James Whitmore
Oct 16 • 6 min read
I’ve always been fascinated by contrasts — the way one place can pulse with energy while another feels almost timeless. My trip with The Peace Destinations to Singapore and Bali was built entirely around that idea: the meeting of movement and calm, modernity and tradition, city and sea. Ten nights that began among skyscrapers and ended beneath palm trees — it sounded almost poetic before I even packed my bags.
My flight from London to Singapore was smooth, and when I arrived at the Carlton City Hotel, I was immediately struck by how seamlessly the city blends order and vitality. The view from my room was all glass and light — towers rising into a sky that glowed even after midnight.
Exploring the City’s Rhythm
Over the next three days, I explored Singapore with the enthusiasm of someone seeing it for the first time, yet I also found myself slowing down to notice its quieter details. I wandered through Gardens by the Bay, where the futuristic Supertrees glistened against the afternoon sun, and then crossed over to Marina Bay Sands, that architectural marvel that looks like it’s balancing on the horizon.
What fascinated me most was how the city seemed to breathe in rhythm — taxis gliding through the streets, locals queuing for hawker stalls, children playing near the waterfront. I tried chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow, each dish telling its own story of the city’s multicultural soul. By evening, I often found myself sitting by the bay, watching reflections of neon lights ripple in the water, feeling at once alive and calm.
Journey to Bali
After three fast-paced, flavour-filled days, it was time for a change of rhythm. My flight to Bali was short but felt like a transition into another world.
The first stop was Ubud, where I stayed at Wapa di Ume, tucked among rice fields that shimmered like green silk under the sun. The air here felt different — heavier, slower, and full of birdsong. I joined an early morning yoga class, even though I’m not much of a yogi, and found myself breathing more deeply than I had in months.
The Heart of Ubud
Ubud was an artist’s dream — temples veiled in incense, market stalls filled with handwoven crafts, and locals who greeted you with genuine warmth. I spent a day wandering through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, mesmerized by the sound of water trickling through the paddies. There was a serenity in that landscape that seemed to stretch far beyond the horizon.
Coastal Calm at Candi Beach
From Ubud, I travelled east to Candi Beach Resort & Spa, a quiet stretch of coastline where time felt like it had slowed to a whisper. My days here fell into a rhythm of their own: morning swims, late breakfasts, long walks along the shore, and the occasional adventure — a snorkeling trip, a temple visit, or a boat ride to nearby islands.
One afternoon, I watched fishermen pull their boats ashore at sunset. The sky was painted in shades of amber and violet, and for a moment, I felt completely unhurried — as if life had returned to its simplest, most beautiful form.
Reflections on the Journey
This journey reminded me that travel doesn’t always have to be grand or daring. Sometimes it’s about contrast — about finding energy in one place and stillness in another, about allowing the noise of the city to fade into the whisper of waves.
Singapore dazzled me with its precision and pulse; Bali soothed me with its patience and grace. Together, they made for a journey that felt complete — a perfect balance of experience and reflection.
As my plane took off from Denpasar, I looked out at the sea, dotted with tiny islands, and thought about how travel changes you in small, lasting ways. You bring home new tastes, new perspectives, and a quiet reminder that the world, for all its differences, somehow fits together beautifully.
Reflections on Thai Hospitality
What struck us most about Thailand was the warmth of its people. Everywhere we went — from hotel staff to shopkeepers and taxi drivers — there was a genuine kindness, a calmness that seemed to run through the country itself.
At the Pathumwan Princess, the staff remembered our names and even helped us plan a little anniversary dinner. At the Dusit Thani, the housekeeping team left tiny notes wishing us a wonderful day. Small gestures, but they made a big impression.
There’s something deeply peaceful about Thai culture — a sense of mindfulness in the way people greet you, serve you, and care for their surroundings. It made us reflect on how rushed our lives often feel back home, and how easy it is to forget the beauty of slowing down.
A Taste of Thailand
Of course, no trip would be complete without talking about the food. From street stalls to fine dining, everything was delicious. We discovered that Thailand isn’t just about spice — it’s about balance. Sweet, sour, salty, and hot all come together beautifully.
Breakfast buffets at both hotels were generous and fresh. But it was the small street cafés in Bangkok that we’ll never forget — a plate of pad kra pao (spicy basil chicken) eaten at a tiny plastic table while watching city life swirl around us.
In Pattaya, we enjoyed fresh seafood by the beach — grilled prawns, red snapper, and endless plates of fruit. Every meal felt like a celebration of flavour and life itself.
Final Thoughts
When we look back on our Thai escape, it feels less like a holiday and more like a gentle reminder of how beautiful balance can be. Bangkok showed us colour, culture, and energy — a city that dances to its own rhythm. Pattaya offered the quiet that follows the song — soft waves, sunsets, and time to just be
At our age, travel has become less about ticking boxes and more about collecting moments that stay with you. Thailand gave us many of those — morning coffee on a balcony overlooking the sea, the laughter of a tuk-tuk ride, the kindness of strangers, and the calm of a temple at sunrise.
We returned home rested, smiling, and already planning where The Peace Destinations might take us next. If you’re looking for a journey that combines culture, calm, and a touch of adventure, Thailand — and this twin-centre escape — might just be the perfect balance you didn’t know you needed.
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