I returned yesterday from a very quick one week jaunt to Bali on my own. I flew Jetstar on Qantas Frequent Flyer points, so the taxes from Melbourne were just over $300. Accommodation was at the Kumala Pantai hotel, and the bill appeared on my credit card statement this morning. For 7 nights plus late checkout til 6pm, it came to $481 Aus. I had been quoted 475,000 Rp pernight with late checkout at 50% of one night. This means the accommodation worked out at about $62 a night. What great value for such a nice hotel, consiodering evrything similar is now pushing $80. Yes I know there are cheaper hotels, but for only a week, I felt the need for an environment where I felt comfortable on my own in an area I liked. Plus I find the garden setting and pool area is so relaxing!
So total cost for flights and accommodation was $781. Bargain for the mental health value for me....
There have been plenty of comments about the KP as a hotel, so I will confine myself to comments about the room. I had requested a bright room with plenty of natural light as I know some can be a bit dark with all the overhanging vegetation. I was placed in the NS block on the top floor. At first I balked at the stairs, but later decided that they would replace my trips to the gym back home! This block could do with some renovation, which I suspect may happen now that the new blocks are finished. The mattress on my bed was hard and sinking in that place where evryone sits on the edge of the bed next to the bedside table! It was worse on one side than the other. However because it was a king size bed and I was on my own, it was not hard to find a place to be copmfortable in such a large space. The aircon was not on when I arrived late a night and so took some time to kick in. By the middle of the night however, I woke up cold, so it clearly works!Frig was good, especially after I cleared out the mini bar and replaced it with my own preferences of food and drinks purchased from Bintang supermarket. It is very convenient to have your own safe in the room and yes, it was bolted to the cupboard. I just loved the shower, with its fabulous pressure. Coming from a drought area of Australia, I couldn't help but think about how much water I was washing down the drain as I luxuriated under this each day. However, as I watched the rain bucket down several times, my conscience did not trouble me too much! Breakfast at the hotel was adequate, but not inspiring. Sustenance, rather than gourmet. The yogurt and fruit were good start to the day though.
Jetstar was fine and dare I say it, but having flown with them several times both domestically and internationally, I have not had a bad experience. I do know this is not the experience of others, so don't feel the need to offer another opinion! I started in the Qantas club in Melbourne where I enjoyed a drink and snacks, which removed the need to purchase any drinks or food on board. Flight was about three quaters full and left exactly on time. Staff were friendly and pleasant. Return journey will be addressed later.
What did I do for a week on my own? Well really it was about time out, shopping and self pampering and reflection, all of which I achieved. I also took the opportunity to check out some villas as many had vacancies at this time of the year and were happy to show me through when I said I was considering accommodation for future trips.
Those I looked at were Andari villas, of which Semara is one, Mimpi villa, Pisang Mas, Villa Baliana, Puri Damai (I think this is spelling) Villa 8 and a privately owned one in Seminyak. If I had an unlimited budget, Andari villas are definitely the winners in terms of being almost new (one year old), gorgeous decor and great location. Other are great and it is interesting to see the response of staff when you arrive unannounced. One villa had had a party the night before, and I won't name it becuase I am not sure that the onwers are aware that this took place!!I would hate to get the people in trouble. Generally the standards were all good, they seem to include different things (breakfats, how much maid service etc) and the prices varied a lot! However, they are all in the location I like, and seemed pleasant places to stay. Feel free to ask for any more specific details.
Time to get to work now, so stay tuned for the next installment at a later time..