Greetings,
My wife and I just got back from our fifth trip in four years. I think I'm getting the hang of this now and want to give you the good and the bad of this trip.
The good
• The food at Cinta Grill in Ubud is great. We went there the first night and had to keep going back. Probably the best deal in Bali is their Mango Mojitos for 20,000rp from 5-7. One of the best drinks I have ever had in my life.
• Of course Tegal Sari is always great to stay at in Ubud. The service is great and I love paying a flat 60,000rp an hour for a car and driver. No haggling needed. Also, make sure that even if you aren't staying there go to their spa, which is about 1km away. The girls working there are true healers.
• If you haven't stayed at Damai Lovina go there quick and enjoy it. If anything, if you are in Lovina go up for dinner for the three course meal for $39. Pricy for Bali, yes, but definitely one of the best food I have EVER eaten. If anything, go up there for breakfast ($10) or try the Chocolate Fantasy in the evening for desert (truly an experience you will never forget).
• The pool and the Bale's at the Conrad. No one there. The pool has to be experienced to believe.
• Did I say anything about the mango mojitos at Cinta?
The bad
• Indus Restaurant in Ubud. Wow, what a difference a year makes. Very unhappy because of the 'happy hour' that had NO and I repeat, NO alcohol in the drink. That is very deceitful. The food has gone downhill. That coupled with the mediocre service confirms that I will never go there again.
• Sacred Mountain Sanctuary in Sideman. Be forewarned, this place is basically closed.
• Nothing else...I was lucky to find two things wrong with my trip.
Gazza