I had forgotten how beautiful Bali is.
In addition to its natural beauty, Bali is known as a place for spiritual healing. Balinese spirituality, which has its roots in Hinduism and prehistoric healing techniques, offers a profound path towards total well-being and inner serenity.
The Bali I visit is in the Bukit Peninsula.
Home to surfing. Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin and Dreamland.
Discovered by surfers but now the hipsters have arrived.
I have been coming to this area for more than 15years. Cliff side villas, small hotels surrounded by paddocks and cows.
I hadn't been since 2019 just before Covid. The place is now unrecognisable. The road in from the airport is chaotic, bustling with motorbikes, cafes and restaurants.
But paradise can still be found when you turn off the main road.
I stayed at Padang Padang at Suarga. Described as ‘rough luxury’ ....does that sound like you? From the chaos of the bikes and horns, you enter the resort through a bamboo archway and immediately a calmness washes over you. The views from the restaurants and pools mean you begin and end your days looking out into the ocean. For me looking out at the endless blue water gives an inner peace.
STAY
Suarga - sustainable resort. Suarga Padang Padang invites today’s ‘rough luxury travellers’ to experience modern comfort and deserved indulgences, yet at minimal expense to the surrounding environment.
Built upon the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economical. In the spirit of inspiring others, each guest gets to experience something timeless – instilling an insatiable desire to be part of the solution, starting with the implementation of small lifestyle changes. Offering a different kind of luxury.
The hotel is situation on top of the cliff. The main structure is made from bamboo covered with one million single bamboo shingles.
The Cliff beach front suites. You can literally paddle out right from your doorstep. If you are not a surfer, enjoy the atmosphere, get a great Instagram pic. Watch the sun go down from your window.
Dreamsea Perched on the cliff. Experience unparalleled ocean views from the beautiful rooms, surf perfect waves, enjoy fresh quality food and pause for a moment to join the daily yoga sessions in the stunning shala, overlooking the sea. Tempted already?
EAT
Kala - Neighbourhood Greek in Bali. The local sardines butterflied were delicious and the. The deep fried feta with a meringue
La Baracca and Il Salotto - next door to each other. Simple Italian
Lolas Mexican - killer Margaritas !
Mu’s - Boutique Resort. Farm to table. Everything is made on the premises, pasta, breads, and deserts. The homemade gelato is divine.
PAMPER
Esthetics - My afternoon spot. You can beat a AUD25.00 full body massage.
DRINKS
Single Fin - Still can't beat the view of the surfers as the sun goes down.
SURF
Uluwatu, one of the most famous breaks in the world. Waves break across a sweeping reef. A killer cliff top view, that matches the sketchy walk down and paddle out. To the right you have Racetracks, a speedy ride especially at low tide. For me I prefer just to sit at one of the many Warungs and watch the waves.
Padang Padang, is my favourite. A nice sandy beach, surf schools galore but a nice chilled party wave.
Bingin, the walk in can be exhausting. Stairs that are like ladders. It's a great left hand wave. Scary at low tide, the take off zone is tricky and it can get super crowded. Not for now, but I did have go a few years back but the anxiety of being inside and the reef was terrifying.
Swimming
Padang Padang is my favourite. Only at high tide when the waves are small. I tend to bring booties, which makes it easier to access the best along the coast. Swim over the reef, discover tropical fish and soak up the sun with the super friendly turtles.
What to pack
I don't leave home without The Swim Set zip bag. It goes from the beach to the bar.... perfect for keeping your sunnies, suncream and essentials altogether.
