Written by The Strategy
Canada is cold right now. Last night we were hit with yet another snowstorm, and every morning begins with scraping ice off our windshields. What better a time to consider a getaway to the ultimate holiday destination: Bali, Indonesia?
Eat
Indonesian food is unlike any other cuisine in the world. The flavours are rich and each dish is incredibly intricate. We promise that there are pretty much no bad meals to be had in Indonesia. But, if we had to pick favourites, we’d have to recommend:
- Sarong A South East Asian fusion restaurant in Badung, Bali. Each dish is a unique take on Asian classics. The tapas style menu was so good, that we had to visit twice to make sure we tried everything on the menu. Jalan Petitenget 19, Badung, Bali
- MÉTIS A French restaurant in Bali is probably not what you’re looking for, but we highly recommend you give MÉTIS a try. Not only is the setting absolutlely beuatiful, but the food is absolutely to die for. Jalan Petitenget 6 Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta, Bali
- Babi Guling Ok, so this isn’t so much of a restaurant, as it is a traditional Balinese dish you have to try when you visit. The dish is a pork dish only prepared in Bali. The pork is stuffed and infused with a concoction of spices, spit-roasted, and served with rice and various vegetables. The best places are little side of the road restaurants that sell the dish for around $3 USD. Hard to beat.
Sleep
The Samaya Seminyak Bali During this trip, we stayed in Bali’s Samaya Seminyak hotel. Although, some clarification should be made that it’s actually not a hotel, but a villa and spa resort. The spa portion of the hotel is amazing. You can enjoy treatments while listening to the ocean waves roll in, and the oils used were so good, we had to buy them on the way out. The resort itself is home to a great restaurant and bar, that serves a huge array of foods Asian and Western. But what makes a stay at The Samaya is the service. Everyone at the hotel has one goal in mind, and that is to make your stay the best possible. Jalan Laksmana, Seminyak Beach Bali
Shop
Yes, even in Bali we can find some great shopping. Actually, if luggage allowed, we would be decorating our homes with furniture and antiques found in roadside stalls. But, alas, we had that pesky wait restriction.
Kim Soo Kim Soo is a place we probably spent too much time at. The shop is packed with beautiful products you’re unlikely to find in the West, and also contains a cafe and restaurant. We bought everything from handbags to pillow cushions to coat hooks, all in this one location! Jalan Kayu Aya No. 21, Seminyak, Bali
Satunama Bali Shop This smaller shop also carries an array of unique home furnishing, that we found were perfect for souvenirs for friends and family. Way better than the novelty mini-surf boards and t-shirts found in more crowed areas of the same street. Jalan Kayu Aya No. 22A, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali
Bali Boat Shed If you forgot to pack any vacation appropriate clothes, or if you just need to add more to your wardrobe, we recommend a visit to Bali Boat Shed. They carry dresses, swimsuits, pants, sunglasses, jewelry….we can go on. All are made of lightweight fabrics and pretty prints.
