In Reply to: lux hotel lovina posted by matthew and cilla on Tuesday, 20. December 2005 at 00:26 Bali Time:
I just came back from my 5th Bali. This time, because of the rainy season, I travelled outside Ubud for a change. Went to Lovina for 2 nights, then onto Pemuteran in the west. We (I and 2 other girls) kind of regret staying in Lovina at all instead of heading straight to West. The weather was better, much quieter, and the best thing was NO HAWKERS ON THE BEACH. You can actually have a stroll along the beach without being pushed sarongs, etc. Our driver told us that the resorts along this stretch of beach made a deal with local people not to harass holidaymakers. I really appreciate this effort and thus would like to promote the whole area! It's only another 1.5 hours drive from Lovina. Could be less in a fast car. Snorkelling by Menjangan Island was brilliant as well.
We stayed at Taman Sari, which was lovely and reasonable. We paid $65 a night but that's for 3 people. For a honeymoon, you should go for Matahari. We didn't even look because the rate was about triple of Taman Sari, but according to locals, it's really beautiful (and German owner generous. He's sponsoring the local dance/gamelan group.)
I recommend a local driver as well - Yopen from Lovina. He drives a mini van (those 10 seater thing) and speaks good English + French. His mobile no. 0813 383 657 61.