BALI
STAY: RITZ CARLTON, NUSA DUA, Beautiful beachfront resort; well designed with equally well behaved guests.
STAY: THE DAMAI, LOVINA, Beautiful secluded hotel located in the North of Bali; serene and quiet vs the south. Though the hotel and suites alike are beautiful, be prepared for the so-so food with shi-shi prices. shi-shi adj. used to describe a person, place, or thing that's excessively showy or extravagant.
STAY: THE SLOW, The Slow is like the Balinese/Brooklyn surfer cousin of the The ACE, still hip and still pricey.
STAY: VILLA ARTIS, Secluded and perched between a rice terrace & lush tropical garden.
SHOP: KIM SOO, Curated shop located in Seminyak stocked with local artisanal home and lifestyle wares.
SHOP: ANOTHER ISLAND LIVING, Another Balinese Shop with a selection of beach vibes home goods.
SHOP: ELING BALI SOUVENIR & HANDICRAFT, Part of the “Bali Collection”, think mecca of well-made Rattan heaven, far better weaving and materials.
EAT: MAURI, When you need a vacation from Indonesian fare, Mauri offers well done Italian food.
EAT: KAUM, Part of the Potato Head empire, the restaurant showcases Indonesian cuisine in Seminyak.
EAT: ZEST, Vegan fare, housed inside a beautiful temple like structure. Namatasty.
EAT: NINETY ONE BALI, Airy Mediterranean restaurant located in Canggu, head inside and sit by the pool and feast on mezze.
DO: SPICE BATHS, A variety of spas in Bali offer this an immersive experience, think a warm tub filled with frangipani blossoms.
DRINK: MANARAI BEACH HOUSE, Located inside the Sofitel Nusa Dua, Miami/Bali vibes and equally delicious appetizers.
ON THE LIST
Places to go next time….
EAT: THE SHADY SHACK
EAT: CLEAN CANTEEN
EAT: ULEKAN
DRINK: LALAGUNA
DRINK: OLD MANS
DO: THERAPY, Massage in a contemporary space.
DO: SAMADI, Wellness therapy.
DO: SPRING SPA
DO: POTATO HEAD BALI, Potato Head is an upscale beach club with an infinity pool, swim-up bar and restaurants.
NOTES
NOTE: BRING MONEY, Easiest to pay by Cash than Credit; note, exchanging currency in hotels/resorts is not recommended.
NOTE: BUG SPRAY, Lots of buggers, so make sure to bring plenty of organic bug spray or repellant.
NOTE: BOOK A DRIVER, Booking a driver for a whole day vs. hailing a taxi maybe more economical.