If 2018 has proven anything it’s that Bali is still a hot favourite among travellers across the globe. From party-centric Seminyak to the chilled vibes in Canggu and the lush tropical jungles of Ubud, our feeds are forever filled with infinity pools, colour-blocked beach clubs and sleek sustainable eateries. This growth shows no signs of slowing down, merely expanding, as travellers seeking to get off the beaten track venture further each time they visit. With the last undeveloped block of land on Seminyak’s beachfront soon to become Potato Head Hotel, a string of other five star builds in the pipeline, and new restaurants and cafes opening every other week, 2019 is looking to be just as exciting. Here are some of the best recent openings so you can keep your client’s next Bali itinerary up to date.
LUXE RESORTS
From clifftop resorts to jungle retreats, the last six months has seen a string of five star openings across the island. Among the most anticipated was the lush jungle retreat Capella Ubud. Envisioned by eccentric architect Bill Bensley to meld with the rainforest, the camp is hidden in the hinterlands of a small village called Keliki just 20 minutes outside of the Ubud tourist centre.
Terrace tents have outdoor salt-water jacuzzis and are filled with antiques from the owner’s private collection, while the spa, spread across three tents offers sounds healing and signature organic treatments. In cool Canggu, the ever trendy COMO has opened their third Bali getaway COMO Uma Canggu on Bali’s south coast. Set on one of Bali’s best breaks, the resort has partnered with luxe surf tour company Tropicsurf to offers Surfaris and beginners lessons for their guests. And on the south-western tip of the island, Bali’s first Six Senses resort now occupies a dramatic cliffside in Uluwatu. This is where you can experience the trending floating breakfast served in your villa’s private pool or explore the surrounding beaches in a Kübelwagen vintage car.
BEACH CLUBS
Yes, beach clubs are still very much a thing. If you’ve seen the shimmering crystal cube on the ‘gram it belongs to the uber-luxe OMNIA Dayclub in Uluwatu. Perched cliff top with two-storey VIP cabanas, high profile DJs and nothing but ocean as far as the eye can see, this celeb hotspot opened early in the year and has quickly become one of Bali’s most glamorous party destinations. In August, Nusa Dua welcomed Manarai Beach House outfitted with ocean blue batik fabrics hung from the ceiling and homemade alcoholic popsicles on the menu. While in Seminyak, from the crew that brought us Bucket List Bondi, is the newest and arguably coolest kid on the block, Tropicola. At this 80s Miami inspired oasis you’ll spend your day beneath sunshine yellow umbrellas sipping on frozitas (gin, rose, hibiscus, dragon fruit) and feasting on Mexican snacks and grilled seafood to a soundtrack of tropical groove. And for their inaugural new years they are hosting Colafest, a two day bash that begins with a new years eve fiesta at sister eatery Motel Mexicola and continues on with an all day party at Tropicola. Keep an eye out for their 60-room rooftop hotel set to open next year.
The increasing popularity of Canggu has taken the party further north with the opening of a low key beach club on Echo Beach. From the husband and wife duo who have brought Bali the La Familia (La Laguna, La Favela, La Plancha) comes La Brisa. With a name that translates to seabreeze this sustainable beach club has been built using wood repurposed from over 500 local fishing boats, serves line caught fish and is the perfect place to watch the sun go down with a cocktail in hand. Head inland and deep in the jungle, so much so that it seems a lot further than 20 minutes from Ubud’s centre, and you’ll find Wanna Jungle Pool & Bar. Attached to Kayon Jungle Resort this new party spot is open to outside guests and is gaining popularity fast thanks to the three level infinity pool that looks over the lush surrounding valleys.
EATS
On the culinary front, Aussies have continued Bali domination. Full Circle is the latest venture by Aussie owned specialty roasters Expat. Roasters who work closely with local Balinese farmers and producers and are fostering the burgeoning Bali coffee scene. Their first concept eatery in Ubud is abundant with hanging ferns, sleek structured booths, cool communal spaces and an all day menu that fuses the best of Bali with Sydney brunch classics.
For a more upscale Ubud dining experience head to the newly open Apéritif for an eight course degustation that takes influence from the Indonesian archipelago and fuses it with modern european flavours. In Seminyak, Sibling Espresso Bar is the new spot for unpretentious coffee and epic sourdough sandwiches. While Ijen at Potato Head Beach Club is touting itself as the first zero waste seafood restaurant in Indonesia and has a showpiece floor made from broken plates, glasses and cement. Further north in Canggu, charity concept GIVE Cafe is donating all profits from their plant-based Indonesian menu to three local charities each month. And on Thursday nights head to La Bandita for free sangria, two for one cocktails and the Los Pepes paprika crumbed and fried chicken burger.