Wonderful to return for my third visit (last 1994) Balinese seems optimistic about the future of Bali and the tourist trade so lets hope that is correct. Ubud much busier than last trip. Traffic++ New hotels and shops everywhere.
Ubud . Stayed 6 nights at Cendana Fesort in Monkey Forest Road. Great location, very quiet with rice field views. After one night in cheaper room moved to Deluxe. Newer, brighter and right near salt water pool. I have stayed at Tegal Sari and this was as good.Only complaint was that cars were usually not available but hotel called in drivers.
Spas. Loved Spa Hati ( part of a charitable foundation) and Spa Botanica, both happy to provide transport
Meals. Great meals at Three Monkeys, Cinta,Batan Waru , Cafe d'artistes, Cafe Wayan and Nomads. Not as impressed by Terazzo. Very quiet night, food not fantastic, wine by the glass had been open far too long ( They were happy to change but at the prices charged should not happen)
As third visit did not do any of the cultural stuff but joined a drumming circle on footy oval to raise money for a charity. Great fun locals, expats and tourists drumming like crazy. Wonderful Ubud.
Also checked out Alam Shanti.Woderful small hotel will get in quickly for next visit!
Whole community involved in preparing massive tower for cremation of Prince in mid July. Will be an amazing spectacle