Diamond Head Road

Shopping Strategy: Part I

My girlfriend from Singapore was just here for two whirlwind days to get a taste of the best that Bali has to offer.

March is a fantastic time to explore Bali as the island is quiet: you have the beaches and shops all to yourself. The only downside is that it's HOT, so you need a savvy strategy to get the most out of your time without melting.

First, hire a driver ($45/12 hours) to drop you at the Bali Deli, the perfect place to grab a cool drink and to enjoy a bit of air con in the gourmet market. The Deli is located on Jalan Kunti right across the street from the Indian raja-inspired Prana Spa.

Right next door you'll find Periplus Bookstore; Indonesia's version of Barnes & Noble with international magazines galore, local guidebooks and several Bali based novels including Janet de Neefe's cooking odyssey, Fragrant Rice. Pick up a copy of The Yak, Bali's leading "it" magazine to read the latest interviews and insight into the island's happening people and trends.

From Periplus, turn right along the shady side of the sidewalk into Uma and Leopold, one of Bali's leading fashion brands. I found the perfect short white sundress with a bright Mexican inspired trim and Tania found a superbly fitting full lengh black strapless number topped off with a simple handmade lace trim. 

Right around the corner from Uma and Leopold you'll find Word of Mouth and just as a warning, you may not want to leave. Offering a cafe~shopping~lifestyle concept that is not only seductive but follows through with one of a kind pieces that include floor to ceiling ceramic lighting sculptures, oversized metallic bean bags, plexiglass benches, featherweight silk dresses, Dr. Suess pop-up books, chunky burnished gold jewelry and a groovy electro-indie soundtrack to keep you browsing.

Next, stumble into 7 Pers owned by Johnny Widiana who is the force of nature behind some of the most incredible statement jewelry pieces on the island. He creates super sized glass resin northern European inspired necklaces as well as large than life "ghetto fab" metal masterpieces. Johnny is making a name for himself in the UK and Australia and his work is consistently featured in Elle Indonesia.  

Apres shopping, head back to Prana Spa for the classic chill, a reflexology treatment that starts with your feet and ankles and ends with your neck and shoulders. In typical Bali fashion, this top notch treatment and setting will only set you back a cool US$15.