhagen.
• Hear how this dining style fosters connections and its ties to Danish traditions like folk high schools.
• Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic social experience over delicious meals.

👉 Reserve your table at Kanalhuset: Kanalhuset Official Site

1. Cultural Insights:

• Dive into Danish traditions like winter bathing and communal living.
• Learn about the historical roots of social dining and its modern revival.

Featured Locations & Activities:

• CopenHot Spa: A dockyard-turned-wellness retreat offering private hot tubs, shared saunas, and even floating “hot tub boats.”
• Kanalhuset: A cozy restaurant and social hub in Copenhagen, ideal for communal dining and cultural immersion.

Special Thanks:

• Tourism Copenhagen: Thank you for your assistance in making this trip possible. Learn more about Copenhagen and plan your visit: Tourism Copenhagen.
• Music Credit: Grace Forrester’s acoustic rendition of “Leaving on a Jet Plane”

Leave Us a Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Your feedback helps us inspire more travelers around the world.

Subscribe for More:

This season wraps up with this bonus episode, but the 2025 season is just around the corner! Look forward to new adventures, top hotel picks, and much more inspiring travel content.

Links:

• Book CopenHot
• Reserve at Kanalhuset

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