New Concept Launching Soon!

Saudi Diva re-launching soon with a new concept!

 

Hello Hello 🙂

Despite my brief disappearance, I’m excited to announce that I’m currently working on re-branding Saudi Diva and I will be launching a new website soon.

The new blog will have a unique concept and will share exclusive and insightful cultural and social stories.

The original content will cover personal stories and reflections from being a Saudi woman. In addition to highlighting the struggles, challenges and rewards of being a free-thinking Saudi woman.

Get ready for distinctive, inspirational, moving, thought-provoking and empowering stories from Saudi Arabia, the Arab region and the rest of the world!

Be prepared to get hooked with the all-new Saudi Diva stories 🙂

Saudi Diva signing off XXX

Saudi Diva Exclusive: Anatara Kalutara Resort – Part Two

Tying my prayer pouch at the renowned Kalutara Bodhiya

 

In the previous post, I reviewed the new Anantara Kalutara Resort and highlighted some of the activities and water sports available at the property. I also mentioned how emotional and attached I got to the resort and the lovely town it’s located in. But I want to first tell you about other unique activities that can be done when staying at this magical place.

Kalutara, Sri Lanka is an ideal place to connect with nature, your spiritual side and the things that matter the most

 

You simply can’t visit Sri Lanka and not try the renowned Ayurvedic treatment. Luckily, Anantara Kalutara‘s spa had a very experienced Ayurvedic therapist. At first, the therapist helps you choose the treatment that best suits your needs. I explained to him my constant anxiety and stress and how I wanted a treatment to specifically target those symptoms. Pradeep immediately recommended the 90-minute Shirodhara treatment, it includes a full body and head massage as well as the main Ayurvedic oil-dripping method. Warm oil (specific to your case) is dripped on the forehead using a special machine. The oil is meant to target the third eye and help relieve all toxins and stress from the body. Post the treatment, you are back to your natural state like a new born 🙂

Feeling like a new born after my Shirodhara treatment at Anantara Kalutara Resort

 

The resort offers guests a wide range of excursions in Kalutara and other Sri Lankan towns. These include visits to tea plantations, Yala National Park, the Turtle Hatchery, the Spice Garden, Colombo City Tour and a Historical Tour of Galle to name a few. Despite the fact that all those places seemed interesting, all I wanted to do was to try out new water sports and to pray at the local temple!

Since I visited the resort before going on a New Year’s manifestation-focused retreat, I felt that I should make the most of this time of year and the fact that there’s a famous Buddhist temple just minutes away from the hotel by car.

The Kalutara Bodhiya is a renowned and historical temple, where locals visit regularly and during special ceremonies to present flowers and offerings to Buddha and to pray for blessings and peace. In fact, the temple is so full of positive energy and spiritual vibes that even at night, there are birds chirping at its signature, old Bodhi tree. I truly loved being at the Bodhiya and immersing in its peaceful and spiritual ambiance that I made two visits, one in the day and the other on my last evening at the resort.

Tying my prayer pouch at the renowned Kalutara Bodhiya

 

“In the infinity of life where I am, I am whole and complete and I love my self.”

 

On my way to the Buddhist temple, I saw this long wooden bridge by the Kalu Ganga River and I wanted to explore. I have a picture on my Instagram walking on that bridge. But what’s interesting is that it’s a very old bridge with missing planks. It’s also known as the ‘lovers’ bridge, as there are so many names engraved on the wood and I saw many lovers walking hand in hand at many occasions. To me, this was an opportunity for me to face my fears and to walk on that bridge (the hotel driver didn’t want to walk for long as he was a bit obese and was worried that we would fall down into the river!).

I did get another opportunity to face my fears and let go of some of my limiting beliefs when I walked on the rails of a train as it was approaching. The whole experience that day was like a movie scene from the ’70s but it was so worth the adventure!

The Kalutara railway tracks were the perfect setting for letting go of some of my limiting beliefs!

 

There’s something interesting in every direction of Kalutara town!

 

In the next post, I’ll be telling you all about my New Year’s Eve retreat with My Chi Journey and how I managed to let go of so many old habits and belief systems to make space for growth and improvement!

Saudi Diva signing off XXX

Saudi Diva Exclusive: Anatara Kalutara Resort – Part One

Canoeing at the Kalu Ganga river in Sri Lanka is the epitome of soul therapy

 

As I sit to write this post while listening to Oleta Adams’ powerful voice sing ‘Get Here‘, I try my best to stay focused on writing this post. That’s because seconds earlier – for no apparent reason – a hollow sadness overshadowed my soul and as always, I can’t point out the source of that negative emotion. I believe that this is a natural part of living alone as a single woman in a big city. It’s important to surround yourself with a solid, supportive social network and to keep moving towards your goals and dreams.

Staying at any Anantara resort feels like being transformed to another era, a magical place where everyone is happy and life is peaceful. It also feels like you’re the star of your own fairy tale and every moment is a perfectly scripted scene where everything effortlessly falls into place.

I decided to check out the newly opened Anantara Kalutara after failing to find available rooms at most Sri Lanka properties, as most were fully booked for the festive season. I’m so happy that I ended up staying there, because I loved the resort and my experience so much that I was in tears for hours while packing and after leaving!

I’ll explain why I chose to visit Sri Lanka for the holiday season in the next post. December is the best time to visit the beautiful tropical island because it’s sunny, dry and perfect for escaping the European or desert winter 🙂

Teary-eyed while packing my suitcase after a five-day stay at the new Anantara Kalutara Resort

 

Sri Lanka is a naturally scenic country with beautiful tropical weather, but what attracted me the most was the warmth and kindness of its people. I even found many close similarities between Arab and Sri Lankan culture! I’ll talk more about this in the next post.

A spacious Deluxe Ocean View Room with Sri Lankan traditional designs at Anantara Kalutara

 

The beachside Kalutara property opened on September 1, 2016. Kalutara is a charming historical village located on the island’s Southwest coast. What makes this resort unique is that it’s surrounded by the beach, the Deep Blue ‘Kalu Ganga’ river and is built within a tropical garden. To me, this was the perfect setting before my New Year’s Eve manifestation retreat. My stay at this magical resort resembled a mini retreat or healing journey. Everything from the welcome black river dance, to the kindness of the staff, to the surrounding nature and wildlife, to the protection bracelet and chant at the check-out time makes this the ideal soul-soothing and self-rejuvenating experience.

A surreal ocean view – ideal for meditating – from my Anantara Kalutara double room

 

The resort’s interiors are inspired by the vision of the late Geoffrey Bawa – Sri Lanka’s most renowned architect. There’s a beautifully designed library at the hotel which has books about the late Geoffrey Bawa – it’s worth checking out.

In addition to the authentic and homely vibes of the hotel’s interiors and the warmth of the staff and everyone in the tropical village, there’s a plethora of gym and water activities to keep you glued to the resort’s scenic grounds! I found it a lovely surprise as I was planning to be as sporty and active as I can during my stay. From early morning group beach jogs, to tailored personal training sessions, to canoeing and wind-surfing lessons, there’s definitely something for every fitness level and interest.

Being a water baby (Cancerian), I spent most of my time trying out new water sports such as canoeing and wind-surfing. I also went for boat rides along the black river. Canoeing in the midst of the mangroves was truly special and we spotted crocodiles, eagles, stunning kingfisher birds and other unique Sri Lankan wildlife species. The gym trainers were also very friendly and each one of them made sure that I got what I wanted out of the session (my main focus was abs).

Pure bliss while canoeing along Sri Lanka’s Kalu Ganga river

Wind-surfing for the first time at Anantara Kalutara’s Deep Blue river!

 

The water sports company which offers its services at the resort is working on adding more activities as the resort is still new. The instructor which I took the lessons with was a very warm and friendly young Sri Lankan man. He truly wanted me to learn how to wind-surf even though I kept falling off my board and didn’t have much balance throughout the lesson 🙂

Other water sports on offer include jet ski, banana boat rides, water skiing, snorkeling and scuba diving. The costs for the sessions were very reasonable too!

Kalutara’s beach and the warmth of its residents are destined to heal the most tired soul

 

We will explore more activities at warm and lovely Kalutara in the next post. I will also explain why this specific trip was a very emotional one. Staying at Anantara’s newly opened Kalutara resort was not only surreal and dreamy, it was the ideal therapeutic experience at the end of a not so great year on many levels.

Saudi Diva signing off XXX

A new year brings with it hope, new experiences and opportunities for change and growth

 

 

Wellness Sunday: Hypnotherapy with Deepa Arora

Renewed confidence after my hypnotherapy sessions with Deepa Arora

 

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that you’ve had a positive start to 2017 and that it’s a year of profound change and powerful decisions.

I personally have noticed that since the beginning of the year, I feel much lighter and am able to get things done in significantly less time than before. I think this renewed spirit goes back to the successful hypnotherapy sessions that I did towards the end of the year. In addition to my Sri Lanka retreat which was focused on letting go of the past and making space for the new.

I’ll be talking about the retreat in future posts. But today I would like to share with you my first hypnotherapy experience with a talented relationship and emotional healer.

Only a few minutes throughout my consultation with Deepa Arora at Illuminations, she was able to see my issues: relationship and emotional issues to be specific. Not only was she able to read through me within minutes (if not seconds) of our first meeting, she immediately knew what module we would be using for my spiritual healing and exactly what needs to be resolved.

Needless to say, I immediately booked my three healing sessions with Deepa and was excited to experience hypnotherapy for the first time.

Deepa doesn’t use any script or laptop in her healing sessions. She expertly tailors the sessions based on the needs of each person and changes them according to the progress. Since my main emotional blocks and relationship issues came from my parents and specifically my mother, Deepa prescribed the following for my hypnotherapy sessions:

1. Energetic cord-cutting with the mother.
2. Inner child healing.
3. Integrating and writing my own story.

 

What’s interesting is that I had visited the JLT-based well-being center a few days before seeing Deepa for a group cord-cutting meditation session. So it only felt natural to do it on a subconscious level for a specific very personal relationship.

No amount of words can explain how accurate, genuine and kind Deepa’s work was. She was able to see things from my past and different life timelines that I hadn’t told her about. She was able to focus on the core issues that needed to be healed in order for me to move on and feel emotionally healthy and stable. Once I started to tell her a few things about my parents and childhood, she could easily understand the whole picture and describe my parents as if she knew them personally.

Before and after each session, we would have a small discussion regarding how I feel. The feedback from those discussions dictates what needs to be focused on for the next one. Deepa flows with positive and loving energy. To me, she’s not only a healer but an extraordinary personality and a very amiable and lovable character.

Just like in medical practice (only much better), Deepa writes affirmations and statements that you can keep saying for continuous progress. She will also give you tips and answer all your queries with great knowledge and confidence.

I believe that everything and everyone enters our life for a reason. I had been living one block away from Illuminations since 2011, but this was my first visit to a healer at the center. This was mainly because Deepa’s profile matched my requirements. She’s not only a relationship and emotional healer, but a life coach and counselor and a past life regression therapist.

Next on my list? I plan to do my past life regression therapy with Deepa sometime next month. Since the highly talented healer is based in India, she’s available for counseling in Dubai every other month.

Wishing you all a healthy New Year; physically, emotionally, socially, financially and spiritually 🙂

Saudi Diva signing off XXX

Bath salts that are used to replace fear with confidence and courage

 

Ready to handle anything the Universe has in store for me!

Bali Getaway: Magical Moments

Lush landscapes paint every Seminyak side street and alley

 

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. That’s why, this post is a series of memorable moments from my recent Bali trip. Who knows, maybe you will be inspired to book your next getaway to the magical island…

A must-visit when in Sanur, Warung Sanur Segar is a hidden gem in the peaceful beachside fishing town

Stunning Nusa Dua beach views from Grand Niko Bali’s observation deck

Pure bliss and rejuvenation at Bali’s most original day spa

The signs are everywhere, if we look closely

A stunning Seminyak beach sunset taken from the W Bali’s WooBar

Metis Lounge Bali combines art, fine dining and a garden setting in one lovely space

Metis Lounge Bali offers fine dining in a picturesque garden setting

Inspiration can be found down every Seminyak side street or alley

Art inspiration on a Seminyak side street

The Legian Bali’s pool bar is ideal for watching the magical Seminyak beach sunset

A day trip to Nusa Dua guarantees tranquil beach views like this one

Adorable souvenirs at an Ubud street market

Meeting like-minded souls while on holiday is an original experience

My Ubud retreat was truly life-changing and inspiring

The signs are everywhere in spiritual Bali

 

Since this is my last post for this year, I would like to thank all of you for the continuous support and for taking the time to read my posts. I hope the new year will bring more clarity, peace and inspiration to all of us. I personally will be manifesting my perfect life this new year’s eve in a special retreat in Sri Lanka. Stay tuned for more inspiring wellness and luxury travel stories. I truly wish you a happy and different new year, where all of your dreams will start to take shape and become a reality.

Saudi Diva signing off XXX

Tranquil, peaceful and blissful Nusa Dua beach vibes

Bali Getaway: Bodyworks Bali Spa Seminyak

A tranquil and peaceful garden setting at Bodyworks Bali spa

If you have the time to visit one day spa in Seminyak, then without a doubt it should be Bodyworks Bali. The twenty-something year old spa is a Seminyak institution. The place is constantly buzzing with spa lovers (both male and female) and tourists that it makes you feel like you’re entering someone’s house that’s always full of visitors.

The spa interiors are so warm and inviting that it can be too easy to mistake the spacious two-floor villa for someone’s place. Apart from the bright, airy and relaxed vibes at Bodyworks, the therapists here truly know what they’re doing. Being Balinese, they are all trained to give you an authentic spa experience in a tranquil garden setting. Trust me, this is the most original spa that I’ve ever visited. Just being there brings positive vibes into your soul and uplifts your mood.

Bodyworks Bali in Seminyak is a haven for spa lovers

Bright, warm and inviting, Bodyworks Spa has a magical vibe to it

Located over two floors, Bodyworks spa has a fully-functional salon too!

On my first visit to the spa, I did a full body scrub followed by a Balinese massage. And since I loved the experience so much, I booked another massage (designed to banish cellulite) and a foot reflexology session for my last day in the magical island. I have the price list and details of what I had done at home, so I will update this post later.

Update: The therapist that I recommend you book with is called Desak. She’s Balinese and is highly experienced. So don’t think twice, just book with her.

The treatments that I tried were the Anti-Cellulite Body Scrub, the Tension Release Massage and the Reflexology.

To be honest, the therapist who did my foot reflexology didn’t put enough pressure as I would’ve liked although I asked her to do a strong massage. So I would suggest that you stick to the body scrubs, massages and other kinds of treatments when visiting Bodyworks.

Foot reflexology in a peaceful garden setting at Bodyworks Bali

Bodyworks Bali has to be the most original spa that I’ve been to in my entire life!

After visiting this legendary day spa, you will surely feel recharged and energized. And if you’re a real spa lover like me, you will even develop a strong obsession that will make you return for another relaxing experience before you leave the island!

Tip: There are a couple of chillout CD’s available at the retail section which are very original and will instantly take you to a Bali state of mind. I bought a few relaxation and spa music CD’s from various places in my trip, but the ones from Bodyworks were the most authentic and are the ones that I keep playing whenever my mood needs lifting.

Bodyworks Bali is the ultimate day spa for unwinding and recharging

Whether you’re a spa junkie or simply looking for a relaxing day in a tranquil and peaceful setting, then don’t think twice about booking a treatment at Bodyworks and thank me for it later 🙂

Saudi Diva signing off XXX

A truly original spa experience at Bodyworks Bali in Seminyak

Bali Getaway: Where to Eat and Drink in Seminyak (Part Two)

Seminyak beach sunsets are so captivating that no photo editing is needed!

 

Seminyak is a haven for foodies and one post about its diverse and unique dining scene surely doesn’t do it justice. That’s why, I’ll be taking you on an all-inclusive tour of the must-visit spots and original beach bars where you can watch magical sunsets like these…

Magical Seminyak beach sunset at Ku De Ta Bali

Ku De Ta Bali isn’t my kind of place to be honest. I visited the popular venue just before sunset and I thought for a second that I was back in Dubai at some expat hangout like Barasti! The place was packed with groups and couples drinking by the pool and waiting for the sunset to take pictures with their phones or professional cameras. The vibes were the opposite of classy and sophisticated. You could say the Japanese restaurant/bar attracted a touristy crowd and has become very mainstream. Having said that, all of the appetizers that I tried were very tasty and of great quality, I managed to take stunning sunset shots from my beachfront seat and the service was OK to say the least. Would I recommend this spot? I think if you’re not too picky with your surroundings and don’t mind a lot of noise and loud music, then give it a go. But if you’re looking for somewhere quiet with a civilized and sophisticated feel, then this is not the place to go.

Ku De Ta Bali is a great spot for watching the Seminyak beach sunset

 

WooBar at the W Bali  is another highly touristy and tacky hangout that I didn’t really like. The crowd was a combination of pretentious hotel guests, hyperactive tourists who were obsessed with taking pictures with the ‘W’ pillar at the front of the beach bar and arrogant visitors who are there to people-watch! I was there to explore the place and add it to my list of Seminyak beach bars, but I don’t think it’s the ideal place to relax or even have a good drink by the ocean. The hotel is too commercial and attracts a mostly young crowd (20-somethings who think they are hip and cool because they’re at the W!). Definitely not my kind of beach bar.

Purple sunset hues at the W Bali’s WooBar

Beach bar vibes at the W Bali’s WooBar

 

If you’re looking for a laid-back rooftop bar with live music and decent Asian dishes, then you should check out MoonLite Kitchen and Bar at Anantara Seminyak. I decided to go there after I visited another spot which had very cheap and tacky vibes. Luckily, the concierge guy at the hotel where I was staying told me about this place when I was asking about directions for my original spot. The venue has two separate sections: a restaurant one and a bar area. The seating at the bar is very formal and I felt awkward sitting at a table by myself since this was more of a lounge. The food and drinks were excellent and the live cover band were good as well. I had a lovely evening at MoonLite Kitchen and Bar and I would definitely consider going back when in Seminyak. The crowd was mainly residents and locals, apart from very few tourists. I think this was a huge plus for me, as I tend to enjoy more authentic places than commercial ones. The only thing that was missing was comfortable lounge chairs or sofas in the rooftop area. Apart from that, the place is worth a visit.

Chilled vibes and elevated views at MoonLite Kitchen and Bar Seminyak

 

I had the chance to visit Metis Bali despite the hotel’s concierge describing it as a romantic place for couples. Basically, I read about it online and on the hotel’s restaurant recommendations’ list and I felt that the classy concept matches my style. Especially since the setting involved a spacious garden and a high-end dining experience. But after I was warned by the Legian Hotel staff member that this was a place mostly visited by couples, I changed plans and removed Metis Lounge from my bucket list. Until I met a lovely jewellery designer who happened to be friends with the Metis Gallery Director, Henya Mekki. Sadly though, I only made a brief tour around the place during the day and so I can’t comment about the food or the bar ambiance. But I can assure you that it’s where the trendy Bali residents hang out since my new friend is a frequent guest and told me about the buzzing party vibes there and how it’s one of her all-time favorite weekend spots. She actually told me about a lot of cool local spots that I plan to check out on my next Seminyak visit.

Metis Bali has a spacious, beautifully-landscaped garden

Stunning views from Metis Bali’s water lily pond garden

Metis Bali offers a unique dining experience

 

Another Seminyak beach dining post which I thought was highly over-rated was the fine dining Italian concept La Lucciola. Despite the various recommendations from everyone to dine at this spot, I was honestly disappointed when I had an early dinner here at around sunset. The service was rushed and to me, the restaurant was operating more like a factory. Their main goal was to get in as many guests in and out to make as much profit as they could in one day! It was too obvious by the way the supervisor and the waiters acted and communicated with guests. The food might have tasted better if I could see it, as it was too dark when I ate my dinner there right after the sun set on the facing Seminyak beach. It’s definitely a great spot to take good sunset pictures, since it’s a two-floor venue. But I wouldn’t go back at night, just to have a better dining experience and be able to see my expensive dishes!

La Lucciola Bali’s top floor offers a perfect spot for watching the beautiful Seminyak beach sunset

 

For a more laid-back, casual setting, head to La Laguna during the day and stay to catch the sunset – when it’s not raining. I went there on a Saturday and the place was packed with local families spending quality time together on a weekend. That’s until it started to rain and everyone rushed to the indoor area. The venue occupies a very big outdoor space and is home to a number of artistically-inspired huts. It’s the kind of place you go to for a taste of the real Balinese culture and lifestyle.

La Laguna Bali’s unique design make it a must-visit when in Seminyak

A magical sunset moment at La Laguna Bali

 

From all of the classy restaurants and hip beach bars that I’ve visited during my ten-day Seminyak stay, my favorite has to be Alila Seminyak‘s trendy and happening beach bar. In fact, I loved Alila’s beach bar vibes so much, that I decided that this is where I want to stay on my next trip to the magical island. I didn’t discover this spot with my own research or with the hotel’s restaurant and bar guide, my new jewellery designer friend was the one who told me about it. The bar has ocean-front comfortable seating, good vibes and an even better DJ playing lounge music. A haven for chilling out by the pool with friends and catching up over drinks and nibbles.

Alila Seminyak’s Beach Bar is number one on my list!

My last Seminyak beach sunset had to be at Alila’s uber hip beach bar!

 

In the next post, I let you in on another great Seminyak secret: the island’s top day spa. Stay tuned!

Saudi Diva signing off XXX

Bali Getaway: Where to Eat and Drink in Seminyak (Part One)

Authentic Thai fare at Warung Siam in Seminyak

As I mentioned in my earlier post, what makes Seminyak an ideal place to visit for holiday or even to move to is its wide range of independent restaurants, bars and cafes. Despite having a long list of recommendations from friends and The Legian hotel where I stayed, I wasn’t able to visit all the places that I intended to check out. I was also introduced to another world when I met a lovely Seminyak-based jewellery designer who told me about all these cool spots that she hangs out at. Hopefully I’ll visit all those interesting places in my next Bali trip and I will of course document all of it on the blog.

For Lunch:

Warung Siam for authentic Thai food in a warm and cozy setting. If you’re a Thai food lover, then this spot is a must visit when in Seminyak. It seems that they have a branch in Ubud as well, but I can’t comment as I haven’t tried it. The Phad Thai at this lovely little Seminyak eatery is probably the best that I’ve had in my entire life! It was full of flavour, tasty, fresh and spicy (just like Thai food should be).

Authentic Thai fare at Warung Siam in Seminyak

A hidden gem in Seminyak, Warung Siam is a Thai food lover’s haven

Highly-Instagrammable interiors at Warung Siam in Seminyak

Authentic Thai food in a relaxed and warm space in the heart of Seminyak

 

Earth Cafe & Market Bali is a super healthy vegan and vegetarian cafe and shop in a busy Seminyak shopping street. The vibes at this bustling healthy organic cafe are so positive and the food so good that I visited twice during my ten-day stay. I also believe that if I were living in Seminyak, this would be my go-to lunch spot. The place is always packed and it can be difficult to get a seat, but I was lucky to find one on both visits. The green juice at Earth Cafe is unlike any other that I’ve had. It’s so pure and full of nutrients that you can actually taste the rich greens so strongly. The dishes are so wholesome and delicious that you will want to try every single item on the menu! I honestly can’t recommend this place more.

Earth Cafe Bali serves the best green juice in the island

Bright, airy and buzzing with positive energy, Earth Cafe Bali is a must visit when in Seminyak

Wholesome vegetarian and vegan fare make Earth Cafe a Seminyak hot spot

Earth Cafe Bali is a healthy food lover’s haven

 

For Dinner:

Chandi Bali is a legendary and top restaurant in Seminyak. It’s located on a main shopping street, so it’s very easy to get to. Yet, the place is very classy, sophisticated and serves the best Asian fusion food in the island. I would say if you could afford to dine at one high end restaurant in Seminyak, then Chandi should be your number one choice. I took some I-phone pictures of my appetizer and meal at the upscale dining spot, but I had to use flash since it was too dark. And so the pictures didn’t come out good enough to post here.

Located in a boutique hotel, Shiro sushi bar serves modern Japanese creations by a renowned Japanese Chef. Chef Hiroki Mimaki prepares perfect Japanese culinary creations in front of guests and serves the dishes to the bar where guests are seated. The interiors at this intimate space consist of intricate woodwork-designed walls and a matching warm ambiance. Here’s  a rundown of some of the dishes that I tried at Shiro Bali:

Shiro Bali offers an original fine dining experience

Miso black cod made to perfection at Shiro Bali

Watching Chef Hiroki prepare top Japanese culinary creations is an experience in itself

Exquisite intricate woodwork designs cover the walls of Shiro Bali’s intimate dining space

Shiro Bali’s concept is simple: top modern Japanese cuisine by a highly talented Chef

Creme Brule made to perfection at Shiro Bali

 

In Part Two of ‘Where to Eat and Drink in Seminyak’, I highlight the top places to watch the magical Seminyak beach sunset while chilling with a drink or two 🙂

Saudi Diva signing off XXX

Earth Cafe’s green juice is one of its top-selling menu items and it’s not a surprise!

 

Bali Getaway: Where to Stay and What to See in Seminyak

A memorable and relaxing stay at The Legian Bali

If you’re thinking of escaping reality and moving to a tropical island where no one knows you and you can simply disappear, then I would highly recommend Seminyak in Bali. It’s a blissful piece of the island, where you can actually have a normal life. You can spend days surfing strong, powerful waves or simply walking on the long stretch of sandy beach, before sitting down for a drink or mocktail with the backdrop of a magical sunset.

Seminyak is truly paradise on earth. There’s an undeniable lively and positive vibe in its streets, a rich culture down every corner and a universal Bali peacefulness to its beach. You can choose to lunch and dine at one of many top restaurants and cafes, which I’ll be covering in the next post. You can dance the night away or just meditate by the ocean. Whatever your lifestyle is, there’s definitely something for you in Seminyak.

Since I still didn’t take up surfing, I spent my days going for long walks on the beach (you can walk for up to two hours), topping up my tan and having lovely conversation with the sarong, kite and accessory-selling folks at the beach.

To give you a glimpse of what Seminyak beach life looks like, have a look at my pictures from my ten-day stay at the surreal island…

The Legian Bali makes for a relaxing Seminyak stay

Majestic vibes at The Legian Bali on Seminyak beach

The most beautiful soul on Seminyak beach, Bella is a real angel

Pure bliss at Seminyak beach, Bali

Seminyak beach waves are perfect for practicing your favorite water sport!

Re-connecting with my real self at Seminyak beach was the highlight of my stay!

Next on my to-do list: learn how to surf!

A leisurely breakfast at The Legian Bali

A magical Seminyak sunset moment

If you see the lovely Bella at Seminyak beach, please tell her I say hello!

 

The Legian Bali, where I stayed was perfect. Excellent service, great food, ocean-view suites, peaceful, classy, high security and in a world of its own. I would recommend it to anyone looking for peace and serenity away from the busy Seminyak streets. As despite the fact that it’s located within walking distance from the main shopping and restaurant street, it’s very quiet and secluded so you won’t hear any noise or anything.

Having said that, I would consider staying at a different hotel on my next Bali trip. This is mainly because I felt that The Legian was too quiet and isolated from the rest of the island! The hotel guests were mostly older couples, families or groups of couples/families traveling together. When I went for breakfast on my own, I was getting strange looks or looks of pity from both the staff and the guests. Little did they know that I actually enjoy my own company and I don’t mind having breakfast alone every day! LOL

They just thought it was weird and they couldn’t comprehend it. I think it’s also because I have an old soul. So I tend to act and live like an older person, when I’m not in that age gap. I think that’s partly why people don’t understand why I behave in a certain way. They think that I’m lonely, but in fact I’m just enjoying some me-time on an island getaway, while taking pictures and mental notes for my luxury travel blog!

Where would I stay on my next Seminyak trip? I’m considering the newly opened Alila Seminyak. It’s actually located within five minutes or so from The Legian, is right by the beach and has a very cool and hip vibe to it. How do I know? I watched my last Seminyak beach sunset from their uber chic and happening beach bar. I’ll be sharing pictures from that evening in my upcoming ‘Where to Eat and Drink in Seminyak’ post. So stay tuned for that 🙂

Saudi Diva signing off XXX

Bali Getaway: Where to Eat and Drink in Ubud

Sari Organik is a highly instagramable spot 🙂

Ubud is a haven for vegan and healthy food lovers. With a plethora of independent organic and vegetarian food cafes set in expansive lush rice fields, you’ll be eating your way to better health in no time.

Our five-day wellness retreat meant that there’s no way I could check all the cool organic food spots the scenic cultural town had to offer. Until today, I’m discovering new healthy eating spots in Ubud and Bali in general when they follow my Instagram account. A future trip to visit all these unique cafes and write about them is definitely in order.

With tranquil lush rice field views, The Elephant Restaurant is a must visit for their scrumptious and to die for Gorilla salad and fresh green juice. The cafe is hidden at the backyard of the cozy Taman Indrakila hotel – an authentic experience in its own.

The Gorilla salad at The Elephant Ubud is a real treat!

The Elephant Cafe in Ubud serves tasty healthy dishes in lush surroundings

Green juice with a view at The elephant Cafe in Ubud

The Elephant Cafe in Ubud is the perfect spot for a healthy lunch with a view!

A peaceful spot for an organic meal with lush views in Ubud

Another great spot with fresh organic fare and stunning views is the renowned Sari Organik. Getting to this restaurant takes you on a trip through the lush rice fields of Ubud and you’ll be pausing endlessly to take pictures throughout your walk. I honestly didn’t think much of the food and I can barely remember what I had, but it’s worth visiting for some instagram-worthy shots  🙂

Sari Organik is a highly instagramable spot 🙂

A friend of mine recommended that I check out Kafe for decent healthy food. But sadly the place was closed for a staff event that day and so I headed to the magical Taksu instead. Taksu is a spacious spa/restaurant set in a beautifully landscaped and peaceful garden. There’s a number of designated outdoor areas where you can have a relaxing organic meal.

Raw, fresh and vegan fare at Taksu’s peaceful garden

What’s interesting about these cafes is that despite the fact that they all serve fresh organic and healthy dishes, each cafe has its own unique vibes and feel. Watercress Ubud for example is located in the bustling Monkey Forest Road and so makes for a great people-watching spot. You can sit at the terrace to get your work done and just watch the world go by 🙂 I must admit that because of the portion sizes at this newly opened cafe, I ended up having two salads for lunch! they were both really good and worth every Indonesian Rupiah 🙂

Watercress Ubud is an ideal spot for people-watching, getting some work done or catching up with friends over healthy dishes

I truly can’t wait to visit Ubud again and explore more of its magical landscapes, eclectic organic food scene and cultural landmarks.

Saudi Diva signing off XXX