Your worst day on holiday is ALWAYS better than your best day at work, right? So, despites 6 yr old daughter's chest cough at at start of the week and husbands Bali Belly at end of week,we had a fantastic time.
I have had great tips/advice from the forum and wanted to add my own remarks. We gathered to celebrate a 40th birthday in Bali in style. Very different experience from Bali in my 20's!!!
Accommodation: Albia Villa, Umulas, right next door to the Umulas Horse Stables. Under 20 000 rps taxi ride to Seminyak areas and under 40 000 rps to Kuta. Gorgeous private villa, with 4 x dbl bedrooms, divine bathroom en suites, pool with shallow section separate from the deep end, stunning gardens, living area with giant flat screen TV and dvd, dining area and competent, fantastic staff on hand. Like a hotel experience but very intimate. Not for those who love to meet new people around the pool or bar! The adjoining Mia Villa may suit larger group of people. You can check out their website online.
Red Carpet Champagne Bar Seminyak - who knew?champagne?Bali? deluxe, ideal for special occasions like my brothers 40th birthday. The waitresses are dressed in cute red outfits with pill box hats, very retro yet modern! Loved the trays of tapas style snacks handed around.
Sarong Restaurant Seminyak - again deluxe. My brother had pre-arranged a set menu for his guests. Our menu seemed very Thai inspired and was fabulous. The restaurant was modern Bali-style, stunning decore. Why does everything in Bali look so far better at night time? Great wine selections, definitely not budget! Lots of lovely people to sit an watch from the lounge area..
Bali Safari and Marine Park - suggest you to pre book if you would like the 30 minute elephant ride packages. The animals are maintained in a fantastic setting ( we have been to Taman Safari in Jakarta who also operate this park, that is also amazing!) Patting the tiger was unexpected treat, I am sure that would not be done in Australia. Elephant ride was fantastic and much more comfortable than ride at Taro park, near Ubud. We had lunch in the restaurant that overlooks the male and female lions -make sure you visit the bathrooms in the restaurant for a truly unexpected companion. Make sure you all take your bathers to cool off in the kiddy splash park/adult pool before you leave. Lots of fun. In our opinion, not a cheap traditional Bali Day Tour, but certainly good value by Australian standards. The wildlife and setting of the park, the inclusions, the experience appeared good value to us.
Geneva Seminyak - my mother in law and I had many other post-Bali ladies tell us to shop here. It is an Aladdin's Cave with many benefits: lots to look at under one roof, reasonable set prices, weather proof, sans hawkers, great gifts - specially for all the "best friend" girls in the year one class back at home!
Body Works Spa Seminyak - Hey Mums, off you go. Heaven.
BIMC Medical Centre Kuta - an unexpected stop on our itinerary. Our 6 yr old came to Bali with a cough, by day 2 this had blown up to a massive temperature and all the symptoms parents panic about. We experienced very thorough and reassuring care whilst at the clinic. All Good.
DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT SOME FORM OF HEALTH INSURANCE.
Spritely Bintang - a Balinese inspired shandy recipe for the ladies, do try! Ingredients available at all good or mediocre grocery shops in Bali.
Forgotten how lovely it all is. I have not traveled here before as a family but felt it was a fantastic experience with many options available that will accommodate children, teenagers and adults in the one program.
Now planning the next trip! With or without Bali Belly Husband.