Tranquility and Seminyak Dream at Clio Apartment

Fiona found Clio Apartment during her quest to find a pre-wedding spot. A recommendation from the photographer, this place is minimalist and raw but with a homey feel to it. Based only on the browsing result, 2 nights are booked. 

This is Fiona's vacation in Bali.  

Staying away from the regular hotels in busy Bali, I was glad to find this place to stay in a discreet alley in Seminyak based on a recommendation. I hop on the internet and started investigating just to find I like this place more and more with each picture. Then comes the first challenge: deciding which room to stay in? The place has 15 rooms which varies from sky lofts, regular lofts, studios and deluxe rooms. The place isn't so hard to find because it's close to Bali Deli, but the alley is rather narrow for cars to drive in. It’s roughly 25-minute drive from the airport and guests can call I for shuttle services if needed.

My first live encounter with Clio Apartment (I’ve browsed too many pictures of this cozy-looking place that I felt like I’ve known the place already) is the large doors. Right next to the large doors are simple reception desk and 2 seats. But there's a rack full of movies which attracts my eyes right away. I made a promise that I would watch them if I have time. Then I walked to my room and passed by a large well-managed garden in the center. A perfect spot for daydreaming or BBQ. I think other than the lofts and sky lofts, the rest of the rooms are on the garden floor. Follow the stepping stones to the end and walked upstairs and you'll find Loft 1. That's where I'm staying for two nights.  

 It's like Cinderella entering the prince's castle for the first time. When I opened the door to glance what’s inside the 90m2 loft, I was welcomed by a ginormous living room with large windows on the right and a big comfortable-looking sofa. The cute wooden-cut table and LCD 42" screen on the left. There's a large dining table in the middle with Haman Kardon speaker on top. Perfect for music. The kitchen is well-equipped with microwave, sink, cutlery and other dining essential tools. Well, I forgot that this place is an apartment, so of course they have everything. After passing through the sliding doors, I found bedroom and bathroom with a partition separating the two areas.  Bathroom is equipped with a large mirror, rectangular bathtub and shower. Bedroom has a comfortable bed, with makeup station and dvd player making it even dreamy. The whole loft comes up to 90m2. This is even better than what’s pictured on the web. It’s simple, spotless, and spacious. The interior definitely suits my style. So I can safely say this is the hippest apartment in Seminyak. 

The partition between bedroom and bathroom

There’s no swimming pool in this boutique enclave, which is actually a good thing because it would be against the idea of quiet and relaxing holiday stay. Clio is big on tranquility and being hassle-free, which is proven on the nights I was staying. It wasn’t as cold as I expected to be, probably because the AC isn’t too strong for room that size. But the bathroom is nice and the water doesn’t spray out beyond the partition. Taking a relaxing bath is highly recommended. This place is Zen.

But what’s a stay without going through what to eat? Breakfast is about filling in the menu and choose the delivery time and voila it arrives right when you want it. I don’t have to wake up early to fight a nice spot at the restaurant and happy to have my morning meal in private. This is heaven for those prefer staying in. 

Just out of curiosity, I ventured around the area. Apparently, the road leads to several restaurants I would love to try while in the area, Bo & Ban and the famous Eatwell. Minimarket is also close by. If you feel like going a little further away, just ask the receptionist for a taxi. 

But I don't feel the need to leave my tranquility.

Clio Studio + Loft Apartments | Seminyak 
Jl. Raya Seminyak Gg. Mangga No. 7 
Seminyak Kuta, Bali – 80361 
Tel : +62881 755 0075 
Email : info@cliobali.com 
Web : www.cliobali.com 

Spice by Chris Salans: An Ubud Taste for Share

Ubud has never disappointed you. From art to food and the combination of two, there’s always something to discover in this part of Bali. On her recent visit, Fiona stopped by to taste another masterpiece of Chris Salans, the man behind Mozaic. A place called Spice.

Hi, this is Fiona!

Chris Salans is known for his signature cuisine which infuses local Balinese flavors with French cooking techniques. I had been eyeing on this restaurant since my last visit to Ubud, but it was full. This time I arrived with my fiance and he apparently is the perfect man to share the moment and the flavors. 

Located in the center of Ubud, this bright spot, unfortunately isn’t available for reservation, so we arrived early to choose the table we wanted to. My choice was the one by the massive glass window that allowed us to see the life of Ubud. It’s a warm-welcoming place with laidback atmosphere and delicious dishes. The chef, American-born Chris Salans is also the owner of Mozaic, which offer equally unique gastronomy experience through its ever-changing menu. But this is Spice, and we’ve yet to discover the taste.

Chill and Chilli, The Best of SenS Hotel & Spa, Ubud

SenS Hotel & Spa + Conference Ubud Town Centre looks fine from the outside. Even though it may not be one of those hotel you're immediately curious about, don't let first impression turn you back from this hotel. Entering its lobby, you're welcomed with slightly ethnic ambiance, cold towel and refreshing welcome drinks. I couldn't wait to see the room!

This is Fiona's adventure in Bali

(Clockwise from top left) 

Hotel front door, contemporary ethnic lobby,

 refreshing welcome drink with genuine Balinese smile and seating in lobby area

Room is comfortable, and as expected, neat. The most important thing for me is the bathroom and it looks clean and contemporary. Tempted to just jump into the bed, but it has to wait because we have a schedule to attend to. Let's head out and peek the pool before exploring more of the hotel's Balinese heritage architecture which blends with its contemporary interior.

(Clockwise from top left) 

First look into the room, and hey, it's swimming pool!

Tranquil Escape at Inaya Putri Bali

It’s a good start for my vacation in Bali. As I stepped out the rental car, I entered a spacious and minimalist hotel lobby in Nusa Dua area, welcomed by the warm hospitality of the crew. Yes, I’m in Bali.

Tempting lobby area. Let's get inside!

Fiona’s adventure continues.

Homaya Presents Authenticity of the Archipelago

What if you can taste Indonesia’s diverse food on one sitting? Creating a menu driven by market-fresh ingredients, HOMAYA Restaurant at Inaya Putri Bali spiced our holiday up with comfort food. Let’s give them a taste.

Fiona’s adventure in Bali continues.

The super romantic alfresco dining

Minimalism design with wooden and unique features, highlighting the large tables inside and super romantic alfresco dining. Sitting down outside accompanied by scenic view and warm lanterns. The semi-fine dining restaurant has peaceful, calm and tranquil ambiance for its customers. The staffs are friendly and helpful too. I was honestly impressed. Talking a bit technical, this place is equipped with 75 seats and a 16-metre communal table at the front. And the weather is hot, but hey, it’s Bali! And they provided me with cold towel too.

Beachlife Weekend at Radisson Bali Legian Camakila Hotel

Ever wonder how is it to live near the beach? Stop wondering and start checking in at Radisson Bali Legian Camakila Hotel. That’s what Fiona did. Read on and take a break from the everlasting Jakarta rain.

Lobby with plenty of pillows

Bali’s weather was friendly, at least during my stay there. I can get up and enjoy the warmth of the sun. Enough to received tanning notices from my co-workers (although Ruth was a bit confused -- “did you really tan?”) when I returned to work. Let’s start from the beginning then. Arriving at Radisson Bali Legian Camakila Hotel, 30-minutes away from the airport, a welcome drink was served. The property, which 116 rooms and suites, is within walking distance from popular beaches, hip shopping places and fashionable nightlife.