That time I went a week without wine #tcinbali

Well nearly. There was one glass of Moët in there but other than that, I’ve just spent a week drinking beer and cocktails. I did want to try some of the local Bali wines on my first trip to WA’s fave long-weekend destination but in that hot muggy weather it just didn’t entice me. Shock horror I know.

I actually read up a lot about the Bali wines for our trip and I had various opportunities to try some yet I just never had the urge. After walking through the streets sweating my ass off I just wanted to knock back a cold beer or cocktail.

I did happen to make it to Bali’s version of a champagne bar. Which was the extent of my wine adventures in Indonesia. And I also did happen to uncover some amazing gems which I can’t simply keep quiet about.

Before we left everyone gave me huge lists of their favourite places to go in and around Seminyak where we were staying. To be honest it was a bit overwhelming and being fairly well-traveled we thought we’d just wander and see what we could find.

Hotel Vila Lumbung & The Swim-Up Bar

I have to admit the pool area at Vila Lumbung is pretty good especially if you’re looking for a resort style holiday. The included breakfast was fairly standard with an omelet station and your typical buffet offerings. The coffee not so flash so I learnt early on to opt for tea.

The swim up bar was definitely the highlight. They made super impressive frozen margaritas (it was typical that the one time I had my phone to take a picture it was the smallest one they made – typically they were comically towering). Happy hour from 4-6pm meant you could get some good cocktail deals (buy one get one free). Outside of happy hour small bintangs were around 42,000/AU$4.25 and cocktails 75,000/AU$7.60 (+ service charge and government tax hence why buying beer from the local Mini Marts to enjoy on your hotel balcony works out cheaper).

For more info: www.hotellumbung.com

Warung Kita Restaurant

Okay so I admit this was a stumbling home food stop one night. We’d had a big day of drinking and walking and needed some fuel. We decided to takeaway and eat in the comfort of our gorgeously air-conditioned room. Our biggest regret is we didn’t come across this spot sooner! It’s one of those ‘pop-up restaurants’ at night. During the day it’s a car park.

And before you ask it definitely wasn’t just awesome because we’d drank our weights in cocktails and beers that day. We went back on our last night and dined in – delicious and super cheap at around 50,000/AU$5 for the 2 of us. The Nasi Goreng Special was a particular favourite.

Plus it’s BYO – you can grab a bintang or 4 from the Mini Mart around the corner. If you’re a spicy food lover, it’s definitely worth asking for the chilli version – just be careful not to do one of the green chillies in one go. Intoxicated me weirdly thought I’d grabbed a green bean and then nearly thought I was going to die from the heat when we had it for takeaway the first time.

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Red Carpet Champagne Bar

I’m not too sure how to describe Bali’s one and only champagne bar. It’s like circus meets English pub meets Asia.

The iPad menus were rather flash and I have to admit the wine list was pretty decent too. The prices were typical of wine prices in Asia. Glasses of Moët were on special for about 220,000/AU$22.30.

Mr. Spittoon was pretty chuffed with his singular beer ice bucket.

We didn’t eat there even though I was tempted by the oysters. The ladies toilets were also an interesting experience. They were upstairs in a boudoir looking shop with lingerie and sequined dresses you could purchase I believe?

Definitely like no other champagne/wine bar you’ve been too! Plus the cold towels they give you once you’re seated are awesome!

For more info: redcarpetchampagnebar.com

Taco Beach Grill

Being a Fitbit nut I convinced Mr.Spittoon to walk everywhere while we were there. It did include bribing him with some pit-stops and ‘roadies’ along the way (there are plenty of Mini Marts & Circle K’s which conveniently have bottle openers outside/the staff are more than happy to open for you FYI).

From the hotel it took about 30-45minutes to venture to Taco Beach Grill. It was more than worth it!

Our good timing meant we arrived just as it hit the 2-4pm happy hour. 2 margaritas for the price of 1 or 2 small bintangs for the price of 1. They went down too well. Oops. But it was the food that was the standout for me. It was a feast for the senses. There’s no doubt the meals were full of fresh local ingredients. A lovely fusion of Mexican and Asian elements. I’d definitely go back again.

For more info: tacobeachgrill.com

Chiara Spa

I know most of these spa spots are much of a sameness however out of the two massages I had, this one definitely won the title of the best Bali massage (maybe even, best massage ever – it was so good!). For 120,000/AU$12.15 I had an hour massage and a 30 minute facial. And on another day I had a mani and pedi (with OPI nail polish too!).

Mr. Spittoon also treated himself and he was also impressed and happy with the service and prices. I also made him walk here each time which was about 15 mins from the hotel and enroute to Red Carpet Champagne Bar and Taco Beach Grill.

For more info: www.facebook.com/pages/Chiara-Spa-Seminyak

Nebula Restaurant

After a hard morning at the spa we decided to hunt out a lovely air-conditioned spot for lunch. Nebula like a lot of places in Seminyak has that hipster funk to it. Very cool interior design and I have to admit I didn’t expect Bali to be so cool and modern.

Again we happened to show up at happy hour so we opted for the 3 ice-cold small bintangs for 80,000/AU$8.10. I love Asian food and eating as local as possible so I randomly went for an interesting Indonesian plate for 62,000/AU$6.30. I’m not entirely sure what all the elements consisted of but it was totally delicious and I couldn’t eat it all. A great spot for modern Indonesian food and western food.

For more info: www.facebook.com/nebularestaurant

BAR di Bali

If you didn’t haven’t already assumed from my 5 Totally Gangsta Wines post, I’m a bit of a hip-hop and R’n’B fan. Which is why we went to Bar nearly every night. Totally awesome old-school gangsta music and wonderful service.

The caprioskas were a favourite of mine in particular! Again awesome interior design!

For more info: Google Map

Bums Bites & Cocktails

How could you not? Haha with a name like that. I loved all the Edison bulbs and industrial chic design inside plus the Frozen mojitos which looked rather like an uber healthy green juice was heavenly. Interestingly it came out with the alcohol on the side which we presumed we were just to tip it over.

For more info: www.facebook.com/pages/Bums-Bites-Cocktails

There are so many awesome spots in Seminyak for eating and drinking. I wish we had more time and I had more stomach capacity as I’m currently sitting on the plane full to the brim. I’m pretty sure I could go a week without eating!

Next time I will make more of an effort to try the local wines however I’m pretty sure we can just say for now that the local Bali wine is called bintang. It’s most definitely the cost-effective option and wonderfully refreshing when ice-cold.

Till next time Bali #tcinbali