Number 35 - Eat, Pray, Love in Bali

December 29, 2018

Number 35 - Eat, Pray, Love in Bali

What better way to end ‘The Year of Yes’ and 35 at 35, than a trip to Bali!

The food, culture, spiritual temples, infinity pools, spas, flower baths, jungles, rice fields, sandy beaches, mountains, sunsets, people, AND the food...were just some of the unforgettable experiences I had to celebrate the end of THE most amazing and life changing year of my life.

I’ve always wanted to visit Bali and at the beginning of this year I made promise to myself that without fail this would be the year I would.

Bali has the perfect mix of relaxation at some of the most amazing resorts and spas, to dining on the finest cuisine, soaking up the local culture, marvelling at nature to partying the night away at the many beach clubs.

I vowed to say yes to new adventures, push myself out of my comfort zone, and embrace new experiences this year, and this trip was a culmination of all I had promised myself. It was the perfect way to spend time to reflect, appreciate and feel a sense of gratitude and pride for all I had achieved.

Here’s my lowdown of the places to stay, visit and eat.

Seminyak

We stayed in Seminyak for 6 days of our trip and it’s the perfect place to stay near to all the major resorts and busy nightlife.

Where to stay- Elysian resort and Spa - Seminyak

We stayed in one of the private villas at the Elysian resort and spa. A small boutique resort not too far from Seminyak town. The villas are huge with a large living area, kitchen double room and bathroom and the best part, a private pool. The service is amazing the staff can’t do enough for you. We were also treated to a complementary massage upon arrival and breakfast is freshly cooked each morning. They also have free drivers that can take you onto Seminyak town and are able to book you a driver for the day should you wish to do some sightseeing.

Where to eat.

There are so many options but these were some of the faves we went to.

Bambu restaurant - great atmosphere and traditional Balinese cuisine

Sisterfields - THE BEST BRUNCH in town. There are so many options on their menu but the Shashouka eggs, polenta fries and pancakes are to die for!

Motel Mexicola - super fun vibe and great Mexican food and cocktails. You can stay here after dinner and dance the night away on the tables!

Beach clubs

Ku-de-ta - enjoy sundowners at the beach club followed by a traditional menu with English and Balinese options

Potato Head - probably the most popular beach clubs in Seminyak it’s gets quite busy at sundowners but is a great spot to watch an amazing sunset. They have a few restaurant options too

Sunday’s Beach Club - Uluwatu

An hour drive from Seminyak a day at Sunday’s Beacb Club is a must, it’s a more chilled vibe with long stretches of white sandy beaches and waiter service to your beach bean bags. Stay the whole day until the evening for cocktails and music by the beach bonfire.

Places to visit.

Uluwatu temple - Perched on a cliff side 70 metres above sea level, is Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple and is the best place in Bali for a truly unforgettable experience watching the mesmerising Kecak dancers perform the Hindu story of Ramayana to the backdrop of nature’s most beautiful wonder of sunset.

Lempuyang temple and the Gates is Heaven - an hours drive from Seminyak you’ll reach one of the sixth sanctuaries of the world. A truly divine experience.

Tirta Ganga - the water palace is a maze of pools and fountains surrounded by a lush garden and stone carvings and statues.

Ubud

Where to stay - Maya Resort and Spa Ubud - is in the uplands of Bali surrounded by amazing rainforest jungles and rice paddies. This resort was truly amazing we stayed in a private villa complete with outdoor rain shower and plunge pool. The resort is also part of a spa with two infinity pools, a fitness centre, yoga platform and spa where you can have relaxing massages and flower baths.

Where to eat

Four seasons - enjoy sundowners on the lily pad with an amazing view of the jungle forest

Room 4 Dessert - you’ll need a reservation. Featured on chefs table, you can enjoy a 9 course tasting menu of some of the finest dessert creations of celebrity chef Will Goldfarb, with cocktail pairing combinations be warned you don’t want to have already had dinner before you go here.

Locavore - is just truly amazing! I can’t explain it, chefs use locally sourced ingredients to create masterful culinary creations. Enjoy a 9 course tasting menu with cocktail pairing! you’ll need a reservation weeks in advance

Kubu at Mandapa Ritz Carlton - on arrival you’re taken on a ride in a golf buggy on what only feels like an experience like Indian Jones, to them arrive by the flowing river to dine in a birds next overlooking the jungle at night and to the soundtrack of the river flowing bedsides. A truly unforgettable experience. And the best birthday dinner ever!

Places to visit

Tegulang rice fields - take a short drive from Ubud centre to the huge rice paddies, a must is a ride on one of the many Bali Swings over and above the rice paddies below.

Paon Bali Cooking class - A visit to the small village of Lapalapalan where Puspa will welcome you to her home where she and her family will teach you how to cook a 5 course Balinese feast.