A Jungle Oasis in Seminyak

By the time my feet hit the warm water of my spiced citrus bath, I had been traveling by planes, trains, and automobiles for over eight hours. With my morning commute starting in the chaotic city of Bangkok, it’s no wonder my body and mind were craving a secluded, spa-like oasis in the heart of bohemian Seminyak. Twenty minutes after our driver picked us up from the Denpasar airport, we turned down the cobblestone path lined with bamboo that led to The Amala Resort. 

After checking in at the front desk, we were taken to the spa area and given a complimentary massage, while our bags were being brought to the room. These small thoughtful nuances, defined what a luxurious resort should embody. Whether it was the daily changeout of local tropical fruit in the morning, with information and even sometimes eating instructions, to the wide assortment of oils, soaps, lotions, and cremes available in endless supply to enjoy both in the private outdoor plunge bath or the steam shower (both conveniently located within the complex of our Spa Villa) was merely the icing on the cake. 

Being a yoga enthusiast, I was ecstatic to learn that the resort held a 90 minute yoga session every morning at 8am. After stretching, bending, and holding poses in the rising morning heat, I was always fully ready to indulge in the inclusive breakfast spread. I opted for one juice and one smoothie everyday, as I find it helps me fight any bugs I may have caught on the plane, jet lag, while giving me energy and hydration for the day. I also varied my selections each morning ranging from avo eggs on toast to organic yogurt muesli and fresh fruit. 

After these filling meals we would spend the days lounging on the sun beds, going for a skinny dip in our private plunge pool, or sneaking away on our rented scooter to catch the sunset on the beach. No matter what was on the daily agenda, coming back to our own little stand alone safe haven was one of the most refreshing feelings when traveling so far away from the comforts of home. 

This was the first stop during our 12 day stay in Bali, and it started the trip off on just the right note. With an incredibly attentive staff, helping us organize not only our scooter rental, and spa appointments but also a few beach excursions, and a property that is close enough to the beach but far enough out of the way to feel secluded, these private villas are the perfect way to explore all that Seminyak has to offer.

Welcome to the Motel Mexicola

Meandering down a tiny side street speckled with glass windowed pockets of air conditioning to accompany the bohemian, surfer-chic outfittings... you'll come across an oasis. An eclectically bright paradise straight out of a south-of-the-border bond film (if there was such a thing). 

Where agave pours like nectar and the "comida mexicana" becomes as refreshing as the sea breeze itself. 

It's no wonder the Motel Mexicola in Seminyak is one of my favorite places to dine in Bali. 

The combination of rich red and baby blue hues against white washed wood with a splash of tropical greenery creates a rustic 1960's Acapulco vibe unassumingly near the beach, yet a bit off the beaten path within bustling Seminyak.

For drinks order one of their killer Margarita Verde's, made with fresh cucumber, red and green chili, a pinch of salt, and lime juice. Or opt for their fresh squeezed juices like their pineapple and coconut water, complete with a denim pocket coaster. 

Food is casual Mexican but extremely tasty from tacos, tosados, and rollos to hearty mains and classic desserts. Motel Mexicola is a wonderful place if your looking to escape the curries, tom yams, and nasi gorengs of Bali in hopes of a twist of flavor, with flare and spice in a charming setting. 

The Magical World of Bali

One of the most common questions I get asked about my travels is... Out of all the places you've been, where is your favorite? 

As any passionate human being knows, this answers is not only loaded, it's completely unfair. How can anyone expect, for example, a devoted music lover to pick one band or song that is above all else, or ask a diehard foodie to pick his single favorite dish, it's just plain cruel. 

However, if I HAD to pick a place... (Gun to my head) I would absolutely choose Bali. 

Im not just talking about surfer-town Seminyak or bohemian Ubud but the entire country as a whole. When you collectively admire, or have the chance to explore the entire country... you start to uncover the endless magic of a place unlike anywhere else on the planet. 

While there are so many reasons why Bali stole my heart, I will only go into the area that had the most impact on my soul. This, was hands down the people.

Every single person I encountered, from the young passionate daughter, who excitedly explained all of the various coffee her parents grew during our tasting just outside of Ubud; to our warm and spirited taxi driver, Ketut, who cracked jokes, and told stories during our three hour journey from Bubunan to Seminyak. 

The people and the naturally blissful spirits within them... Are contagious and truly inspiring to interact with. Life is so simple, and unadorned yet they love and give with such pure generosity and hope.

On one of my morning runs while staying at Zen Resort in Northern Bali, I took a wrong turn and ran straight down the "Main Path" of a small village. It was 7am, and the sun was defusing a misty amber glow over the rice fields that served as the backyard to their modest straw huts. Tired grandmas with leathered skin and palm leaf baskets filled with laundry on their head stepped towards me into the light with a look of bewilderment on their faces. Small children with walking sticks and string bound books watched me in awe as I accidentally became part of their morning. Suddenly the entire village was still, just watching me run. Within that same breath, with an unspoken unity, they all started gently waving and smiling at me. 

It was one of the most beautiful experiences I've even been lucky enough to be a part of. I felt like I was in a cross between a Nike and a National Geographic ad. The lighting, the warm faces smiling, the sound of only my hard breath and feet hitting the gravel was something I still can't forget. 

Eventually, I got to the end of the path, and stood on the edge of the villages’ incredible rice terrace and watched as the sky changed with the sunrise. I was so overwhelmed and filled with love and gratitude that I literally collapsed and started to cry. 

I had never felt that much love, and support laced with curiosity and wonder. And while the beaches, shopping, food, and culture are incredible… to me it was all about the energy.. the people, that's what really changed me.

In a lucky turn of events, I will be heading back to Bali in a few weeks. I can't wait to share my new adventures, travel tips, and experiences in one of my favorite places on the planet. Xx