A weekend in Bali might not seem like a lot, but with proper planning, a quick 48 hours on the island can be all you need to head back to the city feeling refreshed and sporting that "Bali glow"
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Above Photo: Courtesy of Katamama

Friday

2:00pm—Check into Katamama

Tucked away down a long, leafy driveway in Seminyak, Katamama's red earth brick facade looks like something you might see in Morocco. Unlike its neighbouring hotels—which have long banked on more mainstream ideas of "beachfront luxe"—Katmama goes rogue with Bohemian flair and artful touches, be it its cool collection of ceramics and artworks, artisanal in-room amenities or its eco-friendly toiletry kits (bamboo toothbrush included). 

Check in is in the privacy of your room, so there’s no need to dawdle around a front desk. All rooms at Katamama are suites, generously-sized and adorned with mid-century furniture complemented by quirky bits and pieces by local artisans; the palette is a spectrum of elegant moody hues lifted by a bright marble bathroom, crisp white linens and lush views of the property’s surrounding tropical gardens.

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Katamama

The well-stocked in-room bar is set up with spirits and homemade mixers to create the hotel’s signature cocktails—and the first one is on the house, mixed by the staff member who checks you in.

Once you're settled, go full Bali mode, trade clothing for swimwear and head to the Katamama pool; a long strip of teal surrounded by teak decking and shrouded by palm trees for utmost privacy. 

See also: 48 Hours In Tokyo

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Potato Head Bali

5:00pm—Sunset drinks at Potato Head 

Guests at Katamama receive priority treatment at Potato Head, which is right next to the hotel. Use this to your advantage and secure one of the coveted daybeds at this laidback beach club.

Soak up that balmy Bali breeze as it rolls in with the waves, and if you're feeling peckish, order from its menu of refreshing salads and ceviches, chilled seafood and more. 

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Above Wood-fired line caught fish at Ijen (Photo: Courtesy of Potato Head Bali)
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Above Ijen (Photo: Courtesy of Potato Head Bali)

7:30pm—Dinner at Ijen, Indonesia's first zero-waste restaurant

Literally steps away behind the Potato Head lawn is Potato Head's latest concept and Indonesia's first ever zero-waste restaurant—Ijen. In an open dining area facing the beach and built from recycled materials, the restaurant proudly serves fresh seafood caught locally using a hand-reeling process to minimise environmental impact.

The daily selection of fish and other seafood is served in a range of styles, but we can't recommend the Indonesian dishes enough; favourites include the fresh fish fillet wood-fired in banana leaf and served with bumbuh matah, and the squid otak-otak served with a spicy peanut sauce.

Don't skip Ijen's creative plant-based dishes, like roasted cauliflower with keluwek tahini, pickled tropical fruits and grilled bean salad with miso mayonnaise to name a few. 

10:00pm—Drinks at Da Maria 

During the day, Da Maria is a large, light and airy pizza restaurant with a pretty courtyard and pastel palette. As the dinner crowd clears, this island Pizzeria is transformed into a nighttime hotspot. Get amongst it on the dance floor, or simply enjoy a casual nightcap under the stars. 

See also: Tatler Travel News: March 2019

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Above Photo: Victoria Palacios for unsplash.com

Saturday

8:00am—Surf's up in Canggu 

Bali has been a kind of Mecca for surfers since the '60s, so if you love to surf—or if you're keen to learn—there's no better place to do it. 

Katamama offers a 'Surf Day with Dani' experience, where you'll spend the morning chasing waves with a local surf pro at Batu Bolong Beach in Canggu, one of the island’s prime surf locations. There's really no better way to start the day than a being out on your board with the the sun on your skin and seawater in your hair. 

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Above Photo: Courtesy of The Slow
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Above Photo: @cocomarett/Instagram

12:30pm—Lunch at The Slow 

Just a few steps from Batu Bolong Beach is The Slow. A kind of unassuming temple of cool, you probably wouldn't notice The Slow just by walking past, but step inside and you'll find it's its own little utopia of art, food, drink and beautiful design. 

It's a hotel, but non-guests are more than welcome to enjoy all that it has to offer; like its in-house gallery that welcomes a revolving door of artists—previous shows featured the works of Rad Dan, Otis Hope Carey, Dmote and Jose Mendez to name a few—but many people come for the food.

In its shaded but open dining room, enjoy dishes from the ever-evolving menu—think fish tacos, Mexican-style elote corn, smoked aubergine dip, seasonal salads, lamb kofte and more—with drinks from its creative cocktail list. After lunch, stroll the surrounding stores for chic beachwear and often handmade accessories.

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Above Sunlit studio at Samadi (Photo: Courtesy of Samadi Bali)

4:00pm—Yoga at Samadi Bali

As well as being a haven for surfers and beach babes, Bali is also a magnet for yogis. There are plenty of studios to check out, but Samadi is truly something special. Yoga classes are held in a large sunlit room with folding doors that open up to a gorgeous, green garden.

During its 4pm classes, sunlight from Bali's golden hour peers through large leaves and pours into the studio. Perfect.  

See also: 7 Healthy Eating Havens In Bali

5:30pm—Sunset drinks at The Lawn

Fringed parasols, swaying palm trees and sorbet sunsets; it doesn't get more Bali than an early evening at The Lawn

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Above The Lawn in Canggu is the best place to watch those legendary Bali sunsets (Photo: milkywaysblueyes.com)

7:00pm—Dinner at Mason 

Newly opened Mason is already making waves as one of the hottest restaurant openings in Bali. Chef Ben Cross, originally from Sydney, serves up impressive yet unpretentious dishes—many of which are distinctily Aussie-influenced—from the restaurant's wood-fired oven and grill.

We recommend the organic charcoal chicken with fennel salad and lemon, the soft-as-butter wagyu with house mustard and the wood-fired carrots with dukkah and yogurt, all made to share. 

See also: 48 Hours In Cape Town

9:30pm—Drinks at La Brisa

Just a quick five minutes from Mason, La Brisa is a stunning venue that's designed to look like a seaside treehouse. Built entirely from reclaimed wood on the shores of Echo Beach, lounge on bean bags and sip on cocktails under a canopy of lamps and fairy lights to a soundtrack of relaxed tunes and waves. 

If you like your drinks sweet, order the Bali Sunset—a watermelon-and-rum concoction—or, if you're more partial to botanicals, get the the Herb & Spice, which blends gin with lemongrass and chili.

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Above Slow-roasted grain-fed short rib at Mason (Photo: Courtesy of Mason Bali)
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Above The eco-friendly design of La Brisa never fails to impress (Photo: Courtesy of La Brisa Bali)

Sunday

9:00am—Breakfast at Cafe Kim Soo  

Made for design—and food—lovers, this chic cafe is an extension of beloved homewares boutique, Kim Soo. Set in a Mediterranean style courtyard, their menu features breakfast favourites like ricotta pancakes, French toast and smashed avocado. It's perfect fuel for perusing the store afterwards for a bit of last minute shopping.

10:30am—Spa treatment at Nila Spa 

After two days of rushing around and indulging, it's time to treat yourself to some pampering. Nila Spa at Katamama offers a limited but well-curated selection of treatments; from full body massages blending east and west techniques to luxurious body scrubs and detoxifying facials. 

Simply notify the front desk or call reception to arrange your appointment ahead of time, and they'll make sure a spa suite is ready for you. 

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Kim Soo

12:00pm—Lunch by the pool 

Why spend your last few hours in paradise rushing around?

Enjoy the last leg of your trip relaxing by the pool, topping up your tan and enjoying dishes from Katamama's poolside menu that ranges from healthy salads to fragrant curries and Indonesian favourites including a mean Nasi Goreng; pair with a fresh coconut or juice made from local produce, and leave Bali feeling satisfied, tanned and oh-so relaxed. 

See also: Be Right Back: Luxury Destinations Less Than 5 Hours Away From Hong Kong

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