Seminyak
It's the posher side of Bali, Kuta is more of the Aussie surfer drinking side. It's definitely more touristy here, but that also means that the shopping is great. Just watch out for Eat Pray Love crap in like every other window.
Eat
The guy who created this restaurant used to work at Nobu (luckily here it's not the Nobu prices). They serve Balinese food but fancy-style, and the interior here is beautiful. The staff, well like most of Bali, is super nice and when I was a huge FAIL and spilled soy sauce all over my new white dress like 3 people came out of nowhere and handed me a bunch of things to clean my sorry self with.
Stay
I stayed here when I was in Seminyak, super beautiful and close to a bunch of stuff but not in epic party land. I think I paid around $80/night here when I stayed, and got basically my own compound with a king sized bed, living/dining room area with mini kitchen, and outdoor bathroom (the nice kind you'd actually want, not a euphemism...). Staff here is also super sweet and the manager even took me to lunch around the corner.
Buy
This is probably one of my favorite stores IN THE WORLD... and now they thankfully have an online shop! They're a modern take on 1930's clothes, made in materials like rayon and lace, and the pricing is expensive for Bali but not bad for the rest of the world. There are multiple locations around Bali, and also sell in some stores around Europe.
From
Another boutique by the creator of Magali Pascal, this one sells more loungewear, some home goods, and also has a selection of men's clothes and jewelry.
Vintage Century
ALSO by Magali Pascal, who I should mention is a Parisian who moved from Paris to Bali, this store is like the boho version of Magali Pascal. Also multiple locations around Bali.
This is the online shop for a lot of the jewelry sold in the Magali Pascal-related stores. I swear, I don't work for any of them but I just love their selection!
Ubud
More of the spiritual side of Bali surrounded by jungle and rice paddies, super nice. Honestly, I love the beach but found that the beaches in Seminyak were rather polluted so I never wanted to get into the water. If you're more on a relaxing vibe than a rager party mode, I'd recommend staying in Ubud and just taking the bus to other parts of the island.
Do
Kadek
He is a super nice tour guide with his own company, and he basically tailored a tour for me for super cheap. You could reach him at alungsuastika@yahoo.com. He used to work at a hotel so his English is great and he's really knowledgeable about the island and the culture there.
You really can't leave without visiting the monkey forest, I literally spent hours there (just don't look into their eyes!!)
Ubud Holistic
I don't usually do Reiki but in Bali I thought I'd give it a try. My practitioner was Edie Torrance, and let me tell you, she's FO REAL.
Stay
I stayed here the whole time I was in Ubud and it was super beautiful, and the rooms were so nice and big that I was embarrassed for myself... Almost all of them have a sprawling view of the rice paddies, just remember to turn on the fans at night to keep the bugs away (we are talking about a tropical island here).
Eat
This place is famous for their crispy duck. Beautiful outdoor seating, too (well, like most of Ubud).
If you love pork, this place is friggin amazing!! Even Anthony Bourdain said that it's the best pork he's ever had, and I'd say it's pretty up there.