Apologies for the delay - now feels like we never had a holiday. Arrived back from Bali on the 3/6/07, only stayed the week, and as we hadn't been there for at least 10 years, noticed a lot of changes.
Stayed 6 nights at Bali Masari Villas - they are a small hotel located in Galampung, not far from Sukiwati, easy drive to Ubud and Sanur. But nothing other than a local village with in walking distance so perfect for those who really want to get away from it all. There are only 12 villas in the whole hotel and each villa has a small plunge pool, villas are either 1 or 2bed. we were in a 1 bed and was decorated nicely and the outdoor shower was great. Although there were other guests it felt like we had the place to ourselves. the day spa was also fab and lots of treatments for couples, with a great view from the pavillion across the small river to rice fields. Even convinced my husband to join in but don't think he will quite recover from having to wear paper pants!! The Main pool was also great, built with a water edge and views across the valley and the water was cool and refreshing.
Could not fault any of the food at the hotel and their Balinese duck which had to be pre-ordered the day before was absolutely fantastic!
Besides eating at the hotel we also tried a few other restaurants. Had a great Chilli crab at Benos (think that's right?/) on the beach in Sanur and no Bali Belly. Had the best Nasi Goreng at a warung about half way down Monkey Forest Raod just up and opp from the soccer field but unfortunately can't remember the name, but they had seating at the back off the road in the garden and an open air pavillion, there was also an emporium at the front with sarongs etc, my husband had the sate and this was also very good - so someone else may be able to remind me.
had a fantastic italian dinner in Seminyak, very reasonable prices, great service amd tasty food, but as I have left it too long to write my JBR have again forgotten the name but it is very modern interior and has parking to the left and a bar in the centre of the restaurant.
For our last night and two days we decided to check out of Bali Masari and go somewhere by the beach, so we got the driver to take us down to Nusa Dua and we spent the last of the holiday at The Grand Bali Hyatt - got a reduced room rate as we just walked in, fantastic service - although a lot more pricier than what we had been paying was nice to have some luxury and be by the beach, closer to shopping and restaurants etc. The Japanese restaurant within the complex was excellent, as was happy hour at the bar by the pool.
One thing I couldn't get over was how quiet some areas were, but was good to see that our flight was full on the way over and almost on the way back. So more and more are returning.
All in all we had a very relaxing holiday, enjoyed being in the quiet of the mountains and the beach, as our holiday was not for shopping but recharging and spending time together it was perfect. Would recommend to anyone who really wants to get away from it all.