Here is a short version of our latest trip back from march 2nd - March 9th.
Accommadation - stayed at the Novotel in Tangung Benoa and up graded to one of their pool villas so had our own pool, lounge room etc just for us. Would totally recommend doing this at least once in your life. Novotel have lovely breakfast buffet and greeted us like old friends.
Massages - had one at the hotel which was nice except I kept getting bitten by ants!!! Had several with the ladies on the beach - they would see us coming and start setting up for us. They were funny as they tried to tell me I needed to buy a new sarong as I was wearing last seasons!!! Don't normally need a sarong in Melbourne.
We also had a hot rock massage at Anggi Nature Spa (opposite Club Bali Mirage). Bit dubious at first but both me and MOTH thought it was the best experience ever!!! Was 130,000 for 90 minutes so don't want to look at what the price may be here.
Eating - Ate at La Scala most nights as we have never had any issues there and they always have a steady stream of people going through (that way you know the food moves ) We had one meal at Tao - part of Ramada and the view was great - especially since the lightening out to sea made the atmosphere better but were disappointed with the menu and service.
Weather - very humid and windy. Storms several nights but managed a slight tan as was still able to get in the pool a few times every day. Wind was so bad one day that the front "room" of Kecak Bali blew down - no one was hurt but considering it is quiet at present would have really hurt this restuarant to be closed for some time.
Timeshare/Asia Travel Club - got a phone call to say we had won 7 nights accommadation if we went to their talk. As we were going into Kuta anyway and looking at the USA in 2008 thought it might be worthwhile given we got a free ride into Kuta and the holiday if we listened for an hour. We have worked out how they get details - it is the hotel. My surname is different than my hubby and the room was booked in my name - when they called they used my last name so it was obvious as to how they received our details. We have our free holiday so will think about when we may use it.
Shopping - didn't do much but still managed 40 kgs. Mainly stuff for the kids.
Garuda - upgraded at Melbourne airport as I had recently received a bonus at work - good timing. This was $350 each. Well worth the extra leg room etc. If you go to Kuta Paradiso to the Garuda office it was going to be $450 to upgrade. At the airport we paid $275(US) each so better to try at the airport.
Plane was delayed 2 hours as something didn't work and there was another plane at Denpasar Airport. Good we had the upgrade as we had a comfy seat to wait the time then bused to the plane. Both myself and MOTH felt a bit apprehensive given whta has taken place recently and even though we don't like the idea of arriving at bed time with Jetstar (both of us are morning people) would probably book with them next time.
Overall another great experience - walking around at 5 am the first morning was an eduacation and now I can say hello, thank you, and how are you easily.
Quiet alround - the only time we have seen it quieter was straight after the second bomb went off.
Will be posting some pics soon - any questions please ask.
Heather