Ah, Bali. Bintang, beaches, backpackers and… business? Though it's a popular holiday haunt for Australians, Bali remains markedly underutilised as a business destination. Here’s why you really need to consider this Indonesian paradise for your next work trip.

Make the most of a tropical or pool backdrop and work outside. (Image: Getty Images)

Getting there

Jetstar's 787 Dreamliner will deposit you directly into Bali's Denpasar Airport from six Australian capital cities. (Image: Jetstar)

If you’re planning a destination conference, your first concern is probably economy – not just for cost, but time. Luckily for us Australians, six of our eight capital cities have regular direct flights to Denpasar (Ngurah Rai International Airport). As for cost, Jetstar is a fantastic choice for the businessperson on a budget. Not only does Jetstar offer a competitive group fare and control of your inclusions, the low-cost carrier uses the 787 Dreamliner for their Bali route. This sleek Boeing aircraft boasts a spacious cabin and an advanced air purification system designed to reduce jetlag, so you can hop off and hit the ground running.

Where to stay

Staying in a jungle oasis is guaranteed to keep your team relaxed and focused. (Image: Getty Images)

You want the vibe of where you stay to match the vibe of your business travel. No matter what your company travel style is, Bali has you covered. 

The retreat

Centre mind and body with a team yoga class. (Image: Getty)

You’re hosting an intimate business trip that’s all about building bonds through adventure and experience. You don’t want walls, you want wonder. You want Ubud: Bali’s lush inland region. Nature is the ultimate conference room, and with its mountains, jungles and vibrant rice terraces, Ubud does nature best. Get your Zen on right away by staying in one of the boutique hotels near Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. You’ll not only be in the thick of nature, you’ll be minutes from Yoga Barn. With classes covering everything from tai chi to ecstatic dance, your team is sure to find its centre at this popular healing complex.

Get the team camaraderie firing with a cooking class in Ubud. (Image: Getty)

If you want to achieve true synergy, Ubud is bursting with experiences designed to bring people together. Encourage camaraderie with an Ubud cooking class. Get inspired together with a Mount Batur sunrise trek. And nothing gets a team in harmony faster than whitewater rafting down the Ayung River!

The conference

If you’ve got a lot of people, a lot of content and need the whole projector screen shebang, Legian is your friend. This area is the beating heart of Bali’s tourism, which means a wide range of hotels to choose from – and they’re very competitively priced. You can put your people up in a beautiful 4.5-star resort, such as The Stones, without breaking your 3-star budget. Nobody wants to work hard in Bali if they can’t play hard! Nestled between kickin’ Kuta and chic Seminyak, Legian enjoys easy access to Bali’s best nightlife, shopping and Legian Beach.

Ride the rapids of Ayung River on a whitewater rafting experience. (Image: Getty)

Tip: Want your people to bond and experience Bali? Recruit Aussie-based Be Challenged team-building event planners to organise an Amazing Race-style adventure through Legian. This is a great way to break down barriers and turn your people into true collaborators. Be sure to shout the winners an Uluwatu sunset dinner or a day at Waterbom Bali!

The reward

You'll be labelled a rock star with a team dinner at Rock Bar at Ayana Resort and Spa Bali. (Image: Ayana Resort and Spa)

If you’ve got high performers you want to spoil, head down to Jimbaran. Away from the bustle of Seminyak and Legian, Jimbaran is a stunning pocket of luxury found on the sunset side of Bali’s southern end. Of course, if you want to really treat your team and foster company camaraderie, look no further than Ayana Resort and Spa. Set atop a verdant cliffside, Ayana offers panoramic views of Jimbaran Bay. It is also home to Rock Bar, the world-famous clifftop restaurant that fuses seamlessly with the surrounding rock formations.

The takeway

Bali isn’t just beautiful and diverse, it’s accessible. Accessible is exactly what a business destination needs to be. White collar, blue collar, no collar: this little island can cater to whatever business experience you’re seeking. And best of all?  Bali will do it with cocktails. If you want some more inspiration, check out our Bali Travel Guide

Feature image: Getty Images