Just been on a short jaunt to The Courtyard in Nusa Dua. Loved this hotel, have been to 5* before and wondered if this was going to be a let down but it was not. Breakfast was amazing! Enjoyed Nyomans and Mia Mia, pointless saying staff at all places were welcoming and polite because where are they not in Bali!!! Spoilt the missus and went to St.Regis for Sunday brunch. You get there for 11 and have free cocktails for an hour then brunch at twelve till three. The food is amazing, so is the ambiance. Price is $50 each but if you have alcohol after twelve (like we did) you can double it to $100 each! A small fortune for Bali for sure but without the drinks package well worth the experience. Most meals for two with drinks came to about $50.
Verdict: been to Bali 11 times now over 15 years. Is no longer what it used to be (cheap holiday) people are still as nice but wonder if their wages have gone up twofold too? Not!
Have been to Vietnam recently, would anyone agree this is the new Bali? Just as friendly but really really cheap and has that unwesternised feel about it. In Bali's favor tho 4hrs and your sitting by the pool with a beer in your hand!!!