Travel Guide: Michelle's Bali
Posted on 26 June 2017
Yes, we love Bali and we can't get enough of it. Our founder, Michelle shares her tips as she Eat, Pray, Loves her way in our third Bali guide.
EAT
Ok, so I am a bit of hippy and like my yoga, detox trips and juices. Seeds of Life Cafe is an institution in Ubud, offering ashtanga yoga classes in the upstairs studio, delicious raw food menu and a Taoist tonic bar offering elixirs for every ailment.
Nestled in the hillsides, this cafe overlooks a valley of rice paddy fields and is a peaceful escape compared to the busy Ubud town. The cafe offers delicious vegetarian food and Balinese coffee.
Walk along the path into the restaurant and it feels eerily like abandoned carnival grounds, flanked by mini wooden trailers. You can even pop in and get your tarot cards read by a big Balinese man (Yes I did). The restaurant is a bohemian sprawl with an open air space where you can watch the sunset in awe.
VISIT
EXPERIENCE
This is still one of the best places for sundowners. The ocean front setting, laid back sunset vibes and resident DJs make it a Bali experience. Arrive late afternoon and make sure you book a day bed by the pool. Top up your tan, try that new bikini and order yourself an espresso martini.
AMO Spa
Spent a little too much time in the sun, pedicure's a little worse for wear, and sexy beach hair not so anymore? Head to Amo Spa to rest those tired feet from all the ahem... shopping. We recommend the AMO Body Scrub, Ultimate Face Time oxygen facial and a mani-pedi, to come out looking like a golden goddess.
SHOP
I'm a little obsessed with this place. This photogenic home store and cafe looks like it was designed for Instagram. And the Parisian Apartment upstairs, takes experiential retail to another level. It's hard to leave the store without buying everything, from locally crafted objects, woven baskets, tableware, bedding, ornaments... And I had to go back to buy more souvenirs. My favourite buy; a teak wood cheese board for my next dinner party. The best thing, everything is very reasonably priced, so shop your hearts away!
Ubud Market
Located opposite the Royal Palace, it's the heart of Ubud and where craftsmen from neighbouring villages sell everything from batik, hand-woven bags, baskets, statues and jewellery to fresh produce. You might also recognise it from a scene in the movie Eat Pray Love ;) Go crazy at the fruit stalls (especially fresh passion fruits and papaya) and stock up on coconut oil, spices and everything you need for a bulletproof coffee! Naturally, bargaining is essential.
Looking for more? The girls at We Like Bali dish out their top 5 picks for Island Living. Of course our first and second guides have some oldies but always goodies.
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