My first JBR but after compiling a list of wonderful information from this forum, thought I would add a few things of my own.
3 families stayed in Beach Melati Apartments on Jl Padma Utara in July. We were in 103,104 and 105. I was a bit concerned about having children staying in an apartment complex rather than a resort but shouldn't have worried. We all had a great time and the children all made friends with other kids staying there.
The apartments are beautiful and the food in the Coffee shop is great so we will definitely stay here again.
We did the Bali Hai tour to Nusa Lembongan. The kids did all the activities and we relaxed - it was nice to be away from the shopping for a day. I don't know that I'd like to stay at Bali Hai Tide Huts - don't think I'd go very well on the ladders to the rooms especially as you don't get your own bathroom and have to use communal facilities.
The trip over on the catamaran was great (especially as my kids went on the fast boat with the other families.)
Did the Quad bike ride one day. That was fun. Booked our day trips with Nyoman who has a stall just near the front of the Kumala Pantai. His prices were way cheaper than any others we got.
Had a couple of massages - one at Chill and the other at Melasti Spa.
We ate at lots of local restaurants including Rum Jungle (great for kids), Le Monde, Zanzibar, Lanai, The Sands and Blue Ocean. All were within easy walking distance of the Apartments.
Did the usual shopping - dvds, surf stuff for the kids, Billabong tshirts from under the floor, Revlon make-up at Matahari, a bike helmet, lamps, 2 guitars at Supanova, even bought a sleeping bag at Grammedia in Discovery Plaza. Had a beautiful doona cover and pillow slips made by Iloh who has a shop just outside the Kumala Pantai.
Bali was wonderful as usual. Can't wait for our next trip