I geddit, you’ve been to Bali more times than you can thrown a (satay) stick at and have spent countless days running around Waterbom Park as a kid and drinking Bintangs on the beach as an adult, not to mention numerous weddings, hens and bucks parties, family trips and general I-need-to-get-the-hell-out-of-Australia-it’s-freezing getaways.
But every now and again, whether it’s for a special occasion, or just cos you’re feeling super spesh (or cashed up?), it’s nice to have a long weekend where you live it up in the best possible way—we’re talking a totally luxurious, pamper-filled, indulgent and relaxing few days in Bali’s super cool neighbourhood of Seminyak.
So because we’re partial to a little luxury ourselves here at The Urban List, we did the tough research (ahem..) to bring you the goods from the Island of the Gods.
Here’s how to have a total rockstar weekend in Seminyak.
Stay
One of the most luxurious villas in Seminyak, walking into One Eleven is like entering some kind of dream world (a dream you never want to wake up from). It may be smack bang in the middle of Bali’s bustling Seminyak, but it is an intimate retreat that oozes tranquility and luxury. There are only nine villas here—all with their own 14-metre long swimming pool and private spa gazebo—and it is hands down, one of the best villas I’ve stayed in. There’s a luxurious bedroom, a huge bathroom (with his and hers toiletries and the best shower ever!), floor to ceiling windows and another huge outdoor living area with your own kitchen and lounge where you look out over the pool and plot how you can win Lotto and stay there forever. Honestly, If I could have moved in, I would have! Looks aside, the staff at One Eleven will move mountains to ensure your stay is amazing, but really, how could it not be. This place is the best!
Other rockstar approved places to stay in Seminyak include Chandra Luxury Villas—one of those rare places where Balinese culture has been embraced in the design resulting in a beautiful, tranquil environment —as well as Delmango, The Seminyak Suite Private Villa and Huu Villas.
Eat
OK, the weekend for saving your hard-earnt dollies this ain’t. You are a rockstar this weekend dammit, you’re all about sampling the finest produce this foodie region has to offer. Lucky for you, Seminyak is one of the most dynamic dining destinations in Asia and you can feast on everything from burgers to braised wagyu during your stay.
If you’re staying at One Eleven, you would have been treated to THE most bangin’ brekky of your choice, cooked by your private chef in your villa no less! Next up: lunch! One of the hottest restaurants in Seminyak at the moment would have to be Tiger Palm. Will Meyrick (of Sarong, Mama San and Ubud’s Hujan Locale fame) recently opened Tiger Palm—his fourth Bali restaurant—in Seminyak’s The Village shopping centre and it is, as you would expect, incredible. The food is Malaysian, so there’s plenty of spice on the menu and all the dishes are punchy, flavoursome and absolutely drool worthy. Find yourself a comfy booth, order a cocktail (can I suggest the coconut mojito?) and get ready for one of the best lunches on the island. My tip: you’re going to want to order the crispy lamb ribs, the stir fried caramelised pork belly and the ‘Otak Otak’ fish wrapped in banana leaf betel leaves. NOM.
For dinner, I would highly recommend the omakase set from Japanese restaurant Shiro (which sits within One Eleven) but let’s hope you’re staying for a few nights so you can also try some of the awesome new restaurants in Seminyak like Shanghai Baby, Movida (yep, that Movida), Teatro Gastroteque, Gipsy Fish, Bossman Burgers and Saigon Street, as well as some of your old faves like Sarong, Mama San, La Lucciola, Chandi, Sardine, Barbacoa and Merah Putih. Foodies rejoice!
Coffee
To people who say it’s too hot to drink coffee in Bali, I have two words for you: Revolver Espresso. Down a small laneway off Seminyak’s main drag, this little gem is serving up the best coffee in Seminyak and has a vibin’ industrial-style interior that would not look out of place in Melbourne. The breakfast and lunch menu here is perfectly crafted too—it’s basically the perfect spot for a little chill-out before a tough afternoon of shopping or hanging by the pool.
Other awesome coffee spots in Seminyak include Sisterfields, Sea Circus, Petitenget, Grain Espresso, and Souq Cafe.
Sunset Cocktails
Chilling out at an uber-cool, Seminyak sunset bar with a snazzy cocktail in hand whilst watching the legendary tropical sunset is obviously a must-do on your rockstar weekend. You haven’t been to Seminyak if you haven’t watched the sun go down at Potato Head Beach Club. Step into the Colosseum-esque building and you’ll understand why it has become such an iconic beach-front institution—it’s gorgeous! Get there early to try nab a day bed, order a cocktail jug and settle in for a sunset sesh worth instagramming the hell out of.
Some other total rockstar approved spots to watch the sun set with an icy cold cocktail in hand include the Double Six Rooftop, Woo Bar at the W Hotel, Mozaic Beach Club, Cocoon and Ku De Ta.
Spa
This is a weekend for absolute indulgence so if you can tear yourself away from laying by the pool, it is worth splashing out on some take-me-to-pamper-town treatments. The Pampering of Prana package from Prana Spa Bali begins with hot and cold plunge pools to invigorate and stimulate the circulation system, before a heavenly foot treatment, a stress-melting body massage and then a relaxing facial, scalp massage and hair cream bath. Just try not to float out of there!
Other rockstar approved luxury spas include Acqua Perla Spa, Body Temple Bali, Chill Reflexology and The Spa at Peppers Seminyak.
Shop
Soooo your indulgent weekend must involve some retail therapy ammiright? The Seminyak strip is a happy hunting ground for designer homewares, gifts and sweet threads and there are always new discoveries to be made. You’re going to want to head into Enfants Paradis Botanical Skincare (the detox bath salts are amazing!), Carga and Souq for beautiful homewares and gifts, SKS for the best International and Indonesian designer wares and Lulu Yasmine for the best basics. Magali Pascal is your best bet for floaty, Parisian chic dresses, Mister Zimi for bold graphic prints and soft leather jackets, Shakuhachi for edgy on-trend pieces and and Toko Emporium for bright colourful art, homewares and jewelry.
Looking for more travel inspo? Check Out 50 Things To Do In Noosa!
Image credit: One Eleven