I spent a week in Bali with 70 singles. I didn’t fall in love, but I discovered something I didn’t know I needed.
In a quest for romance and adventure, Aniqah Bhatnagar, a 29-year-old business development professional from Hong Kong, decided to shake up her dating life by embarking on a weeklong singles trip to Bali. After feeling disillusioned with the modern dating scene—which she described as a cycle of ghosting and superficial small talk—Bhatnagar stumbled upon a unique opportunity through travel influencer Nabila Ismail’s Dose of Travel Club (DOTC). The retreat, aptly named “Desi Love Island,” aimed to bring together South Asian singles from around the world for a blend of social interaction and cultural exploration. Despite her initial excitement and the support of her friends and family, Bhatnagar approached the trip without rigid expectations, hoping to embrace the experience rather than focusing solely on finding a romantic partner.
Upon arriving in Bali, Bhatnagar was greeted by a vibrant group of 70 singles from various countries, all eager to connect in a tropical paradise. The retreat was packed with activities, from rafting and quad-biking to sunset cocktail parties, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie among participants. While Bhatnagar did experience some romantic sparks, she found that the friendships she formed during the trip were far more significant. Late-night conversations over instant noodles with newfound friends became cherished memories, highlighting the importance of connection beyond romance. Despite not finding “the one,” Bhatnagar reflected on her experience as a success, noting that she returned home with lasting friendships and a refreshed perspective on dating.
Ultimately, Bhatnagar’s journey to Bali taught her that meaningful connections can take many forms, and that stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to unexpected rewards. While she may not be eager to repeat the experience, she wholeheartedly encourages others to explore similar opportunities, emphasizing the joy of meeting new people and embracing life’s adventures. Her story serves as a reminder that love can come in various shapes and that sometimes, the best outcomes are the friendships we forge along the way.
Aniqah Bhatnagar went on a weeklong singles dating trip to Bali.
Provided by Aniqah Bhatnagar
Aniqah Bhatnagar was chasing a promotion at work and was tired of dating.
When she came across a singles
trip to Bali
, she decided to try something new and applied for a spot.
She didn’t find love on the weeklong dating trip, but she formed friendships she hopes will last.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Aniqah Bhatnagar, 29, a single living in Hong Kong. Her words have been edited for length and clarity.
I was 28 and fed up with the dating scene.
Swiping had become a ritual
of ghosting, small talk, and scheduling conflicts.
I work in business development for a US law firm in Hong Kong and was chasing a promotion, so it was easy to tell myself romance could wait. Then, one night, a casual scroll on Instagram inspired me to try something different.
I’d been following
Nabila Ismail
— the travel influencer behind Dose of Travel Club (DOTC), with over 193,000 followers — when she posted about a new Bali trip called Desi Love Island.
Something about it clicked. Maybe it was the hopeless romantic in me, or maybe just the part craving sun, chaos, and adventure. I wasn’t alone; the post racked up more than 90,000 views and 1,300 likes. Before I knew it, I was filling out an application asking about my personality type, love language, and relationship goals.
My friends sent memes calling me “the main character.” My parents were supportive but cautious. I told my dad before he passed away a few months later — and while I like to think he’s watching over me, for that particular week, I kind of hoped he wasn’t too closely.
Bhatnagar (in Bali) isn’t set on having a South Asian partner, but wants someone who embraces the culture.
Provided by Aniqah Bhatnagar
I applied in February and didn’t hear back for weeks
DOTC hosts over 20 group trips a year, but the Desi Island retreat was its first to bring together
South Asian singles
. The company’s offerings aren’t all about dating. Next on the calendar, there’s a women-only adventure in Morocco and a cultural deep dive in Japan.
When the acceptance email for the
Bali trip
landed in my inbox, I was excited. The eight-day retreat cost about 22,000 Hong Kong dollars, or $2,800, covering a shared villa, activities, and most meals.
While DOTC trips are designed for South Asians, I wasn’t going in with rigid expectations. I’m not set on having a South Asian partner, but I do want someone who embraces the culture.
Landing in Bali felt surreal
Seventy South Asian singles from around the world — London, Singapore, New York, Melbourne — gathered in tropical villas with pools and matching welcome kits. The first night set the tone: a sunset cocktail party, curated playlists, and a host briefing that made it clear this wasn’t a typical group trip.
My villa mates, Nikita and Ish, quickly became my confidantes, while Amrita, whom I’d met on the flight, turned into a close friend. Romantically, there were sparks with a couple of people, but the friendships formed faster. One guy — an engineer from Australia — turned out to be a better friend, and we’re still in touch.
Bhatnagar with new friends in Ubud, Bali.
Provided by Aniqah Bhatnagar
Each day had its own highlight: rafting, floating breakfasts, a glitzy club night, a boat trip to Nusa Lembongan, and quad-biking through Ubud’s rice terraces. After the chaos, the villas became sanctuaries — we’d huddle over instant noodles, trading gossip about who was “coupled up.”
Those noodle-fueled nights were my favorite part.
It wasn’t all sunsets and smoothies. With seventy singles, emotions ran high; a misread text or rumored hookup could shift the group’s energy. There were flirty moments, awkward ones, and a few heartbreaks. It felt like an accelerated version of
modern dating
.
Bhatnagar caught up with Anjali in Hong Kong on the weekend after the trip.
Provided by Aniqah Bhatnagar
I didn’t find love in Bali
A big part of the reason was that many of us lived in different countries. I was already aware that long-distance relationships — especially in the early stages — can be tough. I found that the distance made it hard to take things further.
But the week made me more
open-minded about dating
and less fixated on outcomes. I realized that connection doesn’t always have to be romantic.
A few of us have stayed in touch — one of the girls, Anjali, even came to visit me back home — and those friendships outlasted the flirtations. That, to me, feels like a win.
I’m proud that I said yes to something completely out of my comfort zone. I may not have met “the one,” but I had an insanely fun week in a beautiful place and met some genuinely kind, fascinating people I hope to keep in my life for years to come.
Would I do it again? Probably not. But I’d recommend it to anyone curious. I wouldn’t say no to a reunion.
Do you have a story about looking for love that you want to share? Get in touch with the editor:
akarplus@businessinsider.com
.
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