Returned today after one month in Bali with our three children (3, 9 and 11 years) and two of their grand parents. Also had a number of friends visit during our stay, for shorter periods.
Legian / Ubud / Seminyak / Sanur
We started in LEGIAN at JAYAKARTA RESIDENCE, for one week, booked direct with private NZ owners - very smooth. Great location on beach, spacious / clean apartments, large pools, great restaurants nearby, excellent sunsets and eski bars right in front on the beach. Not sure why there have been negative posts about the walk to the pool - we have stayed in other large resorts and the walk is just as far. This is really no problem, the gardens are very nice and the paths easy. We stayed on the fifth floor in 3 bedroom appt, could see a little bit of ocean. The balconies were not suitable for our three year old, so we did not use. Plus there was some building work going on right next door, so a little noise during the day, but not a problem, it provided some entertainment to see how they build. Whilst at the apartments we really explored the local area, covered off Kuta etc. Did not eat in the hotel at all. Rather, visited local restaurants, mostly on the beach within easy walking distance. Would recommend the apartments for the location and space. Really offered good value for money. The pools were large in the hotel, but really started to fill up towards the end of the week. At times, too crowded for us.
Then went to UBUD for a week. Stayed at the highly recommended TEGAL SARI. This did not let us down. First impression a little cautious, lugging our bags across the bridge, but once at reception, it was great. The staff really make this place. We stayed in the Super Deluxe rooms at the end, overlooking the rice paddies (had two rooms on ground floor). Really just relaxed during our time up there. With three young kids a week was NOT too long, however, it was long enough. Our 8 year old turned 9 whilst there, so we did leave Ubud and travel to Kuta for that day (swim in Hard Rock pool). We also did the Safari and Marine Park from up there (that was excellent). Other than that, stayed around the Ubud area, which we really liked. The hotel has a good location, easy walk to Ubud centre and nearby restaurants. Kids dressed up and made up in traditional costume for photos (2.5 hours) very professional. Also did the Tegal Sari morning journey (trek) - good, but a little more difficult for kids and grand parents than the hotel made out. Definitely no good for the three year old (who did not come). Otherwise, very much worth doing. The hotel has small pool, but very nice. Friends of ours joined us in Ubud and stayed at Arang Bungalows (or something like that) we had a look, more traditional rooms, no air conditioning, but nice.
Then went to SEMINYAK as other friends joined us from Australia (family of 4). We stayed in VILLA 8 ROYAL VILLA for four nights. Was excellent. Really liked the villa idea and a nice change to hotels. Staff friendly. Maids made breakfast each morning, plus experienced in villa BBQ, where we had a big group over and it was excellent. One of the best meals we had in Bali. Two chefs prepared, really great. The villa has great facilities, large private pool, large grass area for kids. Location of villa is ok, but not an easy walk to beach. If anyone interested, happy to provide more detail.
Then had our last 10 nights in SANUR at PARADISE PLAZA SUITES. We always stay here, as it has large three bedroom apartments (our friends had a two bed room appt). They apartments had been slightly upgraded since our last trip, new furniture and decor, very nice. Kitchen facilities basic as usual. We have always enjoyed staying here, really got to know the staff, who help make it a great holiday. This year, however, we felt that the value for money was questionable. Food and drink prices had gone up considerably and even with a 25% discount coupon, did not offer the same value as previous trips. This, and the fact that you really do get sick of getting in and out of taxis (with kids, prams etc) has led to us wondering if we may stay on the beach in Sanur next time. We love Sanur and the beach area. Had a look around at alternate properties and have a few short listed.
All in all, had a great time. One month was not long enough, now struggling with the concept of being back. Have many photos and info on the places that we stayed. If you want to know anything, please ask. Will probably post more soon.