A bit late but here we go. Travelled 22 March till 2 April. Stayed at Puri Raja. Went with 5 other ladies - two being newbies. I flew over solo on StarClass and loved every minute of it. Had a room to myself (heaven). Although Puri is still good - it is starting to get a little tired in parts. My bathroom ceiling looked like it was going to fall through.
Weather was hot with a bit of rain (mainly at night).
We went to some old favourite places and some new haunts.
Stakz - in Poppies 2. Great meal and great staff. Recommend
Boardwalk - Great as usual
Mozarella by the Sea - Fantastic - was on a Saturday night and the Beatles band was on. Great night
Niksoma restaurant (?) Great food, good staff
Potato Head - Just beautiful. The prawns in tequila were great. Unusual cocktails - mine was served in a tea pot.
Bali Deli - Great as usual - beautiful cakes
Cafe Moka - Good - beautiful cakes (Yes I feel like I did the cake and cocktail tour of Bali!!!)
Echo Beach - Good as usual. Didn't have the BBQ - just off the menu.
Had never been to LaLuciola before so was looking forward to. We went to Samaya for drinks first and then had an 8pm reservation at LaLuc. We turned up early as it was raining and was told our table was not ready (fair enough - although there was a empty table which ended up being ours!)so we went to the bar for an overpriced cocktail. Eventually we asked about our table and were told it was ready. I went to the bathroom while the girls checked out the menu. The looks on their faces were priceless. Very pricey meals and nothing really "ordinary" all fancy smancy stuff and (Bali) dear prices. Needless to say we paid for our cocktails and then went and enjoyed a fantastic meal at Rumours.
Shopping wise - we went to Biarritz - loved it - I thought it was easier (and cleaner and brighter) than Geneva. Shopped at Ketuts - too easy - not having to haggle. Found another fixed price shop on Jalan Padma about half way up on the same side as The Lokha, called Antons. Shopped at Silverberry, Crazy Donny's in Rum Jungle Rd for cushions, bean bags, sunnies. Had a pair of glasses made by Mr Honeyman. Fantastic - Never shopped for glasses by the pool before!!
Went to Geger Beach one day (as Legian was putrid!). Beautiful spot.
Another day we went to Blue Point for the day - great day RP200,000 for use of the pool, towel, lunch and a drink - and finished up at the Rock Bar. Stunning place but really hot as there is not much shade there. Had a very quick (and expensive) cocktail - Been there, done that.
Drivers - we used Jimmy (outside Puri Raja) and also Ricky. Also saw another favourite Sammy there too. Caught a lot of taxis too - had one or two that did not want to use the meter - so just got the next taxi. No real issues.
As I will be returning in July (with hubbie and kids and another newbie family) I went to check out the accommodation I had booked. Just as well. Fat Yogis was just awful (stayed there many years ago) and Kumula Hotel has a major building site right next to our rooms. So I was on the hunt for more accommodation. Must have gone into nearly every place along Padma Utara!!! Saw lots of interesting (and not really stayable) rooms. After lots of foot work and many emails since I have been back - I think I have solved the accommodation crisis and am now looking forward to July.
All in All had a great trip and can't wait till next time. Hope I haven't bored you all.
Liz