bali

I've just returned from a whirlwind trip to paradise — also known as Bali — and while the memory is fresh, it's time to impart some packing tips and styling cues for your own Bali-bound adventures. The most important thing to remember: keep it light. With Bali's tropical climate, endless beaches, and lush forests and rice paddy fields, you'll want to ensure that you stay cool and comfortable while enjoying the gorgeous terrain. Opt for sportier slip-on espadrilles and flats over cute summery wedges because the unpaved roads can be unforgiving. Lightweight, natural fabrics (like worn-in cotton and linen) work best in the heat, and you'll benefit from keeping a chic cover-up or maxi dress on hand — especially if you find yourself in one of Bali's many sacred Hindu temples, where a little modesty is required. If you're all about surf, sand, and sun, then plan on practically living in your bikini. Translation: invest in a swimsuit you love and that can be worn again and again. For more Bali dressing tips and shopping picks, click through now.

If you're planning a getaway to an exotic destination like Bali, you can go one of two routes for your hotel stay: beautifully rustic, like one reader did for her honeymoon, or over-the-top luxurious. The new W Retreat and Spa Bali, which just opened last week, definitely falls into the latter category. Designed by SCDA Architects, the resort boasts a modern take on traditional Balinese design in its 237 villas and suites. Click through for a tour!

Photos courtesy W Hotels Worldwide

Last week, she shared the drinks and now Nancyeinhart, who spent her honeymoon in Bali, shows us images of the amazing food she ate while on vacation.

For our honeymoon, and my first experience traveling outside my familiar Western confines, we spent 10 days in Bali, split between the Ubud and the island of Nusa Lembongan. It was a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, with lots of remarkable food thrown in. We mostly stuck to yummy and cheap local cuisine, with the exception of one blowout dinner. Click through to see what we ate.

Have you recently sampled something exotic? Be sure to upload it in the Savory Sights group in our YumSugar Community!

Here's a slideshow from CasaSugar Community member nancyeinhart from the Casa Inspiration group:

Luxurious hotels are easy to come by, but it's rare that you find something that's really magical. Bambu Indah, outside of Ubud in Bali, Indonesia, is one of those places. We stayed there for part of our honeymoon, and I could have never left. It's not for everyone, but if you don't mind slightly rustic luxury, it is a truly outstanding and one-of-a-kind experience. The hotel is made up of seven 100-year-old huts, constructed by Javanese tribes and then rebuilt on Bambu Indah's property overlooking a river gorge and rice fields. But that's just the short story; click through to see how cool this place really is.

Nancyeinhart spent her honeymoon in Bali and shared photos of the delicious drinks she consumed in the YumSugar Community.

For our honeymoon, and my first experience traveling outside my familiar Western confines, we spent 10 days in Bali, split between the Ubud and the island of Nusa Lembongan. It was a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, with lots of remarkable food thrown in. We mostly stuck to yummy and cheap local cuisine, with the exception of one blowout dinner. Click through to see what we drank.

Have you recently sampled something exotic? Be sure to upload it in the Savory Sights group in our YumSugar Community!

If you're susceptible to daydreaming about packing it all in and running off to a tropical island then I advise you to avoid this slideshow, as it will tempt you to book the first plane to Bali. If you have a strong will, though, check out the home of the Hardy family, who live in a five-story pagoda home that uses repurposed, recycled, and creatively rethought materials to create a gorgeous, dreamy home. You've got to see it to believe it!
Source