BALI TRAVEL DIARY
by @misskatieskeps
“The pillows are about 3 times the size of a regular pillow and so lovely and soft that I referred to them only as clouds.”
@misskatieskeps x The Asia Collective
DAY 1 – 2: THE LEAF, JIMBARAN
- Prices start at approx. 250US$ for a 1-bedroom villa. BOOK NOW!
Set in a secluded area of beautiful Jimbaran we arrived at The Leaf at around 11pm and were welcomed with open arms and two beautiful frangipani leis that smelt utterly divine. During check-in we were served some Tumeric and Honey Juice which we were told is great for relaxation, exactly what we needed after our long flight.
As we walked to our villa we took in the beautifully lit, incredibly lush gardens that surrounded the pathways. We were then led into our one-bedroom pool villa and Oh! A feast for sore eyes, indeed.
Upon entering Villa 7 we were greeted by a huge pool running the length of the villa next to a completely self serviced outdoor kitchen with all the amenities needed, a dining table for two and two deck chairs for poolside lounging.
When stepping inside we walked into a large lounge room and into our bedroom with a dreamy king bed where we would go on to have one of the best night’s sleep we’d ever had. The pillows are about three times the size of a regular pillow and so lovely and soft that I referred to them only as clouds. The room has roof to floor windows for walls and at night are covered with beautiful flow drapes. During the daytime they opened allowing the room to be completely sun drenched, albeit very air conditioned.
A door near the bed separates the bedroom from the bathroom and has the most beautiful bath in the centre of the room. There was a curtain next to the bath which opened up the bathroom, connecting it to the pool which we thought was a lovely touch.
Sadly we only had time for one night but we are so glad we had the pleasure of staying at this tranquil paradise and will definitely be returning.
It has everything needed for a calm, healthy, lavish and relaxing holiday and my advice to future guests; do yourself a huge favour and indulge in the one hour body massage at the Thyme Spa. Hands down this was the most amazing massage I’ve ever had and believe you me, for a busy gal, I manage to fit a LOT of spa relaxation time into my busy days!
DAY 3 – 4: SAMAJA VILLAS KUNTI, SEMINYAK
- Prices start at approx. 175US$ for a 1-bedroom villa. BOOK NOW!
On arrival we were greeted with the most lovely tasting welcome juices and some nice ice cold towels which were greatly appreciated after an hour long transfer from our previous stay, I tend to get a bit car sick in Bali traffic due to the constant stopping and starting so this made me feel better very quickly.
We were ushered down a beautiful tropical pathway to our one-bedroom villa where we were shown around our room. We didn’t waste a minute getting into our lush plunge pool where we stayed for the afternoon, while happily opening the door to deliveries of divine tropical fruit platters and delicious fruity cocktails.
The lovely staff offered to call us a taxi which arrived in merely minutes and in a 3 minute ($1.50) cab ride we were right in the centre of busy Seminyak with access to shops, gorgeous restaurants and more importantly more delicious cocktails. We both agreed that we preferred staying a short distance out of the hustle and bustle.
We decided to stay in after an early dinner out and ordered from Samaja’s dessert room service menu. What a treat!
We slept through our first evening like babies and I was up bright and early while my other half took advantage of the holiday sleep in, as any NORMAL human would.
We had a beautiful breakfast delivered to our room and got to enjoy in our outside dining area, which is just the perfect space for relaxing. We spent the most part of our 2 night stay by the sun drenched pool, reading, baking and relaxing.
The staff were incredibly sweet and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the beautiful Samaja Villas Kunti.
FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT
When you walk into Frestro you’re greeted with an eyegasm of epic proportions. Almost as though someone has built a classy restaurant around their prized wine and top shelf spirit collection. The staff are suited in classy uniforms and have the warmest most welcoming demeanor.
THEN! The food. My gosh, if you know what is good for you, try the ceviche for an entree. This is a melt in your mouth, herb infused, flavour burst on a corn chip.
All their fruit and vegetables are sourced for their own farm and the seafood is only the freshest which makes those raw dishes extra lavish. One of my favourite things was the wine, yes, that’s right, wine… in Bali! This stuff is amazing and we had the cheapest on the menu. SO IMPRESSED!
Nicolas the host, who has spent many years working in exquisite French restaurants goes around to every table, looking after all of the guests, recommending dishes to certain tastes and explaining the menu in great detail, imparting his foodie wisdom on everyone he meets.
To our surprise the menu pricing was unbelievably affordable and on par with most Bali prices.
AMAZING. If you know what is good for you, check it out.
3 MUST-DO’S
- Bali Safari Park – such a hands on, fun experience coming close to beautiful (not drugged) animals.
- Nungnung Waterfall – the treasure at the end of 500 steps.
- Jodie O’Shea Orphanage – if you feel like giving a little of yourself amidst indulging in paradise, the children are beautiful and love to meet new faces.
FAVOURITE SPA
Thyme Spa at The Leaf, Jimbaran – pure spa bliss!
I SHOPPED
My fave place to shop is the main street of Seminyak – Jalan Oberoi.
MY 3 TRAVEL ESSENTIALS TO PACK
- Bose Speaker for those pool villa chills.
- Hair Serum to ease the effects the humidity have on my locks.
- Canon Gx7 to capture all of those Insta worthy snaps.
WHY I WOULD COME BACK
One word; Bali.
