my ubud crushes
after having visited bali in 2016, life brought me back to this magical and beautiful island. back then, i stayed in ubud only -and got sick so didn't discover as much as I’d have wanted- but this time, i decided to discover a bit more of this growing yet authentic little paradise…
ubud has a lot to offer to those who find the courage to wander, to follow their intuition and their heart, to overcome their fears.
it is a living contradiction that reminds us that it is never all white or all black, but that balance can be found deep within.
ubud, bali
my favorite spots in ubud
first of all, let’s be honest… ubud is incredibly touristic and has become a real attraction, especially for those nomadic spiritual yogic conscious souls. we all love its vibe, its temples, its rituals, its locals, its nature, but if you haven’t been to bali yet, do not expect to be in a no man’s land, because you won’t be the only one wanting to discover this little paradise. it has, tough, still a lot of hidden gems a bit everywhere around the island and even in its most famous neighborhood that is ubud. i only stayed there for 2 nights, but i enjoyed every second of it. the best tip i could give is to wake up early and get adventurous on a scooter to discover places that cannot be found on instagram or google maps.
to be totally honest, i was a bit afraid and nostalgic to go back to a place i once visited with my ex. but this trip to bali has taught me so much about myself, about my past, about my desires, dreams and wishes. it actually confirmed me that a lot of people stop at the surface of things, places, people. yes, a lot of people could find ubud too superficial and overrated, like many people could think the same about me. but you know what? some people don’t let appearances define the real worth that hides behind it. and during this trip, i could, once again, find beauty at every corner and behind every modern shop or cafe. i could see the worth, the work, the values, the belief, the strength, the kindness, the vulnerability that hides behind those beautiful vitrines. this trip was at the same time challenging and soothing. it was a difficult road back to my own roots, my own self. but i am so grateful for it.
where to stay
milu villa
i found that little oasis on airbnb and i was really happy about my stay. it’s not in the crowded streets of ubud, it is right next to rice fields and it is close to a lot of really cool spots. the staff was very nice and always there to answer any of my questions and requests.
i recommend it with my eyes closed !
where to eat
for breakfast, lUnch, coffee
alchemy cafe — raw, vegan, organic — café, restaurant, shop
big crush for this really cool cafe not far away from my airbnb. (almost) everything is vegan, raw and organic. the atmosphere is so chill, we are working around barefoot (which i love), there is a little shop, the food is so yummy and their playlist feels like a blessing. i took my computer and worked as a very local digital nomad and felt really cool (haha) !
i ordered their special bali mocha spice, a green smoothie, a banana bomb and an almond goji bar.
mudra cafe — vegan — café, restaurant, shop
i stopped there before going to yoga for a little turmeric latte and it was the best i’ve ever had, no kidding ! that place is tiny, super inspiring and the black sand in their shop is surprising and so comfy. i didn’t try their food, but i’d definitely go back there !
i ordered a turmeric latte on almond milk.
revive cafe — vegeterian — café
the café crush, like the real one (i know i say that all the time, but this time it’s real). i just love everything about that tiny place. their little corner with cushions, rugs, low tables and music instruments (yeyyyy), the vibe, their outside little terrace, their food, their staff… it’s just a go to at anytime of the day. and apparently their coffee is amazing.
i ordered a coconut water, a banana bread toasted with butter and a pretty in pink smoothie.
for dinner
sage — vegan — restaurant
i took myself out on a little date that night to a place recommended by a friend of mine. and she was right ! love at first sight. another place where you have to remove your shoes before coming in, another vegan restaurant, but this one was quite special. it is a pretty romantic place because of the lightning and the candles. but if you like to take yourself out on romantic dates, you’ve found the place !
i ordered … i don’t remember what i ordered but it was stunning ! i finished my date with myself with a fudge chocolate cake.
sayuri — plant based — café, restaurant, shop
“we are what we eat”. at sayuri, food is a medicine. the food they serve is vibrant and helps to enhance healing processes. their recipes incorporate ancient wisdom like ayurveda and are made to balance our bodies and our minds. another place recommended by a friend of mine, another place i loved for its vibe, its low tables, its barefoot clients, its food, its values. the atmosphere was a bit less warm but i didn’t see there was an awesome outside terrace and garden that looked stunning. it also has a cool shop with a lot of healthy, organic, healing products. i bought some caps for my thyroid support. to be honest, i have no idea if it helps because i’m already on medication for my imbalance but their products really look secure and healthy. also a cool place for take away !
i ordered their suggestion, the nourish-a-bowl with a delicious pink dressing.
Where to heal
ketut the healer
if you’ve seen “eat, pray, love” you probably know that going to see a healer is quite a thing when you are in ubud. i would definitely recommend it, but find someone you have been recommended as it can be harmful would it be done by someone who hasn’t been trained properly. i went to see ketut thanks to a dear friend of mine and even tough i do believe in those alternative healing techniques, i was astonished by the results and the feeling afterwards. the 90’ itself were not a pleasure to be honest, but ketut healed my shoulder that was hurting for a long time, my knee, by belly, my broken heart and he helped me overcome my rape trauma. it is quite difficult to explain how he works, you just gotta make your own experience, but i tell you, it’s a hell of a thing !
where to get lost
the temples
there are an infinite number of temples at every corner in ubud, it is therefor quite difficult to tell you exactly where to go. my favorite one is saraswati temple, the water palace. it’s probably one of the most popular in ubud but it is just so beautiful and so magical, with the water, the reflections, the lotus flowers,… but again, the best is just to let your intuition guide you, follow you heart and lose yourself off the beaten track. i also went to see a kecak, fire dance, one of their most popular balinese dance and performance. it was epic ! really worth it. it takes place in temples at night which makes it really special.
ubud has a lot to offer to those who find the courage to wander, to follow their intuition and their heart and to overcome their fears.
it is a living contradiction that reminds us that it is never all white or all black, but that balance can be found deep within.