It takes more than a day to enjoy every corner of Seminyak, a world-famous dining and shopping area that boasts numerous boutiques and eateries.

Those on a quick visit to the southern end of Bali might find it difficult to enjoy all the best features offered by Seminyak, which is only a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The ideal holiday in the beach resort area probably involves strolling along the streets, checking out cute clothing and handicrafts in boutiques, having a thirst-quenching drink in a nearby café and ending the day with a must-try rejuvenating Balinese massage followed by a romantic dinner at the beach.

However, some busy business travelers may not have the luxury of time and may need an alternative, distance-friendly destination to enjoy the holiday spirit on the island of the gods. The Jakarta Post recently had the chance to visit Seminyak Village, a one-stop shopping center that can save travelers time with its array of Balinese treats.

After starting from an idea from Malaysian designer and businesswoman Dato’ Sri Farah Khan, Seminyak Village curates local art and culture in two special spaces, the Indonesian Emporium and Marketplace.

The Indonesian Emporium, located on the shopping center’s ground floor, exhibits a wide range of traditional crafts to take home as gifts for your loved ones. From hand-painted egg shells to batik sarongs and jewelry, the Emporium offers ethnic crafts not only from Bali but also from all over the country — which is famous for its rich indigenous arts and culture.

It is recommendable to visit the Indonesian Emporium in the morning, as you will have the chance to see a Balinese blessing ceremony, which takes place every day.

While the Indonesian Emporium has gifts that are more traditional in nature, the Marketplace showcases artisanal works that interpret the modern context of Bali into various goods, like clothes, towels, jewelry and kitchen paraphernalia.

Decorated with hanging lamps and wooden furniture, the space also offers comfort for a nice talk with friends — not to mention a comforting cup of coffee.

The shopping center also provides many other choices for your break with various international brands. Within the two levels, there are more than 30 shops and restaurants — not to mention 100 brands, like fashion boutiques Farah Khan and Lily Jean as well as beauty care shop Sensatia.

The mall puts a touch of Bali in its rejuvenation facilities to help visitors relax. On the rooftop, Seminyak Village presents Spring Spa, an all-day spa destination with ocean views and pools of water that have one solid purpose: pampering visitors.

Greeted by staff wearing Balinese sarongs, you may like to book multiple therapies considering the extensive treatment menu that covers blissful massages to charcoal facials. The Spring Spa was shortlisted among the island’s best spas in 2015 by Bali tourism guide thebalibible.com.

With a fresher mind and body, it is a good idea to sit back and relax at Wahrung restaurant for some fine choices of traditional snacks, meals or beverages. Among the large variety of treats, the bakwan udang (shrimp and vegetable fritters) are a recommended snack to replenish your energy. Combined with a cup of Balinese coffee, you will get a good combination of savory and fragrantly bitter tastes that will make your tongue dance.

“What makes it [Seminyak Village] a good deal is that all of these pleasures are offered in an air-conditioned space with lots of sunlight. It makes you feel it’s kind of outdoors but minus the heat,” said Jules Tan, a visitor from Hong Kong.

The airy space and wide skylights that bring natural light into the mall are the fruits of prominent designers and architects David McCracken and Fredo Taffin. The latter is renowned for his design concepts at Bali’s premiere lifestyle destination KuDeTa.

— Photos courtesy of Seminyak Village

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