To sum up Bali in a few words seems pretty difficult, it’s something you have to experience. There is a mystical energy here. Having spent a couple weeks here this time, I have a deeper understanding of it’s allure...
Amidst the chaotic traffic jams, scooters, motorbikes buzzing in all directions with zero room for pedestrian traffic, it’s hard to imagine that you can turn onto a small road called a “gang”, and be transported to a beautiful oasis. At the end of the gang, Villa Tandeg, in Canggu, is situated on a pristine, expansive rice field. It’s a sanctuary for birds, and a peaceful, serene and beautiful environment that has an immediate soothing and calming effect in me. Paradise found.
When I asked my friend and fashion designer Ambre Babzoe to describe Bali in a few words, she just said: Bali is simply “Magic”. I have to agree!
Ambre's Top picks:
Restaurant - Indigo for amazing Japanese
Best Beach: Pererenan Beach or Uluwatu
Bodywork's Spa for Mandi Lulur - This treatment begins with a 75-minute Balinese massage, and then the entire body is painted in a brown, granular paste (the traditional Javanese 'lulur') containing turmeric, sandalwood, cinnamon, ground nuts, and rice. The paste is then gently rubbed to exfoliate the skin. After a quick rinse, the body is covered in fresh yogurt. The enzymes stimulate cell activity and restore the skin's pH balance, which feels soft as silk after the yogurt is washed away. The final step involves luxuriating in a warm, fragrant, flower-filled bath. I have to try it!!
Here are my recommendations for all things Bali:
My Hotels picks:
The Bulgari
Four Season Jimbaran
The Legian
In Ubud:
Ritz Reserve - ticks all the boxes, right on the Ayung River, which makes it cool
Como Shambala - great spa
Capella - romantic tented experience
Best Restaurants:
Indigo - Japanese
Mason - Canggu
Milk and Madu - neighborhood brunch spot
Bottega Italiana - gourmet Italian home cooking
Cafe Bali - all-day breakfast, all-day dining
Ice Cream:
Gusto Gelato & Caffé
long lines any time of day or night
Spa:
AMO in Canggu - efficient, and if you want to maximize your time, you can get a blow dry-mani-pedi simultaneously.
MUKA CONCEPTS for facials and skin care products - known for their facial massages, a MUST experience, and their lymphatic drainage massage.
Shopping:
Gaya Ceramics - handmade pottery with an Italian flair
Rusters - a restaurant, sunset bar, pottery, furniture, concept store
Worth a visit just for the masala coffee
Biasa for beautiful resort wear for men and women
Best sunset spot- The Sayan House with breathtaking views
To shop all things rattan: walk the Tegalalang, miles of shops to browse.
Sending love from Bali!
Karen xx
PS - Part 3: Sumba in your mailbox next Monday…stay tuned!
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