Pumpkin seed milk, cliffside saunas and where to get a great foot massage

Welcome to the Bali Travel guide

As promised, here is a compilation of my favourite spots in mama Bali. Thank you to those who helped steer me in the right direction (you know who you are).

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Uluwatu

Think Hanalei, but stretched out and on a cliff. Head down south for a taste of the slow life. Be weary of the beach access: Uluwatu is located on a cliff, meaning that all beach access entails a climb both ways. Think of it as a stairways to heaven — If you longboard, it certainly will be. With a handful of spots, I say Padang Padang is my choice for a fuss-free experience. Check the bridge to scope out the conditions, and then make your way down, rent a board from a local, and you’re off. The beach itself is not one I’d recommend to lay in, but once you make your way past the selfie sticks and into the ocean, you’ll be met with a beautiful wave that collapses like a goose down pillow. Whatever it is you get up to, kick your shoes off and trust that here is the place to go with the motion of the ocean.

The juice

To Eat:

• Krishna’s Kitchen — check their instagram before you tuck into their thali plate. Vegan lassi’s are on the menu as well.

• Son of a Baker — pumpkin seed milk and light Italian fare. Tastes even better post-surf.

• Alchemy — go to people watch as you munch on your arguably one of the best fruit bowls I’ve ever had from their breakfast bar

• Ulu Garden — Block your Tuesday because it’s curry night at Ulu Garden.

To Play: 

• La Tribu — Yoga, mobility, Qi Gong, and painting classes in a beautiful space.

• The Istana — Cliffside sauna and cold plunge — bonus points for making you leave your phone at the door

• Spring Spa — treat yourself to a sixty minute foot massage. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Krishna's, Alchemy, La Tribu

To Stay: 

• Boho Bingin — a slice of paradise in an unassuming corner of Bingin. Sometimes the AC will be jammed, but the staff will always come to the rescue with a smile.

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Ubud

Known as the most healing place in Bali, Ubud often came with a long list of must-see’s and many must-do’s. After getting a glimpse, at I wasn’t so impressed, hence why I didn’t end up spending so much time here. With that being said, there were some diamonds in the rough.