Breathe out people, it’s September, a whole lot cooler than August when the traffic and the crowds took over our lives! You’ll still need a little advance planning and a reservation to visit the island’s hottest tables, not to mention the parties, but the island just got way cooler, phew! September is like that. It doesn’t mean that Bali has slowed down, this month expects new openings, festivals, parties and plenty of culture to mix things up. Are you ready?
Here’s what we’re excited about this month:
Bali’s best massage gets a new home in Seminyak!
Massage is a very personal thing, and we all have our favourites, but nobody has won as many local and international awards as Jari Menari. After a staggering 20 years on the main street in Seminyak, stroking us all into blissful serenity, Jari Menari is moving. With a new purpose-built massage studio located just metres away from the original, Jari Menari will have a new home in a tranquil garden space. The building may have changed, but their massage menu and their team of masseuses will continue to offer some of the best massages you will ever have. Four Hands, or two hands, these are the bar the others strive to reach. Jari Menari’s Massage school will also be located there, so if you’re inspired to learn more about their signature massage, you haven’t got far to go.
Legian Steak Project Opens in Legian.
We didn’t waste any time heading to try the new Legian Steak Project, as we’d watched the stylish build and heard that a well-known chef was behind the stove; it was only later that we learned a well-known Bali family was behind the project. Besides all that, a good steak is a wonderful thing and we found it here, meltingly tender, perfectly charred and seasoned! Singaporean chef Nicholas Scorpion takes the reins here, and it’s classic steakhouse fare. The two-story restaurant is decked out in classic style, with lots of mirrors and photographs that feature the Mason family, who owned Yannie’s restaurant many moons ago (also behind Mason Adventures, The Elephant Park and Mason Chocolate). Mostly you’ll head here for brilliant steaks starting at Rp380K, great sides, fresh seafood starters and more. The place was packed when we visited, so make a reservation to ensure you get a seat. The steaks are perfection!
Blue Karma Launches Wellness With Heart.
With 3 stunning boutique resorts, Blue Karma has always done things with heart and soul. Launching their new wellness programs at their Umulas property, amongst the reclaimed buildings and stylish spaces, Blue Karma gave us a sneak peek of all the ways they incorporate wellness into their boutique hotels. Although each resort offers unique menus, their wellness programs aren’t limited to the spas. From early morning power shots and smoothies to healthy gourmet meals in their restaurants to sound healing, traditional energy healing and a range of health and beauty treatments inspired by traditional and modern therapies, the scale is small, encouraging personal transformation. Creating an environment that encourages connection to nature, Blue Karma Wellness is expanding in the most holistic ways. If you’re looking for something very personal, uniquely Balinese and rooted in nature, Blue Karma does it with style. Outside guests can also enjoy the programs, so check them out to see what’s on offer for you.
Motel Mexicola Celebrates Mexican Independence Day
Nobody throws a party like Motel Mexicola, and this September they’re giving us another reason to join the fiesta, overload on margaritas and feast on some of the best Mexican food in town! On September 15, Motel Mexicola is going full throttle in both Seminyak and Canggu to honour Mexican Independence Day in classic style; loud, wild, and unmistakably Motel Mexicola. Expect mariachi, mayhem, and margaritas as they celebrate with a rebellious Gulf of Mexico-inspired menu, 50K drinks from 5–8 PM, and a fiery round of La Lotería at dinner. This is more than a party, it’s a cultural uprising in colour, sound, and spice. Dinner kicks off at 7 PM. Walk-ins are welcome, but book if you’re wise.
Mosto Bali Launches Fermento No. 02
Before we knew a lot about natural wines, Mosto had already stocked their fridges and cellars with some of the best and most interesting, low-intervention pours on the planet. With a delicious wine-friendly bistro menu and a lively bar, Mosto delightfully guides you through a journey of discovery. With regular pop-ups and featured wines appearing on the schedule, this month introduces us to wines from Germany’s DB Schmitt, by Daniel and Bianca Schmitt from the Rheinhessen region, introduced by Julie Fernandez from Toto Wines. Favourites from this natural winery include Riesling Maceration, Frei Korper Kultur series, Pinot Noir. Expect six expressive wines offered by the glass; all served with insight, stories, and Mosto-style snacks. They’re bold, biodynamic, and a perfect introduction for curious drinkers. Walk-ins welcome, bookings encouraged. Thursday 11 September from 6pm – late.
Viceroy Bali Celebrates 20 Years of Luxury and Legacy
Viceroy Bali turns 20, and this milestone is all about honouring two decades of warm hospitality, lush jungle moments, and the global guests who’ve become family. To celebrate, they’ve launched the 20 Treasures offer: stay three nights or more and unlock a curated gift each night from their anniversary treasure box. From spa treatments to gourmet surprises, every stay becomes a keepsake. It’s more than an offer, it’s a thank you, wrapped in elegance. Valid for stays until 30 June 2026.
A New Hideout in Ubud: Asvara Resort by Ini Vie
Tucked away in Kelusa, just a few minutes north of Ubud, Asvara is one of those spots that you’ll want to keep to yourself. It’s private, leafy, and quietly luxe — designed for couples or small groups who want space to themselves without going completely off-grid. The one- and two-bedroom villas come with private pools, indoor-outdoor living areas, and big bathrooms with flower jacuzzis (yes, really). It’s all very “Ubud-but-make-it-modern,” but still low-key. Flairs Restaurant dishes up Asian-Thai favourites throughout the day, while Svaha Spa Kelusa is right on-site for facials, massages, and post-lunch naps disguised as treatments. The romance of Ubud is perfectly captured in this boutique resort that offers all the frills of an Ubud escape in an intimate setting. You come here to switch off, order another round of floating breakfast, and lose track of time.
Spice by Blake Heats Up Ubud’s Dining Scene
From the chef behind Mozaic, Spice by Blake is the new go-to for modern Indonesian with serious flavours in play. Located on Jalan Monkey Forest, this vibrant spot blends local ingredients, fire-cooked dishes, and Blake Thornley’s creative twists. Think rendang beef cheek, rujak-style kingfish, and pepes-style black cod. The ambience is polished but laid-back, perfect for curious foodies and casual graze sessions. Designed to spotlight Indonesian soul through a new lens, Spice by Blake shines a spotlight on a creative chef with great insight into local ingredients and unexpected flavour combinations.
Now open in central Ubud. Come hungry, leave converted.
IGNITE FUNDRAISING GALA 2025: TALES OF THE SHADOWS
Green School Foundation’s annual gala returns with IGNITE 2025: Tales of the Shadows on 27 September 2025. This year IGNITE reaffirms the belief that learning is grounded in nature, community, and purpose, opening access to meaningful education for Indonesian youth. It promises to be a night of purpose, ceremony, and world-class storytelling. Expect an immersive cultural experience featuring legendary dalang I Made Sidia, a powerful shadow puppet performance of Samudra Manthana, and live acts by Pancer Langiit and guest artists. Chef Will Goldfarb of Room4Dessert curates an exclusive gala menu, blending local flavours with world-class finesse. VIP tables offer an elevated position, fine wine, and ceremonial keepsakes. All funds raised support sustainable education for local youth. Held at the green school, tickets are available here.
Latin–Indonesia Hermanos at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort
On 20–21 September 2025, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort will host Latin–Indonesia Hermanos, a special chefs’ collaboration that brings together three culinary talents from Peru, Indonesia, and Mexico. The two-day event features Sabores de la Calle on Saturday evening with Latin and Indonesian street flavors, live music, and performances, followed by Fusión Festiva on Sunday, a brunch that blends Latin and Indonesian tastes with beats and entertainment.
Culinary Highlights This Month
Fixated: Caviar Nugs at BB52
BB52 just dropped a nugget flex for the books — Caviar Nugs, the latest hit from their Summer Specials lineup. Golden, crispy chicken nuggets get a serious upgrade with 10g of premium Bester Caviar, silky crème, lemon zest, and fresh chives. It’s luxury, heat, and unapologetic flavour in one bite. Fuel for the fearless, not the faint. Whether you’re celebrating or just vibing, this limited-time drop is designed to impress.
Available all summer at all BB52 outlets
Di Sini Di Sana - a moment in time captured in food and objects
Ubud has a new spot that blends food, culture, and design in one place—Di Sini Di Sana by Jonathan Rachman. The concept is simple: two spaces, two experiences. Jonathan Rachman is equally at home among Hollywood stars and fashion designers in his adopted home in the US, as he is in his birthplace in Java.
At Di Sini Di Sana he brings a sense of his home along with the flair of his long career in design. Di Sini is a restaurant, where the menu is built on family recipes and authentic Indonesian flavors. From comforting Balinese dishes to the famous ikan bakar Yanto, every plate carries a sense of home and tradition.
Di Sana, on the other hand, takes you in a different direction. Here, antiques and curated pieces with a European sensibility fill the space, each with its own story. It’s part gallery, part shop—somewhere to wander, explore, and maybe take a piece of history home.
Together, Di Sini Di Sana reflects Jonathan Rachman’s idea of bringing cultures together. It’s not just about eating or shopping, but about experiencing a thoughtful mix of Indonesia and Europe in the heart of Ubud.
Chef’s Choice at Bo & Bun
At Bo & Bun, the move is to hand the reins to the kitchen. Tucked into Raya Seminyak, this modern Vietnamese favourite has won hearts and minds with its modern Asian menus. We kicked off with Bolalot, juicy chicken wrapped in pandan, and a moreish Crispy Eggplant with perfect crunch and sweet-spicy glaze. Then came Hanoi-style grilled prawns and the iconic Pad Kra Pao. Just when we thought we were done, Fried Milk and Sticky Date Pudding landed and ruined us (in the best way). About upstairs… We’ll talk later.
Catch Us at These Parties!
Zamna Returns: Two Days of Electronic Mayhem at Savaya
Zamna is back in Bali and ready to raise the jungle once again. Mark your calendars: 20–21 September 2025, when the iconic Tulum-born festival takes over Savaya for another high-voltage weekend of electronic mastery. After its explosive Bali debut in 2023, Zamna returns with the same global energy that’s lit up Ibiza, Miami, São Paulo, and beyond. Expect two full days of world-class music, freedom-fuelled vibes, and that signature Savaya setting above the cliffs.
Baldo to Take The Stage at Club Corazon Uluwatu
On Friday, September 12th, Club Corazon is going to welcome Baldo, Barcelona-based DJ, producer, and label head of Subwax Distribution and Physical Education. With acclaimed releases on respected imprints such as Running Back and Permanent Vacation, Baldo has carved his place as a leading figure in Europe’s underground scene. His sets weave driving rhythms, warm melodies, and timeless grooves into a true dancefloor journey, the perfect start to a month of world-class music at Corazon.
