Just got back from a fantastic stay in Bali. It was my 23rd trip to Bali over 20 years, it just keeps getting better and better!
Travelling Party 6 adults 1 child. First time I have ever used the VIP VOA. Wow, will never do it any other way, brilliant! Especially when you are travelling with a group. We were through customs and were in our pickup car drinking a Bintang within 15 minutes!
Andari Villas.
What can I say, this place is sensational. Loved everything about it. Will only ever stay here again. We originally booked 5 nights at Andari and then 7 nights at The Bali Garden. We sadly checked out of Andari after our fifth night, stayed 1 night at Bali Garden, hated it! Checked out and went back to Andari for the rest of our stay. Don't get me wrong, Bali Garden was ok. The pool area was fantastic but the rooms were disgusting. It was like going from 5 star to one star. The whole concept of the villas is great if you have a group and it actually works out cheaper!
Restaurants:
Did a few and I have to say, we didn't have a bad meal. Poco Loco was about the only restaurant I would have to say was a little disappointing. We go there every trip, but there are so many wonderful places to eat now, it just wasn't as good as the others.
Lanai, Ultimo, Cafe Mazano, Ku De Ta were our favourites.Also the sunset bar at the O-C-E-A-N have a great happy hour from 5-7pm, cocktails 35,000rup and Bintangs 15,000rup. Great value, although my head didn't think so the next day!
Kids
My son was the only child but he still had a ball. Having our private pool in the villa was brilliant, he was in there all day long!
Waterbomb Park is still fantastic and we also took him for Surfing Lessons at The Quicksilver School(Legian Beach). After mastering it after one lesson(unbelievable) we would then go down to the beach each day and just hire a surfboard for him, great fun. I love the Legian Area, especially the beach and the restaurants on the beach are great!
Shopping
I had two pairs of boots and some sandals made at Brown Leather. They are just acroos the road from the Dysnasty hotel. They are brilliant, I am very happy with all my shoes. I took up shoes to copy, so much easier than taking a picture, although I would probably do that next time.
Also had a ball dress and a chiffon shirt made at Winda Tailor(opposite Jayakarta Hotel, Legian). Also, great, will get more things made next time.
Surf Factory Outlets
Great bargains, alot cheaper than home. You will see them all around the place!
Matahari and Centro are great for kids clothes too
Driver
we have had the same driver for twenty years. Wayan is great. Speaks wonderful English and is great wih the kids.
Day Spa
Bodyworx - it was my girlfriends birthday so we traeted ourselves1 We usually just go to the smaller day spas but have always wanted to try Bodyworx. I had a 1hour massage, 1hour facial and a wash and blowdry for my hair. Cost 54AUD Excellent value! Loved it and will definitely go back again. Worth paying the extra and I would pay over around $200 for all that back in Perth!
Overall
I would have to say one of my most favourite trips over the years. Bugger Hawaii, Europe and the States, when you can have everything you want and its only 3 1/2 hours away(for Perth people!)
We have booked to go back in August for 5 days and then booked another two weeks, this time next year for my husbands 50th!
Loved it, loved it, loved it!