Living in Uluwatu, Bali

December 14th, 2022

Uluwatu, Indonesia

Sasha & Eric Hathaway

Tucked in the southern peninsula of Bali, Uluwatu is a somewhat hidden gem.

This quaint area has everything and more you could ask for: amazing restaurants, fantastic cafes, unbelievable surf, hidden beaches, and a fantastic nightlife. Although Uluwatu is becoming the next up and coming area of Bali, and growth is happening in every direction, it’s still a little slice of paradise and a place we quickly learned to call home. 

Dreamland Beach - Although a hotspot for surfing as there is both a left and right hand break, this beach is still somewhat less crowded than the more popular places around the island (Padang, Bingin, Balangan), and it timed right you can even find your own personal spot of sand with no one in sight. Although there’s a stand for donations, you don’t have to pay an entrance fee to spend your day in this stunning paradise. 

Thomas Beach - Tucked in a somewhat hidden inlet right up from Padang and across the street from the popular cafe Suka Espresso, Thomas Beach was a little slice of heaven. A thin inlet of white sand beach, not crowded, calm current, and the perfect place to spend an afternoon and catch a tan. Also there’s no charge to enter which is always a plus! 

Best Beaches

Ours Spa - Fantastic place for mani/pedi’s, massages, and they do amazing facials using dermalogica! 

The Istana - A stunning meditation retreat that lies on the cliffside of Uluwatu and has unmatched views of the ocean. With a large infinity pool, hot and cold plunge pools, infrared sauna, and a sound steam room, this place is the ultimate evening getaway to clear your mind. After visiting the first week we were in Uluwatu, we quickly purchased a monthly membership and this became our evening routine at least 3x a week. 

The Grey Spa - This became our go-to place for massages in Bali. For 500k rp (about $30) we were able to get 2 90 minute balinese massages, and let me just say they were by far the best massages I’ve ever had. I couldn’t recommend this place enough, and after trialing almost all the masseuses Rani was one of the best!

Udara - Although this is located in Canggu, their Sunday session is an absolute must when you’re in Bali. An all day event starting with an hour long yoga class, followed by ecstatic dance (basically a sober rager), sound healing, and a chanting/breathing ceremony. Following the classes you can also take a trip through their insane plunge pools and sauna that look like they were plucked out of the hobbit. Get ready to get your spiritual mode on because it’s an addicting experience!







 





 

Best Spas

Single Fin’s - Sunday nights at Single Fins are a legendary event in Uuwatu. Packed to the brim with people, great music, cheap drinks, and a super chill venue, this is the place to be. The party might stop at 1am here but it continues on until sunrise at a street party flowing out of a supermarket right up the road. Get ready to dance like a latina because this place can get crazy!

Ulu Cliffhouse - Always has something going on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.

Savaya - A stunning cliffside club that hosts big name DJ’s from around the globe. Be ready to spend some money because this is definitely one of the boujier places in Uluwatu, but definitely worth it to check out once or twice!

Rolling Fork - Most nights this restaurant is a chilled family owned Italian Restaurant (the owner is by far one of the sweetest Italian men I’ve ever met and he runs the place with his daughter). However, every Tuesday night starting at 8pm the place starts to ramp up and you can find everybody and their mothers here for some salsa dancing! 

Nightlife

Alchemy - This was our go-to brunch/lunch spot as it’s a completely vegan restaurant with super fresh ingredients and amazing food! The Poke Bowl with jackfruit is unbelievable here, and the atmosphere is amazing. 

Drifter - A surf shop with an outdoor cafe in the back, this place is a great vibe and a super social place!

Nourish - Great smoothies, salads, and bowls here! 

BGS - this is probably one of the most popular coffee spots on the island, and not only can you find fantastic lattes, but it’s also an amazing place to network!

The Loft - I wouldn’t say the food is the best on the island, but the atmosphere is amazing in this open air cafe and it’s a great place to grab a quick bite or sit and work for an afternoon. Filled with comfy couches, sofas, and shared tables it’s a very social place and brings out your creative energy! 
Bambu - This place is a combined gym/cafe and they serve super clean food with the freshest ingredients. Their smoothies, coffee, avocado toast, lunches, everything is to die for! 









 





 

Best Cafe’s (Breakfast/Lunch)

Mason - An amazing Indian fusion restaurant conveniently located right before the Istana, this became one of our evening staples to grab a bite at!

Gooseberry - Although I wouldn’t recommend spending the money on dinner, this place has one of the BEST sandwiches either of us has had in our entire lives. It is a must if you are craving something homey, delicious, and are not a vegan! 

Mana - We didn’t discover Mana until our second to last day on the island, which was such a shame because the minute we step foot into this stunning cliffside pool/lounge/restaurant we knew we had to come back. Not only do they serve great food from breakfast to lunch, it’s the perfect place to spend a day at the pool, tan, and even get some work done with the amazing views as creative inspiration! 

Favorite Restaurants (Lunch/Dinner)