BALI HIGHLIGHTS
Shelley Ferguson visits the Island of The Gods and discovers a creative force for food, wellness and fashion
Must-dos on the Island of the Gods
ULUWATU – CLIFFTOP PARADISE ON BALI’S BUKIT PENINSULA
DRAGONFLY HOUSE
Designed by the renowned Italian architect Gianni Francioni whose villas are featured in the books Bali Houses and Bali Modern, this villa is perfect for surfers and beach-lovers with renowned Uluwatu surfing beach next door and famous Padang Padang beach just two kilometers away. airbnb.co.nz/rooms/17753866
THE BEACHES
Check out our fave sand spots: Bingin, Padang Padang with its little lagoon, kid-friendly Thomas Beach and legendary surf spot Suluban.
SINGLE FIN BALI
No trip to Canggu is complete without a visit to rough and ready Single Fins, a legendary hangout on the Uluwatu Cliff packed with surfers and travellers partying long into the night. @singlefinbali.
EL KABRON SPANISH RESTAURANT & CLIFF CLUB
A jaw-dropping spot on the cliffs 50 metres above sea level with divine Spanish food and stylish lounge areas to soak up the epic views and DJ tunes. Go for sangrias at sunset – you may never want to leave. @elkabronbali.
FAVE CAFÉS
Bukit café for healthy eats and a chill vibe, @bukit_cafe;
The Drifter for good food, a surf store and gallery;
Cashew Tree for smoothie bowls and organic meals, @ thecashewtree.collective; La Baracca for on point pizza, @labaraccabali; Kelly’s Warung for fresh coconut juice on Bingin beach, @kellyswarung; Nalu Bowls for arty eats, @nalubowls; Coco & Poke for poke bowls, @cocopokebali.
ULU CLIFFHOUSE
This cliff-top club is in a spectacular location on the Bukit Peninsula but the showstopper is the interior fit-out by Shed London – think Palm Springs meets St Tropez. It’s a musos playground with events line-up by legendary music producer Neil McLellan. @ulucliffhouse.
SUNDAYS BEACH CLUB
Accessed from the stunning Ungasan Clifftop Resort by cable car down the cliff, Sundays is a luxury beachfront oasis on a slim stretch of white sand offering watersports, a beach bar, restaurant and bonfires at dusk. @sundaysbeachclub.
FASHIONABLE STAYS
Dutch festival mastermind Kunna Haan has meticulously renovated two neighbouring homes in Canggu, decorating them in chic style fashionistas will love. Find the yellow house on airbnb.co.nz/rooms/21943177 or on Instagram @vygvillas.
FINN’S BEACH CLUB
The splash park at Finn’s Rec Club @finnsrecclub is a must-do for families. Get a day pass which also includes entry to Finn’s Beach Club for people watching and party time.
@finnsbeachclub.
CANGGU – THE HOME OF CREATIVE SURFER STYLE
SAMADI YOGA
When yoga, food and happiness is the house mantra, you know you’re in a good place. Samadi Organic Café, Yoga and Wellness Centre has a full schedule of daily classes that take place in a breezy pavilion, wellness retreats, squeaky clean food and a Sunday organic Farmers and Artisans market filled with great produce and people. @samadibali.
LA BRISA
One of our faves (including the kids), this ocean side hangout in Echo Beach can only be described as shipwreck chic. Book a booth for the day and enjoy nostalgic playlists, three pools and surfer vibes. @labrisabali.
THE LAWN
The heat on the beach can get intense, and with its palm trees, tedung umbrellas, delicious bar food and tropical cocktails, the lawn is the ultimate respite. Book a lounger for the day and chill beachside. @thelawncanggu.
CAFÉS
The Slow boutique hotel is a must-visit for morning coffee, an incredible meal or sunset cocktail on the roof. It’s like a little piece of LA has been transported to Canggu (@the.slow). Milk & Madu was a go-to for us thanks to the gorgeous interior teamed with kid-friendly playground and to-die-for pizzas (@milkandmadu). The Shady Shack is the perfect post-surf spot for good food and great vibes (@theshadyshack). Parachute is a bakery and café with a farmers market and even gardening workshops – it pays homage to its name with a terrace and garden situated underneath a 20-metre high parachute (@parachutebali). Crate café is a cool kids café and gallery with creative food in generous portions at bargain prices (@cratecafe). The offerings at Bali Bowls & Smoothies are so beautiful you’ll need to gram them before you eat them. @balibowlsandsmoothies.
UBUD – BALI’S ARTS AND CULTURE CENTRE
PRIVATE VILLAS
We opted out of central Ubud’s hustle and bustle and stayed at a gorgeous private villa among the rice paddies. airbnb. co.nz/rooms/plus/19458171
CAFÉ HOPPING
The Milk & Madu team repeat their winning formula here (@milkandmadu); Alchemy is a one-stop shop for raw vegan food and juices with a health food store (@alchemybali); La Pacha Mama for interior appreciation and mean Mexican (@la.pacha.mama); Hujan Locale for authentic Balinese perfect for sharing (@ hujan_locale); Dijon for divine French food and mouth-watering cheesecake (@ dijonbali); KAFE for an after-yoga boost (@kafe_ubud).
FOLK
Bohemian vibes abound at this cool spot centred around a lovely pool. @folkubud.
JUNGLE FISH
Danish meets Tropicana design (sounds weird but it seriously works) in this day club complete with infinity pool overlooking a lush jungle valley.
TEGALALANG
Book a driver or scooter and head to these iconic rice terraces where you can wander among layers of green. While astonishingly beautiful, it’s very touristy so get there early to appreciate the magic. It’s the same with Bali Swing – a cool experience resulting in some gorgeous photos, but unless you’re there early, be prepared to queue.
CRAFT VILLAGES
To escape the busy-ness of Ubud, I decided to hire a driver and head to the nearby craft villages. I had such a special day meeting craftspeople and admiring their work at Mes woodcarving village, Bono village dedicated to bamboo furniture and accessories, and Celuk, the silver and gold making capital of Bali. Leave time for a stop at Semar Kuning Artist Cooperative.
THE KAYON RESORT
Just 10-minutes drive from Ubud, this five-star adults-only playground is perched above the holy Petanu River and cradled by a topical rainforest. @kayonjungleresort.
MASON ADVENTURES ELEPHANT PARK & LODGE
Visiting this elephant rescue park was a total highlight for our boys! These beautiful creatures have been rescued from Sumatran logging camps, and we totally loved washing, feeding and tickling the gentle giants among the lush topical estate. @elephantsbali.