
A recent trip to Bali after 25 years revealed a changed island, with Sanur emerging as a relaxed, family-friendly alternative to Kuta. The author, traveling with her two children and a friend, found Sanur to be leafy and calm, with a seven-kilometer beachfront promenade ideal for walks and cycling. The area boasts a thriving coffee culture and a variety of dining options, from traditional warungs to beachfront restaurants and the popular Massimo Italian restaurant. While staying in a villa in Sanur, the family also visited Waterbom Bali in Kuta, describing it as clean and well-managed. Other activities included shopping at local markets and the Icon Bali Mall, fishing from Sanur beach, and enjoying massages and beauty treatments. The trip also included excursions to the Bali Glass Bridge and the Taman Sari waterfall and natural pool, both about 15 kilometers from Ubud, and the Uma Anyar Waterfall in Kemenuh village, south of Ubud. The author noted Bali's evolution into a more sophisticated destination, particularly in Sanur, which offered a relaxing experience during their late March visit.
This summary was generated from a story originally published by Bali news.
Must readHotel Komune, a 5-star beachfront resort in Bali, offers a balance of family-friendly amenities and luxurious experiences. Located on the black sand of the Keramas surf break, the resort provides interconnecting beachfront king suites with private pools. Dining options include The Beach Club, which features a kids' menu with playful names and adult choices ranging from Indonesian dishes to international cuisine, and The Health Hub, catering to various dietary restrictions with healthy bowls, wraps, and guilt-free desserts. The resort's kids' club offers screen-free activities like a skate park, flying fox, cubby house, trampolines, and daily programs such as bead decorating, kite making, and chicken feeding. Evening kids' movies are shown on the lawn. For adults, the spa offers deep-tissue massages, facials, body scrubs, and other treatments. Komune is also known for its world-first permanent night surfing installation, yoga and Pilates studios with regular retreats, and a fully equipped gym. The staff's friendliness and warmth are highlighted as a key reason for guests to return.
Must readChef Enrico Bartolini will return to AMICI Bali for an exclusive one-night collaboration on Sunday, October 4, 2026. He will join Executive Chef Alessandro D’Amico to present a menu that combines AMICI's identity with Bartolini’s culinary philosophy. AMICI, located in Seminyak, is a contemporary Italian restaurant conceived by Chef Bartolini, known for its refined technique and Italian hospitality. The evening will begin with a canapé reception, followed by a five-course dinner served in AMICI’s indoor dining room and open-air veranda. The menu is designed as a conversation between the two chefs, reflecting AMICI’s contemporary direction while introducing Bartolini's distinctive style. The full menu will be a surprise, but one confirmed dish is Risotto Enrico Bartolini, the chef’s signature beetroot “Acquerello” risotto with butter, Gorgonzola, and walnut. Bartolini holds 14 Michelin stars across his restaurants. The dinner is limited to 100 guests, offering an intimate experience. Guests can choose the five-course menu alone or with a curated wine selection. This event offers an opportunity to experience Chef Enrico Bartolini cooking in the restaurant he envisioned, combining Italian tradition, contemporary refinement, and hospitality. For more information, visit amici-bali.com.
Must readByrd House Bali will host the fourth annual Byrd Wine Carnival on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in Sanur. This beachfront event combines wine tasting with food, music, and entertainment. The carnival will feature five wine brands and over 20 wine selections from various global regions. The main tasting session, offering unlimited wine, runs from 5 PM to 8 PM. Beyond wine, the event includes live DJ sets, flamenco performances, a cabaret show, interactive games, bar takeovers, bartender flair, and a 360-degree spin photo booth. The carnival aims for an informal, social atmosphere, encouraging guests to explore wines while enjoying the relaxed setting of Byrd House Bali on Segara Beach. Byrd House Bali itself is a lifestyle destination offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, Indonesian and Japanese dishes, artisan pastries, gelato, coffee, and creative cocktails. The event provides an opportunity to experience this venue while enjoying an evening of wine, music, and community by the sea.