Returned 2 weeks ago after another wonderful trip to Bali. Went with my 15 year old twin boys for 12 days. Stayed at the Patra (2nd time). We like this hotel as it is quiet, has great gardens plus 3 pools (one is adults only),has really friendly staff and the rooms are spacious. The only occasional noise is from the planes at the nearby airport but it didn't bother us. The beauty salon is great - a 2hour package cost $31. The hotel is close to Centro, Kuta Square and Waterbom Park - a $2 taxi ride. Don't use the hotel taxi - too expensive for such a short ride. Ask for a metered taxi or a blue taxi.
Did a bit of shopping and liked Bali Galleria best. Shops are a bit more upmarket, there's a great coffe shop and there's a Charles & Keith shoe shop with really beautiful shoes at a reasonable price. The boys bought lots of trendy clothes and shoes in the Matahari Department Store there.
Had to take one son to the Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC) to have his blocked ear syringed out. Very modern and professional. The doctor was Balinese but overseas trained - very efficient. Cost $90 which was refunded by travel insurance.
Our favourite eating place is Dulang's which is 2 doors up from the Matahari Department Store in Kuta Square. Great choice of food and very reasonable in price. Also ate at the Green Garden Restaurant near the Balihai hotel which is being refurbished at present. Another favourite restaurant is Benno's on the beachfront at Sanur near the art markets. Worth the trip out there - great location, great food, not expensive and has a relaxed welcoming atmosphere.
Had some clothes made by Anika Tailor. Delighted with the results. Had 2 dresses copied from old ones using my own fabric. Cost $50 each but well worth it. Anika Tailor has free transport which will pick you up from your hotel and return you afterwards. Have had clothes made before with other tailors at a much cheaper cost but the results were not as good.
The hotel laundry was very expensive so we used the Simply Fresh laundry on the main road just past the Bali Dynasty. It was so cheap and the clothes were washed, dried, folded and wrapped in plastic. 4 hour service cost double but it was still cheap, about $8 for about 40 pieces of washing.
Didn't do a lot of sight-seeing this time - have done it before. Just happy taking it really easy, enjoying the hotel and pool and going out to eat.
Have started planning next trip already.