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Bali’s Alila Villas Uluwatu at Jalan Belimbing Sari is a must, says Balinese entrepreneur and influencer Lindy Rama-Ellis.

Balinese royal and influencer lists her favourite hotels, restaurants and shops on the island

  • Lindy Rama-Ellis is niece of the king of Denpasar and ex-wife of Australian Olympic swimmer Michael Klim
  • She gives her tips on Bali’s best places to stay, eat, shop and visit
Fashion

Balinese-Australian entrepreneur and influencer Lindy Rama-Ellis first came to the attention of the Australian public in the mid-2000s as the model girlfriend and then wife of Australian Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Michael Klim.

The glamorous Balinese princess – her paternal uncle is the king of Denpasar, Ida Cokorda Pemecutan XI – stood out among the sporting wives-and-girlfriends pack and was soon spotted by Australian fashion designers and international luxury brands. They clamoured to dress her at events such as Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival.

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She and Klim have since divorced and Rama-Ellis is newly married to British property developer Adam Ellis. The couple, their new baby, Goldie, and the three children she had with Klim, Stella, Rocco and Frankie, now split their time between Bali and Australia.

As someone who lives the ultimate beach resort lifestyle, Rama-Ellis was well positioned to launch her own luxury resort clothing label – Rama Voyage – which she sells online and via Australian multi-brand retail chain Husk. She is also an ambassador for beauty brand La Mer, watchmaker Omega and Lexus cars. The Post asked Rama-Ellis for some of her favourite Bali spots. Here are her picks.

The breathtaking Bulgari Resort in Bali.

Places to stay

“If you are seeking a tucked-away haven perched on the ocean edge with some of the most breathtaking views on the island, then Soori Bali at Banjar Dukuh, Tabanan, is your hotel of choice.

“Nestled away from the tourist hot spots, it offers lush gardens, rich interiors and delicious food to be enjoyed in peace and privacy. For a slightly more contemporary stay, the Alila Villas Uluwatu at Jalan Belimbing Sari is a must.

“Rested atop a limestone cliff 100 metres above the Indian Ocean, modern architecture and contemporary interiors are met with gorgeous traditional gardens in a truly luxurious setting.

The Bulgari Resort’s private beach.

“For the fashion lover, the Bulgari Resort at Jalan Goa Lempeh, Uluwatu, is not to be missed. Boasting cliff-edge views, its own private beach and one of the most decadent spas on the island, this resort offers the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.

“If you are looking for a feel-good stay and to reboot, then the new Six Senses Uluwatu at Jalan Goa Lempeh, Uluwatu, is for you.

“Built based on a sustainable design, the resort offers wellness and detox programmes, a cooking school, organic farm and locally inspired spa treatments.”

Things to do

“No visit to Bali is complete without climbing the volcano at Mount Batur, an experience to truly awaken the soul. Opt for a sunrise trekking tour, which is worth every bit of the 1am wake-up call.

“Allow a local tour guide to lead you through the two-hour walk up [to] the 1,717 metre-high summit, where you will witness the most spectacular sunrise – truly one of my favourite things to do in Bali.

Rama-Ellis relaxes at her Bali home.

“For the most beautiful and uninterrupted beaches, head south to the Bukit Peninsula. While there you will find pockets of white golden sands, private beaches, rolling waves and some of the most Instagram-worthy locations your heart desires.

“When you are done swimming, why not head to some of the best day clubs the island has to offer?

“From the tourist must-see Potato Head Beach Club at Seminyak, to the more secluded and luxurious OMNIA Dayclub at Uluwatu, and the eco-friendly COMO Beach Club, Jalan Pantai, Canggu, there is something for all tastes and budgets.

“A personal favourite is La Lucciola, Seminyak, which offers some of the most delicious cocktails and the perfect backdrop to enjoy the sunset.”

The secluded and luxurious OMNIA Dayclub.
The interior of Bali’s popular Mama San restaurant.

Where to eat

“When it comes to food, Bali offers a Pandora’s box of high-end eateries and trendy cafes, a true food oasis to meet everyone’s needs.

“For a casual bite of southeast Asian cuisine with inspiring interiors, Mama San is not to be missed.

“If a gastronomic experience and something more upscale is on the agenda, Métis offers mouthwatering classic French cuisine with a Mediterranean twist.

“However, if you love to hang out with the locals when you travel, then you can’t go past the relaxed vibes of The Lawn – our go-to beach lounge when Adam and myself are looking for a relaxing drink among friends.”

Homewares boutique Kim Soo in Bali hot spot Seminyak. Photo: Risnatio Rompis

Some retail therapy

“For the best shopping in Bali head to trendy hot spot Seminyak, where you will find anything from bespoke labels and well-known names to one-of-a-kind homewares and trinkets made to live a lifetime in your homes. Make your way down Jalan Petitenget, a 2km winding road filled with unique boutiques and labels, and don’t forget to pop into Kim Soo.

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“Decorated with anything from gorgeous glassware [to] French marble tops, it’s a sanctuary for the interior decorator at heart. The added bonus? It also boasts a gorgeous cafe for you to rest your tired shopping feet.”

Getting there

Garuda Indonesia, Cathay Pacific, Cathay Dragon and Hong Kong Airlines fly nonstop between Hong Kong and Denpasar

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Bali highs through the eyes of a princess
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