Latest news with #EatPrayLove
Daily Mail
19 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
The dark side of Bali revealed as tourists turn on holiday hotspot
Bali - long glamourised as a tropical escape brimming with waterfalls, temples and self-discovery - is now facing a growing backlash from tourists who say the reality doesn't live up to the Instagram dream. Despite welcoming an impressive 2.6 million international visitors in the first five months of 2025, many travellers are leaving the Indonesian island feeling anything but spiritually fulfilled. Some are now warning others about the darker side of Bali - one that videos on social media and influencers often fail to capture. With its lush jungles, volcanic peaks, serene beaches and spiritual roots, Bali has the ultimate destination for those in search of a 'wellness' break. But as the number of annual visitors continue to surge, many former visitors are now speaking out about the island's challenges - from overtourism and pollution, to run-down infrastructure and chaotic traffic. Ubud, the island's cultural hub popularised in Eat Pray Love, is said to be overrun with selfie sticks and scooters, while Seminyak, once a laid-back beach town, has allegedly become the standard for up-market beach clubs and late-night partygoers. Read on to discover the reality of Bali, according to seasoned travellers. Overtourism According to a number of travellers, mass tourism is one of the biggest contributing factors to the island's current 'chaotic' atmosphere. Quiet temples and nature trails are now teeming with tourists, leading to long queues, loud crowds, and a feeling of inauthenticity for many visitors. Fitness and travel influencer, @resurgent_harry, said: 'It is completely overcrowded.' A TropEcoTravel contributor also wrote: 'Overtourism has ruined the true heart and soul of Bali. 'I don't know what Bali was like before the onslaught of tourists and plastic, but I would imagine it was a tropical haven with thriving locals and untouched landscapes.' In 2024, F odors Magazines labelled Bali the top destination to avoid, and said of its tourist-heavy hotspots: 'These locations are popular for good reason – they are stunning, intriguing, and culturally significant. 'However, some of these highly coveted tourist spots are collapsing under the burden of their own prominence.' Pollution A general view shows debris and rubbish washed ashore at Kuta beach on Indonesia's resort island of Bali on February 15, 2019 Several visitors have described finding piles of garbage near popular natural attractions, including waterfalls and beaches. Plastic pollution is a growing issue, particularly during rainy season when rubbish washes to shore in large volumes. Fitness and travel influencer, @resurgent_harry, also said in a recent video: 'You can't go for a run, there is trash everywhere. The beaches are completely covered in trash.' Travel blogger Dale Philip was left dismayed after visiting popular picture spot, Pengempu waterfall, during his recent visit to the island. In a post to social media, he wrote: 'I'd seen this place looking amazing in many flashy, glamorous photos but when I arrived there myself, I found out that it was covered in garbage.' In the clip, he exposed piles of litter and plastic bottles collected along the riverbed, as he added: 'I did not expect to see all this junk lying here.' Joshwa, a travel influencer who regularly posts about his journeys around the world on TikTok, also posted a series of clips from his time in Bali. One of the content creator's videos showed decrepit buildings, abandoned beanbags along a beach and litter piled high. Another video featured a sign that read 'please stop littering', stood next to a pile of plastic bottles and other rubbish. Infrastructure and traffic Bali's narrow roads, limited public transport and influx of visitors mean traffic jams are a daily norm in popular areas. Harry Mackarness, who spent two months on the so-called 'Island of the Gods', said his visit left him 'deeply depressed, disillusioned, and determined never to return '. In a scathing YouTube review, Mackarness claimed the island is buckling under the weight of mass tourism and plagued by gridlocked roads, rundown accommodation, and a tourism industry more interested in profit than hospitality. 'Everywhere you go, there's rubbish, construction, or scams,' he said, 'The infrastructure just can't handle the number of people being sold this dream.' Jamie, a travel blogger from Durham, wrote of his experience on his blog: 'Bali cannot cope with well over 4 million visitors a year. It's no secret that Bali's roads are heavily congested. 'On a typical day in Ubud, the cultural centre, every road in and out is full of stand-still traffic. You can't get anywhere without walking and without breathing in polluted air.' Will Hatton, a World Nomads contributor, described traffic in Bali as 'complete chaos' and 'hell', adding that road accidents are 'common' and many newly-qualified scooter drivers will ride vehicles without helmets. Tourist traps and touts Over-commercialisation has led to what some describe as aggressive touting and inflated prices near temples, markets and popular nature spots. Pictured: Tourists at the Tegenungan Waterfall Over-commercialisation has led to what some describe as aggressive touting and inflated prices near temples, markets and popular nature spots. According to Jamie's blog post, travellers walking through the streets of Bali should not expect 'a moment's peace' from merchants and taxi drivers. He added: 'Everywhere someone is selling something. I didn't visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces for this reason. I've heard that you have to pay initially to enter. Then there are additional payments to "staff" in order to progress down the terraces. 'If you want to get around Bali too the best way is to hire your own driver for the day. Public transport is practically non-existent and taxis are often controlled by "mafia" in order to keep prices higher.' Another visitor, who wrote a scathing review on a blog named Hyder Sea Travels, described the infamous Uluwatu Temple as a 'huge tourist trap.' They warned: 'Yes, the view is amazing from the cliff. However, you cannot visit the temple or get close to it. 'What you are coming here to visit is the area around the temple, in the blistering heat and the burning sun. You also need to pay at the gate for your car or scooter.' Rowdy tourists and influencers One of the online critics who agreed with Zoe and Danny's point of view was fitness and travel influencer Harry - whose Tiktok handle is @resurgent_harry With Bali's growing popularity among influencers, some travellers say the constant filming and performative spirituality have diluted the island's appeal. All the more, influencers often present a curated and idealised version of Bali on social media, which can create unrealistic expectations for other travellers. It comes after Mollie Mae Hague's sister Zoe Rae came under fire for leaving Bali just 48 hours after she arrived because it 'did not live up to expectations set by other influencers'. After sharing her honest review in a YouTube video, Zoe's followers claimed they were 'surprised' by her reaction because the island is a developing area of the world where many live in poverty. Loud parties, beach clubs and disrespectful behaviour from intoxicated revellers have also left a bad taste, with numerous travellers blaming rowdy tourists for degrading the island's atmosphere. Travel blogger Jamie further wrote on his blog: 'I didn't expect Bali to be such a party island. 'Seminyak is apparently a more up-market resort but, once the Aussies descended on it, it was no different to "Brits abroad" descending on Magaluf.'
The National
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
From screen to plate: Creative Dubai cinema experience allows you to eat what you see across five-course menu
How many times have you watched a film and wondered what the food in a particular scene might taste like? At Teatro restaurant in Rotana Towers Dubai, Movie Eats transforms that passing thought into a cinematic dining experience. This is not just dinner and a movie; it is a curated event where each course is inspired by what appears on screen, timed to match key moments in the film. The set up When I visited, the feature was Eat Pray Love, starring Julia Roberts as Elizabeth Gilbert, a woman on a journey of self (and culinary) discovery across Italy, India and Bali. Much like the film's story, the menu moved through Italian and Indian flavours, bringing the narrative to life through taste. Setting the scene for the five-course dinner-and-show experience, a menu, cutlery and napkins are laid out before guests arrive. In keeping with a traditional cinema experience, we are initially served popcorn. On a roll My experience began with a mixed berry mojito, a light and refreshing drink reminiscent of the relaxed aperitivo scenes from the film's Italian chapter. The first course was cheese ravioli, a rich and creamy dish notable for its full flavour. The second course arrived as a larger platter combining artichoke and melon, with clam tagliatelle and Napoli pizza. Although they connected well with what we were seeing on screen, I felt the mix of dishes did not complement each other particularly well. The tagliatelle was nicely prepared, but I am not a huge fan of clams; and the pizza would have definitely benefitted from more sauce and toppings. Moving away from Italian food, we were served turkey breast slices with vegetables and gravy, presented during the film's Thanksgiving montage. The meat was tender and juicy, and felt as warm and comforting as the scene we watched. As the film moves to India and Elizabeth's journey of self-discovery begins, we were presented with an Indian dipping platter featuring sambar, daal and chutney, served with saffron basmati rice and puri. The dishes were bold and fragrant, but the spices were strong to the point of overwhelming for my palate. To finish, we were served chocolate cupcakes, which linked perfectly with the final leg of Eat Pray Love, as the characters are eating a similar dessert towards the end of the film. Behind the scenes Movie Eats launched in Dubai in November 2023. Since then, it has hosted a series of events and built a growing community of film and food lovers. Founder and chief executive Sarah Fay says the idea is rooted in her love for storytelling and sensory immersion. 'We choose films where food plays a central or memorable role in the storyline,' she tells The National. 'Our team then designs a menu that brings those dishes to life, blending storytelling with flavour to create a fully immersive dining experience.' So far, the team has featured titles such as Ratatouille, The Menu and Shrek, each matched with multicourse menus that correspond to specific scenes. Hot ticket The next screening is scheduled for October 2025, with tickets expected to be released in September. Tickets start at Dh389 for adults and Dh199 for children under 12. Screenings typically accommodate between 30 and 50 guests, which keeps the atmosphere intimate while still feeling communal. Guests are encouraged to book early as screenings tend to sell out. The Movie Eats team are currently considering expanding around the UAE. 'We're exploring opportunities to take Movie Eats to the other emirates and even internationally,' Fay says. 'We're also working on new theme nights, collaborations and possibly children's editions in the near future.' A cut above Movie Eats is a fun concept where food becomes part of the film unfolding on screen. While some dishes are more memorable than others, the attention to detail in the set up and service adds to the experience. Courses are timed and served smoothly, allowing you to stay immersed without distraction. It makes for a creative and memorable night out.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
When love isn't enough: Why I left my ‘perfect' relationship
I walked out of my 'perfect' relationship. While it lasted — all of eight years — it looked like a match made in heaven. He was patient, kind, and loyal. Our relationship was supported and celebrated by our families and friends. But with time, I became aware of the vast gap in our perception of the world, which only grew larger by the day. There was not much drama or conflict, but the truth was undeniable and stark. Break-ups are usually messy, often a result of cheating or dishonesty. There's shouting, tears, blocked numbers, and divided friend groups. At least that's what social media, movies, and even our own fears would have us believe. It's almost as if a relationship can only end for explicit, solid and explosive reasons. But separations need not necessarily be about betrayal, disappointment, and anguish. They can happen when two people, who still love each other, stop moving in the same direction. For me, there was no single, seismic moment that marked the end. It was rather a slow unravelling, and here's how it possibly began. For quite some time, I wanted to have deeper conversations with him that challenged our social conditioning and pushed our boundaries of comfort. I wanted to interrogate the world and my place in it. He chose the comfort of certainty and was content with how things were, and I was not. One day, I asked myself: if this continues, what will I become? At first, it was just a niggling restlessness. Eventually, I understood that I was growing. Not away from him, but into myself. We often confuse love with compatibility, but are they the same? You can love someone deeply and still find yourself fundamentally out of sync. Love is not a guarantee of forever. It is a powerful bond, but it doesn't erase the need for shared growth, intellectual connection, or mutual curiosity about the world. I found myself thinking often about The Way We Were, starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. In one unforgettable scene, Streisand's character Katie says to Redford's Hubbell, 'If I push too hard, it's because I want things to be better.' That line helped me with the realisation: I wasn't trying to break us. I was trying to make us expansive enough to hold everything I was becoming. When that couldn't happen, I chose not to contort myself to fit into that limiting tent. Or take Eat Pray Love, where Julia Roberts' character, Liz, leaves a marriage not because it was terrible, but because it was stifling in its sameness. She says, 'I want to marvel at something.' That desire, to marvel, to stretch, to be wide open to the world, is not a rejection of love, but a reaching toward selfhood. She knew she was built for something different, something wider — that recognition is liberating. Then, there's Tamasha, where Deepika Padukone's character, Tara, falls in love with Ved in Corsica, only to be heartbroken when she realises the man he becomes in his routine life is far different from his inner light, his own self. Even in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Abhay Deol's character, Kabir, begins to confront the emotional weight of fitting into his relationship with Natasha, played by Kalki Koechlin. He has to decide if his own desires fit into her expectations. These are not stories of betrayal or failure. They are stories of truth. And the truth is, we can love someone and still choose ourselves. We can walk away from something that looks whole because we recognise a deeper ailment: one that is not about who the other person is, but who we have become. Relationship dynamics shift as people evolve. And staying in something you know will eventually shrink your spirit is one of the quietest, yet riskiest, things you can do — to yourself, and to the person you love. Because when alignment fades, love can curdle into resentment. And no one deserves that. So, I made the hardest, but perhaps the kindest choice I could. I walked away from my 'perfect' relationship. Our final conversations were quiet and gutting. He asked me if I was sure, and I said I was. He asked if I still loved him. I said yes, but added that I loved myself differently now. I could not shrink my curiosity, ambition, or shifting worldview to make someone else comfortable, even if it was someone I adored. He deserves someone who finds joy in the life he wants, and I deserve a life that reflects the depths of who I am becoming. When I tell people I ended a 'perfect' relationship, their first reaction is confusion. 'But everything was fine,' they say. And they are right. Everything was fine. But 'fine' is a dangerous trap. 'Fine' convinces us that comfort is the same as compatibility. 'Fine' is what keeps people captive in unspoken misery for years, trading depth for predictability. When it comes to growth, it doesn't always follow the same timeline. Sometimes, people evolve in parallel directions. Sometimes they don't. My decision underscores identity and autonomy, and not rebellion. I chose a real life, not one of labels. Shruti Kaushal is a social media sieve and catches'em trends before they grow big, especially cinema. She has been a journalist for 4 years and covers trends, art and culture, and entertainment. ... Read More
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Why do people disappear from society? These travel stories hold the answer
Shreyansha Ghosh For Namrata, founder of Keemiya Creatives, 2014 was the year that changed everything. She quit her job and embarked on a solo journey across continents, severing all ties with her old life. 'For the next three years, I wandered – physically, mentally, and emotionally. I found solace in solitude, and a sense of freedom in being unreachable,' she told 'Every city, every village had a story. The chaos of foreign capitals, the silence of remote mountains, the wisdom of ruins, they all shaped me.' Eventually, she relocated to a Tier-3 city, where she knew no one. 'Starting from scratch was both exhilarating and humbling. I had no job, no network. But in rebuilding, I discovered the true meaning of independence,' she said. The weight of the world is a silent killer. It creeps in like dust collecting in corners you forgot to clean. Your mind hums with doubt about every decision you've made. Slowly, you start resenting the life you've built. You carry on with that weight until you snap. You retreat from the world, hoping to come back transformed. For many, travel becomes the escape of choice. People disappear because, sometimes, it's the only way to stay sane. They seek complete detachment from jobs, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. To outsiders, this disappearance may appear to be escapism. However, it's often a necessary act of survival. Remember Liz Gilbert, played by Julia Roberts, in the movie Eat Pray Love? After a breakdown, she walks away from her marriage, a rebound relationship, and her job, setting off on a year-long quest through Italy, India, and Indonesia. Driven by desperation, she searches for happiness and finds peace instead. In a hyper-connected world where expectations are relentless, Gilbert's story resonates. Today, many people are choosing to disappear from society for psychological survival. 'According to the Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan), human beings are driven by autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When these needs go unmet, when life becomes overly controlled, disconnected, or draining, people seek out radical change. Disappearing can feel like reclaiming autonomy. It's not just about running away; it's about returning to the self,' Shruti Padhye, a senior psychologist at Mpower, told This behaviour is depicted in Nomadland (2020), the Oscar-winning film about Fern, a woman who embraces a nomadic life after personal loss and financial ruin. 'Many aren't just fleeing society,' said Padhye, 'They're looking for authenticity, for space to grieve, and for simpler ways to live.' She also said that these disappearances are often driven by emotional exhaustion, identity crises or burnout. Travel, in such cases, offers a reset, a chance to reconnect with one's true self. Chirag, a student of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), shared his story of a monsoon road trip through Meghalaya. 'We drove from Guwahati to Shillong, Cherrapunji, Laitlum Canyon, Mawlynnong, Dawki; the clouds and rain never left our side,' he said. One night, past 1 AM, they found themselves deep in a forest. Heavy rain. Zero visibility. The brakes slipped. 'No signal, no help. But we didn't panic. We trusted each other and inched forward until we found a tiny rest stop. We cooled the car, fixed the brakes, and drove on, almost laughing at the madness of it all.' When asked if this break from society was worth it, he said, 'Moments like that crack you open. They strip life down to its raw edges — survival, trust, awe. Stepping away from the world, even briefly, reminded me how alive I could feel. Out there, lost in the rain, I found something real. Was it worth it? Every drenched, broken, breathtaking second.' 'It's a natural response,' said Padhye. According to her, 'It's the mind's way of hitting pause; a reset mechanism that reflects a need for emotional recalibration. Disappearing into nature or travel can lead to higher psychological fulfilment.' 'Travel can not only offer a change of scenery, but also push a person to step out of their comfort zone to adapt and reinvent,' said Vaishali Arora, a clinical psychologist at LISSUN mental health platform. But is it healthy? 'If the decision is conscious and reflective, it can represent post-traumatic growth. But if it's impulsive or sudden, it may point to underlying mental health challenges—chronic stress, anxiety, or trauma,' said Padhye. Shreyansha Ghosh was an intern at
Time Out Dubai
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Why you should check into Shangri-La Dubai to Eat, Play, Love this summer
You deserve a treat, and this summer it's time to head out on a gorgeous city escape at Shangri-La Dubai. Ready to whisk you off on your dream adventure, for this summer, the plush hotel has themed your next trip entirely around the movie Eat Pray Love with its new Eat Play Love experience. From MICHELIN Guide-recommended dining to soul-soothing spa sessions, you're going to leave feeling like a whole new you. Seven irresistible reasons to check into Shangri-La Dubai Begin your journey by checking out all the incredible dining deals under Eat. Tuck into regional Chinese flavours at Shang Palace Start your culinary journey at the MICHELIN Guide-recommended Shang Palace, known for its signature Cantonese dishes, from rich Peking duck to bold Sichuan flavours. The restaurant has just launched an exciting new menu that dives even deeper into regional Chinese cuisine, showcasing the elegant artistry of Huaiyang dishes alongside the bold, comforting flavours of Lu (Shandong) cooking. If you're not sure where to begin, the all-you-can-eat dim sum brunch is a great introduction. Held every Saturday, it's a full-on experience with live cooking stations, beautifully crafted dumplings and refined spins on classic Cantonese plates. Prices start at Dhs288. Take a dim sum masterclass Roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with dough as you learn to make your own dumplings from scratch. A culinary expert will guide you through all the nitty gritty, so next time you're cooking for someone special, you can impress with their favourite dish made by you. Brunch like you're in Hanoi Or if your taste buds are itching for authentic Vietnamese plates, be sure to book your table at the Hanoi social brunch at Hoi An every weekend. It's a lively, sharing-style brunch inspired by the energy of Vietnam's buzzing street food culture. Running Saturdays and Sundays, the Hoi An brunch starts at Dhs228 per person. Explore the city in Play As well as tucking into your favourites, the staycation will also give you the chance to explore some of the best Dubai has to offer. Dive into the tropical rainforest that is Green Planet Dubai. With over 3,000 species inside the dome, you're about to stroll into another world. Or for a slice of Dubai from years gone by, take a guided tour of Al Fahidi and Old Dubai, ending at the stunning Diwan Mosque. Soak up Burj Khalifa views from the pool Soak up Burj Khalifa views as you lounge by the pool with a Kindle and your phone out (for those glamorous Insta shots). The Dhs150 pool passes are fully redeemable on food and drinks. Or you can unwind with a serene daycation in a deluxe sea view room which is available from 9am to 6pm. And our favourite part is that this Dhs400 package comes with pool access. Time to Love yourself Any time is a perfect time to pamper yourself till you're on cloud nine. Especially considering CHI, The Spa's itinerary. Here, you can sign up for a range of summer-exclusive treats that incorporate ancient healing traditions from Asia. Time Out tip: Book a 60-minute massage of your choice and enjoy a complimentary upgrade to a 90-minute session. Find your flow with sunrise yoga Start your morning on the right note with a flow and glow yoga session, because nothing says Dubai quite like stretching it out against a backdrop of the Burj Khalifa and that dazzling city skyline. Bonus: Personalise your summer staycay Ticking all the boxes this summer, you can opt for the full Eat Play Love package or mix and match the experiences. The Summer Staycation package includes early check-in at 10am, late check-out at 3pm and a sweet 15 percent off on dining and spa treatments. Book your experience at Shangri-La Dubai today. Book now:
