"Holy Luxury Batman....." Had to say that as the first three days at the Aston Sun Island Villas were super duper. Most of you will know I went up with Garuda people and other agents who had won top achiever awards for sales into Bali. We were treated to extra special accommodation at the villas, each having our own and it was indeed a nice way to return to Bali after nearly a year and all the dramas. Just 40 metres south of Bintang supermarket on Jalan Legian. Great location. My first ever private plunge pool.
Back tracking a little.... Had to fly from Gold Coast to Sydney and opted to overnight there so no issues with connections. I'm not a morning person. Lost my medication briefly but found it in Bali. I was the one at check in with all my stuff out of the suit case and all over the floor. Almost cancelled. Had enough on me for 5 days so I took the chance.
Gold Coast to Sydney had Jeststar late by 25 mins and on the return with Virgin also late 20 mins. Garuda was on time both ways. Flew Business class which is the second time ever for me so have to be happy with that. After meal service they brought my poor lonely children out of economy to sit with me which I thought was nice. If they hadn't I was going to have to go back to them!
My kids came to the Villa with me for welcome etc but I then delivered them to friends at Hard rock for three days while I "worked". They were offered the villas as the Managaer said he'd be happy to give me a 2 brm villa but they wanted Hard Rock and their friends. We were a bit boring for them. Good outcome for me :-)
After settling them into Hard Rock - which I still love - I met the group at Dynasty at Gracie Kelly's for dinner and a few hundred drinks. We had a great night and I was in the last half dozen to leave. Staying power, so far so good. Thanks to Joy, Steve and Robert.
Next morning was free time so I went and got the kids for a little shopping and massage. Then in the afternoon we went to Lawn Bowls at Nusa dua - Yes Lawn Bowls - and it was heaps of fun surprisingly. A yearly event as it happens with a trophy involved. There was quite a bit more drinking for this event also. After that we went for cocktails at The Bale in Nusa Dua and a quick tour. Very nice.... then for Dinner at the new Novotel Nusa Dua which is just sensational. So new I'm not sure if there were any other guests. Not on the beach but has a shuttle service to a private section of Nusa dua beach and just really impressed me. They have apartments so very much for families and the decor and grounds are just magnificient. Not sure yet how it will price. A friend from Singapore told me she had seen specials advertised for their opening at good prices. I'll look into it. Will also read the info pack on all room types as I'm a bit foggy on that right now - lot of drinks there too.
Next day free morning dedicated to massage and hang over. From the time I got my massage with kids the day before to this particular afternoon I managed a new personal best of 3 massages in 24 hours. I had a lot of catching up to do.
We were then taken to the the Le Meridian for golf for the men and spas for the ladies. Again just really impressive. The location overlooking Tanah Lot is just fantastic. After our spa treatments we went to Tanah Lot in the rain. I had a brolly but one of the girls walked in the rain as it was luke warm and we were about to shower and clean up any way. The rain finished and we had food and beer and a relax looking at the temple and the ocean. Very mellow. Nice to drive just around the corner rather than that slow drive back after sunset behind all the tourist busses.
We then frocked up for our awards dinner at Le Meridain with all the relevant Garuda and Industry people. Great night, great food and of course more cocktails. Apparently something in the food or drink made me a super snooker player as team Queensalnd - Anthony and myself - Won! I even sunk the winning ball. Very long game. We were all equally hopeless. Then onto Ku De Ta for more cocktails but while it was great I only stayed about an hour as I was off to Lovina the next day with my kids. Couldn't face another hang over with that drive ahead of us.
So farewells and thank you's taken care of I collected my boys and we headed North. More on that in my next JBR....
Apologies to the ladies I missed on the 30th. Just couldn't get to S&S. I did do a post on here trying to get your attention for a coffee earlier that day. Never mind - next time.
Totally full of a sinus thing now as I made the mistake of sleeping in an air conditioned room with a wet head two nights before I came home. Maybe not a wives tale after all.
Last commnent for now - Was super Hot in Bali. Same time last year was windly and cool but A/C every night this time. I prefer the heat though.
Any way -- More soon.
happy Travels
Nicno x