Glamorous laid back Seminyak, with its colourful, vibrant atmosphere provides no shortage of fun day time activities. Spend lazy day’s poolside in your private villa while the villa butler brings you cocktails and snacks. Wander the winding lanes and practice your haggling with the local shop owners to score a traditionally crafted bargain or three.
A comfy lounger, ice cold fresh young coconut, endless ocean vistas…could there be a better way to spend the day? Relax with a book or enjoy people watching as the sun warms your skin. Cool off with occasional dips in the waves and feast on local delicacies when you’re hungry. A day at the beach is an essential part of any holiday and this is a great way to make the most of it.
Take a surf lesson and experience the meditative power of the ocean up close and personal. In certain spots you can scuba dive or swim with the dolphins, even take a jet ski out in the waves for a thrill.
For the more spiritually inclined you can take a day trip to Ubud for a traditional water blessing ceremony. The island of the gods is imbued with the beauty of ritual and participating in the local traditions can give us a window into the secret Bali in a really magical way. The most well-known place to visit for this cleansing ritual is Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple, although we love the lesser known Taman Mumbul Sangeh as well for a more secluded romantic experience.
Closer to home, the whole family will enjoy a day out in Canggu at Waterbom Park, less than 30 minutes’ drive from your private Seminyak Villa accommodation, Waterbom has something for everyone, of all ages. There are thrilling rides for those with plenty of energy looking for some excitement. Massage and beauty treatments for those who’d like to relax and great food, drinks and coffee for all.
Seminyak’s main streets are simply littered with big name brands, local and international couture, gorgeous traditional homewares and antique furniture so a day shopping can be a real strain on your wallet and heaps of fun!
This area of Bali was the original area inhabited by the European expats who found a welcoming home on the beautiful island of Bali and they brought with them an eclectic mish mash of world class music and dining. In combination with local culture, this provides Seminyak with a uniquely charming atmosphere to delight any visitor.
As night begins to fall, the best place to begin your evening is beachfront watching one of the spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Our fave sunset spots include:
Ku De Ta
This Bali beachfront Icon was one of the first places that became famous for its sunset scene, and it’s still one of our faves with its endless panoramic views and discreet service. We also love that they celebrate families every Sunday by providing fun activities for the little ones like face painting and a jumping castle, so the adults can chill out with a wine knowing the kids are having fun too.
Potato Head Beach Club
We get a kick out of trying new cocktails here at Potato Head. They’re all amazing, with house-infused spirits, indigenous traditional fruits, exotic spices and almost exclusively regionally sourced ingredients. Potato Head prides itself on respecting the ‘garden to glass’ concept and both the cocktails and the mocktails are refreshing and deliciously suited to the tropical climate. This is one of the spots we consider best for celeb spotting in Bali as it’s become an iconic sunset destination for movers and shakers of the world when they visit the island.
As your tummy starts to rumble it’s time to check out some of the world class nosh on offer in Seminyak’s many gorgeous restaurants.
Mama San
Part of the Sarong group of restaurants, Mama San has been one of our top picks for a long time. Consistency of service and quality here is remarkable, as is the stylish décor; reminiscent of colonial Britain in Shanghai during the 1920s. Executive chef, Will Meyrick, says Mama San is “for anyone who likes to lounge in style and eat quality South East Asian food without it being too expensive.” One of our favourite things to do at Mama San is visit their second floor tasting club, where the chefs interact with the diners and cook iconic dishes to order and catering for all food preferences. It’s a fun combination of theatre and dining.
Kaum
For beachfront dining you really can’t go past Kaum restaurant. Founded by the family that brought Bali the uber successful Potato Head beach clubs, Kaum is all about traditional Indonesian dining, with a modern twist. We admire that before starting Kaum, the owners travelled far and wide around Indonesia, exploring local ingredients and flavours and developing relationships with small scale producers that continues to this day. On the menu, the origin of each dish is specified, exemplifying responsible dining by supporting local growers. One of our favourites is Asinan Sayur Kuah; mixed vegetables pickled in sweet, sour & spicy dressing served with deep fried tofu stuffed with vegetables, fried peanuts & rice crackers. The dishes are all designed for sharing making Kaum perfect for relaxed, family style beachfront experience.
La Lucciola
In a serene beachfront setting surround by manicured lawns and beautiful tropical gardens, La Lucciola is the place we come when we have a yen to see and be seen. It’s renowned as a hotspot for locals in the know and you can often spy someone famous enjoying gorgeous food with the best of Seminyak. This is inspired Italian dining with an Asian twist. Dishes such as Lemongrass Bok Choy Risotto, sit alongside signature Prawn and Snapper Pie. The pasta here is homemade and the coffee is very good.
On the nights when we crave a little music and dancing we might to decide to extend our evening beyond Seminyak’s incomparable restaurant scene. Replete with gourmet food, it’s time to hit one or two of Seminyak’s nightclub scenesters.
Rebenga Lounge
Much more than a bar or lounge, Rebenga is an experience; the luxe den is furnished with super comfy sofas on which we love to lounge and enjoy the finest of South American libations. There’s a dress code here so it’s a great opportunity to go to town with your glad rags.
Frankensteins Laboratory
Bali’s first and only Halloween themed bar and cabaret lounge is a fabulously kitsch, fun place to add to the agenda of your holiday. Enjoy a Creepy Cocktail Concoction while checking out the Grateful Dead Live Cabaret.
Mirror Lounge & Club
Delicate neon lasers thread through the candy coloured mosaic glass windows and illuminate the glass ceiling. We love that world class DJ’s pump out music that fills the dance floor with partying crowds from all corners of the globe. The Mirror really heats up after midnight and is one of our favourite spots to dance the night away.
Club Jenja Bali
For a dance party in a superbly atmospheric environment we highly recommend Club Jenja with its hot local and international DJs, mosaic of dragon scale motifs and state of the art lighting that’s flattering to simply everyone.
Hip and happening, Seminyak’s nightlife – from sunset to sunrise – offers something for everyone. Whether you’re after peaceful and romantic or fun and flirtatious, or anything in between; you’ll find the perfect places to enjoy yourself in Seminyak, Bali.
