Baby steps

Garry and I have booked two weeks in Bali for late October. We're calling this our first official retirement holiday (baby steps, as a friend described it). By the time we fly, we'll be weeks away from officially completing all our business sale obligations. We've taken advantage of a Qantas sale and a special all-inclusive promotion with the Sofitel Nusa Dua Beach Resort.

We'll spend 11 nights in a luxurious suite with direct pool access. Our booking includes all meals plus cocktails and canapés each night.  However, before we settle down by the pool, we're first heading for the islands of Flores for a three-day cruise around Komodo Island.  We've booked the best cabin on Andalucia 3, a brand new ironwood and teak Phinisi-style boat. Check out the video of our cabin that opens this post.

Our cruise includes a morning tour of Rinca Island where we'll see Komodo Dragons in the wild. We're also being promised a mind-blowing swim with Giant Manta Rays. I've also booked us a sunset dinner at Le Bajo Flores, a superb restaurant overlooking the pristine blue water in Labuan Bajo Flores.  Watch this space!