This was my first trip to Bali and I loved it! We based ourselves in Seminyak, which was laid back and effortlessly cool. I loved the vibe, tropical temperatures and relaxed atmosphere. The Balinese were some of the friendliest people I've met, always smiling. 

From my trip I have put together a Quick Guide to Seminyak, Bali. For frequent Bali-goers, you will probably be familiar with these places, but to new-comers these are the ones to check-out.

STAY

There are plenty of places to stay, catering for all tastes and budgets. Stay in a Villa if you are travelling in a group or want more space. If a no fuss holiday is what your are looking for, stay in an all-inclusive hotel by the beach. Check out The Bali Bible for a comprehensive list of accommodation as well as where to eat and what to do.

We stayed at IZE Seminyak, part of Lifestyle Retreats, which is located in the heart of Seminyak. You step out of the hotel and there are boutiques, bars, cafes and restaurants right at your feet. Breakfast at the hotel is a good place to start off the day and their coffees are pretty good too. The rooftop bar and pool is a perfect spot to cool down after shopping - the mojitos are amazing here.

From IZE you can walk to the beach in 15-20 minutes and many of the places I recommend in this guide are within walking distance.

EAT & DRINK

We ate at Ginger Moon on our first night and were blown away by how tasty it was! This modern Asian eatery definitely set the Bali eating standards high. Designed to be shared, the must-try dishes are the Half Moon Steamed Buns, Soft Shell Crab and Watermelon Salad, and Crème Brûlée Trilogy!

Sardine in Kerobokan is an oasis away from the hustle and bustle. Overlooking their own rice paddies, tended daily by local farmers and patrolled by Sardine's flock of ducks, this stunning restaurant is a must. Specialising in seafood, make sure you book early and arrive with time for a cocktail at the outdoor lounge prior to dining.

Sisterfields is great any time of day. With great coffee (plus Bonsoy!), delicious fresh bites, juices and cocktails, it was hard not go back to this cafe every day of our stay.

BO$$ MAN burger joint is a new addition to Seminyak and the brother of Sisterfields. The burgers here are awesome. If you're a fries lover like me, then you'll be in heaven with polenta fries, truffle, porcini and parmesan fries, and classic fries on offer!

Motel Mexicola is a great place to have a margarita, guacamole and tacos while enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Go to La Favela for a cocktail. This Pirates of the Caribbean meets Hook establishment can't be described in words, you just need to go. While the food is good, it's not the focus, so start or end the night with a drink here.

Cafe Bali is perfect for lunch. Sit on the verandah, sip a juice and enjoy a Nasi Goreng, burger or Mahi-Mahi carpaccio while people watching.

Some others we were recommended:

Sarong, Mamasan, Double Six, Chandi, Grocer and Grind, Sea Circus, W Retreat, Metis, Barbacoa, Mozaic.

SEE & DO

Allow half a day of back-to-back pampering at Bodyworks. Have a massage, facial, wax or get your hair done. Call or visit them early on in your stay to make a reservation.

SOUQ cafe, homewares and fashion is the place to go to find quality gifts and local designers.

For local sophisticated fashion visit Olenka. I picked up this gorgeous swimsuit.

One could spend all day at Potato Head Beach Club. It's easy to while away the hours at this super-cool beach club sipping on cocktails, eating lobster rolls and swimming in the infinity pool. Arrive at 11am when they open to snag a daybed and relax until the sun goes down. Escalier Store is worth checking out too, featuring brands such as Simone Rocha, Toga Pulla, Jacquemus, Jimi Roos and Ecua-Andino Panama hats (like the one I picked up).

Other beach clubs include: Finns Beach Club, KU DE TA and Spanish style beach bar La Plancha.

Take a taxi to The Mulia, Mulia Resort, Mulia Villas in Nusa Dua. I have never seen a hotel so enormous. The gardens of the resort were immaculate and it housed every sort of restaurant you can imagine. We ate at The Cafe which features an International Buffet that is out of this world with two dessert rooms! For only $49 per head, this is a place to go for a sensory experience.

THINGS TO KNOW

We went for six days, however four to five days is sufficient if you just want to relax, swim, eat and drink as we did. If you want to do day trips, then six or more days are necessary.

Tipping is not expected in Bali, however if the service is good, it's nice to leave at least 5000Rp, 10% or more. Carry little notes in your wallet to make this easier and hand cash directly to the individuals you think deserve it. Tip good taxi drivers, guides or people giving you a massage.

Next trip we definitely plan to see more of Bali but this trip was the perfect relaxing holiday we needed after a hectic September.

Lei xx

Lots more travel guides coming up in the next few months so stay tuned!