Thanks (in part) to Eat Pray Love, Bali has earned a reputation as THE place to seek balance, harmony, and inner peace — in both mind and body. No Balinese city represents this more than Ubud.

The hallmarks of a trip to Ubud include daily smoothies, frequent yoga classes, the occasional massage, and many hours spent lounging by the pool on any given afternoon. If you’re searching for a place to unwind and detox, look no further.

I get off the bus (not far from the Monkey Forrest) and walk into a few guesthouses. I quickly settle on Merthayasa Bungalows and score a large upper room overlooking the pool for $25 a night.

Note to anyone looking to book here — I stayed four nights and should’ve tried to talk them down to $20 a night. At the time of my arrival I was tired and didn’t feel like negotiating, but then I kicked myself afterwards because I’m sure they would’ve gone lower, as they weren’t full and there’s so much competition for accommodation in Ubud.

While the room looks great, the bathroom needs work. It’s one of those shower-and-toilet in the same 20 square feet (with no curtain), so when you shower the water goes everywhere. But I’m happiest with my private balcony overlooking the pool.

I enjoy breakfast al fresco each morning — sometimes toast, sometimes pancakes. Always fresh fruit and tea.

I love this pool. I spend an hour each afternoon reading my book in the shallow end.

View looking up from the pool:

These little offerings can be found all over Bali. This particular one includes flowers and sticky rice:

I walk through town and pause for a coconut drink overlooking a rice field.

…Okay, I order some fries too. This is a very east-meets-west meal.

There’s always athletic activity going on when I pass by this field:

I take only one yoga class in Ubud, on my last day in town. Immediately after it’s over I wish I’d taken a class every day. I always feel 110% better after practicing yoga.

I pick the Yoga Barn and LOVE their facilities.

The main studio overlooks this koi pond:

But perhaps my most favorite part of Ubud is the FOOD. Moreso than anywhere else I visit in Bali, Ubud has the best restaurants with the healthiest selection.

This mint mango smoothie on the right below is the best I’ve ever had. I go back three times over five days.

That fruit iced tea on the bottom left is another favorite. The best part is the fruit salad after I finish the tea!

I make some unhealthy decisions, too. But it’s all delicious. This is a slice of lemon crumble and a banana peanut butter milkshake.

Continuing my balance of healthy / unhealthy, here’s a green smoothie and cinnamon bun. Yup.

While Ubud is often crowded with tourists, I still enjoy my time here — the cheeky monkeys, postcard-perfect rice fields, and plethora of healthy living options make my visit here delightful.