Background:
My boyfriend, let's call him Braveheart (30), and myself (22) headed over to Bali for 10 nights on 23rd June. Fifth time for me and 2nd for Braveheart. 5 nights staying in a villa in Seminyak, 3 nights of a birthday surprise (for Braveheart) stay at the Conrad in Nusa Dua/Benoa, and 2 nights back in north Seminyak. I had to head home early as my grandfather became very sick, so Braveheart stayed on the last couple of nights by himself. Apologies in advance for the length! Day 2 follows.
We woke early on day 2, too early for breakfast so headed out in search of good coffee. I'd heard Sea Circus (10 min walk north from Oberoi & Ku De Ta- and opposite the new hotel- The Seminyak) was the place for coffee so we headed there and were rewarded with perfect '5 Senses' coffee. Our macchiatos came with choccies and words of wisdom from Buddha and more. Walked back for brekkie at the villa and were joined by the owner Peter. He joined us for breakfast every morning and was a hospitable, helpful host. Breakfast of freshly squeezed fruit juice, tea, coffee (not so good unfortunately), muesli, and hot breakfast of brilliant bacon, eggs, toast, tomatoes and mushies.
We then headed to Jl Laksmana for shopping- I'm very lucky that Braveheart is almost as keen on shopping as I am. Laksmana is as good for shopping as it is for eating, though it's mainly designer and high-street brands so not super cheap but less than you would pay for the same in Australia. Mentionable stores we visited were simplekonceptstore, sabbatha, mercredi, Aveda, Lily Jean, body & soul, Magali Pascal, and Seminyak Square.
Lunch at Sasa- east of the other Italian restaurants of Ultimo and Trattoria and on the same side of Jl Laksmana- delish wood oven pizzas and bintangs for about $15. Had a 30 minute foot massage at Carla's spa- $4- on the way back to the villa. Had a few more bintangs in a sunny corner of the freezing pool and got ready for dinner at Sardine- managed to get a booking very last minute as we made it earlier that morning.
Sardine was as gorgeous as I'd imagined from reading about it on this forum and trip advisor. Service was spot-on, with one of the owners walking around and introducing herself to everyone, whilst her husband could be seen at the entrance to the kitchen. If you get a chance do go here, highly recommend it. Started with complimentary 3 breads and tomato gazpacho. Entrees of squid & gnocchi; artichoke, endive, zucchini salad. Braveheart had the mixed grill: lamb cutlet, incredible steak, and a herbed pork sausage served with mash. I had the scallops with mushroom ravioli which I'd been craving after stalking the menu online in the weeks before we left. This was one of the best dishes of the trip except for a really heavy buttery bland sauce which the scallops and pasta sat on. We then asked to move onto the terrace for dessert: raspberry macaroons & semifreddo- outstanding and served with very clever raspberry and passionfruit caviar. All of this was accompanied by a few cocktails each. $150 all up.