Yearning for some R&R with your girlfriends? Look no further than Bali. Founder of The Slow Mode Kaitie Manani is a regular visitor to the Island of the Gods, popping to the tropical isle several times a year to source gorgeous sustainable fashion, accessories and homewares for her online shopping platform. Kaitie shares her tips on where to shop, sleep and eat on a girls weekend in Bali.
Updated Mar 2020
Seminyak
SLEEP
Designed by Stuart Membery, the spruce, all-white Villa Lulito is a Hampton-esque oasis right in the middle of Seminyak. It sleeps six comfortably so it’s great for a bigger group. Better yet, it’s two blocks away from my favourite homewares emporium Kim Soo and 5 mins walk to Revolver Espresso, which serves the best coffee and all-day brekkie combo in Seminyak.
Alternatively, if you want a small private hotel that’s uber central, check into colonial-kissed The Colony, right next door to Kim Soo. There’s a big central pool, massage by Bali’s legendary Jari Menari and it’s blissfully kids free (so you get a proper break). Ideal if you’re arriving ahead of the other girls.
EAT
Mrs Sippy is the new-ish hot spot for long lunch poolside and sundowner mojitos.
SHOP
SOUQ is a multi-label fashion and homeware trove stacked with high-end artisanal wares – and quite unlike any other shop on the island. Owner Sophie creates her own unique hammered gold jewellery that’s a real stand out. Their Toby’s Estate coffee is top notch along with the beautiful all-day brekkie menu.
Read More: The Best of Canggu, Bali
Canggu
SLEEP
Exuding a cool ‘Mad Men meets Palm Springs’ vibe, boutique hotel The Slow opened last year and is a modern, urban-meets-jungle experience, with owner George Gorrow’s (ex Tsubi) amazing art collection adorning the clean-lined cement walls. Make sure you book a room with a plunge pool as not all have them. Dinner here is also well worth it: think clean, slowly made fresh combos.
YOGA
Right behind The Slow is the majestic yoga studio The Practice, which offers a terrific range of yoga and meditation classes underneath its soaring, open-sided bamboo roof.
EAT
Across the road from The Practice is Lacalita, a fab Mexican bar and restaurant that’s always fun and super relaxed. Peloton Supershop is my favourite vegan diner; The Shady Shack is another clean, meat-free hit, while Milk and Madu has the best grilled zucchini omelette on the island and is always good for all-day brekkie, with Revolver coffee, but natch. Take sundowners at eco-luxe La Brisa – the reclaimed woody interiors are incredible – or boho The Lawn, both at surfy Echo Beach
PAMPER
A mere skip from The Slow is stunning day spa and hair salon Spring. Founded by New Zealander Ina Bajaj, it offers brilliant foot massages, nails, facials and blowouts with top-notch imported products, to a backdrop of DJ-spun beats, all under the same roof.
SHOP
COVE Island Essentials is a beautifully styled concept store housing an expertly edited stash of coastal-inspired fashion (check out the simple linen dresses and leather slides), vintage treasures, homewares and limited ed artworks. It’s a real stand out from the plethora of similar-style fashion boutiques in Bali – a must go!
Hero Image: COVE Island Essentials
Wanting more? Of course you are. Click through to Kaitie’s Hong Kong tips
If you’re jetting off to the Island of the Gods…
