- Written in 2012
In case you don’t know I’ve been facilitating Slow Rest Retreats in Ubud, Bali now for over 10 years. They are my absolute passion. Without a doubt.
And, as you can imagine, in that time I’ve got to know and love Ubud intimately. So, as I often get asked questions about Ubud, I thought its about time I put pen to paper and share with you some of my favourite places to eat, shake your booty and other fun adventures if you ever get to Ubud.
When in Bali my life revolves around totally pleasing my senses…… and my body.
Where shall I eat today, where to indulge for a massage, time to sit and gaze over beautiful rice fields, ah, the smell of divine incense (always in the air), the sound of temple bells reminding me prayers and blessings never stop in Ubud, what healer to see, time for a new moon yoga class, where to dance the evening away, salsa lesson time and if I’m lucky.
Guaranteed if you ever get to experience Ubud your sense of touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing are all heightened – very deeply. It’s common feedback from my retreat participants. You reconnect with your body at a very intimate level. You feel replenished. The pace is kind, nurturing and I absolutely love it.
And yes, they are my toes pictured here in a flower bath. What can I say. Bliss! It’s one of the afternoon therapies offered at my retreats.
My driver:
Need a driver then I have the man for you. Nyoman rocks.
It takes just under an hour to get from the airport at Denpasar to Ubud and its such an easy drive. Nyoman is a wonderful guy, speaks great English, has an air-conditioned car and is a father of two gorgeous children. Click here for his facebook page and you’ll find his contact details.
Where to eat:
Firstly you need to know I’m vegetarian, favouring the Ayurvedic approach and eat simply real food that’s close to its source. In Ubud, you can expect to find lots of great raw, organic, gluten free, vegan, vegetarian warungs or cafes. Ubud is the best place to get healthy.
Cafe Soma – High Vibe Organic
It’s owned by Johnny a truely beautiful soul who lived in New York for many, many years as a banker.
Call in for some amazing organic food that is blessed with love and gratitude.
Why not try the “Mango Madness” – Luscious mango’s, coconut milk, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. Perfect for a hot day.
Later in the afternoon I tend to drink their Ojas builder – served warm, its a blend of dates, honey, cinnamon and warm cashew and coco milk. Divine. Great for the shakti in your belly.
There’s lots of raw, semi raw organic and Ayurvedic foods on the menu but my favourite to eat for either breakfast or lunch is the organic red rice pudding. It was a favourite with nearly everyone on my last Rest and Rejuvenation Retreat.
If you happen to see Johnny there say hi.
Soma High Vibe Organic Delights – Jalan Dewi Sita, Ubud (0361) 971 120
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Yellow Flower Cafe:
This is the latest hip place to eat with the yoga crowd in Ubud. It’s a little out of Ubud centre, but well worth the beautiful 10 minute walk. My favourite dish there is a candle nut curry (like macadamia nut).
Food mostly organic and vegetarian. It’s in a very secluded location off the beaten track and away from any noise (except for roosters of course) It really feels like your own private eating temple.
Access is only by foot along a rice paddy track. Find the Campuan steps (just over the champuan bridge) climb them – there’s over 100 and then turn right. Walk for about 5 minutes.
Yellow Flower Cafe, Camphuhan Steps, Ubud (0361) 88 99 865
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Bali Buddha:
I’ve been eating at Bali Buddha for over 10 years now. Its across the road from the Ubud Post Office. The homemade taco’s and carrot and beetroot salad are my favourites there. Expect to see a selection of raw food, Ayurvedic dosha balancing drinks and oodles of juices.
Bali Buddha also have a health food store next door. The chewy chai cookies are divine.
Its also worth having a look out the front on their noticeboard. An huge array of healers, places to rent and other activities that are happening around the place.
Click here for their web site. They also do home delivery.
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Kafe:
Hugely popular. Always busy. Feast on the freshest organic vegetarian, raw, vegan and gluten free dishes and juices. It’s in Jalan Hanoman 44b, near the yoga shop. Its even got free wiifi.
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Sopa:
I love this place. It’s hidden in the back streets and away from all the hustle bustle of Ubud centre. They serve mainly soups, the menu is small, their food is organic and grown sustainbly locally. If you are there on a Sunday morning then drop into the local organic Farmers market out the front.
Warung Sopa – Jl. Sugriwa No.36 Padan Tegal Ubud. It’s a little tricky to find but there are signs.
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Warung Bu Bu’s
This is one of Ubuds best kept secrets – so I’m reluctant to share. Its a little out of Ubud but you can walk there or grab a driver (there’s millions of them everywhere). The easiest way to find it is ask for the The Meditation Shop in Jalan Raya Penestanan – its right next door
You can click here for Bu Bu’s details and find out about their home stay accommodation.
Made (owner and chef) buys all ingredients daily at the markets so everything is absolutely freshly and loving prepared. Expect to pay around 25,000 or $3.00 for this dish. I happen to think its the cheapest, yet best Balinese food ever!
Make sure you say hello from Carole and give them hug from me.
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Sara Organiks:
The secret is out and sara organiks is now oh, so popular. Tricky to find the track to walk along but just ask the locals. Once on the right track its a divine walk to pleasure your senses. I often enjoy walking in silence to Sara Organiks and soak up all its goodness.
Alternately if the day is too hot for you simply ring ahead and ask for a motor bike pick up. Now that’s a fun experience.
The food is is mostly organic, locally grown using permaculture and fair trade principles. Their red rice is exceptional.
Sara Organik – Subak Sok Wayah, Ubud. (0361) 780 1839 Web site click here.
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