Every year, like clockwork, I pack my bags (overpack, let’s be honest) and head to Bali – my happy place, my creative recharge zone, and the unofficial tropical branch of Greenwood Designs HQ. It’s part work, part wandering, and 100% wonderful.

The main reason I go? To catch up with my incredible resin supplier. We sit down, chat all things design, and get the ideas flowing for new creations. No factory floors or noisy workshops – just good coffee, great company, and a colourful brainstorm session. It’s always one of the highlights of my year. And let me just say… watch this space – we’ve got some fabulous things in the pipeline. Think: bold resin bangles, playful resin earrings, and seriously fun resin keyrings. Oh – and a little touch of Christmas sparkle because apparently that’s a thing already. I know. Wild.

This year, we kicked things off with a little treat – a beachside stay at a fancy hotel on Nusa Lembongan. We hadn’t been back since our honeymoon 20 years ago (how did that happen?!), so it felt like the perfect excuse to head over and celebrate. And let me tell you, that island still has its magic. Calm, sunny days, beautiful views, scooters zipping around, and that lovely slower pace where you actually remember to breathe. 

After soaking up that goodness, we headed back to Seminyak – our go-to base. While Gus happily kicks back by the pool with a Bintang and a book, I’m out and about like a crazy lady on a mission. You’ll find me wandering the streets of Seminyak and Legian, peeking into boutiques, shops and markets, soaking up every bit of colour, texture and style I can find.

These walks are my secret sauce – I always come back with a head full of ideas. Whether it’s a colour combo that inspires a new resin necklace, or a quirky trinket that sparks a future collection, it all goes into the creative bank for Greenwood Designs. And yes, my step count was through the roof, but hey, thats the bonus!

These Bali trips are such a big part of our resin jewellery story – they’re where the ideas grow and the magic happens. Every swirl, sparkle and shape in our resin earrings, bangles, necklaces and keyrings has a bit of Bali baked into it.

And hey – if you’re planning your own trip to Bali and need some hot tips, hit me up! I’ve got years of go-to spots for shopping, eating, and sneaky day spa escapes after a long day of “work.”

That’s a wrap on this year’s Bali adventure – relaxed, inspiring, and just the refresh I needed. Already dreaming of the next one. 🌴