Well, this isn't exactly a JBR - as we went March 9-24th! But was just looking up Villa Wilsana for a friend and read Paul's JBR. We were the reason Wilsana 1 was empty as my husband cancelled the first week of holiday and then I couldn't make it work with Nyepi, etc. So glad to hear your wedding was great - sounded wonderful.
Just quickly, but before I forget it all. We (me, 5 yo, 3 yo, and grandma) arrived the 9th and were picked up by our driver Putu Nastra. Putu was great for the entire trip. Great English and tour guide. Not the newest car, but fit all of us and the personal service was fantastic - my daughter wanted to stay with him forever in Bali. We stayed in Sanur for the first week - my first time there. It was perfect for us, especially the walkway along the beach as my mom isn't very mobile. This was my first holiday with children (and my mother) and we went quite upscale compared to the past. Stayed at the Griya Santrian in the beach front rooms which was perfect for kids - grass yard outside, other kids to play with and close to the pool. Ate all over the place. A bit of shopping in the markets and for gorgeous work clothes to Bodytalk next to Hardy's. Met hubby at the airport with a cold Bintang and then we went West - stayed at remote place called Puri Dajuma near the Medewi surf beach. Absolutely gorgeous - and empty - 4 of the 18 rooms occupied - so like our own private resort. Great place for Nyepi as we went to the parade in the village and the next day we could still go to the beach (muslim area) plus our private resort! Then we drove north to Pemuteran - which I adored. Stayed at Taman Sari - one of four hotels on a little cove. Taught the kids to snorkle and swam out to the new reef they are building - many excited cries of "Nemo!". I went on two excellent dives with Chirs Brown's shop - Aussie guy doing good work there - diving, turtle project, horse-riding. Restaurants were all good, beautiful rooms, all great. Finally on the last day we drove all the way back inshocking rain and roadblocks so was 5 hours! - and did all my past Bali holidays in 3 hours (ie, shopping and cocktails) - Geneva and La Lucciola. Then airport, then tarmac for two hours, then home. Three late flights with Jetstar. Sigh - but for the price we paid I won't complain. However, strongly advise taking food and drink - esp for kids - and the plane was cold! Order food in advance - their system was a shocker for those who didn't - with the late take-off on all flights (1-2.5 hours) - the wait was half the flight! All in all we had a fantastic trip, and only lost one monsoon season day to weather. Missed shopping, but next time will mix Villa Wilsana and Pemuteran! Can't wait to return! Sue