JBR - Part 2: NUSA DUA
NOVOTEL NUSA DUA PRIVATE APARTMENTS & RESIDENCE
Accommodation at Nusa Dua was a first for us & it won't be our last. I had wanted something quiet, spacious & with a decent fit-out for our 20th wedding anniversary, but with sporting activities for my teens. A privately owned 2bdrm apartment at the Novotel Nusa Dua seemed to fit the bill & I was not disappointed.
We especially enjoyed the seclusion of the apartment ie. no daily room cleaning or having to be at breakfast at a certain time. The apartment was well finished & more to the standard of our own home instead of ‘roughing it' a little as we often do when in Bali. TV's in each bedroom instead of the intrusion of the living area was well appreciated. A very spacious ensuite, 2 balconies, bathroom with washing machine, kitchen, dining & living area & 2 bedrooms suited our family well. The beds were particularly comfortable & the apartment was spotlessly clean.
Food ordered via room service or poolside was reasonably priced. Mostly we ate out at nearby recommended restaurants eg. Nyomen & others, or enjoyed room service.
The private beach is a short walk or hotel shuttle away. It is gorgeous & just as I like it, with few waves. Sun lounges & umbrellas are provided, as is 'bedside service' with drinks delivered to you. (A small flag is waved to gain the staff's attention. This seemed just too generous & subservient... not a service I used, nor would have felt comfortable using).
Pool activities were fun for the boys - when I could prise them away from their laptops & newly purchased dvd's. The gym looked first-rate & we all vowed to use it at the next visit.
Walks around the general Nusa area, through surrounding hotels & coastline were an early morning treat for my husband & I. The St. Regis Hotel next door is a delight with outstanding grounds/ beachfront villas & fab bar/restaurants.
Nusa Dua to KUTA
One evening, just prior to New Year, we caught a taxi into Kuta. We travelled at a snail pace with so much traffic on the roads at this time of year. My son was to be measured for a suit for his Yr 12 Ball. The recommended Janoko Tailor is located in Poppies 2 ... what a shock to the system! The hustle bustle is in such contrast to the more refined & laid-back ND.
JANOKO TAILOR, Kuta
Janoko Tailor had been well recommended on this forum. I had downloaded pictures & specifications of a Giorgio Armani suit to be copied for my son's upcoming Yr 12 school ball. I had pre-purchased a good quality lining in Perth. The suit was well copied & at a cost of just $50 Australian dollars, a screaming bargain. One fitting a week later & it was ready to pickup the day following. A professional press at the Dry Cleaner & it is read for wear.
DAYU 1 RESTAURANT, Kuta
We dined at an old favourite of over 20yrs, Dayu 1 Restaurant whilst in Kuta that night. It never disappoints. I always fail to understand why this long-established restaurant is not full to overflowing with such delicious food, service & amazing prices.
MATAHARI, Kuta
My husband & boys purchased polo shirts here for their planned golf game at Nusa Dua the next day. (Unfortunately the proposed golf did not eventuate with one of the boys developing eczema on his hands, which soon subsided, but not in time).
A number of later visits to this store during our holiday also saw purchases of several ties & a belt to go with my son's new suit as well as flash new sunglasses for his cricket & more.
BALI BAGUS, Kuta
Purchased lovely bangles here. Worth venturing upstairs for some 'sparkly' & 'bling' items. Lots of watches well presented downstairs - unsure though how these vary to the copy watches out on the street.
BALI COLLECTION SHOPPING CENTRE, ND
The Bali Collection Shopping Centre was interesting for a browse. Purchased some fab designer sunglasses in the department store & a few makeup items & bling dress jewellery. A nice stroll back to the Novotel along winding paths.
Only 4 nights at the Novotel ND private apartment & it wasn't long enough.
Part 3 - Ubud next, then Legian.