Thursday 22 November 2012

Uncovering More Great Food in Ubud

There are a lot of great places to eat in Ubud accomodation cheap. Some are well known, such as Café Way an, Naughty Nuri’s, Mosaic, Bridges, Murni’s Warung, Ibu Oka, Casa Luna and Lotus Café. But, some of the best are still the least known. As we have mentioned in the past, one could eat in Ubud honeymoon packages for months and easily never get bored or have to have the same thing.  Part of the Magic of Ubud is the prevalence of high quality food in little “holes in the wall”.

We all have our “secret spots”. Those tiny, hidden joints that serve up some of the best culinary treats one can find. It can be a number of things that make it special; the price, the location, the people and, of course, the taste. Whatever the reason, Ubud is full of places like this. There are so many great places to eat you tend to develop your favorites and often miss out on some very excellent options. There are no less than four great, authentic Italian restaurants in Ubud holidays, all with genuine Italians chefs. The sheer variety is incredible. Even in big cities, you seldom have this much choice and certainly not in such a small area. There is always good food when you go on vacation, but Ubud sets the bar very high in this regard. There is nowhere else that I know of that offers as many options, much quality or better prices.

We are blessed to know of a delightful, little place that has so far remained relatively undiscovered by the tourist trail and is likely to stay that way for the time being. Café Vespa in Penestanan an, only 5 minutes by car from central Ubud tour and travel is one of these “hidden gems”. Most well known for its generous and high quality breakfasts, this charming café offers those-in-the-know a real treat. With fresh spring water on tap, professional-grade baking ovens and some of the best coffee in Ubud, Café Vespa is an exceptional choice for people who are not in a rush to enjoy a moment to relax, read the paper or chat with a newly-made friend.

Try the spinach, avocado, mushroom and feta with eggs on ciabatta or choose a homemade blueberry Danish with a freshly brewed long black with warm milk. Muesli, vegetables, dahl, quiche, pancakes and salad are all well done. Cakes, pastries and pies are a specialty of the professional bakery chef. The casual seating, pillows, cushions and boutique decoration make the atmosphere homey, inviting guests to stay a while. Grab a book, recent newspaper or other literature to catch up on the scene in Ubud Villas or just bring your “device” and surf the net on the free wireless. The close quarters and new-found popularity of this place make meeting new people easy and fun.

If you are staying at villa holidays or hotel in Ubud you can catch a taxi here for just a couple dollars. You can even walk or ride a bike. The interesting traditional Balinese temple across the street makes the place feel genuine. Café Vespa seems like it is for local expatriates, but is just a short walk from the Four Seasons!

Friday 16 November 2012

Villas in Ubud and the Natural Environment of Bali

Ubud villas are special in Bali due to their location and the relative price of land in the area. It is clear that because real estate is cheaper in this area villas in Ubud can be built bigger and on large plots of land. Also, due to the fact that Ubud is less crowded there is less need for high walls and robust security. Furthermore, Ubud villas may also take advantage of remarkable views and the lovely natural environment.

Villas in Ubud differ from their counterparts in the South in that they tend to be more open and integrate better with the surrounding landscape. This is not to say that villas in Seminyak or Canggu do not do this, but as a general rule, circumstances in Ubud allow for more creativity and flexibility with respect to the architecture, style, theme and layout.

A classic villa complex in Legian or Sanur might involve an extensive outer wall, large gate and other measures to protect the privacy and ensure the security of its’ inhabitants. The close approximation to other tourists makes the need for this much greater, not only for greater enjoyment, but also to make the best use of expensive land. The villas in the south of Bali are meant to create a world away from the outside world for guests to seek refuge and sanctuary from crowds, noise and heat.

On the contrary, in Ubud villas borrow more from the classic Balinese way of life by inviting integration between the natural environment and the villa itself. Tropical open-air floor plans with panoramic views and direct access to rivers, valleys and charming rural villages are elements that make Ubud villas unique. More space is also prominent in villas in Ubud. The price of land is lower, therefore more cost effective to build a larger structure on a larger plot of land. This gives a great feeling of freedom and sense of “ownership”. Guests feel like there is no boundary between them and their immediate environment, creating an experience unlike traditional hotels or villas elsewhere.

There are villas located in the center of Ubud, but these tend to follow the model of the South and are also more expensive. Generally speaking, you only need to travel 5 minutes by car and you will find wonderful villas with incredible scenery, large open spaces and quick access to a wide variety of fun and interesting places to go and see. There are also a lot of different themes when it comes to Ubud villas. From yoga retreats and wellness centers focused on raw, vegan and organic foods, to ultra-luxury gourmet clubs offering the pinnacle of service, dining and indulgence.

Whatever your choice, the slow pace and laid back style of villas in Ubud is generally intended more for relaxation and comfort. Perhaps what some of them are missing in sophistication, they make up for in peace and serenity. Price may also vary, with cost being generally lower than those villas closer to the beach. This is relative as there is a broad range of types, styles and quality with some providing services or experiences that can command top dollar.

Friday 9 November 2012

Ubud Yoga Opportunities for Beginners and Experts

The island of Bali is known for a wide range of activities, from spellbinding vistas to luxury right on the beach. But for yoga practitioners, Bali represents the dream retreat in an ideal setting. Yoga retreats to Bali are incredibly popular, and the rich history of yoga teacher training courses adds to the depth of the Bali yoga experience. The area of Ubud is one of the top destinations for people who want to go on a focused and invigorating yoga retreat, as well as an excellent place to learn the basics with a kind and gentle teacher.


Beginner Yoga in Ubud
Many people who are in Ubud simply for a beautiful holiday find that yoga lessons become a part of their life at the villa and then their life back at home. Yoga teachers in Ubud understand how to slowly introduce a practice into the lives of their students, giving you a way into the world of focus and calm that yoga can provide. A common morning ritual for many guests staying in Ubud is to schedule a short yoga lesson, just to get the day started right with some deep breathing and a bit of circulation to the whole body. After a morning yoga session, guests are ready for a day of hiking, snorkeling, sunbathing, or visiting the markets.

Ubud Yoga Retreats
Another option is to focus your entire trip to Ubud yoga practice, both to strengthen your body and mind as well as to cleanse yourself of the stress and tension of everyday life. Yoga retreats are aimed at students of all skill levels, so that you can have the attention from a teacher that you need to get you into a reasonable and satisfying practice. Yoga retreats in Ubud can be all-inclusive, with accommodation and food included in the price. But many people also come to Ubud and simply go to their yoga retreat each day, staying in a place where they have the luxury of their own kitchen and space to be alone at the end of each day.

Yoga Teacher Training Courses
If you have been practicing yoga for some time and your practice has matured, perhaps it is time to share yoga with others. Not all yoga practitioners are interested in becoming teachers, but the opportunity to learn what it takes to share the experience of building a personal practice is incredibly special. Some take yoga teacher training courses in Ubud Villas because they want to broaden their understanding of yoga and the role of the yoga teacher. Whether they take this knowledge on to become teachers is entirely optional.
Ubud is a name that is well known in the yoga community, worldwide. The island of Bali is known as a beautiful, healing, and calming destination where you can enjoy yoga as well as many other activities that will inspire and refresh all types of visitors.

Monday 5 November 2012

Dream Ubud Honeymoon Packages in Bali

A honeymoon should be one of the most special times of your life. Everyone says your wedding day is a big deal, but wait until you spend an entire week relaxing and recovering from the stress and exhaustion that lead up to the wedding. In many ways, you should plan your honeymoon first so you know that after the partying with family and friends is all over, you get to relax with the love of your life in paradise. And to take all the pressure out of planning an ideal honeymoon, check out Ubud honeymoon packages on beautiful Bali, Indonesia.

Why Ubud for Your Honeymoon?


Bali is an island with beautiful local traditions, a rich cultural heritage, and a huge tourist industry. Not only will you see some of the most striking natural landscapes and beautiful beaches, you’ll also be in the hands of Ubud locals who know just how to pamper a couple on their honeymoon. You can plan a number of activities and adventures in advance, or you can plan to spend the entire time relaxing in a fully equipped villa with an infinity pool overlooking the lush green mountain-scapes of Ubud. You’ll find that if you decide that you want something like a last minute massage in your villa for the two of you, a smiling massage therapist will be available.

Ubud Honeymoon Packages Include…

Ubud honeymoon packages will not only include unparalleled accommodation, but you can book meals to be cooked right in your villa and arrange for a champagne greeting on the day of your arrival. If you prefer to have the fridge fully stocked so you can do your own cooking, that will be an option, too. Because the people of Bali are used to seeing about 4 million visitors to their island each year, they know exactly how to put together the honeymoon package of your dreams, and leave room for you to discover things you never thought you would see and experience.

Arrival in Paradise

You’ll find yourself in a place where every moment feels magical, where people are relaxed and happy, and where you can go on day trips to the beach, to the mountains, or to the city. Swim in the pool to refresh yourself after your long flight, and you’ll look at each other with disbelief and pure joy. You can start your days with relaxing and invigorating yoga sessions, or you can lie in bed until noon. Nobody regrets booking an Ubud honeymoon package, and most are immediately entranced by the stunning beauty of the island of Bali.

Prepare Yourself for the Journey of a Lifetime

You’ll be preparing yourself for the rest of your life – now as Mr. and Mrs. Start off your journey in a place where every moment will be unforgettable. Ubud honeymoon packages are the luxury you deserve after all the planning and preparing the two of you have been doing for the months leading up to the wedding. Come see a beautiful new world to start your life together in paradise.