A mecca for all things health and wellness, Bali is a must-visit destination for anyone with a love for yoga, healthy food, self-discovery and adventure. In a bid to uncover the hippest and healthiest places to dine, move, meditate and explore, our Digital Content Editor journeyed to the sun-kissed island for a week of relaxation and exploration. Read on for the Hip & Healthy Guide to Bali…
Eat
With an abundance of healthy eateries situated conveniently and catering to every dietary and lifestyle requirement under the sun, Bali is a healthy foodie paradise designed for the health conscious traveller. From gluten free to Ayurvedic and all that’s in between, we munched our way across the Island to bring to you our top 5 Hip & Healthy approved eateries to add to your Bali itinerary.
Milk & Madu
Boasting one of the best brunches in the south of Bali, this open-air café fast became one of our favourites on the island. A casual atmosphere lends to a diverse mix of travellers and local ex-pat laptop wielding creatives alike, making for the perfect atmosphere to sit back, relax and enjoy the array of deliciously healthy options the menu has to offer.
H&H Must-Try: The Super Brekky Bowl bursting with plant based goodness! A colourful array of strawberries, blueberries, banana, goji berries, chia seeds, cacao nibs, bee pollen, flaxseed, toasted nuts and shredded coconut is topped with their house yoghurt and honey. Enjoy for brekkie or any time of the day for a colossal hit of nutrients to keep your energy levels up whilst you explore the island.
Peloton Super Shop
One of Bali’s many vegan cafes, Petolon Super Shop is as stylish as it is delicious. Serving breakfast, lunch and fixed gear bikes; Peloton Super Shop fuses together vegan food, an artisan cycling store and an open minded events space where like minded people can come to share their ideas whilst enjoying some top quality plant based goodness. I couldn’t include Peloton without giving their homemade coconut milk a special mention, which is without a doubt the best I’ve ever tried.
H&H Must-Try: I couldn’t get enough of Peloton’s Marathon Breakfast Platter; a savoury and satisfying smorgasbord that rivals the traditional English Breakfast, challenging the notion that vegan food is bland and boring. Featuring a scrumptious mix of scrambled tofu, mushrooms, vegan pesto on toast, corn fritters, greens and tomato salsa, this hearty brekkie comes perfectly presented on an instagram worthy platter.
Nalu Bowls
With a name inspired by the Hawaiian word for wave, Nalu bowls is Bali’s first smoothie bowl shack catering to the islands large community of avid surfers. The perfect pre and post surf meal, every bowl is named after Nalu’s favourite waves from around the world. All ingredients are local and sourced daily from around the island, blending the tastes of local tropical fruits such as mango, papaya and fresh coconut flesh- our favourites! Served with the most delicious toppings including their homemade granola baked fresh every day, Nalu is setting the way for a whole new ‘wave’ of healthy eateries.
H&H Must-Try: Whilst I was told each and every bowl at Nalu is well worth the try, I was immediately drawn to The Pipeline, a sweetly satisfying bowl of blended bananas, pineapple, mango, coconut, coconut milk and coconut water topped with Nalu’s signature homemade granola and more banana! A fruit lovers dream.
Alchemy Bali
Located at the Shift Hotel in Ubud, Alchemy Bali is the islands first 100% raw vegan café and juice bar, organic health food store and holistic clinic. With a wellbeing philosophy based on 3 pillars: ALKALIZE. HYDRATE. TRANSFORM. Alchemy has been created to promote a ‘heart-based culture’ of unconditional love, authenticity, health and gratitude through ‘high vibe’ lifestyle choices. Offering a generous variety of raw and vegan mains, juices, smoothies and snacks; a trip to Alchemy would not be complete without a raw dessert to top it all off. Needless to say, we are obsessed.
H&H Must-Try: Sticking to the sweet treat theme, must-trys are the Oh My Goji, a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter and goji berry fudge. I stocked up on these to have as snacks throughout my stay they were just so good! For a healthy energy boost, we love their Maca Chip Cookie made with cashew, cacao and our favourite energising superfood maca – yum!
Move
Yogi’s rejoice, Bali is one of the worlds most renowned yoga destinations and for good reason. Specialising in every style imaginable, here’s a few of my favourites…
Yoga Barn
Situated in the heart of Ubud, Yoga Barn is the go-to destination for all things yoga, meditation, mindful movement and vibrant wellbeing. Created by its founders for the sole purpose of bringing together community and giving back to the island of Bali, The Yoga Barn provides the most incredible environment for the nourishment of body, mind and soul. Daily classes, workshops and sessions are available in all yoga styles and holistic modalities.
Power Of Now Oasis
With the ocean as their ‘shrine’, Power Of Now Oasis is set in a tranquil garden in the midst of a rich and active local community. Surrounded by beauty and nature in their purest forms; the clear water of the coral lagoon, white sand beach, coconut palms and gentle sea breeze surround the traditionally bamboo, open-plan structure that is the Power Of Now Oasis. Head to the top floor for meditation and yoga and be sure to check out the garden level afterwards to enjoy a juice or tea from their organic juice and teahouse.
Aerial Yoga at Alila Villas, Uluwatu
Set on a cliff top overlooking the vast and vibrant Indian ocean, Aerial Yoga at Alila Villas Uluwatu provides for a yoga experience like no other. Stay tuned for my full review, coming soon.
Sup Yoga Bali
Created by a group of water-loving yogi’s with a desire to share their combined passion of the ocean and yoga with others, SUP Yoga Bali is the first of its kind in Bali to offer this emerging style of yoga. Set in the calm, clear and warm waters of Sanur Beach, classes are suitable for all levels of yoga experience, providing for an amazing core workout and one of the best ways views of Sanur’s natural surroundings.
Discover
From volcanic beaches to luscious rice fields, there is so much to see and discover in Bali. Whilst you would need at least a month to really make the most of what this tropical paradise has to offer, here are our top 5 activities for avid adventurers…
Rice Field Wandering: An amazing way to experience Bali in a different light and meet the locals who work to harvest the rice crops year round, an activity not to be missed during your stay is a journey through the rice fields. I spent a few hours one early morning walking the narrow tracks near Ubud, marveling in the beauty of inland Bali that is just as special as the scenic coastline. With hidden gems to find along the way including massage and holistic healing huts, I was excited to discover local coconut vendors supplying freshly gathered coconuts to keep me hydrated throughout my trek. Bali’s rice fields are a must-visit for the curious wanderer eager to experience the real Bali.
Tegenungan Waterfall: A short 20 minute scooter ride from Ubud, Tegenungan is one of the few waterfalls in Bali not situated in the highlands or mountains, making it a much more accessible option for those keen to experience the beauty of Bali’s numerous waterfalls without having to embark on a full day trek. Suitable for swimming and sunbathing, Tegenungan is renowned for its lush green surroundings and heavy water flow – a popular quick escape from the busyness of the surrounding villages.
Volcanic Beaches: Bali is a volcanic island and home to a selection of black sand beaches, most notably on the east coast, the north coast and the west coast. During the first part of my stay at Alila Villas Soori, I was lucky enough to be staying on the beachfront of one of Bali’s most beautiful black sand beaches and it truly is a spectacular sight. As well as possessing a rare natural beauty, The Balinese people have used volcanic sand for centuries as a mode of healing thanks to the medicinal and spiritual qualities they believe it possesses. You can experience the benefits firsthand for yourself at Spa Alila Villas Soori.
Bali Eco Cycling Tours: For an ecological, cultural, culinary and learning experience like no other, if you can brave the heat, Bali’s Eco Cycling Tours provide a wonderful and unique way to explore the island. Shying away from the typical tourist areas, expect to discover a different side of Bali designed to enable you to experience typical Balinese daily life. Not for the faint hearted, you’ll be mountain biking through small villages, climbing active volcanoes, trekking through ancient rainforests and snorkelling amongst some of the worlds most beautiful and thriving coral reefs.
Stay
We chose to stay with Alila Villas and Resorts
Alila Villas Soori costs from USD 655 (+21% tax and service charge) per villa per night
Alila Villas Uluwatu costs from USD 965 (+21% tax and service charge) per villa per night
Getting There
We flew from London to Bali with Cathay Pacific.
Cathay Pacific flies daily between London and Bali and four times weekly between Manchester and Bali. To book flights visit cathaypacific.co.uk
Prices start from:
London – Bali economy = from £819
London – Bali Business = from £3,619
Manchester – Bali Economy = from £789
Manchester – Bali Business = from £3,589
*All flights are correct at time of publication
Words by Zsa Zsa Vella
Title image: @frannyelliot
More On Bali The Review: Alila Hotels & Resorts