This is my first-ever JBR, so I hope it benefits someone. I love reading them, and know how much useful info I learnt from reading other peoples!
Flew Jetstar (cheap tickets) and both flights were fine. Return flight was delayed for about 30 minutes, but for the price I paid it was excellent value.
My family of 4 stayed at Sri Phala in Sanur for 3 nights. This is a lovely little hotel at the quieter northern end of Sanur. We had a two storey, two bedroom garden villa, which was spacious (if a little dark) and clean. Staff were very friendly, food at the hotel was great. The spa there is wonderful (I think it is called Pudak). It's a short stroll to the beach. The first proper night there we had the kids babysat and got a taxi over to Legian to the Skygarden for a friend's birthday. This was our only disappointing meal of the trip, although the view looking over the memorial by night was interesting. Our second night we ate at Lagenda on the beach. Great meal and a great band to serenade us as we were the only ones there for quite a while!
We travelled up to Ubud and stayed at Tegal Sari for three nights. Rained a bit while we were there, but just kicked back and enjoyed the gorgeous rice paddy view from our room. Took a tour to Gunung Kawi one morning which was well worth it (have been to Bali many times but never seen it before) and stopped at Teras Padi restaurant for lunch with a view on the way back. Just beautiful. Shopped around Ubud and in the markets. Bought some great women's thongs/shoes and other knick-knacks. Watched a dance at a local temple. Ate at Warung Enak (fantastic Indonesian food), Cinta Grill and Indus. All great! The spa associated with Tegal Sari (Pertemin?) was fantastic. Highly recommended.
Booked into Bali Dynasty in Kuta for our last three days (mainly cause we'd heard the Kids Club was good), but arrived and decided the place wasn't for us. Stayed just the one night, then got a good deal at the Bali Mandira at Legian where we moved for our final two nights. Loved everything about this hotel, especially the location. Was great to have a few Bintangs and a chat on the beach every night. We ate at Warung Batu (?something like that - opposite Waterbom Park), Indonational and Drops. All great. Kids and husband adored Waterbom Park. Shopped at Geneva and around Legian, but because Nyepi was fast approaching, some shops were closed, and I didn't have as much shopping time as I would have liked. Don't really like dragging the kids around the shops with me! There were plenty of local ceremonies going on prior to Nyepi, which were always interesting to all of us.
Would go back tomorrow if I could!
That's about it! Thanks for reading.