Summary
BALI TRAVEL DIARY
by @misskatieskeps
“The pillows are approximately three times the size of standard pillows and incredibly soft, leading me to refer to them solely as clouds.”
@misskatieskeps x GoTravelDaily
DAY 1 – 2: THE LEAF, JIMBARAN
- Prices commence at approximately 250US$ for a one-bedroom villa.
Situated in a tranquil area of stunning Jimbaran, we arrived at The Leaf around 11 pm and received a warm welcome along with two beautiful frangipani leis that exuded a delightful fragrance. During check-in, we were offered Turmeric and Honey Juice, which is renowned for its relaxation properties—exactly what we needed after our lengthy flight.
As we proceeded to our villa, we absorbed the enchanting, well-lit, and lush gardens that adorned the pathways. Upon entering our one-bedroom pool villa, it was truly a visual delight.
Inside Villa 7, we were greeted by an expansive pool extending the length of the villa adjacent to a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, complete with all necessary amenities, a dining table for two, and two deck chairs for relaxation by the pool.
Upon entering the interior, we found ourselves in a spacious lounge area leading to a bedroom featuring a luxurious king bed, where we enjoyed one of the best nights’ sleep we had ever experienced. The pillows are notably generous in size and exceptionally soft, prompting my description of them as clouds. The room features floor-to-ceiling windows, which are adorned with elegant drapes at night. During the day, they open fully, allowing the sun to flood the room while maintaining air conditioning.
A door near the bed connects the bedroom to the bathroom, which boasts a stunning centerpiece bathtub. Adjacent to the bathtub is a curtain that opens the space, seamlessly merging the bathroom with the pool—a lovely feature.
Regrettably, we could only stay for one night, yet we are grateful for the opportunity to experience this serene haven and are already planning our return.
It offers all the essentials for a peaceful, healthy, opulent, and rejuvenating escape. My recommendation to prospective guests is to indulge in the hour-long body massage at the Thyme Spa; it was unequivocally the most outstanding massage I have ever received, and trust me, amidst my busy lifestyle, I allocate ample time for spa rejuvenation!
DAY 3 – 4: SAMAJA VILLAS KUNTI, SEMINYAK
- Prices commence at approximately 175US$ for a one-bedroom villa.
Upon our arrival, we were met with delightful welcome juices and refreshing chilled towels, greatly appreciated after a lengthy transfer from our previous accommodation. The traffic in Bali can sometimes induce mild motion sickness due to the constant stopping and starting; thus, these thoughtful gestures made a significant difference.
We were escorted down a picturesque tropical pathway to our one-bedroom villa, where we were given a tour of our accommodations. We immediately made our way to the tranquil plunge pool, where we spent the afternoon contentedly relaxing, while enjoying delightful deliveries of tropical fruit platters and flavorful cocktails.
The accommodating staff offered to arrange a taxi, which arrived within minutes. In a brief three-minute ($1.50) cab ride, we found ourselves in the vibrant heart of Seminyak, with convenient access to shops, exquisite dining options, and, notably, more delectable cocktails. Both of us agreed that we preferred to stay slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of the area.
We opted for a quiet evening in after an early dinner out, choosing to order from Samaja’s dessert room service menu, which was an exquisite treat!
We slept peacefully through the evening, and I awoke early the next day, while my companion took advantage of a well-deserved sleep-in, as anyone would do.
Breakfast was beautifully presented and delivered to our room, allowing us to dine in our outdoor area, which is an ideal setting for relaxation. We spent the majority of our two-night stay luxuriating by the sun-soaked pool, indulging in reading and unwinding.
The staff were exceptionally attentive, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the exquisite Samaja Villas Kunti.
FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT
Upon entering Frestro, guests are met with a visually stunning ambiance as though a sophisticated restaurant has been elegantly constructed around a curated collection of fine wines and premium spirits. The staff, attired in smart uniforms, possess a warm and welcoming demeanor.
Furthermore, the food—absolutely remarkable. If one appreciates exquisite cuisine, the ceviche appetizer is an absolute must-try: a melt-in-the-mouth experience with herb-infused flavors exploding on a corn chip.
All fruits and vegetables are sourced from their own farm, with seafood procured exclusively fresh, which enhances the experience of their raw dishes. Additionally, the wine selection is unexpected and extraordinary—yes, wine in Bali! We were thoroughly impressed, even with the most affordable options on the menu.
Nicolas, our host, who boasts extensive experience in luxurious French establishments, personally attends to each table, ensuring guests feel valued by recommending dishes tailored to individual preferences and providing thorough explanations of the menu, sharing his culinary insights.
To our astonishment, the pricing was remarkably reasonable, closely aligning with the typical rates in Bali.
EXCEPTIONAL. For those who appreciate fine cuisine, this is a must-visit.
3 MUST-DO’S
- Bali Safari Park – an engaging and interactive experience with magnificent (untamed) animals.
- Nungnung Waterfall – the reward after descending 500 steps.
- Jodie O’Shea Orphanage – for those wishing to contribute a portion of their time amidst leisure, the children are wonderful and enjoy meeting new faces.
FAVOURITE SPA
Thyme Spa at The Leaf, Jimbaran – the epitome of spa tranquility!
I SHOPPED
My favorite shopping destination is the main street of Seminyak – Jalan Oberoi.
MY 3 TRAVEL ESSENTIALS TO PACK
- Bose Speaker for a relaxing pool villa atmosphere.
- Hair Serum to counteract the effects of humidity on my hair.
- Canon Gx7 to capture all those Instagram-worthy moments.
WHY I WOULD COME BACK
One word; Bali.
