Well it has been a few years since I have posted anything on here as sadly I didn't get to Bali for a while but the bug has bitten me again and I went for 4 days last week and plan to go back again in September! :) I am a foodie and into girlie spa treaments and shopping so sorry to anyone who doesn't enjoy reading about that stuff...
I stayed at the O-CE-N Outrigger, Legian with friends which is a fantastic modern complex. The staff are fabulous and the location is excellent (right on the beach near the bungy tower).
So we flew in late thursday night, headed off to Bintang supermarket to stock up on obligatory supplies (penauts, chips, tonic water, fruit, chocolate, yakult etc).
It was the first trip to bali for one friend and another hadn't been since 2003 so it was fun seeing their reactions to new experiences... lol
After a leisurely sleep-in Friday morning we headed out for a totally girlie day!!
I was craving an indonesian breakfast so we strolled a few doors down to Lanai Restaurant and sat up top watching the surfers whilst eating a lovely nasi goreng with fresh juice and coffee.
Then we headed off to 'Glo Garage' for a facial and pedicure. They are amazing facials, not cheap compared to others but they do use great products (Decleor). We popped next door to Bali Deli for lunch for a blue cheese and mushroom quiche with a garden salad (scrumptious!). This is one of my favourite places to have lunch.
Next it was a 90 minute massage at 'Jari Menari'. This is without a doubt the BEST massage I have ever had. Again not cheap but totally worth the money and is a lovely treat, I couldn't afford to get one every day although they are still so much cheaper than home prices...
After the massage we headed back to the hotel for a swim then we headed down to the beach with a bottle of bubbly before dinner and aught up with local friends Ian & Malvin.
Dinner was at La Sal Spanish Restaurant(another of my favourites) and we indulged in a night of Sangria and Tapas (sooo yummy!) I have had the Paella here and it is superb!! :) The tapas I can recommend are creamy potatoes, crispy mushrooms, garlic prawns in truffle oil (amazing!!), Basque style stuffed mussles, meatballs and chicken croquettes. There are too many to list but those are some stand outs for me.
After La Sal we waddled off to Hu'u Bar for a drink and dessert. This place is gorgeous but it was another special treat, dessert was very disappointing though. I certainly can't afford places like this every day... we landed in bed about 2am and yes you guessed it, slept in again!!
Saturday was a bit more casual, after a healthy fruit breakfast we went for a manicure went down to Bensari lane to make a massage appointment and went to a favourite little warung called Totemo for fried noodles and Crepe De Bali (YUM) then wandered back to the hotel and lazed around the pool. We decided to treat ourselves that night(yes again! we are worth it...) and headed off to Ku De Ta for a drink. So we enjoyed the music, surrounds and a jug of Sangria. There was the most amazing magician there coming around doing card tricks! After dark of course so he didn't block anyone's view of the sunset. After the drink it was Ulitmo Italian Restaurant for dinner where I had the Salmon entree and spaghetti with hot chilli and garlic for main. Let me tell you folks that spaghetti is the most amazing I have ever had. It looks very unappealing as it is literally just plain spaghetti with a hot chilli & garlic flavour but it is "enak sekali" (delicious!!)I was disappointed they had run out of the white choc creme brulee but then it was probably a blessing, I don't need the extra calories!! haha
We actually got a fairly early night this night and got up nice and early Sunday for more shopping. It was off to Kuta Square to show our newbie friend around. I did what I do best and shopped! LOL I got some silver "BVLGARI" jewellery. I have always looked at it but never bought any as I only wear gold usually, so i decided the only way to do it was to buy an entire set! So earrings, bracelet and ring later I was set. I will go back for a watch another time... Matarhari netted me some cheap cosmetics (which I always stock up on) a pair of sandals and a Scada handbag. Then we headed down the road to the Discovery Mall for a late Bread Talk and Starbucks breakfast. I was very proud of my restraint as all I bought was a Nine West handbag (shoes and bags are my weakness!), oh and a travel coffee mug from Starbucks for work. After a few hours shopping we headed back for a quick dip in the pool then we had a creme bath (hair treatment) appointment which was lovely, I DO love having my head massaged. After that we grabbed a bottel of gin and some tonic then headed down to the beach for the sunset. We were really blessed with the weather and there was only one storm really late Saturday night/early sunday morning so we didn't much rain at all considering it was wet season.
So the beach was great fun and hung out with our local friends again and had pizza and Satay Ayam on the beach for dinner! It was a blast and we have some very funny photo's, icluding challenging some locals to a game of "play racquet".
Monday morning we rose a little later than usual sluggish but thankfully not actually hungover and headed straight off for our health massage appointment (which we really needed that day!!) in Benesari Street. I have been going to De Chy for years now and they really are very talented health practitioners. I didn't really feel like massage (I know, I was shocked too) and decided to get acupuncture instead. I felt amazing after it and it was certainly different to the western style acupuncture which has not always been helpful for me (I have chronic back problem). Sadly this was the day I headed home, so I raced off to the DVD shop for a few movies then grabbed my bags for my flight...
I have only been home 3 days and I am already planning my next trip which will be 3 weeks this time!