The Cin Cin Founders Share Their Little Black Book Of Bali
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We love Bali and the surrounding islands for their laid-back, low-maintenance energy – where shoes and make-up are optional. There’s nothing like a simple beach shack on the Uluwatu cliffside with a knockout view of Impossibles Beach, reached after an hour’s ride on our motorcycles and 170 stairs, to wake up to the sound of crashing waves. Days here are spent eating dragon fruit and sunbathing before heading out for dinner. Louise, meanwhile, is drawn to the island’s luxe resorts, like Alila Uluwatu, with minimalist white design, infinity pools and ocean views that rival the best in the world.
Sunsets here are unmatched – though we’re often still in the studio when it sets! On days that call for a sunset cocktail, we head to Skool Kitchen at Echo Beach, where the vibe shifts instantly from office to vacation. La Lucciola in Seminyak is another favourite, with old-school charm and beachside location. Sunrise over the rice fields outside my bedroom window is also a beautiful treat, glowing blue before the pinks emerge.
MeiMei is one of the island’s most delicious dinner spots, set within a beautifully designed space. Another favourite is Mosto for its natural wine selection, while Segno stands out for world-class cocktails and a speakeasy vibe. The friendly, knowledgeable staff make these places extra special. For a smoothie or a healthy takeaway, Baked is unbeatable – they can do no wrong.
I love Impossibles Beach and Pantai Balangan down south; it is less crowded, with calmer, untouched waters. The nearby island of Nusa Lembongan is another favourite for swimming, offering crystal-clear, calm waters perfect for a relaxing dip. Our favourite thing about Bali? We’re never bored –there’s always something to do, whether it’s cultural or beachside.
When it comes to make-up and sun protection, we have a few favourites. We love Foile Clean Skincare, it is ultra-hydrating and the sculptural glass bottles bring me joy. Abib Quik Suntick Protection Bars are also a game changer: the balm formula lets me reapply over make-up, no hands needed, and it won’t sting if you’re sweating or riding a motorcycle. In Bali’s hot, humid climate (and rainy monsoon weeks), we keep routines simple. Multi-use products are key – the Rhode Pocket Blush is perfect for freshening up straight from the office.
For a first-time visitor, traditional Balinese dance, a Melukat Hindu ceremony and some delicious local food are musts. Nature-filled escapes, like heading east to Candidasa or south to Uluwatu, are unforgettable. The island’s restaurant and bar scene is also a highlight, offering sophisticated, cutting-edge spots in beautifully designed spaces that contrast perfectly with the relaxed island vibe. Discovering the island’s best warungs is always a thrill, too. These tiny, often family-run spots serve up salty, spicy comfort food, each offering a taste of a different region of Indonesia.
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Our pool-to-beach uniform is always head-to-toe Cin Cin, finished with a headscarf to keep hair off our faces in the heat. A kimono-style robe or sarong over swimwear is perfect for transitioning from beach to bar. We both love statement sunglasses – Louise with Bottega Veneta Drop frames in seventies yellow, and me with vintage Nina Ricci. Christopher Esber jelly thongs are indispensable, though we also adore wooden clogs from local shoemakers.
Our Cin Cin boutiques are a must for a shopping fix. Our newest Bali location opens in April – a cool escape from the heat, a place to shop to your heart’s content, and home to what might just be the island’s best selfie spot. We also love one-of-a-kind fashion pieces, like the custom seashell-shaped handbags we created with local crochet and macramé artisans, finished with signature Cin Cin gold hardware. They’re quirky and cool.
When it comes to interior design stores in Bali, one we absolutely love is Kim Soo. It’s almost an institution on the island, and over the years it has offered so much inspiration. We’re always admiring the personal style of owner Kim and her daughter, and the pieces they curate are so inspiring.
A favourite spot for a relaxing reset is the super-stylish Darlings in Seseh, perfect for a unique treatment or blow dry. The island’s hard water can be tough on hair, and its double-filter system keeps it healthy. Louise also loves Goldust Spa in Canggu for mummy-daughter treatments, combining luxury and relaxation in a beautiful setting.
Next on our must-visit list is Maison Proust in Paris. We’re drawn to experiences that contrast with our island life, and indulging in the full splendour of Belle Époque design there would be an incredible thrill, and a little inspiration for Cin Cin too.
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