Looking to escape the winter blues? You’ll find your summer retreat in Bali, where the cocktails are cheap and the sun shines all year round. This dreamy island paradise should be on everyone’s bucket list with its dazzling beaches, luxurious resorts and tropical forests (read: every Instagrammer’s dream).
If your idea of an island escape is sipping bottomless cocktails by the pool, you’re in luck. Relaxation is key with chic spas, yoga retreats and private villas at hand. For those of you with restless feet, hear us out – Bali also offers plenty of activities to keep you busy like snorkelling, hiking and surfing.
Below, our exclusive guide on what to do, eat and wear in Bali.
What to do
Where to start? Bali may seem like a small blip on our world map but it’s full of hidden treasures and beaches to explore. Start off in relaxed Ubud, where you can pay a visit to the Tegalalang rice paddies or visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can ride a bike down Mt Batur through local villages, schools and markets.
If you’re dying for some chilled-out relaxation then hit up Uluwatu’s jaw-dropping beaches. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled across your own secret hideaways at Padang Padang and Thomas Beach, accessed via forest staircases brimming with cheeky monkeys.
To release your inner yogi you can slip into your Lululemons and go to a yoga class in Legian, or strip off and enjoy an über cheap massage in Seminyak’s all-male staffed Jari Menari.
Must-do: Visit the three Gili Islands, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water and blindingly white sand for incredible snorkelling.
Where to stay
If you’re a first-time traveller to Bali and planning on being an A-grade tourist, we recommend staying in the south. The most enticing spots in are Kuta, Uluwatu, Canguu, Seminyak, Nusa Dua and Legian. Nusa Dua is home to the ultimate dream resort, The Grand Nikko Hotel, with a private beach and expansive pools hidden in a tropical oasis. The definition of *extra*.
If you’re hoping for a more cultural experience not too far from the action, check into Airbnbs in Central Bali at Ubud or Gianyar. In the heart of a breathtaking mountain range, you can’t go wrong. From jungle villas nestled among rice paddies to bamboo cottages, Ubud is the place to go.
Where to eat
Let’s be honest, you can’t have a good time without good food, even in a tropical paradise. Hop on the back of a scooter and zoom through Seminyak’s narrow streets to it’s #1 beach club: Potato Head. Made from multi-coloured washboards, the luxury restaurant has a private pool overlooking the ocean complete with a swim-up bar and white beach umbrellas. What more could you want?
Also in Seminyak is Ginger Moon, serving traditional ingredients and regional flavours to give you a true taste of Bali. The best part? The menu includes a locally-inspired list of delicious cocktails.
What to Wear
Bikinis, bikinis, bikinis. The hot weather and irresistibly clear water make swimwear your go-to outfit. Wide-brimmed straw hats and sandals are your best friends, with stilettos and pumps getting the boot from your suitcase this holiday. Light layering is key in humid weather, kaftans, parachute pants and sarongs complementing triangle bikinis.
Bright colours pop against lush greenery and ocean views, so consider leaving your LBD at home and opting for looser dresses in lighter shades or prints instead.
Ultimate spots to gram
Bali is brimming with envy-inducing photo opportunities. Its natural beauty, adorable monkeys and luxe cafes are just begging to be photographed. The famous Gili Trawangan swings are your best bet to capture a unique frame of the ocean, while the islands themselves are perfect for snapping spectacular sunsets.
For a burst of colour in your feed, La Plancha Bali on Seminyak’s Mesari Beach has rainbow beanbags scattered under bohemian umbrellas, while Kynd Community (pictured above) serves delicious smoothie bowls against a millennial pink wall.
The Tegenungan and Gitgit waterfalls are also hotspots for grammers searching for that no-filter shot.
Ready to go now? OPPO has created a special Bali Bundle which includes flights to Bali, three-nights accommodation, day trips and massages with purchase of their new R15 Pro phone.
