🏝 Bali Surf Stay – Where We Crashed Between Waves
Bali always seems to hit the sweet spot – a little bit chaos, a little bit calm, and a whole lot of surf. On our latest trip, we split our stay across three very different spots, each one with its own charm, surf accessibility, and post-surf recovery perks. If you're someone who likes your board waxed and your sheets crisp, here’s your Bali sleep-and-surf blueprint.
🌴 Seminyak – Pondok Sara Villas
First stop: the heart of the buzz. Seminyak’s got the beach clubs, the boutique shops, the overpriced coconuts... and thankfully, a few quiet corners to escape the madness.
Enter: Pondok Sara Villas. Tucked away just enough from the main strip, this little sanctuary gave us our very own private villa complete with a plunge pool. After a day of dodging scooters, sunburning at the beach, and stuffing ourselves with smoothie bowls, sliding into that pool felt like a religious experience.
And yes – they bring breakfast to your villa. Each morning we woke to coffee, fresh fruit, and eggs on the patio. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in a bustling tourist town. Perfect for couples (or mates who are cool with sharing a king bed and a splash of romance).
🌊 Medewi – Batu Kayu Eco Surf Lodges (Villa Markisa)
From noise to nature. We left Seminyak in the rearview mirror and headed to Medewi – Bali’s slow-surfing, soul-soothing west coast village.
Villa Markisa at Batu Kayu Eco Lodges was the sort of place you check into and then cancel all your plans. Built with raw timber, open-air everything, and views straight out to the long, cruisy left-hand point break, it felt like staying in a surf chapel. Mornings here meant birdsong, coffee with a view of the lineup, and the distant sound of someone already dropping into a wave you were about to paddle out for.
The outdoor shower sealed the deal – sun on your back, salt on your skin, and not a single tiled wall in sight. This is slow surf life at its best.
🏄♂️ Nusa Lembongan – 3 Monkeys Studio Apartment
With my partner heading home, I took the solo leg of the trip to Nusa Lembongan – a dreamy little island where time slows down and surf breaks are only ever five minutes away.
I stayed at 3 Monkeys Studio Apartment, a no-fuss, super central spot that had exactly what I needed: clean sheets, strong AC, and walking access to Shipwrecks, Lacerations, and Playgrounds. Let’s be honest – when you’re in the water more than you're in your room, you don’t need much more.
The local warungs were tasty and cheerful, the vibe on the island was laidback, and I quickly settled into a rhythm of surf, eat, nap, repeat. It was the kind of solo trip that makes you forget to check your phone and accidentally make friends with strangers at dinner.
Sleep Well - DB