Travel | Bali, A place of possibility
Selamat from Bali, following our ethos of independent living, we have tapped into our network to unlock our insider narrative for a destination that is all things sunny, surf and spiritual. A serene sanctuary, a sensory playground and reattachment to our natural roots. And yes this bohemian traveller's beach paradise is everything you think with more acai than one can imagine. Here we dive into more than tropical waters, we go against the grain to discover the soul of the destination, the heart of its people and the wonder of its beauty. We're unlocking all our travel book secrets that immerse you deeper, letting you get the most exclusive all access pass to the best bits of Bali, from where to we eat, sleep, play and who or what to discover.
While Bali is known as the most “foreigner-friendly” island in the Indonesian archipelago, with it attracting a myriad of surfers, beach bums, boho travellers, spiritual seekers, yogi enthusiasts and inspired creatives over the years; there is still a very authentic and soul binding interconnection that runs through the core of this large rock and radiates out of its inhabitants locals and drifters alike. Bali is a place of possibility, a champion of community and a catalyst for changing the narrative in our human relationship with our planet. Escaping to this tropical sanctuary is a journey of human discovery, natural inspiration, and self understanding.
Where we stay:
We strive to be as immersive as possible in all aspects when we travel. The Slow is not only a beautifully designed boutique hotel, it embodies what Balinese culture is all about; connection to our roots. Every room we walked into we were surrounded by plants, rustic wood, partitions and more plants. This is no ordinary hotel. It’s an experience of art, culture, dining, and music with sounds by LA’s Reverberation Radio there’s always something to boogie to. The boutique centers around the owner’s personal art collection adding a contemporary twist to the chic space. A luxurious and serene spot to escape reality and welcome the sweet oblivion of simple paradise.
Tucked in the lusciously green hills of Ubud is an oasis where we were lulled to sleep by the gentle sound of water running through the sacred canals of the ancient water temple system that is now a UNESCO heritage landscape. The Hoshinoya Bali is a uniquely designed space intended to immerse one in the beauty of the natural surrounding jungle. Private cafes are nestled in the trees to give the ultimate venue for relaxing and reconnecting to our roots.
Where we eat:
LUNCH
The Savage Kitchen is serious about their food, they are both champions of community and quality produce. The mindful creators have removed the problem of relying on outside sources to provide them with produce and instead given the power back to the community by only using regionally sourced and locally grown ingredients found around the island. Not only was our experience here both fulfilling to our stomachs but it was also an amazing feeling to see locals come together with shared passion for great food and better community, a reminder of how life can be so simple yet purposeful.
DINNER
Chef Nicolas ‘Doudou’ Tourneville and his Executive Chef Dove Sudarsan are the brilliant masterminds behind the sensory experience that awaited us at MÉTIS Bali. The massive restaurant and lounge combines the elegance of French cuisine with fresh flavours from the Mediterranean. All of the pleasures of life were brought right to our table, each dish was as boldly bright and unique as it was delicious. We’ll be the first to admit on occasion we like to dress up and appreciate the good things life can bring, throw in some killer vibes and a hefty pour of vino and we’re prisoners at MÉTIS.
Where we workout:
Located on the Penestanan Kaja hill in Ubud, Intuitive Flow, is perfect for those seeking an intimate and personal experience. Tucked away in the lush green Balinese jungle, overlooking volcanic peaks, this studio provides a space to relax and reconnect with oneself. We personally love this one because it is perched on a hill away from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing the perfect escape from tourist-packed streets and hangout spots.
If you’re seeking the perfect place to try out your new board, look no further, we have the perfect spot for beginners. Located on the Bukit Peninsula in Bali’s far south, Padang Padang Right is perfect for those new to surfing. This sandy beach has a break suitable for newbies who want to practice their technique. Also on Bukit, north of Uluwatu, is Dreamland. This is a soft-bottom break with an easy swell, perfect for those who are just starting out. For our adventure seekers and more advanced surfers, we suggest hitting the famous barreling waves of Padang Padang Left. These two are not to be mistaken, when you’re looking for your spot, be sure to consider which swell would be best for you.
To discover our full Bali adventure, check out our Bali Insider guide, 20 pages packed full of all our favourite places to roam, discover and experience. We have done the laborious work of testing everything out for you, it wasn’t easy and you can definitely thank us later. But at least it means you get our firsthand knowledge and experience as well as best kept secrets to ensure you see and enjoy all the very best bits of your Bali.