JetWings International July 201750 51JetWings International July 2017

Outdoors

Text Divya Behl & Vikas Plakkot

...in Ubud! A handy guide to the wellness capital of Bali. Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray, Love, chose Bali as the destination of balance, where she falls in love not only with her man but also with herself and with life. It wasn’t the crowded beaches of Kuta or Seminyak but the lush green paddy fields of Ubud that metamorphosed her. Located in the centre of the island of Bali in Indonesia, Ubud is a couple of hours away from crowded beaches, dive centres, tour groups, and concrete structures. Instead, homely

villas, lush green paddy fields, rice terraces, organic food bars, traditional spas and most importantly, the abundance of nature are the things that make Ubud the perfect place to come for a break from the humdrum of daily life.

Eat, Spa, Love...

Mila

Sup

insk

aya

Gla

shch

enko

/ S

hutt

erst

ock.

com

Gtr

anqu

illity

/ S

hutt

erst

ock.

com

zjuz

jaka

/ S

hutt

erst

ock.

com

Left to right: The delicious nasi campur (rice accompanied with numerous side dishes); Indulge in a relaxing herbal compress massage; The stunning Tegenungan Waterfall.

JetWings International July 201752 53JetWings International July 2017

Located about 38 km (90-minute drive) from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, the best way to make the most of Ubud is to stay here for at least four nights and explore the village like a local on a 125cc rental scooter.

Sprawl on the beautiful beds of:Maya Ubud Resort and SpaLocated between a river valley and vast rice terraces, this resort exudes of luxury and comfort. Having won numerous awards and praises for its eco-friendly outlook, Maya has become an institution in Ubud. Stay here if you are looking for an all-in-one luxury accommodation with stunning views, natural surroundings, a fabulous spa, and an array of healthy yet indulgent food items. Don’t forget to opt for a candlelight dinner in the lap of nature.

Sandat Glamping TentsThis features a set of eight luxury huts equipped with modern-day amenities and a private pool perfect for those intimate dips. Like many other villas in Ubud, the tents are situated amid lush greenery. Stay here if you are looking for a romantic getaway in the forest or just need a change from concrete hotel buildings.

Puri Saren Agung (Homestay)A highly recommended accommodation option for a traditional holiday, this homestay gives an opportunity to experience Ubud’s culture and hospitality in its true form. Live in one of the seven villas of Ubud’s royal palace, Puri Saren Agung, which is sure to take you back in time with its architecture, dance performances and regal aura.

Clockwise from top: Immersing yourself in nature is easy as most hotels in Ubud feature stunning infinity pools and views of paddy fields; Try the famous Kopi Luwak, the most expensive coffee in the world!

Must-do when in Ubud!• Visit Ubud’s main market and

shop for trinkets, dresses, home decor items, spices and many other small treasures to take back with you. As you walk around bargaining with the local vendors, grab a scoop of the delicious coconut ice cream available at numerous street stalls.

• Fine dine at the Dirty Duck Diner to taste their Crispy Fried Duck. Snack at Ibu Oka Warung. For a more lavish, three-course meal, go to Cafe Lotus situated by the Lotus Temple (Pura Taman Saraswati).

• Drive down to Tegalalang Rice Terrace at sunset to watch the lush fields take on a gold hue – the perfect spot for an Ubud picture.

• Try Kopi Luwak (civet coffee), the most expensive coffee in the world, at local favourite coffee shop, Anomali.

Sola

risys

/ S

hutt

erst

ock.

com

Pond Thananat / Shutterstock.com

Div

ya B

ehl &

Vik

as P

lakk

ot

Clockwise from above: Enjoy a cuppa at Seniman Coffee Studio; Treat yourself to healthy smoothies; Tuck into a traditional platter of satay or ‘sate’ as it is known in Indonesia.

Satiate your hunger here:An overdose of organic food, fresh juices, fruit smoothies, vegan shakes and cakes, Balinese coffee, and lots of coconut- and rice-based dishes, await you here. The central market area known as Ubud Centre has plenty of warungs (restaurants) and cafes that serve excellent Balinese food as well as dishes from around the globe.

Clear CafeA super trendy, cosy and affordable cafe, this one stands out for its unique decor and multi-cuisine menu. Mix up your favourite fruits in a smoothie or tuck into an Indian, Thai, Mexican or Indonesian meal. End your food sojourn with their vegan choco-coffee and melted ice-cream cake. The Wi-Fi is good and there are a lot of co-working zones too.

Sari OrganikA short ride (or walk) from the centre and set amidst paddy fields is Sari Organic. This is the go-to place for Ubud’s best healthy food offerings. Order a nasi campur (rice accompanied with numerous side dishes) and a delicious fruit smoothie to wash it all down. Even if you’re not into organic food, Sari is worth a visit to watch the brilliant sunset or to click an Instagram-worthy picture of the paddy fields.

Quench your smoothie thirst • Abe Do

A tiny outlet founded by an Ubud local, this place has the best green smoothies as well as fruit ones.

• Cafe Pomegranate Go here to have their Papaya Turmeric smoothie, even though it is a bit of a hike to get there!

Seniman Coffee Studio One of the best third-wave coffee shops in Ubud, Seniman Coffee Studio is a must-visit for coffee geeks. The cafe will entice you with its charming setting, coffee talk on its walls and the aroma of freshly-roasted beans that fills up the narrow street it is located on. Order an espresso and a chocolate croissant to go with it while you use their super-fast Wi-Fi to tweet about the place, before you cut off from technology once again!

Imag

e co

urte

sy o

f Se

nim

an C

offe

e St

udio

Sola

risys

/ S

hutt

erst

ock.

com

Alp

hons

ine

Sabi

ne /

Shu

tter

stoc

k.co

m

JetWings International July 201754

Let those muscles loosen up here:Massage and spa to Ubud is what curry is to India. It is affordable, top-notch, and a must-do when you’re here. Given the influence of Chinese medicine and Ayurveda in Indonesia and its confluence with modern-day tourism, the massage culture has spread to the nooks and corners of Ubud. The town takes immense pride in being the wellness capital of the island and boasts some of the best traditional spas. Since Balinese massage focuses on relaxation, most spa centres are located amidst paddy fields, decorated with flowers or leaves, scented with local oils and have well-trained Balinese folk who ensure they get those kinks out of your sore or stiff muscles.

Çantika Started in her own courtyard by a local Balinese woman, this spa became popular instantly. Go to any of its three branches, and opt for a 90-minute massage, body scrub, and flower bath experience.Pure bliss!

Bali ReflexologyVisit this centre for their specialised foot massage designed to use the reflex points in the feet to heal pain and ease tension of the referral areas of the body.

FivelementsThis award-winning holistic spa and retreat offers unique treatments such as water healing (massage and free movement in water) besides the traditional Balinese massages that they are best known for.

Fact File

Getting there:Ubud lies approximately 40 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport and can be reached in about 1.5 hours by road. For more information: Log on to www.indonesia.travel/en

Best Day Trips • Take an early morning trek to

the active volcanic mountain of Batur and enjoy stunning vistas from the top.

• Head to Canggu Beach for your dose of ‘vitamin sea’ while giving crowded beaches a miss.

• For independent surfing, head to Uluwatu beach in Southern Bali and head back to Ubud for a well-deserved massage.

Above: Tune out with a relaxing Balinese massage.Below: Go trekking and walk along the ridge of Mount Batur, an active volcano.

Jet Airways operates daily direct flights to Hong Kong from Mumbai and New Delhi. From here, fly with codeshare partner Hong Kong Airlines to Denpasar in Bali.

Sofi

a Zh

urav

etc

/ Sh

utte

rsto

ck.c

om

diyben / Shutterstock.com