Have been back from the isle of smiles nearly a week now, at least once the week is up we can stop saying "this time last week we were doing so and so". Last time we were there was in December 2005 and found it to be busier this time. Decided to split the holiday and stayed 8 days in Padma and 7 in the Dynasty. First time at the Padma and loved this hotel, we payed the extra for the club benefits and found them well worth the money, the cocktails were great, the bathrooms were huge, probably the biggest shower I have ever seen and the grounds were beautiful. Breakfast was included and was very extensive, but after eating big breakfasts for 8 mornings, was quite glad we weren't getting breakfasts at the Dynasty! Relaxed quite a bit at this hotel as son was only coming up for the week and the 2nd week my Mum was coming up, so was going to leave most of the shopping till then. Husband and two sons went white water rafting and eldest son went diving at Nusa Dua (organised through the hotel) which he really enjoyed. The boys also went to Waterbom park. Daughter and myself went to the Melasti Salon & Spa for a facial, manicure and pedicure (can't believe I have been to Bali 12 times) and never had anything like this before. Really enjoyed the pampering and looked like I had a new pair of feet.
Ate at the Indo National, Ketumbar, Febris, Bali Colada (at the back of the Discovery shopping centre) great views, Stadium, Poco Locos, Green Garden, an italian restaurant at the back of the Kumala Pantai can't think of the name, Gracie Kellys and the Piazza at the Dynasty and had a couple of theme nights around both hotels. Really enjoyed the food at all restaurants, hadn't been to Ketumbar's before, and loved this place, very clean, great food, fantastic smoothies and really clean toilets. Bought all the revlon make-up at Mataharis, so cheap and went to Supernova for the first time and stocked up on Martha Tilaar, infact went back a couple of times to buy more!! Went to catch up with Ketut (fixed price shop) and bought some things from her. Also had boots made and daughter had two leather jackets made from Dolphin Leather, really pleased with these. Had read on the forum previously about a cream called Silver Clove ointment, a medicated balm which is good for a number of things and was available at a place called Hardy's Supermarket in Sanur, wanted to get it for my Dad, as he has a lot of problems with his knees. Decided we would make a day of it and have lunch at the beach in Sanur and have a look at the markets. Anyway got the cream at Hardy's and quite a number of pairs of shoes in the process. Hadn't been to Sanur for quite a number of years and had forgotten quite how lovely the beach was over there. Anyway when we got back to the hotel wish we had bought more cream only to find it a couple of days later in the deli next to the Dynasty. Anyway, enough of my rambling, guess I'm reminiscing again!
Looking forward to the next trip and always enjoy reading this forum and all the tips and suggestions :o)
Last time we stayed at the Dynasty occupancy was 32%, this time was 80% full. Hadn't seen the pool bar this busy for a long time, so hopefully things are picking up, although most of the taxi drivers we spoke to were saying still very quiet. Joined in the quiz night at Gracie Kelly's a couple of times and then listened to the band, enjoyed our evenings there.