CONVERSATION WITH SAMANTHA WILLIS
Samantha Wills is a bestselling author, speaker, and creative strategist—crafting stories that empower creatives across books, business, and brand. Her voice is known for its raw vulnerability, grounded insight, and deep relatability.
THE FOUNDATION
NAME:
Samantha Willis
WHERE HAVE YOU SPENT MEANINGFUL TIME?
I grew up in Australia, started a business in Sydney, and later moved to New York City. After a decade in NYC—and in the wake of the pandemic—my partner and I put everything in storage to spend extended time living in different parts of the world. We began with six months in Mexico City, followed by Buenos Aires, and then spent twelve months in Bali. We’re now in Spain, soaking up the European summer.
CURRENT LOCATION:
Currently in Spain!
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I’m a writer & creative director.
OUTSIDE OF WORK, WHAT SPARKS YOUR CURIOSITY?
I’m a lifelong creative, so I’m always drawn to trying new things that don’t need to be anything—no outcome, no commercial purpose, just for the sake of making. I read constantly (currently How to Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast), and I love watching British true crime series. I find joy in restyling rooms—moving furniture, shifting objects, seeing how a space feels when you change its rhythm. And swimming. Always swimming. Being in water makes everything quieter.
BALI
CITY NOTES
A personal take on the place you call home—or know best
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CITY TO SOMEONE WHO’S NEVER BEEN?
My favorite Bali exists just outside the tourist centers. Take Canggu, for example—it’s vibrant, filled with incredible food, fun energy, and great people-watching. But just beyond it are places like Pererenan, where you can still access all the action but come home to quiet. That’s the magic of Bali: it offers both. One day, you’re at a waterfall temple being blessed by holy water, the next, you’re at a sleek rooftop sipping cocktails at sunset. It holds sacred ceremony and creative chaos in equal measure, and you can choose your pace depending on what you need. That’s what makes it feel so special—it gives you exactly what you came for, even if you didn’t know what that was yet.
WHAT MAKES IT FEEL MEANINGFUL TO YOU, EITHER NOW OR OVER TIME?
Bali has always held a certain rhythm that feels like an exhale. The people have the calmest, kindest energy—it’s not performative, it’s just how they move through the world. The days are slower here. Softer. Growing up in Australia, Bali was only a short flight away, so it often became the go-to for a tropical reset during winter. Over time, it started to feel like a second home. But it wasn’t until I came here to live for a year that I understood its deeper pull. It became a place of creative recovery for me. A place to be, to conceive, to write.
THREE WORDS THAT CAPTURE ITS ESSENCE?
Slow. Reset. Sunshine.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT, AND WHY?
Dry season (May–September) is ideal if you’re chasing a classic tropical getaway—sunshine, beach days, and smooth travel. But I also love the rainy season for its softness. Storms rolling in over the rice fields feel cinematic and strangely comforting—I hole up and write while the thunder hums in the distance. If you’re more of an adventurer, the end of the wet season is magic. The waterfalls are roaring, the rivers are full, and the island feels extra alive.
WHERE WOULD YOU STAY FOR A DREAM WEEKEND?
Without hesitation—NIHI Sumba. Just a one-hour flight from Bali, it’s one of the most surreal and extraordinary travel experiences I’ve ever had: wild, cinematic, deeply luxurious, and utterly transportive. From the open-air safari arrival to the beachfront horse runs and cliffside spa, every moment feels like a waking dream—in the best way possible. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.
RHYTHM AND RITUAL
Your daily path through the city
FAVORITE PLACE FOR A MIDDAY BREAK?
I use swimming as a pause or punctuation mark in my day—especially when switching between tasks or creative projects. Sometimes I’ll even prop my laptop on the edge of the pool and work from there. For a manicure, House of Orange is incredible (book ahead), and if you’re after a massage, AMO Spa is a must—ask for Pippin.
FAVORITE PLACE TO DINE?
Bar Vera in Pererenan is my fave. I also love Red Gunpowder if you want delicious Indian.
A FOOD SPOT YOU ALMOST HESITATE TO SHARE?
If you’re heading down to Uluwatu, Tsune is an absolute standout. It’s a newer Japanese spot, but honestly, one of the best meals I’ve had on the island—fresh, refined, and seriously delicious. Definitely worth seeking out.
DESIGN & INSPIRATION
Places, people, and details that reflect the spirit of the city
IF YOUR CITY HAD A TEXTURE OR SCENT, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE IT?
I love creating a scent for each place I spend time in—something to anchor the memory. While living in Bali, I made a custom fragrance at Our Projects with fresh rain notes and soft floral undertones. I did it during the wet season, when the island smelled like warm earth, temple smoke, and monsoon storms. Now, every time I wear it, I’m right back there.
A SPACE THAT INSPIRES YOU WITH ITS DESIGN?
Themediumdesign.com is a great gallery/store to visit. Beautiful pieces and always stunning art.
WHERE DO YOU GO WHEN YOU NEED CREATIVE FUEL?
I know you mean creative food, but I’m going to say SLAB Chocolate! Not only because the chocolate is next-level—but because the space feels like a hidden atelier in Tokyo. Quiet. Intentional. Obsessive in the best way.
A FAVORITE STORE, BOUTIQUE, OR CONCEPT SPACE?
Flook (The Label). Mediterranean minimalism meets island ease. Ethically made pieces, soft natural palettes, and a beautifully curated retail space.
FINAL IMPRESSIONS
Places, people, and details that reflect the spirit of the city
MOST ICONIC LOCAL FLAVOR:
I had more dragonfruit than anything else in Bali—so that’s the flavor that stands out to me!
BEST VIEW IN THE CITY:
Karang Boma Cliff in Uluwatu. A sheer drop into the ocean and dramatic coastal cliffs—perfect for sunset and reflection.
A PIECE OF DESIGN, FASHION, OR FURNITURE THAT REFLECTS THE AESTHETIC OF THE CITY:
Bali is comfy loose linens!
