Testimonials
A day out with Marilyn!
a fun shopping excursion.
a fun shopping excursion.
Following is just a small selection of comments from shopping guests that have enjoyed 'the shopping journey'!
My Bali Holiday Blog - an except from Natalee Alford, Western Australia, September, 2011
"Marilyn arrived at the villa at 9.30am as promised and we had a introductions and a quick chat before heading off in a car and driver that she had arranged. My mum had bought some material from home that she wanted some pants made from so the first stop was a tailor ?We then hit the streets to shop!
Firstly we went to a little boutique of which I can’t remember the name or which street! It was owned by an Australian lady. She stocks all the left over stock from boutiques in Bali and sells it at cheap prices. She has a large stock but you cannot get all sizes and colours in each range. My sister bought a few things here and I bought some solid silver heart shaped earrings.
We then went to a great homewares store. I bought some nice cushions, and nick nacks, a large shell bowl - cushions – dragonfly door stop – silver ornamental dragonflies, plus sambal tray, bowls and spoons –
Next we went to a great boutique where we all bought some lovely clothes, some good quality ¾ length black linen pants and a casual, light-weight shirt.
Just a couple of doors down a Japanese owned boutique with some gorgeous clothes. I bought two dresses here – both are just stunning. Honestly, I could have spent my whole budget in here, a tad expensive but good quality.
We went to another couple of shops and then stopped for lunch at a popular east/west restaurant. Marilyn had booked us a table right at the front. There were a lot of expats here and Marilyn seemed to know almost everyone. She introduced us to the owners, who were both very gracious and welcoming. We had a lovely lunch and I was once again surprised at the cheap prices for good quality food. After lunch we headed to a couple of shoe shops in Seminyak and to a small market where Marilyn was a pro at bartering for a copy bag and wallet.
We then went to a boutique on Jl. Raya Kesambi which is owned by a Melbourne woman. We all bought shoes here.
Marilyn also said she would take us to a material shop. Mum is a good dressmaker so she was looking forward to this. All in all a wonderful day out with Marilyn"
June 2011
"Just back from a beaut Bali break where I met the dynamic Marilyn (www.retailtherapybali.com) who took me under her expert wing for a girls day out. And what a divine day it was! (especially the Seminyak area) Bali is a shoppers dream however the choice is so large that it can be an overwhelming nightmare and Marilyn's personalised shopping service is a wonderful way for first time visitors (like me) to get an overview of what's available. She has extensive expertise in retailing both in Australia and internationally and it shows! Her service was tailored to suit my interests and budget, so there's no being dragged around to see the usual tourist traps. Whether you are shopping for homewares, fashion, artworks or want an interesting day out to experience artisans
(e.g a French trained perfume maker) who you would never find otherwise, or if you just want to get to know your way around the many restaurants in the Bali food scene - Marilyn knows where the best buys and most interesting places are. This really is a personalised service and Marilyn did her homework on my needs very thoroughly which resulted in a well planned, fun, informative day that was just like shopping with a girlfriend!
So, if you want to put your best "retail therapy foot
forward" I would recommend a day out with Marilyn as an essential part of any Bali experience. "
Lea Symonds, Australia
Hello Marilyn
A short note of thanks for your recommendation of the Viceroy Villas up in Ubud - it is a stunning property We spent a blissful weekend up there (the full moon dinner in their CasCades restaurant was a truly 'holiday highlight') before heading back down to the Legian.
Thanks also for the great (and very rewarding) shopping tour. I have been coming to Bali for years and thought I knew where to find most things, but you really unearthed some gems. It was a real treat.
We must do it again next time
R & R Baxendale, Sydney, Australia
An Orientation Day with Marilyn
I had arrived in Bali not really knowing anyone or anything, but I had meet a lady by the name of Marilyn a few years back who was now living here, had heard she was working on orientation days for ex-pats who had just arrived on the island, which I thought was a fantastic idea especially for a newcomer like me.
So I contacted Marilyn and arranged for my big day out.
We meet at 10.00 for a coffee and then set off for what ended up an amazing day. I had originally sent her by email what I wanted to know, and during the course of the day, we covered all contacts, and apart from that, she gave me some excellent introductions to various people that a newcomer like myself would need.
I would highly recommend this service to anyone who wants to ‘hit the ground running’.
Robyn Brand, Bali, Indonesia - 2009
A Day out Shopping with Marilyn!
I have landed in Bali with scarcely an idea on what the lovely isle had to offer, except it’s often referred to as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Indonesian Archipelago and known for its
Bali Chic!
Picked up a business card that stated,
Personal Shopping Service, that’s just what I need…..someone to take me around and show me where I can buy my favourite things.
So, I made contact with Marilyn, who excitedly explains all about her personal shopping service, where we can go, what to do ……
All sounds good to me, I like the idea of someone taking me around, feel that I am getting a look on someone’s home turf, and besides I am time spent, only a couple of days and want everything on a plate.
We visited numerous fashionable boutiques, not only for clothing but divine accessories, shoes & handbags, interior furnishings, some very smart showrooms full of furniture. I bought a load (of course) loved it all and can't wait to get back!
You can be sure to be delighted and entertained with a first class shopping experience with Marilyn, I certainly was.
Kay Douglas, Sydney, Australia, 2008
Hi Marilyn
If you are searching for something that bit different but still value for money, Marilyn’s shopping tour is a must. We had two days of real estate conference and then a day of retail therapy with Marilyn! What fun! I had to buy two extra bags to get home! You will be amazed at the quality of product they are producing in Bali these days. Unless you have a patient husband, leave him home. This is girls retail therapy at its best. Can’t wait for next year’s conference and therapy!
Hope to be back next year!
All the best
Terri Pens
Western Australia
June, 2010
My Bali Holiday Blog - an except from Natalee Alford, Western Australia, September, 2011
"Marilyn arrived at the villa at 9.30am as promised and we had a introductions and a quick chat before heading off in a car and driver that she had arranged. My mum had bought some material from home that she wanted some pants made from so the first stop was a tailor ?We then hit the streets to shop!
Firstly we went to a little boutique of which I can’t remember the name or which street! It was owned by an Australian lady. She stocks all the left over stock from boutiques in Bali and sells it at cheap prices. She has a large stock but you cannot get all sizes and colours in each range. My sister bought a few things here and I bought some solid silver heart shaped earrings.
We then went to a great homewares store. I bought some nice cushions, and nick nacks, a large shell bowl - cushions – dragonfly door stop – silver ornamental dragonflies, plus sambal tray, bowls and spoons –
Next we went to a great boutique where we all bought some lovely clothes, some good quality ¾ length black linen pants and a casual, light-weight shirt.
Just a couple of doors down a Japanese owned boutique with some gorgeous clothes. I bought two dresses here – both are just stunning. Honestly, I could have spent my whole budget in here, a tad expensive but good quality.
We went to another couple of shops and then stopped for lunch at a popular east/west restaurant. Marilyn had booked us a table right at the front. There were a lot of expats here and Marilyn seemed to know almost everyone. She introduced us to the owners, who were both very gracious and welcoming. We had a lovely lunch and I was once again surprised at the cheap prices for good quality food. After lunch we headed to a couple of shoe shops in Seminyak and to a small market where Marilyn was a pro at bartering for a copy bag and wallet.
We then went to a boutique on Jl. Raya Kesambi which is owned by a Melbourne woman. We all bought shoes here.
Marilyn also said she would take us to a material shop. Mum is a good dressmaker so she was looking forward to this. All in all a wonderful day out with Marilyn"
June 2011
"Just back from a beaut Bali break where I met the dynamic Marilyn (www.retailtherapybali.com) who took me under her expert wing for a girls day out. And what a divine day it was! (especially the Seminyak area) Bali is a shoppers dream however the choice is so large that it can be an overwhelming nightmare and Marilyn's personalised shopping service is a wonderful way for first time visitors (like me) to get an overview of what's available. She has extensive expertise in retailing both in Australia and internationally and it shows! Her service was tailored to suit my interests and budget, so there's no being dragged around to see the usual tourist traps. Whether you are shopping for homewares, fashion, artworks or want an interesting day out to experience artisans
(e.g a French trained perfume maker) who you would never find otherwise, or if you just want to get to know your way around the many restaurants in the Bali food scene - Marilyn knows where the best buys and most interesting places are. This really is a personalised service and Marilyn did her homework on my needs very thoroughly which resulted in a well planned, fun, informative day that was just like shopping with a girlfriend!
So, if you want to put your best "retail therapy foot
forward" I would recommend a day out with Marilyn as an essential part of any Bali experience. "
Lea Symonds, Australia
Hello Marilyn
A short note of thanks for your recommendation of the Viceroy Villas up in Ubud - it is a stunning property We spent a blissful weekend up there (the full moon dinner in their CasCades restaurant was a truly 'holiday highlight') before heading back down to the Legian.
Thanks also for the great (and very rewarding) shopping tour. I have been coming to Bali for years and thought I knew where to find most things, but you really unearthed some gems. It was a real treat.
We must do it again next time
R & R Baxendale, Sydney, Australia
An Orientation Day with Marilyn
I had arrived in Bali not really knowing anyone or anything, but I had meet a lady by the name of Marilyn a few years back who was now living here, had heard she was working on orientation days for ex-pats who had just arrived on the island, which I thought was a fantastic idea especially for a newcomer like me.
So I contacted Marilyn and arranged for my big day out.
We meet at 10.00 for a coffee and then set off for what ended up an amazing day. I had originally sent her by email what I wanted to know, and during the course of the day, we covered all contacts, and apart from that, she gave me some excellent introductions to various people that a newcomer like myself would need.
I would highly recommend this service to anyone who wants to ‘hit the ground running’.
Robyn Brand, Bali, Indonesia - 2009
A Day out Shopping with Marilyn!
I have landed in Bali with scarcely an idea on what the lovely isle had to offer, except it’s often referred to as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Indonesian Archipelago and known for its
Bali Chic!
Picked up a business card that stated,
Personal Shopping Service, that’s just what I need…..someone to take me around and show me where I can buy my favourite things.
So, I made contact with Marilyn, who excitedly explains all about her personal shopping service, where we can go, what to do ……
All sounds good to me, I like the idea of someone taking me around, feel that I am getting a look on someone’s home turf, and besides I am time spent, only a couple of days and want everything on a plate.
We visited numerous fashionable boutiques, not only for clothing but divine accessories, shoes & handbags, interior furnishings, some very smart showrooms full of furniture. I bought a load (of course) loved it all and can't wait to get back!
You can be sure to be delighted and entertained with a first class shopping experience with Marilyn, I certainly was.
Kay Douglas, Sydney, Australia, 2008
Hi Marilyn
If you are searching for something that bit different but still value for money, Marilyn’s shopping tour is a must. We had two days of real estate conference and then a day of retail therapy with Marilyn! What fun! I had to buy two extra bags to get home! You will be amazed at the quality of product they are producing in Bali these days. Unless you have a patient husband, leave him home. This is girls retail therapy at its best. Can’t wait for next year’s conference and therapy!
Hope to be back next year!
All the best
Terri Pens
Western Australia
June, 2010