Was lucky enough to get a last minute girls long weekend, 4 nights, have always thought this is a crazy thing to do, I stand corrected, 4 days in Bali is better than none especially in the middle of cold weather!
First night arrived 5pm AA carry on going over out in about 20min, met by our regular driver, off to the White Rose, such a short stay I wanted a little luxury and reasonably central, stayed in the pool villa, which was beautiful, not impressed with much else about the hotel, but the villa was as good as the pictures, so relaxing and a nice touch of luxury.
Wandered off to book in for a tattoo at twice tattoo in poppies lane 2, second one here, and the boys at work also get work done here. Massage at Bali Spa, love this place, essentials picked up from circle K and chemist, nasi goreng and cosmopolitan at hotel restaurant - this was the first indication service was lacking at hotel, but so relaxed and happy to be in Bali, nothing is going to spoil it, will just not eat here again.
First morning set my alarm for sat instead of Fri so didnt have time for breakfast and 7.30 pick up, its ok I wont fade away! I went scuba diving in Padang Bai, at blue lagoon and another bay not further along, was amazing, it was a discovery dive two 45min dives. Next trip I am going to do my open water ticket, it was amazing, I felt sea sick on top of the water, but underwater no problem at all, was amazing, beautiful sea life, amazing colours and went down to 12m, and we had a tourist submarine toddle past us which was quite novel, the English dive instructor was amazing, such a good choice.
Was informed on our way home we would be tired and would probably want a nap before going out for the evening, Nah, I feel great! Well I got home and had to postpone catching up with girls as I slept for 2 hours!
Disclaimer - I am not a big fan of going to Asian countries and eating mainly western food, due to company I was keeping and so many recommendations they had, this was what we did, and the restaurants were amazing, I just missed the warungs and amazing local experience.
Dinner at Ultimo's in Seminyak, all our meals were amazing and the strawberry daiquiri's were great, we had to walk and shop for the next hour to be able to sit in a taxi, we were uncomfortably full, the food was so good, we ate until we couldn't, we were so reluctant to stop, but had to.
Following morning, did a little shopping, broke the no more handbag rule (10 times in total - but in my defence I do have 2 teenage girls) picked up a couple of DVD's and headed out to Ayana in Jimbaran to make perfume, this was lovely, really enjoyed the experience, still have 2 weeks before I can use, then popped in to Bali collection, quick shop, got 3 dresses and a top from Bamboo Blonde, love their stuff.
Decided to walk and just choose a restaurant when one took our fancy for dinner, got to Batu Warung near Bali Garden, everyone getting hungry, but nothing suiting everyone - Queens of India just down the road, that got a positive response, and the food was delicious, all dishes shared, and mango daiquiri's all round, were awful, we asked if local spirit, quite indignant No, and bought out Bacardi bottle to try and convince us, but they were shocking, so no more drinks here, just water.
Walked back along main kuta strip, shopping and looking, stopped at Kapal Lait, little jewellery shop opposite matahari's, gorgeous stuff, I bought a ring and bracelet very reasonable prices.
Walked to Bali Beach Shack, got a table and were just in time for the last show, such a great little place, good atmosphere, fun night out.
Sunday, friends went off to Tanah Lot and I book chocolate dream massage package at Spa Bali, as it would be my last proper massage due to tattoo in the afternoon, due to power out, they couldn't do, but just a massage? As I was disappointed, I was a sulky brat and said no thanks and left, thought maybe I could do a package somewhere else, quickly realised my mistake, but instead of the sensible option - humble pie and taking them up on massage, I went to hotel spa and had the 'relaxing massage' which was the worst massage I have ever had and the rudest masseuse in the world, she left twice to answer the phone, left the door open, slopped around in thongs, rubbed, not massaged, was texting and kneading my arm with one hand with her back turned to me, then said 'its my friend' - like that was a good explanation.
Biku for high tea with the girls, lovely as always.
At Twice Tattoo by 6, outline done, tattoo started at 7, girls popped in and out, we're going to wait for dinner, I said no, Made said no, too long! Off they went to bamboo corner with instructions, one got through 2 satay sticks, beautiful, 3rd one raw, ruined her meal and upset stomach from about lunch time the next day.
Tattoo finished 11.40pm, I was pretty shattered, but very happy, home, got room service hamburger - always wanted to do this but have never needed to, movie on, fell asleep.
Last morning, breakfast, last minute washing to laundry for express was 4kg $10 done in 5 hours, such a luxury coming home with no washing, handbags, singlets, tops, and a Bad Rug, clever little item, it's like a small picnic rug, the backing is towelling, so a big towel, perfect for the beach, keep in the car to sit on at a park or dry kids if they get wet, I will have to get more as the teenagers love it!
Packed up, took bags to friends hotel as I leave midnight, they leave following morning, sat at the pool bar, so as not to get tattoo in the pool water, bintangs and then a steak sandwich for lunch and more bintangs.
Eventually we got dressed and off to La lucciola for a 5pm dinner, this was a perfect way to end the weekend, beautiful setting, perfect sunset, divine food, the ginger and coconut pannacotta is the most outstanding dessert I have ever had, pineapple,mint daiquiris are delicious. Yes expensive by Bali standards, but not much more than dinner at Nando's so really for the outstanding dining experience so very worth it.
Collected bags, damn plane never gets delayed! Back to the cold, work and house hold chores, amazing while it lasts, now planning for Christmas holidays, but this will involve kids, still good, just different!