I had decided we should try out the Harmony in Jln Drupadi which looked very modern and minimalist when I checked the property out last September. I emailed them last January and booked three doubles and received a reply confirming the rate and dates. On arrival they had no record of our booking and when I showed them my reply they contacted their office and said the person who had sent them was at the Harmony in Legian, and in any case the rates quoted were lower than the rates they charge currently. We had no desire to stay at the Legian property as I had heard negative reports about it, and I had definitely stated the Jln Drupadi hotel. They were unable to accommodate us. I recalled another property close by called Drupadi Studio Apartments so I made contact and they were able to take one couple and could accommodate two other couples in their two newly completed villas situated in a small lane behind the Bintang Supermarket. How lucky can you be, the Bonsai Villas were wonderful, each one in its own private garden with open air kitchen and living area, outdoof toilet and shower and an air conditioned bedroom which could be closed off and sported a large flat screen tv and dvd player, and while we were there cable tv was installed. The location is spot on and we could walk to the beach from the back through small lanes, and not only was the location handy to everything but it was very quiet and peaceful, and we woke in the morning to the sound of birds. The villas open on to a lap pool which we had to ourselves Eventually they will build two more villas and we look forward to staying at the Bonsai Villas on our next visit to Bali.
We went to our favourite restaurants including Ultima which was vert busy abd always full, and enjoyed brunch at Aromas which we always enjoy.
Our next stay was at Greenfields in Ubud and we had great accommodation here, it is next door to Tegal Sari and in my opinion the rooms are better as is the salt water pool. All our rooms looked over the rice fields and we enjoyed our stay there so much that we will return again next year. They are building new villas plus a spa and restaurant which should be completed in a few months. They would drop us off whenever we wanted and picked us up from the village when we needed. My favourite dining place in Ubud is the Tropical Bale which is top rate with great food, wonderful service and a lovely view. Went to Lamak, but found that it was not as good as I remembered, and not a patch on Tropical Bale, and much more expensive. Another great meal was at a new place called Siam Sallys which served fantastic fresh Thai food. We had several means ar Warung Enak - sister restaurant to Lamak and this was also very good value and quality. We bought more paintings from our usual artist friend and several others from another artist we enjoy.
Went along to the Ubud market early in the morning which is the best time to go, lots of fun and many bargains.
Only four days in Ubud and then we were off to our next destination on the hill above Padangbai.