bali

Stay in Canggu, a wonderful place filled with long term tourists and locals that has everything Ubud has to offer minus the tourist frenzy. There is the cutest restaurant called Hueman Bean. Michael the owner is a great friend and has everything from delicious lattes to american infused bali cuisine. Hang out at the beach, check out the stars, go for some shopping in the town center (you’ll be sure to find cute things). Watercress, Bangkok Hustle, Two Fingers, & Mason Back Room are all great places for dinner and drinks. La Brisa is a nightlife hotspot on the beach check out the places nearby for great sushi (Warung Kaemon) and cocktails while enjoying the sunset.

Once you’ve had enough of that get off the beaten path.

Drive up to the mountains of Northern Bali and experience hiking full of rice fields, fresh fruits, and water falls. Aling Aling waterfall is beautiful where you can experience cliff jumping and waterfall slides. The local tour guys are wonderful and will tell you as much as you could want to know about the land. Lafyu Bali House is a private oasis of peace and luxury without paying for it.

Okay if you must take it …head to the Bedugul Temple for your famous instagram picture and Ubud for your swinging rice fields pictures - that’s as basic as I will get. Kawi is a great spot for drinks and dinner after the rice fields. Their cocktails and menu are vast and they have the cutest ambiance.

Always in Bali if there is a chocolate place you must stop and try!

To head off the main island Nusa Lembongan is a dream. Aqua Nusa has luxury villas with infinity pools over looking the ocean for a not so luxury price. Check out Ohana’s for a pool party with great drinks and to enjoy the sunset head over to the deck. Great margs.

You won’t get the Bali experience if you don’t do yoga so head over to Ginger and Jamu for some early morning meditation and fuel up with their amazing breakfast. Juices and smoothies are my thing and I couldn’t rate them any better.

The island of Nusa Lembongan is beautiful everywhere you go but for icy blue waters check out the Blue Lagoon. It’s good for a place to sit and enjoy the power of the water crash into the rocky landscape.

Bali is of course known for it’s surfing but if you’re a beginner like me you will want to start at the playground. Perfect name since it is as many kids as there are adults. No board? Don’t worry you can rent one there.

In case you need a massage after all that failed surfing check out Tonic Spa. They do everything from body scrubs to massages. Great place to pick up some decor for the home.

Through the chaos of trying to fit in everything that Bali has to offer …this list doesn’t even scrape the surface… make sure to take a moment to eat, pray, & love (bali).