How I Holiday: Ellidy Pullin On Why Bali Is The Best Place To Bring A 3-Year-Old

Welcome to How I Holiday, a series of travel stories and recommendations shared by friends of Urban List from Aotearoa and Australia.

Aussie model, podcaster and best-selling author Ellidy Pullin is a beachy gal by nature—so it's no surprise her adorable mini me loves holidaying poolside, too. From swim lessons for 3-year-old Minnie in Uluwatu to lapping up the local food and embracing the beautiful local tradition of Nyepi Day (an entire 24 hours reserved for silence), Ellidy's love for the tropical island runs so deep it feels like a second home.

To celebrate the launch of FUTURE FUR—the podcaster's chic new range of throws made entirely from recycled plastic water bottles, launched in collab with Ena Pelly co-founder Danielle Pelly—we asked Ellidy to share where she escapes to when work slows down.

Why is Bali special to you?

Sometimes I feel so bogan saying this as part of me hates how Western it's become, but Bali honestly is my favourite place to go—especially with a 3-year-old.

We love the easy-going lifestyle, the diverse range of food and the beautiful smiling Balinese people. 

I have so many Indonesian friends who live there, and Aussie friends who live and work there. It’s always felt like a second home.

Describe Bali in ten words.

Easy, close, kid-friendly, affordable, beautiful culture and friendly faces.

What are your favourite spots to visit?

• Komune Resort—we stay here every year. It has amazing surf, great food, a kids club and beautiful local staff.
• Yuki Japanese for great quality, delicious food in Uluwatu.
• Origen Mexican is the most stunning restaurant just near Canggu.
• All of Ubud. There are so many amazing waterfalls, hikes, and retreats to be experienced, all run by locals.
• Spring Spa, which has every relaxing hair, face, and body treatment you could imagine

.

What's a core memory you have from Bali?

Minnie learned how to swim at The Uluwatu Surf Villas in 2023.

What's the best meal you've ever had in Bali?

SKOOL Kitchen, where you're right on the beach and can eat anything from authentic Indonesian to your more Mediterranean pastas, salads or just fresh sashimi or meat dishes. The food quality is amazing.

What's the best event on Bali's cultural calendar?

Believe it or not—Nyepi day. I get to rest my voice for a day (which is a challenge for me). I love this day of silence. I've been there a few times during Nyepi, and everything closes down. The hardworking locals use this day to stop for once and purify their minds. 

You have time to honour the beauty of the island, self-reflect and share a moment of stillness in unity with the locals and tourists. It's really cool.

Where are the best spots to shop in Bali?

Fae for bikinis in Uluwatu and Elce for resort clothing in Bingen.

Travel

How I Holiday: A Chic Melbourne Couple’s Guide To The Big Apple

Penny Gibson, creative director and founder of content biz Pene Lope Studios, and Paddy Whelehan are one chic couple. When the duo aren't working on their many creative pursuits in Melbourne, they're jet-setting to source inspiration in the Big Apple. For the pair, New York is a city that does the work for you. There are endless bars and art galleries, the people watching is elite, and the nights only end when you run out of energy.

Local Escapes

Bali’s Best Adults-Only Resorts For R&R In 2025

These Bali resorts are upping the ante when it comes to adults-only luxury.

Travel

How I Holiday: Spend A Day In The City Of Love With SIR Co-Founder Sophie Coote

Here, as part of Urban List's guest editorship series, Sophie Coote shares her Paris travel diaries: the best restaurants for long lunch, prime spots for people watching and where to stumble upon interesting and in-demand local creatives.