Travel By Signpost: Libra (September 24-October 23)

by Allison

"Librans prefer a resort or big city that has lots of amenities to include fine dining, shopping and a bit of sophisticated culture," says Daily Mantra astrologer Maria. "Goose down pillows, Egyptian cotton sheets, room service, and a traveling companion are a must."

The Daily Mantra recommends that Librans grab a friend or romance partner and head for the Island of The Gods, otherwise known as Bali, and more specifically to the cultural hub of Ubud. The arts-orientated area is perfect for visitors looking for a more refined experience, and fits culture-craving Librans to a tee. The Komaneka Resort, nestled amongst exotic gardens and overlooking terraced rice fields, is exactly the kind of aesthetically pleasing locale that will feed a Libran's rarified sense of beauty. Sunken marble tubs, fresh flowers in your room, private verandas, daily tropical fruit and cookies, and free mineral water, along with the myriad of reasonably-priced spa treatments ($40 for a 60-minute massage) will satisfy those seeking luxury.

The Balinese pride themselves on being the ultimate purveyors of balance, be it metaphysical or spiritual. What vacation spot could be better suited for the sign of the scales? In hopes of keeping this sacred balance, at almost all hours of the day you can witness the preparation of offerings: flowers, rice and heavenly frangipani incense. The locals’ principal form of worship is to practice an art form. From jewelry making, dancing, painting and wood carving to playing music in the gamelan orchestra, every village in the Ubud region specializes in a different artistic medium. The exquisite handmade artisan goods produced provide a superior level of souvenir shopping, and the myriad of local dance ceremonies, performed multiple times a week, are not to be missed. For some amazing Balinese cuisine visit Bebek Bengil, or Casa Luna, which also offers cooking classes.

While exploring the fourteen villages of which Ubud is comprised, you should be sure to pay a visit to Goa Gajah, an 11th century cave temple, Tanah Lot, a 16th century sea temple built on a rocky offshore outcrop, and The Sacred Monkey Forest, a preserve for over 200 long-tailed macaques. According to Balinese Hinduism, monkeys can be the embodiment of both good and evil and are therefore both loathed and revered by locals.

After a week of being treated like a god or goddess on the Island of The Gods it will be hard for any Libran to go anywhere else. Recommended reading: Eat, Pray, Love, a travelogue by Elizabeth Gilbert.

| 09/10/07 | Astrology