Bewitching Bali day 10

After being spoilt rotten with what seems to be endless breakfast choices in Komaneka, breakfast at our new hotel was comparably modest . FF got croissants with jam and I got to enjoy some pancake with blackened bottom. Well, there are worst things than burnt and bitter pancakes in the morning.

  

We spent a lazy morning at the pool, which was noticeably empty. 

Few minutes before noon. A car, organised by Ibah Warwick Hotel came to pick us up and brought us to another worth checking property in Ubud. The Maya Resort and Spa .Security was really tight at this place, I noticed. 

Our day trip to Maya was my anniversary gift to FF. It came with  lunch and 90 minutes pampering from Maya's renowned and award winning Spa. After  confirming our appointment at the resort lobby we were told to proceed to the Spa reception, The walk was scenic. 

 The resort is massive with numerous private pool villas sprawled all over.

 It has this picturesque pool overlooking  Ayung river.

Lunch was delish and healthy.

 I'm not a health buff but also don't mind nibbling crunchy vegetable sticks once in a while. FF ordered Petano Jamu Tonic ( above, left) which contains tangerine, lime , honey, turmeric and cinnamon. It is said to  have anti-cancer properties, improves metabolism, clears livers and also claim to  provide the drinker a happy dispositions. Cheerio then!
After several visits to the urologist last year,  Kidney Kick Start ( above , right) with green apple , pineapple and watermelon, seems to be a sensible choice . It is said to be excellent for my kidneys and bladder as well as expelling excess salt in my system. There you go, zum Wohl!

 Our mains:
Left: FF's Gluten Free Ricotta and green peas gnocchi with wild mushroom ragu.
Right: My Hot Stone deep sea Tuna steak with lemon pepper.

Desserts:
Left: Black rice and coconut porridge with sweet orange glaze.
Right: Vegan chocolate mouse, which was toe curling good.




We took a walk around the property and enjoyed the view. Our Spa appointment was later that afternoon. Products used for  every Spa treatment were laid on the table at the reception. Ff and I also choose our massage oils .

Another cleansing tonic was served to us along with moist towels as we waited for our messauses .

Then we were led to one of the beautifully appointed massage rooms along the river. 

The therapy room is spacious and is as close to nature as one could get. I can hear the river below  while being expertly massaged . The ladies behind the wondrous enfleurage and petrisage certainly know what they are doing. The products used are of high quality and certainly do wonders to my sun-ravaged skin.The constant expert pressure, is just as heavenly  to my deeper tissues. 

On the negative part, yes, there's unfortunately a '' but'' in here. The lack of privacy disturbed me. After the marvellous pampering, we went to take a shower, which is basically within a peeking distance from the massage bed. It wouldn't have bother me if our masseuses leave and give us few minutes of privacy but they did not. With nothing  but tiny disposable ( free size)  undergarments to conceal our err glorious privates, we took a shower where I could see them fixing and cleaning the bed, and they could see us.   Not that they're looking , but it's nevertheless very discomforting. Could be a haven for flashers, though. 

Also , service is efficient but impersonal. They looked pretty serious the whole time. While we still in the room,  they are already preparing everything for the next guest. I feel rushed. 

We were led back to the reception with our therapist way ahead of us, just like the way in. No small talks, no friendly  chatter about the place and surrounding . So atypical of the people that we met in Bali. But then again, its late in the afternoon, maybe she's tired and and already saving her energy for the next anticipating guest in line.

The slow walk back to the reception perks my darkening  mood. I mean, look at this, the place is so beautiful it  simply repel any negative feeling !

The people behind the reception are noticeably friendlier and more accommodating. FF and I were served with healthy post-therapy nibbles  and drinks.



Ubud has long evolve from being a sleepy village.  There's rarely a trace of the placid and quite place it once was. Throw in Julia Robert's scenic bicycle ride along its green paddies in her movie Eat ,Pray & Love   and Ubud became a mere shadow of its quiet past. Restaurants, Spas, yoga barns and more filled the town centre and beyond, bringing thousands of tourists with  it. Each searching of a piece of quiet  relaxation, lurury within the cocoon of their private villas, a luxurious  pampering , good and delicious foods or simply channeling there inner Elizabeth Gilbert in search for spiritual enlightenment.



Looking for a special place to dine in Ubud is not a problem. On the contrary, options are more than abundant , choosing which, is the real challenge.

Among the growing number of swanky restaurants in Ubud, FF and I choose to dine at Bridges restaurant  for our last night in the Island.  The restaurant offers fantastic view with a wide balcony facing the river and an old bridge .

 Seared Foie Gras, sesame crusted Barramundi Fillet, roasted lemon-infused baby chicken with Mediterranean veggies are just few of the delicious foods we had that night. FF and I literally had a feast!


Bridges Bali

Address: Jalan Campuhan, Ubud, Bali 80581, Indonesia

Phone:+62 361 970095

With rose petals scattered on our table..

and a complimentary dessert that greeted us , our anniversary trip to Bali is one of the best holidays I ever had , up to date. I will be forever looking back to this island and the wonderful memories that came along with it.

So long Bali, and see you again!

Bewitching Bali Day 9

Our days in Bali is drawing to a close. Two more nights and  we will be travelling back to Germany. Also,  with a heavy heart, we bid adieu to Komaneka and the wonderful people we met here as we move to our next accommodation. A heavy breakfast was needed to  fill our heavy hearts. Our luggages were hustled off to Komaneka's shuttle van soon after that ,  were sent to our next hotel in Ubud and  free of charge! Yup, Komaneka takes an extra mile to please her family. With parting gifts, tightly held within our hands, we rode another van to avail   a complimentary entrance to Neka Museum, courtesy of Komaneka.

 Paintings, carvings and many other impressive arts are on display.

The ground itself is immaculately well maintained and is also artfully decorated.


Just  across the Museum is famous Naughty Nuri Warung and Grill. Another dining  recommendation of Yasa  and praised  by celebrity TV  host cum chef, Anthony Bourdain.

The place has an unpretentious  and casual atmosphere ,  is devoid of any posh decorations  and doesn't have any impressive landscape . The whole interior is full of character with  a hint of wear and tear all over. The benches have a faded, weather beaten look in it. A proof that many have sat and warmed their bottoms on these wooden chairs. A good sign. 

Instead of an impressive facade, an open air grilling station   greets guest and entice the by-passers. The wonderful smell coming from in couldn't  be more inviting.

We came here for this. The ribs.

The foods is a reflection of the entire warung. It was laid almost bare expect for a small slice of lime . No  beautiful plating, no creative garnishing, just a big slab of meat but a beauty on its own. This barbecued ribs made Naughty Nuri famous. One lick is all it took and I totally understand why. I forgot that I just ate breakfast! Even FF, who shy away from anything excessive gnawed the bone like a starving hund.

Naughty Nuri Warung and Grill

Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia

+62 361 977547

If we were not enamoured with Komaneka, I would have easily fell in love with  Ibah Warwick Resort Hotel . Months before coming to Bali, it was a serious discussion about which between the two hotels  would suit us best. To make sure we won't miss anything, we decided to stay on both.

Our luggages were waiting at the lobby as we stepped into the resort. A glass of cold water and wet towel was handed to us. We were ushered to the restaurant to enjoy another welcome drink as they drew some boring paper works.

We were led into our Treetop suite room soon After that.  I realised, Ibah is as beautiful as I saw on the pictures.

There's a communal , open office  between two rooms. It comes with a desk , a round table and chairs . It is useful especially if guest is a smoker so he/she won't be smoking inside a room.

Room is comparably smaller than Komaneka but is never the less beautifully  appointed.  The bedroom cozy with high, comfortable four poster  bed.

Modern marbled bathroom with tub.

FF's favourite spot. The terrace with a big and comfortable bench for napping. The trees behind  block the harsh rays of the sun. It took him minutes to succumbed to slumber.

Ibah Warwick UBud  has a rather swanky looking pool.

It has an old Bali look to it.

The abundant greenery and the sound of unseen creatures behind it fill the air .

The lobby is open air with ponds and interesting sculptures that are not overwhelming in size or number.   The interior is artistic and pleasant to the eyes. 

Ubud centre is bursting with activities. Tourist glistering with sunscreens and hoisting heavy cameras are seen around and about as they check one interesting site to another. I took a deep breath and plunge into the chaos.

 Ubud centre

We tried to get to Ibu Oka and have some Babi Guli. That's Balinee roasted pig , by the way.  It seems that the rest of Ubud has the same idea. They run out of Babi Guli when we arrived.  So settled for some Indian foods, instead.

 Second lunch. Buttered chicken, garlic Naan bread, Papadoms and condiments. Did not expect it, but i was pretty good!

There's enough things to see and in Ubud to kill the time.

An old bridge in Ubud

Don Antonio Blanco Museum

It boasts well manicured lawn, a small aviary with exotic birds , collection of paintings and a restaurant that offers some entertainments during dinner.

 We came back later that night for dinner and a show. Ibah Warwick has shuttle van that brings their hotel guest anywhere in Ubud centre! Pretty neat!

With only 3 tables occupied, the  restaurant was pretty empty when we arrived. Not a good sign considering the vast number of tourist on the street.  And it remained half empty until we left. I almost feel sorry for the performers, they give their best.

Foods was ok but did not really blow me away.

The performers obviously made an effort to  please the small crowd. My appreciative clapping was the loudest that night.