Hannah Attalah is the founder of Oceanus, a London-based sustainable brand that delivers fashion-forward styles for the free-spirited traveller. Here, she shares her guide to Bali, the island she calls home.
Oceanus started as an exclusively swimwear label but Hannah, its Lebanese-Irish founder, has built the label into a ready-to-wear brand. With an 80s glamour aesthetic – made using biodegradable beading and fabric from fishing nets – this is a brand designed to empower women, and one that has earned Hannah a place on the Forbes 30 under 30 list, in 2023.
Today, Hannah is based in Bali; it’s where she opened her first store in the summer of last year, and a place that provides huge inspiration for Oceanus’ designs. Here, she tells us about her favourite places on the island – including the best cafe for coffee, the independent designers to shop, where to go for date night, as well as revealing a small coastal village on the east of the island that many say is the prettiest spot in all of Bali.
The best time to visit Bali is…
I would say May to September, to enjoy Bali’s incredible beaches and diving opportunities with no rain and plenty of sun! It’s not a busy period so you’ll really get to enjoy it – crowd free.
Our first pitstop should be…
Uluwatu, home of the most famous waves in Bali.
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Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
For an early morning workout head to…
Wrong Gym in Pererenan. It’s my favourite gym – they are very well equipped and have an amazing recovery area featuring saunas, plunge pools and ice baths. I also love Revive + Pilates.
Where should we go for breakfast?
My favourite cafe is Woods, or NOAH which is close to my villa in Pererenan. I love going there on the weekends – it’s become my ritual.
Where can we find the best coffee?
With no hesitation: at Revolver in Canggu.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
Mason restaurant. They have really nice food, the atmosphere is lovely, and their signature margaritas are to die for.
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And for dinner with friends?
At a really cool restaurant called Shelter: it’s a contemporary restaurant, where authenticity meets artistry. The food is inspired by the vibrant and intense flavours of the Middle East. My favorite dishes here (and the ones I always end up ordering) are the scallop, pork belly and raspberry meringue.
The drink to order at the bar…
Watermelon margaritas are my go-to.
The best place for people watching…
Pererenan Beach. It’s peaceful, refreshing, and a beautiful place to watch beach-goers enjoying their time on the sand and in the sea.
The culture spot to rave about…
Ubud is the base for exploring more authentic parts of Bali, like visiting waterfalls or temples and climbing volcanoes. It’s known to be the island’s spiritual and cultural capital and is home to lots of wonderful nature and plentiful yoga retreats.
Where can I go shopping?
The Oceanus shop in Berawa, Canggu. You’ll also find cool independent designers to shop, including Chasing Unicorns and Stacked by Celeste. There’s a great art scene in Ubud too – check out Celuk Village and Sanur Art Market for local gems.
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For the best views head to…
Uluwatu temple.
One place only locals know about…
NOAH cafe in Pererenan.
A book to read before we go (or while there)…
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, it’s very cliché but the book is so good – and so true to the Bali experience.
For a change of pace try…
Surfing at Echo Beach.
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Souvenir to take home?
Art or coffee from the markets. Chocolate is also famous here.
In one word, Bali is…
Majestic.
A must-try spot for date night?
The 100 Candles dinner at The Samaya Ubud.
The best place to treat yourself is…
AMO Spa in Canggu for the ultimate relaxation.
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Your favourite neighbourhood to stroll in…
Pererenan, where I live.
Great day trips include…
Bali Bird Park which is perfect for exploring with young children, or the Pyramids of Chi in Ubud.
How should we spend the final day of our trip?
Surfing in Pererenan before sitting back and enjoying the sunset from the rooftop of Sol.
What’s your Bali secret?
Nusa Penida is home to some of the best diving spots in Bali. Plus visit Crystal Bay on Penida island, or Amed – a small coastal village located in the Karangasem Regency, on the far east of Bali. Many would tell you that Amed is the prettiest place to visit in Bali, with its impressive views of Mount Agung plus beautiful black-sand beaches.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?