After spending the past few months scanning this wonderfull forum and eventually becoming addicted where I had to have my daily fix, here is my contribution.
Thank you so much for all the helpfull info and encouragement.
We are just back from 7 days in Bali and had a wonderfull time. We honeymooned there 10 years ago and returned for our 'second honeymoon'( the balinese loved this, saying...ahhh... second honeymoon ) with the twinkle in the eye.
Due to work and family commitments we were only able to escape for 7 days so I planned a week in decadant luxury at The Conrad in Tanjung Benoa.We got a great deal and It was AMAZING. WE could not fault this place at all, it was exactly what we were looking for. The staff were divine, the hotel architecture and garden design were very well done, a contemopary balinese feel. The rooms were spacious and lovely, and although the hotel was at 100% it did not feel crowded. We totally relaxed and could not find fault with anything. As expected the meals were pricey ( for bali) so most nights we wandered down the street and ate at some of the numerous cafes and restaurants there, they all are fairly desperate for business, and will approach you for business, many have free pick up and drop off at your hotel service.
After reccomendations here we hired Wayan Merta as our driver for 2 days, what a wonderful man. He is very professional,obliging, trustworthy, intresting, with a great sense of humour! He has been in Oz before and speaks very good English. We would highly reccomend him, his contact details are avaliable on this search forum or I can give them to you again.
Tanjung Benoa area is not for everyone, it is very quiet ,laid back and not the huge selection of restaurants bars etc as with Kuta area but after spending half a day in Kuta it is defintely not our Cuppa tea. So horses for Couses which is why Bali is so special, it is so many different things for so many different people.
Visited Geneva handicrafts as suggested on the forum and Wayan Merta what a great place! Had good lunch with Wayan Merta in Seminyak at Kafe Mocha; bageuttes, bakery items, pastries etc
Quick tips for Nusa Dua area;
Stock up on Bintangs and other items from nearby minimarts to stock your minibar.
'So Clean' laundry opp Conrad very good and cheapand friendly.
La Scala rest. yummy, upstairs nice & breezy
Warang Nyoman good and lovely garden setting
Bumbu Bali big wraps on this forum and lonely planet but we were dissapointed!
Beachside cafe next door to Conrad in Puri Tanjung cheap and good for lunch and a few bintangs
Great stroll along the beach heading north to the tip of Tanjung benoa then wander around the village.
The road is very narrow and fairly busy with only intermittent footpaths,great fun trying to get home after a few bintangs!
Art markets next to Melia seemed to have a wide variety of goods as seen elsewhere ie t shirts, bags, wood carvings and ( pssst.... we have Billabong, you want billa - bong ?) Found a Great leather shop here called Bali Belle with gorgeous shoes and bags.
Best bit; Defintely the Balinese, what beautiful people.
Worst bit; was having to leave, but we will be back next time with the Kids and hopefully before another 10 years!