THE TRAVEL EDIT, CANGUU
I think that one of the great attractions to Bali now is that it provides all the things that we have grown used to at home ~ good coffee, great food, cool clothing and the spa treatments are unlike anywhere in the world. We get to explore those things on a bike, scooting through scenery that takes your breath away and it is totally affordable. You live well, eat well and look great for a fraction of the cost.
Canguu is the latest hang for the hipsters. Once covered in unspoilt rice paddies, they have been quickly replaced by villas, cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Which make me question whether it is worth it. We go for the unspoilt charm and it quickly disappears before our eyes to make way for us all descending on the place, which in turn ruins the charm and the reason to visit in the first place and it is happening fast.
Just on the outskirts I discovered a cute little salon "Maria Curau"; it is a non-toxic nail salon founded on the idea that the time you spend with them should be the most relaxing part of your day, and it was, we were totally in heaven. They are creating a healthy nail spa experience, where the guests can have beautiful happy, healthy nails without sacrificing style and without having to expose yourself to even more toxins & chemicals. On arrival you just know this is going to be a good experience. Greeted with the great Balinese hospitality and smiles that we have become so accustomed to and fall in love with time and time again.
The styling, simple, with a tropical twist. It so refreshing when you walk in. You are handed a dragon fruit Kombucha which is the prettiest colour ever and tastes divine. I wanted to package it up and sneak it back with me. We meet Tatiana the owner, who explains what her inspiration was when creating the salon, She says that nature had been her biggest inspiration, she always wanted to walk in to a nail salon where it "looked fresh, felt natural and smelt like heaven". Mission accomplished. We were lead into the treatment room and we weren't disappointed, this is a ritual and you just need to surrender. We found our happy place in the salon and the team of girls made the experience all the more special. Tatiana has created a beautiful space, full of beautiful people with beautiful treatments. "To preserve a non-toxic environment, we do not offer gel or acrylic nails. Our Nail Polish is 5-Free of the most toxic ingredients known to cause health problems including cancer, asthma and even neonatal death. We offer a safer, cleaner beauty experience". And she couldn't be happier, she is living the dream.
You can visit her and the girls Jl. Munduk Kedungu 45, Pererenan.
Email for appointments hello@mariacurau.com.
As we left with twinkle toes and fingers totally blissed out we needed some food to finish off our day. Renowned Australian Chef Geoff Lindsay of famed restaurants Dandelion, Pearl - Melbourne and Hong Kong and Saigon Street - Bali has turned his hand to all things European with his new neighbourhood gourmet grocer, cafe and Campari bar in Canggu.
Overlooking rice paddies and a palisade of palm trees, this temple to all things cured, smoked and cultured, has opened the doors in hipsterville Canggu. You could be anywhere in the world inside here and with the food at a standard we only see in top restaurants globally it's confusing, you would be forgiven for thinking you were anywhere else, yet a glimpse of the green paddies outside bring you back to reality and ready for another mouthful.
They stock Balinese and Indonesia cheeses and local salumi, plus other great local produce. Including local versions of classics, prosciutto, jamon, cuatello, and artisan versions of the great cheeses of the world.
Too lazy to leave your poolside villa, no problem. Vespa home delivery is available for those who canāt leave the sun lounge.
However, you can only get the famous Aperol Spritz whilst dining in so I suggest you get on your bike and make it for happy hour which means 2 for 1 from 5 ā 7pm everyday.
We certainly made the most of it and thanks to our driver Gede, made it home satiated with full bellies and pretty painted digits.
Salumeria Tanah Barak 47 Jalan Tanah Barak, Canggu, Bali, Indonesia 0361 3003 463 info@salumeria.asia Open 4 pm - 11 pm daily
