The Conrad Bali: Island Paradise.

We don’t frequent ultra-luxury hotels, but we’ve stayed at some impressive lodgings in such places as the Maldives, Moorea, and Hawaii. Our first impressions of the Conrad Bali puts it high on our list of “wow” properties.

It doesn’t hurt bring a Diamond Member of Hilton Honors, and getting an upgrade to one of the 1200-square foot Conrad Suites, the most expensive rooms on the property.

We checked in late Friday night…

Early Saturday morning we discovered our large balcony.

Even better, we’re paying for this stay with Hilton Points, and the fifths night is free.

Wandering the property after a filling breakfast at Rin, breakfast continuing to be a Diamond benefit at foreign properties, we watched an army of gardeners keeping the large property immaculate and photogenic.

We know at least two grandchildren who would love to play chess here. Right, Blane and Jace (and maybe Jake)?

Another Diamond perk is afternoon tea in the lobby. Should we try it? We’d be fools not to.

Now it’s onward to Happy Hour for Diamonds, and then dinner at another restaurant, 8 Degrees South.

Arak Cooler

Local spirit 'arak', orange juice, cranberry juice, sweet & sour,fresh rosemary leaves, angostura bitter

Eight Degrees South is one of three major restaurants at the Conrad. The prices are reasonable by our standards, and the 25% Diamond (and Gold) discount more than covers the service charge and tax.

A seafood platter for two  was most enjoyable. We loved the giant prawns, but the grouper and mahi-mahi were also delicious. Three varieties of sambal are on the left. Sambal is a big deal in Indonesia.

It’s a rigorous schedule, but so far we’re handling it.