gitana del mar [colombia]

T A Y R O N A

---

only 4 hours by car from cartagena is tayrona national park, where a coastal jungle meets some of the most raw and beautiful coastline i've seen. the park is diverse and feels alive [and sounds like jurassic park with all the howler monkeys]. one of our favorite days here was hiking to one of the many beaches [although it was quite hot]. 

in a 26 mile stretch towards the coast, the terrain goes from 19,000 foot lush jungle mountains to the tropical carribean sea. it is a very special place and the energy here is captivating. we built our visit to this region around staying at a resort that a friend highly recommended, gitana del mar. 

G I T A N A 

---

gitana del mar almost feels like it's own private island when you arrive. away from the bustling streets and small town, it is quiet, serene and calming. this is a place i know i will dream of going back to, and i could not recommend it more. scroll for our photo journal of some favorite memories. 

hip & bohemian canggu: a mini guide

CANGGU: A MINI TRAVEL GUIDE

---

after spending time in the sleepy coastal village of bingin and the lush forests of ubud, we were excited to explore more of bali's emerging culinary scene, design obsession and constantly evolving community. with the neighboring towns of seminyak & kuta seeming overrun with night clubs and trite western concepts, all signs led us to the bohemian surf town of canggu. where balinese locals live alongside a stable population of ex-pats - loaded with trendy cafes, yoga studios, a good surf break, ancient hindu temples and gleaming rice fields. there is no shortage of new developments here, but the overall vibe is consistently focused on health, relaxation and interacting with other like minded folk. 

THE FOOD SCENE IS ON ANOTHER LEVEL

---

we had a lot of really, really good food in bali but in regards to density and variety of options, canggu stood out exceptional. i am still daydreaming about that  damn soft shell crab sandwich [pic below]. from starting your day off with a brekkie bowl or smoothie to a hearty, healthy lunch and fresh seafood dinner, eating well and fueling your activities isn't hard around here. some of our favorites were:

• THE SLOW boutique hotel, art gallery and restaurant. the food presentation was an exhibit in itself and everything we ate was deliciously [repeat: crab sandwich pic]. the cool design vibes here are authentic and inspiring.
• SHADY SHACK vegetarian cafe and all day hangout. with their covered terrace, large porch and open air layout – rain or shine, this is a great spot for a drink or bite. 
• SPICY COCONUT & QUINCE – two casual cafes perfect for a breakfast bowl and coffee 
• CRATE CAFE canggu staple and the hot spot for breakfast, cold brew coffee or meeting up with friends
• CAFE VEDA organic cafe and juicery serving meals all day long. we loved their fish tacos 
• ECHO BEACH CLUB fresh fish BBQ on sunday, pick your seafood of choice and they will throw it on the grill while you enjoy drinks looking out over the waves.
• ITHAKA WARUNG for good indonesian
• NOOK technically in seminyak, this cafe has a massive patio overlooking the rice fields serving fresh, local cuisine. absolutely worth a visit, but bring a book and be prepared to end up staying for a few hours.

---

THE BEACH VIBES ARE LAID BACK & THE RICE FIELDS ARE STUNNING

---

ubud isn't the only place where you can see the gorgeous and lush rice fields of bali – canggu is covered in them, alongside beaches that definitely have more of a... vibe. more people [locals and tourists], more music, more happy hours. i can imagine during the busy season this might get overwhelming, but when we were there it was a welcomed energy. two favorite spots of ours to grab afternoon drinks were:

• DEUS EX MACHINA has a temple here which is awesome and ridiculous at the same time. it's worth going for drinks or food or anything really. we happened to stop by on an evening where they were playing a surf documentary outside with free food & drinks. everyone was propped up on bean bags under the stars and it was a really cool event.
• OLD MAN'S is nothing fancy, but it kinda goes off here as the local scene gathers for sun downers always with greats view of the water. they'll often have live tunes and the earlier the better to find a comfortable place to hang.

---

R E A D  M O R E: 9  T H I N G S  T O  S E E  W H E N  Y O U' R E  I N  U B U D

---

---

L I K E  T H I S  P O S T?
P I N  F O R  L A T E R:

---

Y O U  M I G H T  A L S O  L I K E:

---

9 things to see when you're in ubud, bali

9 THINGS TO SEE WHEN YOU VISIT UBUD, BALI

---

ubud is a place i have heard about and seen photos of over the last few years, and have been intrigued ever since. from its iconic rice paddies, incredibly loving locals, temples, arts and culture – you can really feel the history breathing through the walls of this small jungle village. it is rich with color, a vibrant community and only a few hours from the coast, making this stop in your bali trip a more spiritual experience than other parts of the island. we spent most of our time exploring the rice paddies [on scooter and on foot], temples, doing yoga, trying local food, getting incredible yet inexpensive massages, and enjoying the peaceful rainy moments amongst the lush greenery.

here are 9 things you shouldn't miss when experiencing ubud:
 

1. RENT A MOTOR BIKE AND DRIVE TO THE RICE FIELDS
 

---

2. GRAB BREAKFAST AT KAFE, THE CACAO SMOOTHIE WAS OUR FAVORITE

---

3. HAVE A BINTANG AND AFTERNOON SNACKS ON THE PATIO AT SARI ORGANIC

---

4. TAKE AT LEAST ONE CLASS AT YOGA BARN [IT'S AN EXPERIENCE]

5. VISIT THE GREEN SCHOOL A  SUSTAINABLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL THAT IS DOING GREAT THINGS

6. STOP BY TUKIES, THE BEST COCONUT SHOP I'VE EVER SEEN

---

7. GRAB LUNCH OR DINNER AT MOKSA, A SPOT THAT WILL MAKE YOU CONSIDER GOING VEGAN
 

---

R E A D  M O R E:  T H E  B E S T  V E G A N  R E S T A U R A N T  I N  B A L I  [O R  E V E R]

---

8. CHECK OUT BAMBU INDAH, EVEN IF IT'S JUST FOR A DRINK

---

9: GO FOR A SWIM AT JUNGLE FISH [AFTER 5PM IT'S FREE ENTRY FOR NON-GUESTS]

---

^^ hanging gardens of bali, if you want to visit make sure to call before 

10. TOUR AND EXPLORE THE MANY LOCAL TEMPLES

---

---

R E A D  M O R E:  W H E R E  T O  S T A Y  I N  U B U D

---

L I K E  T H I S  P O S T?:
P I N  F O R  L A T E R

where to stay in ubud: bambu indah

BAMBU INDAH, ECO-LODGE IN UBUD, BALI

---

bambu indah, which translates to “beautiful bamboo", came to fruition back in 2005 when the owners of the land brought eleven antique homes to bali and began decorating them with the intention of hosting family and friends only [which is so freakin cool and awesome]. they wanted to be surrounded by the rich creativity and history of indonesia, while being comforted by the luxury and service of a boutique hotel.

bambu indah now combines the use of restored antique houses with much newer structures built with sustainable bamboo, which we learned about during our time in the philippines, is extremely durable and light. instead of using concrete foundations, stilted buildings can ultimately be moved or removed with little impact to the ground. their designs also promote use of natural light, ventilation and passive cooling with the use of open air spaces. perched up on a hilltop over looking ricefields and endless palm trees – this place makes you feel like you are away from it all and the zen vibes are very strong. even cooler? their swimming pool is actually a natural spring that looks and feels like you're swimming in a local pond. 

WHERE: ubud, bali
HOW TO GET THERE: 1 & 1/2 hour drive ($20-30 for driver) from the denpasar (DPS) airport or most of the popular beach towns. 
PRICE PER NIGHT: $125-$400 per room [including breakfast] room rates here
ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE: village hikes, green village & bamboo tours, r & r, massage, yoga, mountain biking, balinese blessings and ceremonies.
 

---

L I K E  T H I S  P O S T?
P I N  F O R  L A T E R

eco-luxury escape: mu bungalows in bingin, bali

ECO LUXURY IN BALI, INDONESIA

---

mu bali is one of those places you check-in to and immediately wish you were staying longer. tucked away in its own tropical paradise, you have have everything you could ever need on their grounds. the property sits atop a cliff overlooking the famous impossibles surf break and is a 10 minute walk to beach bars [bingin], seafood restaurants and a dip in the ocean or surf. you feel completely secluded, far away from 'normal life' but embraced by the freedom of an island scooter ride or short walk down the beach. the private complex is equipped with thatched roof bungalows, each unique and consistent in their design, with a high level of detail on building with eco-friendly natural, organic and recycled materials. every detail is accounted for and we really struggled to find any flaws as this resort flows so naturally, making it an easy transition into island time.

plan your trip around staying here and everything else will fall into place. it's in a great part of the island with plenty to do, eat and see but if you are like us, you will struggle to find a reason to leave this little oasis. 
 

WHAT WE LOVED:

---

• THE FOOD: breakfast is included [and it's delicious], lunch is healthy and served pool-side, and dinner is family style at the communal table which makes for a fun way to interact with the guests
• THE POOL: with a view over the ocean, we found ourselves parked here most of the day, interchanging fresh juices and bintangs. *just make sure to watch your belongings, the local monkeys will snatch up just about anything. that being said, they're pretty cute and it was a really fun experience to see them walking around the property 
• YOGA: with an outdoor studio, you have a view and smell of the ocean the entire time. the teachers staffed here are some of the best and it's the best way to start your day 
• OPEN-CONCEPT ROOMS: we loved falling asleep with a fresh breeze and waking up to the sounds of local birds, waves crashing and tropical smells 
• THE SCOOTERS: the hotel offers scooters for rent ($5 a day) to bop around town - which is really fun and the most recommended way to get around

HEADING TO BALI? HERE ARE THE DETAILS:

---

• WHERE: bingin, bali - southern tip of the island
• HOW TO GET THERE: ~1 hour ride from the airport by taxi ($25-$30)
• PRICE PER NIGHT: $130-$200 per night for 2, or an 8 person villa for $550
• ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE: surf, yoga, spa, dive and snorkeling, temple visits, R&R
   

MORE PHOTOS FROM OUR VILLA, SIRENA

---

* this stay was part of a collaboration, all opinions are my own. 

---

L I K E  T H I S  P O S T?
come follow us on  I N S T A G R A M or F A C E B O O K  if you aren't already! 

---

the swimsuit i'm wearing is sold out, but here are a few similar ones:

---