We arrived at the Besakih Hotel in Sanur to chill out in Sanur. We have visited Sanur before but we have never really taken the time to sit back and soak it all in and see what the buzz is all about.
From the moment we arrived at reception and met the jolly guys at the Besakih Hotel (Bess-a-key) we knew that we would be happy here. They shared a few laughs with us over the fact that we had just come from the 5 star Ayana Hotel to stay at their smaller humble 2 star hotel. They suggested that we should have come to see them first.
We found the room to be very good and more than a decent size. Ok the bathroom could use a make over but that did not really bother us. The pools and garden were great as were the friendly guests. It is a simple yet beautiful and comfortable hotel with a great breakfast right on the beach path so it ticks all of the right boxes.
Nitty Gritty - The Besakih Hotel
Atmosphere - Casual, comfortable, lush and cosy with a good atmosphere
Service - Brilliant (although their email customer service needs improving.)
Room - Very good but try to ask for a renovated room.
Bed - Comfortable
Shower - good
Air conditioning - excellent
As dawn broke I dragged hubby out of bed to 'see the sunrise' which is meant to be especially good in Sanur but on this morning it was particularly cloudy. Surprisingly three hours later we dragged ourselves back to our room. There was so much to see along the beach path especially at this time of the day in such beautiful lighting that I took a lot longer than we expected and we only saw half of Sanur. We never did get to see the southern part this time. As they say the early morning really is the best time of the day.
It was fun to hear the sellers politely lure us into their shop and try to start up conversations about what country we were from as we walked by. 'Holland?' 'England?' LOL!
I had to admire them for their gusto and creativity.
We had a shower as well as a dip in the infinity pool and ventured out to Tootsie's, who is famous for her fabulous fixed price shop. OMG we bought so many bags and t-shirts here. We even bought another light weight suit case so we could carry all of our gifts home. It was much cheaper than I expected yet soooo good! Tootsie's friend directly across from her shop is also fixed price, once again we bought many t-shirts here. This shopping experience was bliss compared to the tight and difficult stall owners.
Hardy's was also a fun trip but by that time we were pretty well shopped out which is a miraculous feat for me :P
However, I still almost managed to do back flips over the thongs that were on offer here.
[Joe: I thought that I'd insert a couple of extra slang words in here for you :P]
There were also some wonderful togs to choose from!
It was not until we were on the way out that we spotted the hubby day care centre. ROFL!!!!
For lunch we found ourselves next door at the Girya Santrian. It was modern, yet beachy yet classy and clean cut. Listening to Jamiroquai by the ocean in this fabulous romantic tropical setting with a light sea breeze was absolutely magic. The cocktails were great as was my california roll along with our stringy mozzarella pizza and garlic bread. Next time we shall have to stay here. It has a perfect blend of comfortable, modern and sophisticated atmosphere. We also returned here for dessert later. It was absolutely divine!
While we were in the Sanur area we decided to visit the Turtle Conservation and Education Centre where we were taken to clean pools to visit protected turtles at various stages of development. We were even allowed to hold them, even the teenie tiny little ones. Watching them blink an softly breathe in the palm of my hand was absolutely wonderful. They were so relaxed and easy going which was quite inspiring despite being picked up by what must seem to them like massive aliens. It was great to see them being fostered by kind people who really care about doing their best for them.
While we were thrilled about having out photo taken with a turtle. It was a bit of a shock to us that a couple (Javanese?) tourists wanted to take a photo with us! My, we really did receive the royal treatment on this trip!
After so many invitations for shopping and manicures we finally decided to give in and have a foot massage and a pedicure with some frangipani flowers with Ketut and Mandy out the front of Sindhu Beach markets. This is one of the best things we could have done. Sitting under a shady tree on the beach chillin' out in sunny Sanur and chatting to these lovely ladies was wonderful.
For dinner we got a blue metered taxi to Charming. It was amazing to see the taxis slow down just in case we needed transport and how quickly they had stopped with one nod of my head. Charming turned out to be a wonderful surprise. I must confess that we thought it was pretty average since it did not have an ocean view until... the live band started playing. They certainly had that endearing 'charm' and great sense of humour to entertain the diners while they played some addictive classics. Their version of 'Land Down Under' was absolutely magnificent. What a hoot! Then the food arrived and we were blown away. Who needs a sea view? We even decided to stay for dessert which was equally amazing. The limongello was a nice touch and a great way to bid farewell to Sanur.
** Check out some of our photos at
http://smedley.id.au/bali2011/Sanur/
Hints for newbies:
Whenever you hear awesome music video tape the setting and vibe on your camera. When you review it on your desk top once you are home it takes you straight back to sweet Bali and livin' the good life.
I am so pleased that did this with the Charm-ing band now I regret not coming up with this thought earlier.
Get your laundry done in Bali. Our clothes never looked so good. They looked even better than when we first bought them. But just be aware that they may shrink, actually I think that had more to do with me expanding and stacking on 3kgs of pure indulgence. He he :P
It was really handy for hubby to wear cargo pants with lots of pockets.
Beware there is another turtle place that is often described as cruel please make sure that you visit the 'Turtle Conservation and Education Centre.'
There is no fee for the TCEC. However we were able to make a donation.
Have a pedicure and some nail art done. When you go home it is the only constant pleasant reminder that you always carry with you that Bali was not just a vivid dream especially when you are doing those dreaded chores.
Semoga harimu menyenangkan! (Have a nice day!)