Balancing Bali

Bali is a place I love to visit to get the balance back into my life – the scent of frangipani, the spirituality, the local’s smiling faces.  The chaos and the calm are all part of beautiful Bali’s karmic charm.  

I like to split my time between mountainous, lush green Ubud complete with its hippy culture and ‘real bali’ & beachside glamour spot Seminyak which makes you feel like a star. Oh and I always avoid the Kuta area like you would a mosquito infected with Dengue Fever. 

Bali is one of those places you need to know where to go to really enjoy it. So after many requests from friends here are a few of my favourite spots…… 

EAT

Café Vienna – cute-as-a-button euro style café perfect for breakfast or light lunch.  Choose from healthy breakfast of fruit and muesli or crepes to omlettes, eggs anyway and fresh smoothies and juices. I went nearly every day! Jalan Drupadi II, No. 7, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia.

Café Zucchini – where the beautiful people lunch (largely from Melbourne & Sydney). Fresh salads and toasties plus the best espresso coffee I have found. Perfect post-shopping pit stop. Jl. Oberoi No. 49, Seminyak

Sardine - superb seafood and organic greens in a stunning bamboo cabana terrace overlooking rice paddies. JL Petitenget 21.

Metis – delicious, fancy pants French place. JL Petitenget 6. Kerobokan.

Nammos Beach Club – the highlight of my trip. Private beach complete with cabana style café & bar. Take a dip in between courses of fresh seafood and wood-fire pizza. An hour drive from Seminyak. JL Wijaya Kusuma Ungusan 

Cocoon – relative Bali newbie this sleek Ibiza style day club and restaurant (chef is ex Rockpool Sydney) will have you totally charmed.

The Rock Bar - Ayana Resort/ JL Karang Mas Sejahtera - Nusa Dua. Ubercool open-air spot atop a cliff over-looking the Indian Ocean.  Out-of-this-world sunset views best soaked in with a cocktail.

Ku-de-Ta – a Bali night spot institution.  Great beats, sangria and stunning sunset views overlooking the ocean.

Ibu Oka – roast suckling pig you will have to queue for. Opposite Ubud Market.

PRAY

Jari Menari – the best massage I have ever had  - and I am a day spa addict.  Therapists massage movements follow the body’s energy flow. All male therapists. Not a luxury spa but clean and relaxing and better than the ones I have had at 5 star resorts. Jalan Raya Basangkasa 47. Book ahead.

Desa Seni – eco-friendly village with daily choice of some of the island’s best yoga classes, organic farm and boutique accomondation. Jl. Subak Sari #13 Pantai Berawa, Canggu - Bali

Yoga Barn – hugely popular yoga school in Ubud.

Maya Ubud cooking class – chef Wayan will teach you to make the most delicious, healthy Balinese dishes from prawn and chicken spring rolls to your own banana leef baked fish with handmade spice paste. The best part is you get to lunch on all 5 dishes at the end! www.mayaubud.com

Sari Organic  - amazing organic café and farm nestled in the middle of lush green rice fields only accessible via foot, bicycle or motorbike.  An essential Ubud Experience. 800m down the Abangan/Water Way | 20 min walk from downtown Ubud

LOVE

Niluh Djelantik - for off the shelf and custom handbag and shoes. Quality designed shoes all hand made and leather exported around the world. For custom allow 1 week. I bought 3 pairs!!! Jalan Raya Keobokan (at the junction) seminyak

Magali Pascal – beautiful boutique by French designer of the same name with all items made in Bali. The accessories and jewellery are to die for.

The Prisoners of St Petersburg – stop here for original vintage 60s &70s sunglasses from Christian Dior to Lanvin. 942 Jl Laksamana, Seminyak.

Ubud Market – dust of your bargaining skills and rummage through beautiful textiles, handmade silver jewellery and art.  Go early to get the special morning price!