Lucy Pearson

Books That Inspire Travel

Wanderful: The Modern Bohemian’s Guide to Traveling in Style

A brilliant fusion of style and travel inspiration, Wanderful, by fashion maven Andrea Lester Eato,n is the perfect present for the bohemian at heart with a thirst for wanderlust. Featuring nine different road trips – some by sea, some by desert; some by forest; Wanderful will inspire readers to embark on an adventure of their own with a slice of style. From Palm Springs to Joshua Tree, Wanderful will offer readers a glimpse into some of America’s best – and most stylish – hot spots.

From Excuses to Excursions

Whether you’re an aspiring travel blogger or simply someone who wants to up their travel game, From Excuses to Excursions is the book for you. Penned by full-time travel blogger Gloria Atanmo, From Excuses to Excursions is her journey – from the struggles to the successes of full-time travel. A book of four parts: The Dream, The Journey, The Adventure, and The Destination, From Excuses to Excursions will inspire you to rediscover your own purpose as you follow in the footsteps of someone who has done exactly that.

How Not to Travel the World: Adventures of a Disaster-Prone Backpacker

When it comes to books to inspire travel, you can expect some candid advice from someone who’s been there; done that, read How Not to Travel the World by Lauran Juliff. Offering sage travel advice and hilarious accounts of ill-fated trips, it’s an honest and hilarious account of the ins and outs of travel, from someone who makes a living from it.

Ultimate Travelist: 500 Best Places on the Planet

For bucket list travellers with an endless longing to see the world, the team at Lonely Planet has curated a list of the very best places to see before you die. From the Eiffel Tower to the Taj Mahal, Lonely Planet’s wide-reaching team of travel experts has had the arduous task of compiling the best sites in the world – from well-known tourist traps to hidden gems a plenty. A beautiful hardback perfect for your coffee table with awe-inspiring pictures to boot, the Ultimate Travelist will have you planning your next adventure pronto.

In a Sunburned Country

Perhaps the world’s best-known travel writer, Bill Bryson’s In A Sunburned Country is a wonderful portrayal of the land down under. A guided tour of an expansive country and its idiosyncracies – from the friendly inhabitants to the terrifying wildlife, few books convey the ins and outs of Australia quite so brilliantly as Bryson’s.

The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country

While many travel memoirs centre on balmy temperatures and beaches, Helen Russell’s The Year of Living Danishly does the opposite, and instead focuses on life in Scandinavia and the art of Hygge. A wonderfully informative and cozy read, it will no doubt motivate many travellers to explore an altogether different sort of travel.

Lucy Pearson

Lucy Pearson is a certified bookworm, wanderluster, and qualified yoga teacher with a thirst for adventure and a love for life.

Lucy has her own blog, The Literary Edit, and also contributes to Stylist Magazine and Hip and Healthy.

thelitedit.com/

Lucy Pearson

5 of The Best Book Gifts for Every Woman

Eat Sweat Play: How Sport Can Change Our Lives

In a world dominated by men, Anna Kessel’s Eat Sweat Play is set to inspire a legion of women to make big changes in the sporting world.

Exploring what it really means to be a sporty woman in the 21^st century – from Sporty Spice to mums who box, sportswriter Kessel looks at women are finally reclaiming sport, and by extension their own bodies, for themselves – and how you can too.

Big Magic

A poignant and brilliantly written guide to living beyond the bounds of fear and allowing creativity to bloom, Big Magic is a testament to not only author Elizabeth Glibert’s prowess as a writer; but also her dedication to a life of writing.

She offers guidance and inspiration to would-be artists – whether their channel is words, music, or paint – treat your creativity like a lover; always make time for it, nurture it; be ruthlessly passionate when it comes to your art.

The Working Woman’s Handbook

With the rise of aspiring businesswomen and would-be entrepreneurs, The Working Woman’s Handbook by Phoebe Loveatt is the perfect present for anyone wanting to break out of the constraints of a 9-5.

Founder of The Working Women’s Club, an international platform that provides creative women with the tools to network, share ideas, and grow their own careers, author Phoebe Loveatt has penned the ultimate guide for ambitious freelancers and business owners, covering everything from the art of networking to navigating budgets.

We Should All Be Feminists 

An extensive essay from award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, We Should All Be Feminists is essential reading for anyone with an interest in equal rights for women.

Adapted from the powerful TEDx talk of the same name, ripe with prose and powerful to the very last page, We Should All Be Feminists is a must-read for women all over the globe.

Leap In: A Woman, Some Waves, and the Will to Swim

From Alexandra Heminsley, the author of Running Like A Girl – a marathon memoir that inspired many a woman to pick up their running shoes, comes the equally inspiring Leap In.

Disillusioned with running and the many logistics that come with it, British journalist Alexandra Heminsley turns her hand to wild swimming in the bitterly cold waterways of the UK and beyond.

Part memoir, part guide, it will inspire even the most unlikely of candidates to explore the art of swimming and the sense of freedom that comes with it.

Lucy Pearson

Lucy Pearson is a certified bookworm, wanderluster, and qualified yoga teacher with a thirst for adventure and a love for life.

Lucy has her own blog, The Literary Edit, and also contributes to Stylist Magazine and Hip and Healthy.

thelitedit.com/

Lucy Pearson

The colourful Venice Canals is a must do when visiting the LA hotspot. Image © Lucy Pearson

48 Hours in LA

While the city is well-known as a back drop for many famous film and sitcoms, it’s certainly a place that needs some pre-planning prior to a visit to ensure you get the most out of it. So, if you’re after some Californian dreaming of your own our bespoke recommendations of where to stay, what to eat, and things to see in LA should help you make the most out of your LA stay.

Getting Around LA

LA is a city that is overwhelmingly large in size. Notorious for both its hard-to-navigate public transport system and terrible traffic jams, crossing the city is no mean feat. Hiring a car is almost essential; though if this isn’t an option we recommend making use of phone apps Lyft or Uber – both of which are readily available and rides can be shared with others in order to lessen the fare.

The iconic Montage Laguna Beach is a hotel that will impress with everything to suit couples and families alike. Image © Lucy Pearson

Where to Stay in LA

LA’s Beaches

The Ranch Laguna Beach | Check Prices

Where the iconic California canyons meet the beach, The Ranch Laguna Beach offers a truly unique place to stay in LA, well away from the busy Hollywood streets. With a sports and wellness focus, stay at The Ranch for a retreat just an hour from downtown LA.

Montage Laguna Beach | Check Prices

The iconic Montage Laguna Beach is a hotel that will wow you. It’s expansive ocean frontage, stunning pool and beachfront relaxation areas and fine dining offerings make it the perfect choice for couples and families alike, just 30 minutes from Orange County airport or an hour to downtown LA.

Beach House Hotel | Check Prices

For a laid back boutique beach feel, Beach House Hotel Hermosa Beach is will tempt you. Footsteps from the sand, wake up to the ocean just beyond your balcony, explore the esplanade or relax on the sand in this cute village style setting.

Beverly Hills and West Hollywood

LA is blessed with some incredible luxury hotels close to all the action, from the Peninsula Beverly Hills (we love Peninsula hotels), iconic names like The Beverly Hills Hotel famed for its pretty pink facade and hip boutique finds like The London West Hollywood. Search deals on Los Angeles hotels.

Cult favourite The Butcher’s Daughter in sunny Venice, Los Angeles. Image © Matt Waugh

Where to Eat in LA

While one might expect Los Angeles to have a wealth of healthy eateries on every street corner, they’re harder to come across than you might think. However, we’ve dug out the city’s best foodie fare; from a stylish vegan hang out perfect for brunch, to the crème de la crème of seafood.

The Butcher’s Daughter

We’ve swooned over The Butcher’s Daughter in New York for brunch or a healthy bite before. So it’s no surprise the LA restaurant won us over too, located on Venice’s Beach’s lively Abbot Kinney. A beautifully breezy vegetarian restaurant, bedecked with hanging plants and tiled walls The Butcher’s Daughter has an outdoor terrace perfect for people watching and a small but perfectly formed retail space with candles, wines, bath salts and cooking oils. With plates including smashed avocado and breakfast burritos, few places in LA serve a better brunch.

Every designer detail considered at The Butcher’s Daughter, LA. Image © Matt Waugh

Café Gratitude

Vegan hangout Café Gratitude has three branches in LA; Larchmont Village, Venice Beach and Beverley Hills. Everything on the menu is an affirmation, so you can order the chef’s bruschetta (heirloom tomato, basil hempseed pesto, cashew mozzarella, slow-fermented baguette, arugula, pine nuts, balsamic reduction) by saying ‘I am present’, or our personal favourite, the grilled peach and asparagus salad, by saying ‘I am local’. The food is delicious and the selection is varied; so it’s the perfect spot for both healthy fare and an indulgent treat.

Fishing with Dynamite

If you’re after the finest seafood LA has to offer, Fishing with Dynamite is where it’s at. An intimate space on Manhattan Beach’s trendy Manhattan Avenue, the venue has a neighbourhood ambience and an unrivalled seafood offering. Boasting an impressive oyster selection, perfect Peruvian scallops and the juiciest of shrimps, it’s a dream destination for anyone with a hankering for sea fare. Be sure to save room for dessert. The restaurant’s key lime pie is an impeccable way to finish what will certainly be a magical foodie experience.

Cafe Gratitude – Where vegan dreams come to life in LA. Image © Lucy Pearson

Farmshop

A celebration of farmers and artisan producers, Farmshop was founded by Chef-Owner Jeff Cerciello and is Californian culinary at its very best. A space fusing a deli and a restaurant in a modern, barn-like setting, Farmshop is tucked away in a small shopping area in Santa Monica and a great place to visit, whether for a catch up coffee or delicious dinner. With a creative menu offering everything from avocado hummus to smashed potatoes and grilled swordfish, visit with an empty belly, safe in the knowledge you’ll leave satiated and quenched.

Manhattan Beach Post

One of LA’s hippest hangouts is Manhattan Beach Post. A soulful space offering farm to table foodie fare – whether a boozy brunch or a delicious dinner – the vibe is bustling, and the flavours mouth-watering.  The roasted brussel sprouts and stone-fruit salad with whipped mascarpone taste just as good as they sound, and the carefully curated cocktail choices offer the perfect addition to the extensive menu.

Spend a few hours exploring Venice for the cute cafes, boutiques, beach and people watching. Image © Lucy Pearson

What to Do in LA

There’s no shortage of things to do in LA, but steer clear from the tourist traps like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre if you want to avoid the crowds. Instead, check out our top picks for authentically LA activities to make the most of your Californian city break.

Pop in to Venice’s Abbot Kinney Boulevade to shop til you drop. Image © Lucy Pearson

Shop on Abbot Kinney

With endless elegant boutiques and a feast of chic hangouts, Abbot Kinney should be top of your hit list if you’ve got money to burn. From stylish shops with coastal cool interiors ideas, to bohemian beach wear and embellished bikinis, Abbot Kinney is your one stop shop for all things hip. Head for Sweaty Betty if you’re in need of some active wear for hitting the Hollywood hills, and Heist for a carefully curated collection of designer brands.

The Griffith Observatory offers one of the best panoramas in LA. Image © Lucy Pearson

Visit Griffith Observatory

Made famous by the scene with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in La La Land, a trip to Griffith Observatory is a must-do for anyone visiting LA. Sitting on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park, this tourist attraction not only offers visitors unrivalled vistas of both the cityscape and Hollywood sign, but also a variety of informational exhibits on the inside. If you want your mind blown, be sure to catch the Centered in the Universe show at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. In the space of half an hour you’ll be treated to a sequence of time travel, from ancient Egypt, to Galileo’s 17th century workshop, to Hubble’s deco-era Mount Wilson Observatory, to a modern-day research lab, looking at the ways in which we, as humans have tried to understand our place in the universe.

Take a stroll along the Venice Canals while visiting the popular beach suburb. Image © Lucy Pearson

Walk the Venice Canals

A lesser known gem tucked away in Venice Beach are the picturesque canals. Restored in the 1990s, these lovely waterways are lined with some of Venice’s most elegant and elaborate homes and are the perfect place for a leisurely stroll on a balmy afternoon.

Lucy takes a moment to spot the famed Hollywood sign in LA. Image © Lucy Pearson

Hike the Hollywood Hills

A trip to LA wouldn’t be complete without a hike to the city’s famous Hollywood sign so make this a priority during your 48 hours in LA. While there are various routes to reach the sign, our favourite starts at Canyon Drive. A 6.5-mile hike that climbs more than a thousand feet, allow yourselves three hours for a round trip and pack plenty of water and a camera for that all important selfie at the foot of the sign!

LA has an endless number of activities for visitors. Image © Lucy Pearson

Lucy Pearson

Lucy Pearson is a certified bookworm, wanderluster, and qualified yoga teacher with a thirst for adventure and a love for life.

Lucy has her own blog, The Literary Edit, and also contributes to Stylist Magazine and Hip and Healthy.

thelitedit.com/

Lucy Pearson | Cover Image © COMO Metropolitan

A bubbly welcome at the COMO Metropolitan London. Image © Lucy Pearson

COMO London

Nestled down a side street off of London’s hugely sophisticated Park Lane, COMO Metropolitan location is unbeatable, and undoubtedly one of the key attractions for visitors. After all, what could be better than waking up to expansive views of Hyde Park in the early morning autumn sun? A stone’s throw from Hyde Park Corner tube, the address is one of London’s most coveted, and guests are in a prime location for exploring London’s main attractions – from shopping on Knightsbridge’s stylish streets, to afternoon tea at London landmark The Ritz, to pounding the pavements of several of the city’s most beautiful parks.

The rooms at COMO Metropolitan fuse classic with modern chic. Image © Lucy Pearson

A Luxury Urban Escape

Our room was bathed in sunlight from its panoramic views across Hyde Park. Cleverly fusing contemporary with classic, the rooms were urban and stylish; sleek and minimalistic. Wonderfully generous in size, the bedroom had a king-sized bed with crisp white linen and touchscreen controls that did everything from operating the flat screen TV to closing the blinds. The long walnut desk and contemporary art offered an elegant edge, while the mini bar was equipped with everything you could want from a cosy night in, from coconut water to crisps.

The generous seating area in our room at COMO Metropolitan London. Image © Lucy Pearson

The bathroom features the type of rainfall shower that makes leaving almost impossible, and is well stocked with COMO Shambhala products; perfect for imagining you’re in some far-flung exotic destination. No sooner had we settled in out room than a bottle of bubbles on ice and a bowl of fresh fruit was sent to our room, and we enjoyed a glass of champagne and strawberries as my enjoyed a stunning sun set over Hyde Park.

Lucy enjoying the view over London’s iconic Hyde Park at COMO Metropolitan. Image © Lucy Pearson

Yoga, Meditation and Wellness

In keeping with the holistic ethos behind the COMO chain, health and wellness are both an integral and integrated part of any stay at COMO London. Offering guests an urban sanctuary in the heart of the city, rooms come equipped with yoga mats and bespoke yoga and meditation programs to guide guests through either an asana practice or meditation. The dedicated meditation channel offers both a morning and evening session created by resident expert Jody Shield to help guests energise for the day ahead or unwind for a peaceful night’s sleep. 

Set up for in-room yoga with hotel supplied mats and their bespoke yoga program at COMO Metropolitan London. Image © Lucy Pearson

The yoga channel offers guests a healthy way to either end one’s day or kick-start a morning. We set out our yoga mats for some downward dogging as the early morning light flooded the room, and it was certainly a memorable way in which to begin our day. It’s the touches like this that really set COMO apart from other hotels, and it’s the ease with which guests can encompass an element of health and wellness that make any stay with COMO unique. There is also a state-of-the-art gym at the hotel which guests are able to access 24 hours a day with a team of on site fitness experts offering both personal training and private yoga classes. Post work-out guests can enjoy the Chroma steam rooms as a perfect way to relax after a cardio or weight lifting session.

The 24-hour COMO Metropolitan London is state of the art. Image © Lucy Pearson

COMO Shambhala Urban Escape is the perfect place to spend an afternoon after a busy day of shopping in central London. Image © Lucy Pearson

COMO Shambhala Urban Escape

Shortly after our arrival, I made my way to the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape for an indulgent 105-minute facial. The on site spa has a dedicated retail space, with COMO Shambala products for sale, as well as the hotel chain’s COMO Shambhala Cook Book; full of healthy recipes for anyone wanting to recreate the foodie fare they sample while staying at COMO London. They have a wide range of treatments on offer, with everything from facials to massages to foot baths and beyond, and I enjoyed one of their bespoke Guinot facials. After a consultation with one of the therapists, in which we discussed my skin concerns and needs, my skin was cleansed, toned and moisturised with an array of Guinot products, leaving me with refreshed and revitalised skin. The facial offered the perfect amount of pressure to my tired and sun-worn skin, and the various techniques the therapist used, left it feeling immediately plumper and rehydrated. I was recommended not to wear any make up for the rest of the day, and so after enjoying a cup of herbal tea, retreated to my room for a quiet night in.

The incredible treatment space at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, London. Image © Lucy Pearson

A Superior Dining Experience

The food at COMO London is an experience in itself, and ranges from the height of sophisticated indulgence, to the ultimate in healthy fare. The hotel features a number of dining options, from the Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Nobu, to the Met Bar which continues to be a cult classic featuring a unique cocktail menu and classic British cuisine served all day.

They also offer the healthful COMO Shambhala menu; boasting organically and locally sourced produce where possible, which is inspired by the living foods tradition. The specially developed COMO Shambhala Cuisine emphasises on a perfectly balanced mix of raw and cooked ingredients which ensures all food maintains the nutritional integrity of the ingredients such as essential enzymes, vitamins and minerals and allows you to benefit from their ‘life force’, thus increasing energy and general wellbeing. The food has a farm to fork approach, looks great, and tastes delicious. We ordered in room dining from the COMO Shambala menu, and chose the Raw Butternut pumpkin and macadamia nut pizza with tomato, avocado, mango & basil alongside the rye bread with avocado, vine ripened tomatoes, rocket and lime. Both our meals were beautifully presented, and tasted just as good as they looked. We then went through the evening meditation session, which offered the perfect way in which to end our night at COMO.

Farm to fork fare at its best at COMO Metropolitan London with a Raw Butternut pumpkin and macadamia nut pizza with tomato, avocado, mango & basil. Image © Lucy Pearson

For breakfast, we dined in the White Room, with views overlooking Hyde Park. A huge variety of food options are available, from Continental to English breakfasts, as well as an a la carte menu, and COMO Shambala options for those wanting a healthy start to their day. We shared the Zucchini rosti with smoked salmon, lemon scented ricotta cheese and dill (from the Shambala menu) and the Ricotta hotcakes with fresh banana almond chocolate sauce and salted caramel. To drink we tried the Muscle Mylk smoothie, said to speed recovery and reduce muscle. With banana, young coconut water, coconut meat, cinnamon, almond milk, flax seeds, dates and cocoa beans it was an idyllic sweet treat. The food tasted just as good as it looked, and provided the perfect fuel for a morning walk through Hyde Park.

The ultimate urban retreat, COMO Metropolitan is a luxurious sanctuary offering an unbeatable London location, away from the smog of the city. A holistic experience that will leave you refreshed, revitalised, satiated and zen, COMO Metropolitan is one of London’s hidden havens and a dream destination for anyone on a city break.

COMO Metropolitan London

Old Park Lane, London, W1K 1LB

Website | Check Prices & Availability

Lucy Pearson

Lucy Pearson is a certified bookworm, wanderluster, and qualified yoga teacher with a thirst for adventure and a love for life.

Lucy has her own blog, The Literary Edit, and also contributes to Stylist Magazine and Hip and Healthy.

thelitedit.com/

Lucy Pearson

The Ranch at Laguna Beach is uniquely located between two canyons with its own 9-hole golf course and still footsteps from the sand. Image © Lucy Pearson

An unassuming driveway is flanked by the towering Californian Canyons, whose beauty is brilliant in the late afternoon light and leads to the main hotel entrance and valet parking service at The Ranch at Laguna Beach. The check in desk leads to the hotel’s on site restaurant, while to the left is the outdoor dining area complete with cosy fire pits, hotel shop and pantry and bar. The dining area looks over The Ranch’s stunning grounds, which spans 87 acres of land and an 9-hole golf course, arguably the Orange County’s most serene and natural setting, where Laguna locals come to enjoy their weekends. The Ranch’s naturally dramatic backdrop is indescribably beautiful; the kind that pictures simply cannot do justice, and the definitive of coastal cool. Fusing canyon with sea, the secluded hotel is the perfect place to unwind for nature lovers and ocean devotees alike.

Sunning in the stunning pool with the rocky canyon backdrop setting the scene at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, California. Image © Lucy Pearson

Rustic-Chic Rooms

The rooms are rustic ranch chic at their finest, boasting rope chandeliers, stylish pieces of art and white panelled walls. The generous sized beds are the focal point of the room, with an intricately carved bed head, and a tapestry of throws and pillows offering a stunning contrast to the bright white ben linen. A walk in shower big enough for two is next to a twin sink with wood framed mirrors, brightly coloured wallpaper, above a wood and marble setting. The floors are wooden on entering the room; carpeted in the main bedroom, and it’s clear that every last detail of the room has been carefully thought out. Unlike other hotel rooms, where designers tend to stick to a consistent colour theme, the meticulous mismatched decor of the rooms at The Ranch are what make them so unique. A coffee-making machine, complete with a seriously good tea and coffee selection, and a mini fridge are the perfect touches for anyone wanting a morning caffeine hit. A flat screen TV perfectly placed on an antique-style green and gold sideboard is the perfect accompaniment to lazy Laguna mornings in bed. The outdoor patio complete with table and chairs offering unrivalled views of the nearby canyon is the perfect place to enjoy a hot coffee in the morning or a glass of bubbles as the sun sets, and you really are experiencing the best of wild and rural Californian life, without having to compromise on luxury or style.

The very inviting bed in our Canyon Room at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, California. Image © Lucy Pearson

The Sycamore Spa

Tucked away near the swimming pool and hot tub, guests will find the Sycamore Spa. So called due to the plentiful Sycamore trees on site, it offers a sumptuous selection of facials and massages. Having spent ample time in the Californian sun, I opted for the anti-ageing facial and was shown through to the changing rooms where I changed into a cloud-soft robe, before being welcomed into the treatment room. After de-robing, ready for my facial, I made myself comfortable on what has got to be the most luxurious treatment bed I’ve experienced; while the wonderfully soft base and the perfect amount of layers were enough on their own, the heated blanket provided the ultimate remedy to the crisp and cool autumn morning outside. The facial lasted an hour, and begun with my therapist examining my skin, before working her magic on my sun-worn skin. I was cleansed, toned, exfoliated and steamed to my heart’s content all to the sound of soothing birdsong. A neck, arm and hand massage was also included in the treatment, and my hands were placed into warm mitts, leaving me with baby-soft skin as the treatment came to its end. My therapist finished the facial by applying a layer of Vitamin C serum (for sun damage), sunscreen, and lip plumper, and suffice it to say my skin was glowing by the time I journeyed back to my room.

An afternoon in the hot tub with cool drink and a good book was bliss at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, California. Image © Lucy Pearson

Harvest Restaurant

The on site Harvest restaurant is second to none when it comes to matters of the mouth. Their culinary focus is on honest, Californian comfort fare that showcases produce harvested on the property itself, with other fresh ingredients consciously sourced locally. The menu is seasonal and changes regularly, reflecting what is available from the half-acre Harvest garden. Offering both guests and Laguna locals breakfast, lunch and dinner, the food is as mouth-watering as the setting is serene, with a view to the Aliso canyon.

Breakfast can be ordered to your room or eaten in the Harvest restaurant, and features the sort of menu to satisfy all manners of appetites. From steel-cut oatmeal to avocado toast, to eggs benedict and beyond, the fare is tasty, the service impeccable. If you have a sweet tooth, nothing will satisfy it quite to the degree that the freshly baked cinnamon rolls with bacon will; sticky, sugary and doughy-soft, they really are the height of indulgence. If you fancy something more nutritious, the 24 carrot and green goddess juices are a great way to kick-start your morning. Boasting fruit and veg aplenty, they’re a sure-fire way to get your five a day, without sacrificing on taste.

Harvest at The Ranch, celebrates fresh, seasonal, local fare with many of the ingredients sourced from the property’s on site half-acre garden. Image © Lucy Pearson

Dinner is a lavish affair in a homely setting; with open fires, dim lighting and cocktails flowing. On our first night we ordered a selection of shared plates, as well as a starter and a main course. I began with the shrimp cocktail made up of black tiger shrimp, sundried tomatoes and horseradish, avocado mousse and curried almonds, it was easily the most elegant prawn cocktail I’ve ever eaten and followed it with the mouth-watering scallops and bacon, laid on a bed of parsnip puree and chestnut-brown butter. The sides we shared were brussel sprouts, served with sweet chilli sauce, pecan and green apple, and the pimento mac and cheese; carb loading and its very best.

We were treated to Harvest’s famous Skywalker Winer Dinner, a four-course foodie affair paired with wines from George Lucas’ vineyard. We started with Apples and Frisée with Moody Blue Cheese, followed with Roasted Loup de Mer with Beluga Lentils; the third course was Salmon with Crispy Polenta, Rocket Arugula and Tomato Gravy, with a desert of Chocolate Banana Bread and Butter pudding. Truly a dinner fit for a king.

Enjoy a cocktail or even toast marshmallows for s’mores by the fire pit at The Ranch at Laguna Beach. Image © Lucy Pearson

Evenings at The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Evenings at The Ranch are the sort that make you question whether you’ll ever want to leave the grounds during the entirety of your stay; despite the proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the free shuttle buses that take guests into downtown Laguna. As the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the Canyons, the temperature cools and the fire pits begin to roar. Local musicians play nightly at The Ranch, treating guests to the perfect fusion of country music and Californian cool – think renditions of Bob Marley and Ed Sheeran, accompanied by acoustic guitars and melodic tones. Guests can enjoy The Ranch’s generous selection of drinks from custom cocktails, utilising ingredients fresh herbs from the garden and other indigenous ingredients, to full-bodied reds and sparkling prosecco. As night begins to fall, there truly are few better ways to end the day. If that’s not enough and you fancy something sweet, treat yourself to a true American tradition and indulge in a s’mores board with a glass of cognac. Toasting marshmallows in the dark of the night, before sandwiching them between graham crackers filled with chocolate and you really are living the American dream.

Achingly cool with the kind of laid back vibe that makes you feel immediately at home, The Ranch at Laguna Beach really does have it all: rustic-chic interiors, wild and beautiful grounds, and an endlessly delicious food and drinks menu. Off the beaten path in every sense of the world; once you step foot through The Ranch at Laguna, you won’t ever want to leave.

The Ranch at Laguna Beach

31106 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, United States

Website | Check Prices and Availability

The Fit Traveller was a guest of The Ranch at Laguna Beach for this stay. As always, the opinions, words and images are authentically our own.

Lucy Pearson

Lucy Pearson is a certified bookworm, wanderluster, and qualified yoga teacher with a thirst for adventure and a love for life.

Lucy has her own blog, The Literary Edit, and also contributes to Stylist Magazine and Hip and Healthy.

thelitedit.com/

Lucy Pearson

With a 20,000 square foot ocean frontage, Montage Laguna Beach is impressive. Image © Lucy Pearson

Getting to Montage Laguna Beach

Montage Laguna Beach is about 30 minutes drive from Orange County Airport or about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. The best way to approach the beachside town is along the Coast Highway, which brings you on a stunning seaside drive past the rolling waves and endless sweeps of sand that mark Huntington and Newport Beach, the iconic backdrop for the television drama, “The O.C.”. As you approach Laguna the streets narrow, lined with boutique homewares stores, perfectly dressed windows, the kind of Californian mothers you only ever see on TV and American staples Starbucks and Wholefoods.

Related: 48 Hours in LA: Where to Stay, Eat and Explore

There are 250 rooms including 60 suites at this stunning 5 star property in the heart of Laguna Beach. Image © Lucy Pearson

As we made our way down Montage Laguna Beach’s sweeping drive, both valet and bell boys were eagerly waiting out arrival, with gold domed luggage trolleys a true indication of the hotel’s tradition. Despite arriving three hours prior to check in, the reception staff made a call to housekeeping to ensure our room was seen to straight away.

The reception led straight to an immense and beautifully designed drawing-room, with a bar on one side and a sweeping staircase on the other. But the balcony overlooking the hotel’s feature pool and ocean outlook was indisputably the focal point of the room. The sort of place that pictures can’t possibly do justice, standing on the terrace and breathing in the sea air I finally felt that I had landed in California, despite having been in LA for just shy of two months.

Our cosy and comfortable seating around at Montage Laguna Beach. Image © Lucy Pearson

A Luxurious Room With a View

That feeling carried on as we walked into our oceanfront room. There are 250 rooms at Montage including 60 suites. Our room came complete with a feather-top king bed, separate seating area, private balcony with stunning sea views, a generous bathroom complete with marble tub for two and plenty of space to unpack for our stay. The warm colour palette and wooden accents and luxury touches aplenty made for the fusion of luxury and comfort; a cosy coastal home away from home.

High-end yet welcoming design touches at Montage Laguna Beach. Image © Lucy Pearson

Luxury touches: Champagne and chocolates awaited our return just in time for a sunset viewing session from our room at Montage Laguna Beach. Image © Lucy Pearson

One evening in particular, we retreated to our room just after five, where a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries were waiting for us. Our balcony featured a breathtaking view of the setting sun and so we settled in for a Laguna sunset, watching the sky streak pink and purple.

Our private balcony with enviable ocean views at Montage Laguna Beach. Image © Lucy Pearson

Oceanfront Splendour at Montage Laguna Beach

With a 20,000 square foot ocean frontage, we spent a lot of our stay soaking up the sun by the water, starting with the hotel’s feature Mozaic Pool. The hotel staff set us up by the pool’s edge with extra-large towels, sweet-smelling sun tan lotion and a constant supply of fresh, iced water; poolside cabanas are also available on request, and come with a dedicated server. We watched the crash of the waves on Treasure Island Beach below while luxuriating in the Laguna sun. After an hour by the pool we couldn’t resist an offer to relocate to a couple of sun beds on the sand, with the glistening ocean directly in front of the hotel for an authentic California beach experience.

The pool bar boasts an impressive selection of snacks, tropical cocktails (including a particularly pretty one served in a coconut) to sparkling lemonade and tasty mocktails for anyone wanting a healthy alternative.

Related: Qantas Dreamliner Business Class Review: Melbourne to Los Angeles

The beachfront signature Mozaic Pool where you will want to spend most of your time at Montage Laguna Beach. Image © Lucy Pearson

Spa Montage

En route to Spa Montage I was greeted with genuine warmth by numerous staff, all of whom radiated the kind of old school charm few people carry these days. The spa itself boasts a reception shop, a well-equipped gym with postcard perfect views, an indoor spa pool, sauna and steam room, as well as generous changing rooms with numerous beauty products. I was given slippers and the softest white robe to change into ahead of my massage and was already slipping into a state of total bliss before my treatment even began.

The treatment I was booked in for was one of the hotel’s most popular; a Californian Wildflower massage that lasted a heavenly ninety minutes. A restorative massage inspired by California’s healing flowers, the treatment fuses floral hues with a heated flower compress to soothe and balance the body, restore flexibility and relieve aches and pains while healing the skin.

My therapist introduced herself before asking me about my pressure preferences – and insisted that if at any point I wanted her to adjust her firmness to let her know. Having made the foolish mistake of training for a marathon without any stretching, I suffer from agonisingly tight calves, and however much I flag it ahead of massages, I tend to spend much of my time wincing in pain as my calves are kneaded. And so, for the first time in my life, experiencing a massage that was the perfect fusion of firm yet gentle, truly was a blissful encounter. The massage started with scented oil placed beneath the massage bed, which I inhaled before my therapist got to work. Starting with my legs before moving up to my back and then turning me over to focus on my front, I felt myself falling under a zen-like spell of total and utter delight.    

Related: Local’s Guide to San Francisco

A quiet escape at the renowned Spa Montage at Montage Laguna Beach. Image © Lucy Pearson

The relaxation area at Spa Montage, Montage Laguna Beach. Image © Lucy Pearson

Breakfast by the Beach

There are three restaurants and a lounge at Montage. However, breakfast at The Loft was our favourite meal during our stay. In the morning, wake to bright sunshine flowing in through our balcony, and a copy of the LA Times at your door. After a coffee in bed, head up to the dining area where breakfast is best enjoyed on the expansive balcony to make the most of the view. The morning menu has an incredible selection of both sweet and savoury dishes, offering everything from Bananas Foster Waffle (with peanut butter cream and salted peanuts) to California Avocado Tartine (with hard-cooked egg and cherry tomatoes). We opted for the House Smoked Salmon; an elaborate version of a smoked salmon bagel that came with a generous platter of salmon, avocado, inion, capers, whipped Boursin and heirloom tomatoes – and the Build An Omelette; a sizeable plate accompanied by potatoes and a spread of sourdough toast.

Related: Two Days in Chicago

The deliciously fresh House Smoked Salmon at The Loft was the perfect start to the day at Montage Laguna Beach.

Exploring Laguna Beach 

The hotel is ideally located for anyone wanting to explore the array of bars and restaurants in local Laguna, and a shuttle service is on offer for hotel guests wanting door to door delivery, and they were also kind enough to bring us back in our post-dinner slumber as well.

Leaving Montage Laguna Beach was the only downside to our stay, but the stunning drive back along the coast as the sun began to set made it bittersweet. A once in a lifetime and unforgettable place to stay, Montage Laguna Beach epitomises the very best of Californian luxury, and should be top of anyone’s bucket list who’s lucky enough to visit this sunny state. 

The beautiful and iconic Laguna Beach is about an hour from downtown LA. Image © Lucy Pearson

Montage Laguna Beach

30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California

Getting there: 30 minutes from Orange County Airport or 1 hour from downtown LA

WEBSITE | CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY

The Fit Traveller was a guest of Montage Laguna Beach for this stay. As always, the opinions, words and images are authentically our own.

Lucy Pearson

Lucy Pearson is a certified bookworm, wanderluster, and qualified yoga teacher with a thirst for adventure and a love for life.

Lucy has her own blog, The Literary Edit, and also contributes to Stylist Magazine and Hip and Healthy.

thelitedit.com/

Lucy Pearson | Cover Image © Beach House 

Light, bright and relaxed furnishings perfect for the beach at Beach House Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles. Image © Beach House

Welcome to the Beach House Hermosa Beach

After a busy cross-city drive in the evening traffic, we were somewhat tired and bleary-eyed by the time we arrived at the Beach House Hermosa Beach. Thankfully, driving down 14th Street to the hotel’s entrance gives you a brilliant view of the sparkling sea and after a quick check in we were led to our Ocean View Suite.

Beach House has 96 suites spanning the boutique three-floor property. We checked into a suite with a breathtaking ocean view. The suite itself was generous in size and the decor stunning; the sort of place you immediately start taking notes from, in the hope of one day emulating the design in your very own beach side abode.

A spacious bathroom complete with Aveda spa products, a deep bath tub and separate shower then led to the bedroom; which included a big double bed, a writing desk, a sumptuous sofa, flat screen TV and beautiful feature fireplace. The balcony was the highlight of the room for me, with uninterrupted views of Hermosa beach, and offered the perfect place to watch the Californian sun set.

A chilled bottle of white wine and two mini bottles of bubbles awaited us in our room, so we took full advantage of the balcony and settled in for an evening of watching the sky turn purple as the sun set, and listening to the sounds of the waves, before curling up in front of the fire.

Related: 48 Hours in LA

Light softly streams into our suite at the Beach House Hermosa Beach, LA. Image © Lucy Pearson

Breakfast on the Beach 

Breakfast is a relaxed affair, and the patio setting just moments from the beach gave us the picture-perfect place to people watch the dog walkers and early morning runners as the beautiful beach comes to life.

Guests are able to order in-room dining for breakfast from nearby restaurant Good Stuff which offer a mouth-watering selection of local foodie fare, from the California Quesadilla to the Tropical Green Smoothie.

For those wanting to eat on the patio, the hotel’s buffet breakfast includes fresh fruits, yoghurts and cereals and a selection of tasty pastries and breads for those in the mood for something more indulgent.

Related: How to Spend 3 Days in Oahu

Enjoy fresh, healthy fare on the beachfront at Beach House Hermosa Beach. Image © Beach House

Staying Active on The Strand and the Sand

The hotel is fronted by about 41 kilometres of paved bike trail known as The Strand, so we decided to take advantage of the discount for hotel guests at a nearby bike rental shop and head out on a leisurely bike ride. We did a 38 kilometre round trip by bike to Marina del Rey, taking in endless stretches of sand and blue skies and were well in need of a couple of hours bathing in the sun on our return.

For those wanting to dip their toes in the sand, there is a volleyball court just footsteps from the hotel, yoga available on the beach. Keen surfers will also love the proximity to the sets that the hotel offers.

Bike riding the beachfront path, The Strand is a must during your stay at Beach House Hermosa Beach. Image © Beach House

Sand Spa

Sand Spa is small but sweet, and offers a range of massages, from Swedish to sports massage, and, wanting to help repair my sore muscles. I opted for the deep tissue massage. The therapist used a range of oils as she skilfully worked on my muscles, paying particular emphasis to my back, leaving me feeling both invigorated and refreshed after an hour of serious TLC.

 Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach sits between two other beautiful stretches of sand; Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. If you want to catch the typical LA sights during your stay, Disneyland, Universal Studios and the famed Rodeo Drive are conveniently only about 45 minute drive away.

However, the fact that Hermosa Beach is a quiet, lesser-known part of LA was a big part of its charm and partly what attracted us to the stunning Beach House. The area has a village feel and boasts boutique shops in abundance as well as an array of bars and independent, family run restaurants. 

We left our car with the valet for the entirety of our trip while we set out à pied or on bike to explore the local area. Given the hotel’s unbeatable views, we decided to spend our last night on our balcony, enjoying the fresh sea air and stunning sunset.

Hermosa Beach truly is a must-visit spot for anyone hoping for an authentic Californian experience while in Los Angeles and the Beach House feels like your own private beach retreat.

Related: 48 Hours in Palm Springs

Hermosa Beach is a hidden gem, located in South Bay region of greater Los Angeles. Image © Lucy Pearson

Beach House

Hermosa Beach

Getting there: Beach House Hermosa Beach is just 10 minutes from LAX

WEBSITE | BOOK

The Fit Traveller was a guest of Beach House Hermosa Beach for this stay. As always, the opinions, words and images are authentically our own.

Lucy Pearson

Lucy Pearson is a certified bookworm, wanderluster, and qualified yoga teacher with a thirst for adventure and a love for life.

Lucy has her own blog, The Literary Edit, and also contributes to Stylist Magazine and Hip and Healthy.

thelitedit.com/

Lucy Pearson

Bali is an easy and culturally rich destination, perfect for solo travellers, couples and families alike.

What to do in Seminyak Bali

Where to Stay in Seminyak

The Amala | Check Prices and Availability

The Amala subtly fuses east and west through its understated yet luxurious interiors. The quiet, boutique hotel is located down a laneway a stone’s throw from Seminyak’s busy shopping streets. The ideal choice for a honeymoon or a health retreat-style break, The Amala is a hidden gem in heady Seminyak.

The Colony Hotel | Check Prices and Availability

For one of the most opulent stays in Seminyak, check out the stunning Colony Hotel. This beautiful hotel features a decadent feature pool and outdoor restaurant, with colonial décor and a brilliant white backdrop. Just a short walk from all of Seminyak’s main attractions, this 20-room hotel is boutique at its best. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the early morning sunshine and an in-room massage as a special treat during your stay.

Visitors are spoilt for choice in Bali when it comes to luxury hotels, villas and even jungle glamping. This is Villa Sungai Bali Image © Lucy Pearson

Villa Sungai | Check Prices and Availability

While it might be a thirty-minute drive from Seminyak’s stylish centre, when you arrive at Villa Sungai, you’ll see it’s more than worth the journey. Offering a bespoke high-end stay with breathtaking views of the nearby jungle and a butler service to boot, few places can match the sort of luxury that Villa Sungai is known for. With stylish interiors and a world class back drop, as well as delicious foodie fare on-site, it’s well worth checking in if you don’t mind being away from Seminyak’s busy hub.

The Elysian | Check Prices and Availability

Located down a cobbled street near Seminyak’s shopping district you’ll find private luxury villa resort The Elysian. Boasting spacious and stylish villas complete with their own pool, as well as a main swimming area flanked by stylish day-beds, this is one of Seminyak’s hottest hotels. With friendly staff and home made cookies and fresh fruit on arrival, you can expect an indulgent stay while at The Elysian.

Delicious, fresh food at Sisterfields Cafe Bali. Image © Lucy Pearson

Where to Eat in Seminyak

W Hotel | l. Petitenget, Kerobokan, Seminyak

With one of the most coveted settings in Seminyak, W Hotel’s seafood restaurant Starfish Bloo offers diners delicious Pan-Asian flavours served alongside unbeatable sea views. Melbourne-based chef Ashley has created a tantalising menu that is creative as it is tasty and sure to delight all diners – not matter how fussy a foodie they might be. The colourful cocktails offer the perfect accompaniment to the seafood spread and the sound of the waves and the setting sun offer a quintessentially Balinese backdrop to this brilliant dining experience.

Shelter Cafe | Jl. Drupadi 1 No.2, Seminyak

For an easy and breezy setting for healthy foodie fare, look no further than Shelter Café. More than just a menu – Shelter Café prides itself on being a cultural hub where creatives, entrepreneurs and expats alike hang out. They frequently hold events ranging from live music nights to pop up fashion shops featuring both Indonesian and international designers. But if it’s food you’re after, they boast a brilliant menu and an array of healthy plates for both vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Try the smashed avo for a healthy classic or the mixed berry hotcakes with coconut cream to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Sea Circus | Jl. Kayu Aya No.22, Seminyak

If you were searching Instagram for where to eat in Seminyak, Sea Circus would definitely pop up. The setting is as brilliant as the food is tasty at Seminyak’s famous Sea Circus. Restaurant, bar and coffee den, Sea Circus boasts a busy and brilliant atmosphere, against a brightly coloured backdrop and upon trying their tasty tacos, it’s easy to see why. For this place, the focus is on balance. On a health kick? Try their coconut latte or wheatgrass shot. Fancy some serious calories on your plate? Their burgers are among the best in Bali. For tasty food and a brilliant vibe whatever the time of day, Sea Circus is one of Seminyak’s must-go destinations for foodies. 

Café Organic | Jl. Petitenget No.99 X

Few places do healthy dining in Seminyak as well as Café Organic. With distinctly Aussie-inspired and Instagrammable décor, this organic eatery is perfect for anyone watching their waistline while on holiday. Boasting a brilliant selection of everything from smoothie bowls breakfast burritos, this garden gangsta café offers vegetarian meals using freshly and locally farmed produce. Try the Bondi bowl for a truly Aussie experience abroad.

Related: A Healthy Eating Guide to Bali

Stunning, healthy fare at Cafe Organic Bali. Image © Lucy Pearson

Seminyak Bars

Potato Head | Seminyak, Jl. Petitenget No.51B

No stay in Seminyak would be complete without a visit to the town’s most famous bar, Potato Head. A stunning seafront bar with an exotic infinity pool and with views of the shoreline, it’s an Instagrammer’s haven. With drinks ranging from fruity cocktails to superfood smoothies and fresh coconuts and tasty bar snacks, you’ll be spoilt for choice. An idyllic spot to while away a balmy afternoon in the Balinese heat as you wait for the stunning sunset. While the prices are on the high side, they’re oh-so worth it.

Mrs Sippy | l. Taman Ganesha, Gang Gagak 8, Seminyak

Seminyak’s newly opened Mrs Sippy is a Mediterranean-inspired oasis that will appeal to sunbathers and party people alike. Home to Bali’s largest salt water pool, this tropical bar is a go-to for anyone wanting to listen to some expertly spun tunes from the crème de la crème of international DJs. With a stunning seafood menu and a range of chilled cocktails perfect for sipping in the afternoon sun, Mrs Sippy has quickly established itself as Seminyak’s go-to destination for poolside sundowners.

Related: Ubud Travel Guide

The stunning Spring Spa in Seminyak Bali. Image © Spring Spa

Seminyak Spas

Spring Spa | JRooftop Level, Seminyak Village, Jl. Kayu Jati Basangkasa, Seminyak

If you’re after some serious pampering away from the hustle and bustle of Seminyak’s main strip, head for The Village Mall’s Spring Spa. The perfect place for the weary-worn holiday maker after too much sun or tired feet, Spring Spa has a decadent treatment list to ease any holiday ailments. Try the Hair Rescue if your locks are lifeless and dry, or the Sunset Package for the ultimate in relaxation.

Bodyworks | Jl. Kayu Jati No. 2, Petitenget, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali

Bodyworks is the original Seminyak Spa, a favourite in particular of those who have been coming to Seminyak and Bali for many years. When it comes to Seminyak Spas, Bodyworks is a great choice for groups. It gets very busy so book in for one of their incredible spa packages as soon as you check into your hotel.

Related: The Best Places to Visit in Indonesia

Lucy Pearson

Lucy Pearson is a certified bookworm, wanderluster, and qualified yoga teacher with a thirst for adventure and a love for life.

Lucy has her own blog, The Literary Edit, and also contributes to Stylist Magazine and Hip and Healthy.

thelitedit.com/

Lucy Pearson | Cover Image © Yoga Barn

The beautiful, warm and welcoming yoga space at Yoga Barn, Ubud. Image © Yoga Barn

Bali Yoga Studios

Yoga Barn | Jl. Raya Pengosekan, Ubud, Bali

When you hear of Bali yoga studios, Ubud’s Yoga Barn is bound to be mentioned.

The iconic bale has a jam-packed schedule. They offer everything from community classes to Sunday morning ecstatic dance to Tibetan Bowl healing and yoga with weights. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing which class to take.

The Yoga Barn also boasts The Garden Café. The organic café offering fresh coconuts, juices, smoothies, vegetarian bowls and an impressive buffet every Sunday.

Related: Ubud Travel Guide

Weekend outdoor yoga classes at W Bali in Seminyak, Bali. Image © Lucy Pearson

W Bali | Jl. Petitenget, Kerobokan, Seminyak, Bali

Fancy getting stretchy to the sound of lapping waves?

Head to the impressive W Hotel in Seminyak. With a stunning location overlooking the ocean, few places will have you feeling quite so at one with the earth as here.

The W offers Saturday sunrise and Sunday sunset practices. Prepare for a serene yet challenging experience that ends with a world-class savasana listening to the surrounding sounds of the sea. It is followed by a healthy juice shot before you go on your merry way. 

Yoga Searcher | Jl. Labuan Sait Suluban, Uluwatu, Bali

Nestled near a cliff’s edge in Uluwatu, Yoga Searcher is a beautiful eco yoga retreat. Complete with eco-lodges made of recycled wood, a swimming pool and a stunning yoga Shambala.

Offering everything from private yoga classes to detox nights on Tuesdays and Fridays. They also offer an on-site organic spa. It’s a one-stop-shop for all your holistic needs. 

Related: A Pocket Travel Guide to Seminyak, Bali

The iconic Desa Seni in Bali is like stepping into an oasis of healing in Bali. Image © Desa Seni

Desa Seni | Jl. Subak Sari No.13, Canggu, Bali

In the heart of this surfer town, you’ll find a hippy retreat and one of the most iconic Bali yoga studios, Desa Seni. Desa Seni is a space that brilliantly fuses sustainable living, wellness and yoga.

With a wealth of classes on offer, from Hatha to meditation to restorative yoga, there’s something for everyone; whatever your style.

Home to beautiful Indonesian artefacts and antiques, Desa Seni is the very best of Balinese culture in one serene and tranquil place. Read more on our stay at Desa Seni here.

Power of Now Oasis | Jl. Merta Sari, Sanur, Bali 

A beautiful beach shack on the shores of Sanur’s stunning beach, The Power of Now Oasis offers yoga by the sea on this serene stretch of sand.

A two-story bamboo building with an on-site sacred cow called Angelique (yes, really). The Power of Now offers yoga teacher training, daily meditation and holistic retreats, as well as a lovely collection of yoga wear; perfect for looking the part during child’s pose.

And with a free class every Sunday morning there’s a lovely homely and community vibe that’s pretty hard to beat.

Related: 15 Amazing Bali Cafes

Lucy Pearson

Lucy Pearson is a certified bookworm, wanderluster, and qualified yoga teacher with a thirst for adventure and a love for life.

Lucy has her own blog, The Literary Edit, and also contributes to Stylist Magazine and Hip and Healthy.

thelitedit.com/

Lucy Pearson | Updated 2023

Digital nomads working in the open-air space at Hubud Ubud. Image © Hubud

6 of the Best Bali Coworking Spaces

The Bali coworking scene has exploded in popularity in the last decade.

From creatives coliving in Canggu to the upwardly mobile buying villas in Bali, living in Bali is an attractive prospect for start-up CEOs, digital nomads, long-term travelers, and creatives alike.

Where better to network and build your empire than a Bali coworking space?

Each coworking space Bali ex-pats can look forward to offers something really unique. Set up your laptop by the beach or overlooking the rice paddies, these are some of the best workspaces in Bali; bound to get your creative juices flowing.

Coworking Seminyak and Kuta

Biliq Coworking

Coworking in Bali doesn’t get much better than working al fresco in the heart of Seminyak. 

Grab a Flexidesk at the Biliq coworking space in Seminyak to crack on with some work. Then, enjoy the tropical air and dip your toes in the plunge pool during your lunch break.

Like most of the Bali coworking hubs, Biliq offers coliving options as well as its two premises in Seminyak and Kuta (Sunset Road).

Either of Biliq’s central locations means you can avoid the hectic Bali traffic, making it easy to enjoy a working holiday in Bali without missing out on any of the action.

You can enjoy the many fun things to do in Seminyak or Canggu after work or book dinner at a nearby restaurant. But, you’ll still make it home to your hotel in time to rest before the following work day.

Read Next | 15 of the Best Seminyak Cafes

Hubud Bali brings the outside in. A beautiful space to work. Image © Hubud

Coworking Ubud

Hubud (currently closed)

Located in the heart of Ubud, a stone’s throw from the town’s famous Monkey Forest, is one of the original Bali coworking spaces, Hubud.

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets, Hubud is a coworking space Ubud ‘glomads’ love.

Nestled at the top of a staircase and opens up into a spacious and airy space boasting an outdoor area, a meeting room, and an on-site café that has ample Ubud vegan and vegetarian options, in keeping with Ubud’s foodie scene.

A place for both dreamers and doers, Hubud runs frequent talks, workshops, and brainstorms all year round, has weekly welcome brunches for new members, and regular social events.

They have an in-house Mac doctor for all your techy needs and also offer co-living experiences for anyone wanting a more gentle introduction to the digital nomad lifestyle.

Read Next | An Epic Ubud Travel Guide

Outpost

With a friendly community, Google-inspired offices, and a quiet location a short distance from Ubud’s center, is Bali coworking space Outpost.

More than just a co-working space, Outpost was created for those chasing a lifestyle design rather than a salary. They offer coliving options for those looking for Ubud accommodation too.

With everything from outdoor decking to standing desks and Skype rooms, this co-working space caters to everyone and offers unbeatable views of the Balinese jungle.

Fully ingrained in Bali’s ethical way of living, Outpost partner with a number of sustainable businesses, and encourage members to do the same.

Whether you simply want a space to co-work or are looking for all-inclusive co-living, Outpost will have the membership for you. 

Read Next | Where to Find the Best Coffee in Bali 

Outpost is a coworking space reminiscent of Google; offering a community, not just a desk. Image © Outpost

Coworking Canggu

Dojo Bali

With surf racks, a beach shack vibe, an outdoor pool, and scooter parking plenty, Canggu’s Dojo brilliantly aligns with the ethos of this hip surf town.

It’s a coworking space Canggu style. A two-story space a short walk or scoot from Canggu’s famous Echo Beach, Dojo Bali coworking is perfect for anyone that wants to fuse beachside living with entrepreneurial thinking.

As well as offering Skype booths and computer rental, Dojo also regularly hosts speaking events, think tanks, skill sharing, workshops, and art exhibitions for the community.

Catering for all manner of remote workers, Canggu coworking at Dojo offers flexibility with a range of rates, from hourly and daily drop-ins to longer-term memberships.

Zin Coworking

Zin Cafe Canggu is so well set up you don’t have to leave all day.

Enjoy a typical Canggu breakfast at the cafe, do a workout at the Zin gym, move to the rooftop for lunch and settle into this cool Canggu coworking space Zin@work, for a solid afternoon on the hustle.

You can even book a room at Zin and stay at the cute boutique hotel and feel like a real Canggu local.

Outpost Canggu

Another coworking space Canggu offers digital nomads is Outpost.

Outpost Canggu coworking shares the same community-minded ethos as their Ubud coworking properties.

In the same way, guests can also become residents with Outpost coliving Canggu options to add on, beyond their regular memberships.

Outpost offers private meeting spaces, sitting or standing desks, and air-conditioned coworking spaces which is essential in Bali. They also give members discounts to local Canggu restaurants.

Another great benefit of Outpost is that your membership grants you access to all three of their locations, should you like to explore Ubud for a few days.

Finn’s Recreation Club

Finn’s Recreation Club is a very cool coworking space that forms part of the huge Finn’s entertainment precinct.

Only the best coworking spaces have water parks, gyms, and day beds onsite, right? 

Don’t worry about distractions though, the Library Room promises a quiet coworking area during the day. Then, at the end of the day, use your Day Pass or Finn’s coworking membership to access the incredible amenities. 

Read Next | An Epic Local’s Guide to Things to Do in Canggu

Dojo Canggu transports you to the beach for your work day thanks to their fun and casual design. Image © Dojo Bali

Coworking Legian

Hub Legian

With 24-hour access, a swimming pool, a shower room, and free coffee, this really is another coworking space in Bali with all the extra benefits.

Hire your workspace by the day, weekly, or work in Bali on a longer-term basis with a private office space.

Hub coworking in Legian is located in Sara Residence, an apartment-style hotel with a pool. So, it’s not surprising then that they have Legian coliving options available too.

Coworking Sanur

Genius

As coworking spaces in Bali go, Genius could not look more like the ultimate antithesis of office working.

Why not set yourself up coworking on the beach?

Genius Café is located on Sanur’s endless stretch of beach, meaning you can listen to the sound of the waves lapping as you work.

Offering co-workers the perfect work/life balance, Genius brilliantly combines a creative place to work, alongside a healthy and nutritious environment, and offers everything from movie nights to salsa dancing in the sand.

With co-working memberships that are literally as cheap as chips, Genius is the ideal spot for would-be entrepreneurs who aren’t yet ready to spend a substantial amount on monthly co-working fees.

With plans to grow into a worldwide network of Entrepreneur Beach Clubs that offer guidance and inspiration for would-be business people, this simple and laid-back space is just the beginning.

Read Next | 12 of the Best Beach Clubs in Bali

Genius Cafe in Sanur Bali offers true tropical office space. Image © Lucy Pearson  

Cover Image with thanks to Dojo Bali

Lucy Pearson

Lucy Pearson is a certified bookworm, wanderluster, and qualified yoga teacher with a thirst for adventure and a love for life.

Lucy has her own blog, The Literary Edit, and also contributes to Stylist Magazine and Hip and Healthy.

thelitedit.com/