Well back to reality after a quick (6 day), last minute trip.
We decided on a really cold Perth Monday morning to go warm our bones up in Bali and by Thursday we were unpacking our bags ready to swim! Bliss.
The Jakarta bombing happened while we were there which shook us up abit but we were there already so what can you do??
The 4 of us (2 adults, 2 small kids) stayed at the Sentosa Villas in Seminyak which I think is a great option for a family as there is stacks of room, kitchen & lounge facilities if you really want to cook (i didnt) plus all the facilities of a resort.
Did virtually no shopping except for dodgy DVD's but ate out alot including;
La Lucciola: - easy with the kids, food has become very average considering how about 5 years ago it was some of the best Italian I'd ever had. Expensive for what you got.
Trattoria (Seminyak): - Excellent. Great selection, super fresh and really nice. Pizzas were excellent and CHEAP. About $35 for 4 including drinks, desserts, entrees, breads. Cheaper than McDonalds!
Dava at Ayana. This is very very expensive place that my husband and I always splash out and go to on our own every time we visit as an indulgence. This use to be the Ritz Carlton and in recent months has changed management and name. Maybe this is to blame because it was shocking! Average service, (they couldnt have cared less), small menu with several things unavailable on the night & alot of booze off the menu also. I know Balis had some dramas in this regard but not at a hotel of this level and standing. To cap it all off the food was poor! All this for about $500. **??!!**... Im sure you can guess what I thought :(
Breeze at Sayama:- Had heard lots about this restaurant and can see why. Lovely. Very special dinner in a beautiful, romantic setting. Service was very good. Food was great too.
Had a couple of treatments over 2 days at Bodyworks in Seminyak for the first time. Was very impressed at their massages and service and really cheap. Worth every rupiah.
We had the best time. Maybe because it was so spontaneous or maybe because it was such a nice change from the cold. Either way Bali worked its magic as usual. Weather was stunning, people were lovely and it was all too easy.
BTW, arrival & departure were both quick & easy. Used the Prada lounge on departure for some space to yell at the kids... Cost: 4 year old was free, 8 year 50,000Rps, 150,000 Rps for us oldies. Each time we got in and out very fast. Flights with Garuda were good but cramped. Considering the amount of people that fly from Perth to Bali every week couldnt they put on bigger planes??? 2 loos for 150 people isnt very pretty by the end of the flight!
When can I start planning the next one??