Our last 5 nights were spent at the Novotel Nusa Dua in 'Penthouse Ruby' which is a privately owned two bedroom apartment. The apartment is available to rent via a number of websites and is of a high standard. This is the third time we have stayed at this resort which is modern, well equipped and caters well to families. Even with the Accor sales the private apartment still worked out as a much cheaper rate. You get to use all amenities of the resort but breakfast isn't included. Upon check-in, the front counter member appeared a bit taken back that I wouldn't be taking up their generous offer (of US$18 + taxes) per adult/per day for breakfast. Now the breakfasts here are very nice, but not AUS $50 a day nice. We grabbed some supplies from Hardy's and used the great on-site 'Pause' Bakery/Café which was a much cheaper option. PS. There is now a 24 hour Circle K at the back door of the resort near the Pause Café which is just about as cheap (if not cheaper) than Hardy's for most things. #Note Cornettos are less than a dollar.
Again we were impressed with the near-bye beach club area, although the resort snack prices have risen a little. We did have McDonalds delivered for lunch once, just for novelty value.
We again engaged our friend and driver Scooby Doo for a half day shopping jaunt. We visited a number of surf outlets, the Jengalla Ceramics Factory outlet in Sanur and finished with an afternoon high tea at the eclectic Biku Restaurant in Kerokoban.
Now I'm a bit of a tea w@nker so this place was very special. It was extremely well priced, not overly pretentious and well patronised. Scooby Doo joined us of course and I'm guessing afternoon high is not high on the Balinese social calendar. We smirked no end when he smeared whipped cream all over his cucumber and salmon sandwiches, he simply said he likes the taste of cream and you can't argue with that philosophy. I was impressed with his choice of tea which was a Wedang Jai, ... a hot traditional concoction with cinnamon and ginger. I sipped away on a pot of 'Second Flush Darjeeling' which tastes much better than it sounds. .... I quite often do a second flush but for totally different reasons. HAHA!
Although some teas are for sale I was surprised that there wasn't a combined sampler pack to buy which would have won my favour and coin. The kids really enjoyed their juices and tiered plate of goodies.
On our last day we ventured into Kuta. After some shopping we intended to go to the Hard Rock for the day again but the price for non-guests renting a cabana has skyrocketed so we gave it a miss this year. We then returned South to Benoa to the TAO Restaurant and beach club (where pool towels are supplied to diners). The snack menu at TAO is very well priced and we all enjoyed a relaxing afternoon swimming and hanging out poolside.
After dinner we collected the bags from the Novotel Nusa Dua, the girls showered at the spa and we trundled off to the airport. Check-in for Pacific Blue was seamless and we waited in comfort in the Dewi lounge @ RP 100 000 per adult. I did note that spirits are now off the menu here and it's snacks, soft drink, juice, Bintang on tap and wine on request. (Gotta love Binny on tap!)
Restaurants this year around Nusa Dua we dined at were, Nyomans Beer Garden, Mai Mai & Cheers all @ Bualu Village. We also ate at 'The Tree' in Benoa which was very nice.
That's it for another trip. I have uploaded a few photos on our webshots page which is ... community(dot)webshots(dot)com/user/tassiemays.
Cheers all.