OK! TRAVEL: Eat, Pray & Love In Italy, India & Bali

OK! takes you behind the scenes of Julia Roberts’ globe-trotting in her new movie Eat Pray Love.

FEAST IN ITALY

Julia Roberts jumped at the chance to play author Elizabeth Gilbert, whose film version of her best-selling travel memoir — about eating in Italy, praying in India and falling in love in Bali,  Indonesia — hits theaters on August 13. Like Elizabeth, Julia’s journey started in the cities of Rome and Naples, where she indulged in some of Italy’s finest restaurants like Naples’ Pizzeria da Michele a Forcella. “I ate a lot of pizza in Naples. It was great,” Julia told a British newspaper. “I probably put on about 7 pounds.” In Rome, Julia filmed scenes at the winding Via dei Cappellari, historic Piazza Navona and nearby Hotel Raphael (raphaelhotel.com). Taste authentic gelato at the chic, ivycovered hotel’s Bramante terrace restaurant, which offers prime views across the Eternal City.

FIND INNER PEACE IN INDIA

Traveling with her husband Danny Moder, twins Hazel and Finn, 5, and son Henry, 3, Julia’s second stop was northern India’s Ashram Hari  Mandir. Although filming took place at the 25-acre spiritual retreat near New Delhi, Julia stayed at the beautiful Pataudi Palace hotel  (neemranahotels.com). “India is really amazing,” the actress told photographers after filming scenes in Mirzapur village and the Pataudi market. Julia’s daughter was even more impressed. “Hazel said when she grows up, that’s where she’s going to live,” says the actress.

FALL IN LOVE IN BALI

Julia completed her journey in Southeast Asia, on the exotic island of Bali. The Indonesian haven is famous for its friendly locals and beautiful beaches. Julia — like Liz — ventured inland to Ubud, a town famous for its Balinese arts and crafts. After shopping the local markets and exploring the Melanting Temple and Monkey Forest, Julia relaxed at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay. The Four Seasons is currently offering a “Bali, Pray, Love” package, which includes a cooking class, guide to Bali’s 10 most romantic places and a session with healer Ketut Liyer, who is  featured in Elizabeth’s book (fourseasons.com)