Exploring Bali via The Asia Collective

February 15, 2018
Eryn Krouse
Travel
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Known as the “Island of the Gods”, Bali has been at the top of my list for a long time, and I finally made my dream a reality on my recent trip via The Asia Collective. I took my Mom with me for a week of adventuring, spa treatments, and plenty of beach time. Needless to say, it was an epic girl’s trip.

Here’s a little travel guide I put together for a week in Bali. Enjoy!

Canggu

The low-key, coastal village of Canggu is a refreshing change from other highly touristic areas. Canggu has a little bit of everything; Balinese tradition, rice fields, the beach and surf, cafes and shops, rice fields, and temples. It’s a familiar sight to see tanned surfers zooming by the narrow roads on their motorbike on the way to the beach. Canggu is only 15 minutes drive away from Seminyak, the cosmopolitan heart of Bali.

It is the perfect place to set a home base to explore the rest of the island.

Where to Stay

Stay 1: Ametis Villas

Around 45-60 minutes away from Denpasar airport (depending on traffic). Complimentary private transfer included.

Benefits of staying in a private luxury villa at Ametis:

Located in the Canggu Area, close walk away from beach
“Home Alike” concept
Personal butler

If you wish to escape to the privacy of your luxury villa, Ametis Villas is the right accommodation for you. My stay in the Aquamarine villa was nothing but perfect. With the careful attention and friendliness of my personal butler, Boni, our stay was one of rest, relaxation, and pampering.

Twice a day, Boni put together a fruit platter for my mom and I to enjoy- including a selection of my favorite fruits, as well as traditional Balinese favorites that I had never tried before, such as mangosteen, darian, and salak.

The convenience of the Ametis Villas is unparalleled. Located right on a street of popular shops and cafes, (such as Deus Ex Machina), window shopping and trying the specialities from each cafe is a fun way to spend your afternoon. The best part is that it’s just a short walk away (around 4 minutes) to Batu Bolong Beach, location of one of the best longboard waves in the world (and perfect for beginners)- where you can rent a board and surf your worries away.

Stay 2: Theanna Eco Villas and Spa

Down the street from Ametis is the Theanna Eco Villas. Like Ametis, it is conveniently located in Canggu, off the main road of Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, It is close by to entertainment central, Canggu Club, Batu Bolong Beach, Echo Beach and Nelayan Beach.

The one-bedroom Villa that I stayed in with my mom was a unique Balinese and Japanese fusion with an indoor/outdoor-style bathroom that opened up to the plunge pool… the perfect place to unwind and relax.

The staff also provided us with a floating breakfast in the pool- the first time I’ve ever had this kind of experience! I tried traditional Balinese fried rice called Nasi Goreng, and spring rolls along with delicious freshly squeezed juice and Java coffee.

In the mornings, my mom and I attended a 7am yoga class out on the main lawn. (We had no problem with the early class time because we were so jet-lagged and up since 3am.) I loved moving my body and calming my mind in such a beautiful location while feeling the warm Bali breeze on my skin.

While staying at the Theanna Eco Villas and Spa as home base, we ventured out with a driver to explore the area of Canggu more. We took a short drive to Tanah Lot temple- a stunning temple that looks like it is carved out of the cliff. During high tide, the entrance becomes flooded and is truly a sight to see.

What to Do

Yoga
Samadi Sunday Market
Surf Batu Bolong Beach (aka “Old Man’s) and Echo Beach
Visit Tanah Lot and Pura Batu Bolong Temple
Rent a scooter and ride amongst the rice fields
Treat yourself to one of the numerous spas along the street
Day Trip to Uluwatu

During my stay at Theanna Eco Villas and Spa, I went on a day trip to Uluwatu. It took around two hours to drive to because of the heavy traffic, but very worth it because of the stunning ocean views. Next time I travel to Bali, I’m definitely going to spend more time there.

What to do:

Bingin Beach
Single Fin Cafe
Sundays Beach Club

Seminyak

Where to stay: Katamama Hotel

Crafted by artisans, the boutique hotel Katamama is located in the upscale Petitenget area in Seminyak. Steps away from the Indian Ocean and sister outlet Potato Head Beach Club, Katamama is also within easy reach of Seminyak’s dynamic restaurant and bar scene, beaches and independent fashion boutiques.

“More than 1.5 million hand-pressed Balinese bricks make up Katamama’s extraordinary facade, the vision of leading Indonesian architect Andra Matin. Traditionally, these hand-pressed red bricks were used for the island’s holy temples, but as factory-made versions came into play this ancient art was at threat of being lost. It took three years for all of ours to be moulded, air dried, hand finished and kiln-fired over wood and coconut shells in a village not far from the hotel. We are proud to showcase these remarkable bricks in a new light, lending a modern expression to these sacred building blocks.”

What to do:

Check out the many nearby cafes
Surf Berawa Beach, Kuta, Airport Beach
Mrs. Sippy Beach Club
Potato Head Beach Club

Ubud

Where to stay:

Nandini Jungle Resort and Spa

Nestled into the edge of the Jungle, the Nandini Jungle Resort and Spa effortlessly combines luxury with raw natural beauty. I stayed in the Sunrise Villa, so I had the amazing experience of watching the sun shine through the palm trees and mist come over the mountain. This resort gives feelings of true Balinese culture with its traditional cuisine and spiritual power.