GUIDE TO 5 FASHION PLACES IN BALI

A perfect buy is the one which you can enjoy for more than one day (and, honestly, the one when you have no doubts whatsoever even at the moment of opening your wallet, since you know – you and it are meant for each other). You already envision it placed for eternity at the top spot in your place (until it will broken to smithereens by guests, kids or your own clumsiness).

What I want to say, that before you embark on your journey, you always research where you would travel, go and eat. Then you become curious what places you’d like to visit for purely aesthetical reasons, how to embrace local art, visit interesting galleries and boutiques, buy something nice and stylish for yourself and as gifts. In reality, after arriving most of us thread same beaten tracks where you won’t find anything unique for all the money in the world.

Likewise, the perpetual shortage of time is another cause for purchasing trivial souvenirs.

When visiting Bali with my dear men (husband and son) I decided to go medieval on myself in this regard. Either no buys at all or only that, what strikes a lot. The first option happens mostly, when we refrain from buying anything but then, when guilt and shame start eating their way at the airport, we envision our dear ones without any gifts and have to recourse to the duty-free inventory.

So, in order to bring something exceptional, you have to know where to get it. This time I targeted unique stylish interior accessories from Balinese wood, which is what local artisans do best. As for the rest, something nice and stylish. Here are my discoveries.

First place. Pure treasure trove for those who adore everything wood, more wood, totally mind-blowing wood.

Spot:

instagram: @loud_artspace (write them freely, they respond quickly, fluent English, ship purchases to all the world)

Batuan, on the wat from Ubud to Tegallalang, look for the shop on the left.

Here you can treat yourself to a whole range starting with wooden plates, chairs or tables up to giant interior sculptures.

We have discovered this place while staying at Ubud. On the second day we hired a local driver and went for a sightseeing: Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Kintamani Volcano etc. When leaving Ubud we have reached Batuan village, famous for its artists. You can find a bargain art there indeed – the entire high street of the village is lined with open air wood, stone and other artisan shops. Surely, they all look alike, however one of the grabbed my eye, and we’ll never manage to find similar one even after seven days looking. This was really a treat for eyes, heart and home. As a lady behind the counter, incidentally, sister of the shopkeeper, explained to us, her brother is famous local painter who, after painting prices in Bali took a nosedive decided to open wood interior accessories business. The one we fell in love with.

Second place. Where yoga becomes fashion yoga

Spot:

Singakerta Raya No. 108 (Jembatan Nyuh Kuning), Nyuh Kuning, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571 – Indonesia.

Beautiful soul in a beautiful body, this is how I would describe this place. You have to agree, first appearances matter. That’s how I was attracted not only the yoga I wanted to try, but by the building exterior created in 2014 by Popo Danes, celebrated Bali architect. Mesmerizing industrial design meets Balinese influences. At this yoga center you’ll find a restaurant, kids space, very convenient when you arrive with a family that needs to engage into something while Mom gets pampered.

Third place. For those about to seek modern art to adorn their walls

Spot:

NYAMAN gallery, Jalang Basangkasa 88, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia.

Web: www.nyamangallery.com

This gallery is particularly well suited to those who love contemporary art. Authors are selected based upon their exclusive signature. Local Balinese are well represented, at the same time you’ll find here Spanish, Russian and other art from rest of the world. Huge range – from tiny format to huge paintings.

The gallery is very cozy. You start from the main hall and then move on to a small inner courtyard which extends to a single storied building filled with tiny rooms exhibiting the artwork.

Fourth place. Mission – perfect swimsuit for a sizzling vacation

Instagram: @wanderlust_swim

Spot:

Jl. Raya Seminyak No.61, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia;

Pantai Batu Bolong St No.76, Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

Web: https://wanderlust-swim.com/

In my view it is a perfect attempt at how female body should look in a swimsuit or bikini. Impeccable quality, daring minimalism, ideal cut accentuating body contours

It is an Australian brand, but, after discovering that they are present in Bali I’ve included their shop in to “must do” list.

Fifth place. Interior design meets coffee shop

Spot:

Jl Kayu Aya 21, Seminyak, Bali 80361 – Indonesia

Web: https://kimsoo.com/

Back in 2015 Kim and her daughter Giorgia opened an exceptionally pretty and cozy place for short break from daily chores. This is open air coffee shop enjoined with a store inside housing plenty of stylish accessories for Balinese interior. Statuettes, blankets, duvets, vases, bowls etc etc. Both coffee shop and interior design store share the same style; soothing pastel colors that add to the sense of clean and cozy fun. Classy place!