Have just returned from a blissful couple of weeks in Bali, most of which was spent at Villa Wilsana 2 with the incomparable Wilsana staff, much having been said about them in previous postings on this forum.
It was sad to see so few tourists around but I must make mention of a few places which are doing their bit and, hopefully, not getting discouraged.
Sate Bali (opposite Santika Villas in Seminyak) has an excellent Balinese cooking class. Nyoman, the owner, was an executive chef with the Hyatt and has travelled all over the world. He conducts a superb 4 hour cooking class, after which the participants sit down and share the results!
Can't pass through Bedugul without mention of a visit to Cracker's Bar & Grill and Deluxe Western Toilets! No need for toilet disasters anymore - the deluxe western toilets are worth the admission price just for a look! Well done Cracker!!
Travellers to Lovina should be encouraged by recent improvements. We stayed a couple of nights at the Sunari Hotel (formerly Sol Lovina)which is in the process of being renovated and re-invented. Excellent beachfront location, great pool area and beautiful gardens. The new management (owners?) are doing a great job and at Rp400,000 for the large deluxe bungalows, great value.
Kwizean, a new restaurant on the site of the old Octopus Garden, is absolutely superb. Same ownership, I believe, as Cafe des Artistes in Ubud, and it has a most interesting menu comprising French, Belgian and Indonesian food, all of which is cooked and presented impeccably. This restaurant also has a great wine list which even included a Brunello di Montalcino for anyone wanting only the best!
I should also mention the little tailor directly opposite Resor Seminyak who made 3 pairs of women's trousers for only Rp80,000 each, excellent quality and all done within a couple of days.
Bali still does it for us! Great people, great culture, great food. Can't wait to go back.