The last time I went to Bali was in November 2011 when I had finished up a job I’d been at for about 7 years. Well in August 2019 I handed in my notice from the place I’d been for the past 8 and for the week between jobs we decided it was time to head back to Bali for a few nights….. since it had been so darn long between visits!
First up, flights. I’m all about a good flight time and whilst splitting airlines for the departure and return was an option, I ended up booking us each leg with Jetstar.
So yes, it was an early start, but you can have a croissant (ham and cheese goes alright) at the airport before you board, then nap on the plane. And you arrive in time for a 1pm lunch.
I had booked us an airport transfer to our hotel through Klook. I quite liked that you could also arrange for them to bring you a sim card, which meant I could bring along an old phone and I’d constantly have internet, which I liked so we could use Google Maps. Plus the transfer and a sim card was around A$25, so very reasonable.
So in air conditioned comfort we were driven to the W Bali in Seminyak. A seriously lovely hotel! We’d booked a Marvelous One Bedroom Pool Villa, which was spacious and beautifully fitted out.
The entrance of the W, so inviting with the beautiful bamboo that lines the driveway.
And one thing you’ll soon embrace when you stay at the W Bali is buggy life. The villas a bit further away from reception or the main entrance, so the lovely staff are just a phone call away and will happily whisk you to where you need to be. It’s a bit fun.
Check in at the W Bali is 3pm so when we arrived just before 1pm we quickly changed, then stored our bags before wandering the short distance down the beach to Tropicola Beach Club where we were booked for lunch at 1pm. Seriously just a few minutes walk away. Overlooking the beach and with tables centred around a large pool you are welcome to take a dip if you fancy. We stuck with lunch for our visit and enjoyed a selection of their share plates….. particularly liked the bread and guac, we actually ordered a second plate. Plus it’s on the list for places that the Bali Bible offers vouchers, like this one.
After lunch we headed back to the hotel, quickly checked into our room, took in the talented towel animals that were our room mates, and then took a quick buggy ride down the driveway to the entrance of the hotel and just across the road was Spring Spa where we were booked in for a 90 minute massage. Lovely spot! Highly recommend for a visit.
Dinner that night was booked for Bikini at 7:15pm. Having checked the route at the hotel it looked easy enough to walk and because we had the phone with data a plenty, I set the location in Google Maps and we set off. Now I hadn’t appreciated the humidity (rookie!) so catching a taxi would likely have been easier, but roads get very busy in Seminyak and what looks like a short distance can actually take a while in the car. But we made it and I would add that when you book ask nicely if you can reserve one of the booths, because what a lovely way to dine! Spacious and a stunning view of all the action of the restaurant. And the trust the chef menu is delicious! Highly recommend. Loved it there. Beautiful space.
Each morning we enjoyed the entirely impressive buffet offering at the W and honestly we probably could have just filled up there and not had to eat anything else, but we exercised restraint….. well as much restraint as we could, I mean pancakes and waffles made to order, yes please!
Our first full day lunch stop was at Da Maria “Bringing the Amalfi Coast to Bali”. The fit out is stunning and if you like Italian food and a decent Aperol Spritz then this place is going to be right up your alley. Also it’s another spot that when you are lucky you can snag a voucher from The Bali Bible.
Dinner that night was at Merah Putih, which many people had recommended and it is a beautiful restaurant. It’s like you are dining in a jungle with tables set amongst ample greenery. And again you can get a great deal on cocktails on The Bali Bible!
On our full day two we were going to explore Canggu. When you look on the map it didn’t look that far from Seminyak, but the roads are quite windy. We booked a transfer there and back through the hotel. And our first destination was Spring Spa‘s newest addition in Canggu. Here I had booked GG in for a 90 minute massage and for myself a 60 minute massage and then to get my hair washed and blow dried….. yes, so that it would look nice for lunch 🙂 Hey I’m on holidays right. They did a great job and it’s a beautiful day spa. Very calming.
Now I’d made life easy for us and lunch was right next door to Spring Spa at Mason. I loved everything about this lunch. Light, fresh, delicious. I wanted to reorder everything we ordered. When in Canggu you have to go here.
I will note that the drive back from Canggu to Seminyak in the early afternoon took a lot longer than the drive there. So if you aren’t brave enough to scooter (which I am most definitely not) then get comfy in your taxi. I’m grateful our transfer was beautifully airconditioned.
Before dinner that night we enjoyed a drink in the W Lobby Bar during Happy Hour. It came with a few tasty nibbles and was a nice way to spend half an hour, watching the sun set.
Dinner this night was at Mauri Restaurant, a relatively new addition to Seminyak (opened in late 2018) and again, just a stunning venue…. and booths! Turns out I love a booth. We had such an outstanding view of all the action in the restaurant. We went with the Chef’s Menu and it was outstanding. Loved the pasta and the team are so wonderful friendly. Plus that tiramisu!
Now I’d never been to Potato Head and it’s something of a Bali institution and also super convenient to have it just down the beach from W. So we headed there for lunch. I really wasn’t across how the venue worked, but it’s a vast beach club and it’s then split into several different restaurants. We wandered through and found Ijen, their seafood restaurant. With tables in the shade it totally fit the bill. Fresh flavours were perfect for the warm weather. Especially enjoyed the corn and ceviche…… cocktails weren’t bad either 🙂
While we were at lunch we also decided we should try out their Indonesian Restaurant, Kaum, for dinner that night. So a lot of quality time spent at Potato Head. But zero regrets, because the food at Kaum was delicious! Those fried prawn fish dumplings were a favourite. Really liked our dinner here, glad we went.
So then the next day it was time to head home, but it was a quality few days of good eating with some relaxing down time at the W between meals. Just thought I’d note down where we went in case anyone was heading to Bali for a short break and needed a few suggestions for where to eat.
Thanks for being lovely Bali! x
perthmunchkin 
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