It's been almost five years since I last set foot in Bali. On my last visit I was inspired by the new breed of high end restaurants and hotels that had begun to appear along the quiet and remote streets of Seminyak and Petitenget. They were magical.

Arriving in this district a few days ago, I was stunned at the change. The spacious streets with gentle breezes flowing in over open rice fields are no more. The quiet unmade roads that wound through local farmlets to deserted beaches have gone. The handful of spectacular new hotels have multiplied and it has now become a heavily developed scene of shops, cafes, mainstream bars and clubs.

However, amongst the chaos, I've discovered a handful of sophisticated spots that manage to stand out from the crowd.

On the corner of Jl Laksmana & Jl Drupardi is the Corner House (formally the Corner Store) It is fashionably resplendent in black/white/grey, It's modern & edgy, New York meets Paris in downtown Seminyak! The newly opened Corner House is definitely tres chic!

Nighttime, when the interior lights filter through hedges of magnolia, is when the cafe captures your attention. Downstairs is all about natural wood, white tiles, exposed bulbs and vintage styling. Upstairs is glamourous, with a stunning bar, the showpiece of a sophisticated and high end interior.

Corner house is a gem. Catering to lifestyle too, there is a wonderful collection of clasic linens and home wares for sale. The styling and finishes are superb and the attention to detail is inspiring.

Corner House

10a Jalan Laksmana

Seminyak