I have returned from Paradise (unfortunately) and the cold Victorian winter is quite the comparison to the ten days of non stop heat and sun I've just enjoyed. For the longest time I've listened to friends, family and co-workers go on and on about Bali. It is, after all, Australia's play ground. However its for that very reason that I've delayed going there. 'Could it really be all its hyped to be?' I often wondered, the answer is Yes! About a year ago one of my best friends told me her wedding would take place on the island and I couldn't contain my excitement, what a perfect opportunity to finally visit Bali and see what it's all about. I now completely understand the appeal and have fallen head over heels in love with the sun, balmy weather, scenery, colour, culture, food (not to mention the cocktails) and people of Bali. Staying at a private villa in Seminyak with a pool at your door step was the perfect luxury and with the wedding taking place on the cliff tops of Uluwatu it was breath taking views all round. Apart from a few hiccups (a stolen phone and being scammed by money converters) and of course the fear of dredded 'Bali-Belly', which unfortunately my parents and boyfriend all fell victim too, it was truly an incredible holiday that I won't soon forget and coming together with life long friends to celebrate a day of love and commitment, was the icing on the cake. This week I'll be talking my Bali tips with you, including my favorite places to eat, shop, swim and drink. I'm also going to share some travel advice as there are a few 'insider tricks' you really need to know when visiting a place like Bali, some I wish I was told before my departure, so stay tuned! For now I'm going to kick start your Monday with my Bali photo diary and day dream of being back in this beautiful place. The name Bali actually comes from the Indonesian word for 'return' and return I shall...
...a colourful airport welcome!
Villa Vivere... our little piece of Seminyak heaven for 10 days
Travelling Comfortably...
T-Shirt by Topman, Jeans by Bardot, Bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim, Trainers by Converse
Boarding Passes, Passport, Wedding Invite, Sunglasses! Ready to go...
4 people, 10 days, safe to say we don't travel lightly!
...a colourful airport welcome!
Villa Vivere... our little piece of Seminyak heaven for 10 days
Instantly fell in love with the colour and details on the streets of Seminyak...
Sleeveless Tee by Cecile, Shorts by Jay Jays, Sunglasses by Ray Ban
Absolut Petrol anyone?
Sleeveless Tee by 3.1 Phillip Lim & Swimming Shorts by Perfect Moment
Absolutely loved the cute bluebird print shirts the taxi drivers wore...
My Dad and I taking control of money changing (which can be quite the ordeal, more on that another time...)
Sangria & Burger afternoons at Potato Head , one of my favorite Bali haunts!
Island buys! Loving these leather anklets my Mum bought us all, its always nice to have a holiday momento. I'm refusing to take this off all winter...
The food and decor of restaurants in Seminyak blew me away! Can't wait to share my favorites with you...
Loved all the street art we stumbled upon, especially this great quote...
Wearing 3.1 Phillip Lim Top (as before) Shorts by Jay Jays and Sunglasses by Toms
My best friend's wedding was held at the Sanctus Villa in Uluwatu and the whole day was beyond spectacular. I've never seen anything like it, truly incredible!
Brendan and I wore custom made short-suits to get through the 40+ degree heat in style, but more on that later this week...
I absolutely loved doing some of the more cultural things in Bali like visiting traditional temples, seeing a Barong dance and driving 2 hours up hill to catch views of the Kintamani volcano...
We also had the chance to see how traditional Batik fabric is painted and the art of hand-weaving as well as visiting a local art gallery.
Bali has stole my heart!
Wearing Shirt by Roger David, Shorts by J Brand Jeans and Loafers by Rubi Shoes, Purse a Bali purchase
Gotta love regular mani/pedi's at the most beautiful of day spa's for a fraction of western prices!
Pop Colours by the Pool...
Perspex Clutch by Witchery, Aztec print clutch by Sass & Bide, Traditional coin purse was a gift
Sleeveless tee's and shorts were on constant rotation...
Cut off tee by Ksubi, Shorts by Levi's (customised by me), Flip Flops by Havaianas
Joe and Kiki, The beautiful staff at Villa Vivere who became like our little family...
My parents run their own business and don't get a chance to take holiday's nowhere near as much as they deserve, so it was extra special to getaway with them on this trip and we made memories I'll never forget!
My final dunk in the pool...
Wearing Swimming Shorts by Jay Jays
Denpasar Airport and home I go...
To the amazing people and sights of Bali thanks for the memories! I'll be back before you know it, stay tuned this week for all my favorite places in this little piece of paradise x SBD
STYLE SPOTLIGHT
John Galliano is making news again as he appears in his first on screen interview since his exit from Dior and those anti-semitic comments, his a snippet of his interview however you can watch the full video at the link below. What are your thoughts?
