Candi Dasa
We had booked a villa at Bali Santi (Bali Mystique Flamboyant). Bali Santi consists of about 10 separate villas, 5 on each side of a central garden path that leads from the front reception to the infinity pool which is located on the edge of the break water and runs parallel to the ocean. Once again the scenery is just spectacular with views over to Nusapenida and even Lombok on a clear day. The room was very romantic with fresh flowers on the bed, a marble and slate bathroom with open garden area and even a DVD player with surround sound. My only complaint is the lack of shelving and cupboard space for clothes. It's about a 5 min walk south of the center of town.
Ate mainly at Legong Restaurant. They had the best Nasi Campur. Tried the Duck Tutu which is marinated whole duck stuffed with herbs and spieces, wraped in banana leaves and slow cooked for 8 hrs, served with rice and spicy veggies and all for 200k. Awesome!!!
If you ever find yourself in Candidasa make sure you check out Le 48 on the main drag, it's one of the newest boutique hotels in Candidasa with very modern décor, great bar and restaurant and top notch accommodation and is reasonably priced. We had a stiky beak at a villa and was quoted $57us per night. A bargain given the standard.
Our last visit to Candi Dasa was in 1988, and back then it was a sleepy fishing village with very simple accommodation and a couple of warungs for refreshments. This place has changed, it still has the sleepy village feel, but the standard of accommodation and food has vastly improved. However the beach has all but disappeared apparently due the coral reef being plundered and used as a substitute for lime in concrete production for local building works about 10 years ago. This had dire effect with an increase of tidal erosion. But apparently the reef is starting to regenerate. With that said Candi Das is still a great place to spend a couple days.
With three days of luxury over, it was on to Kuta.