Just back from two and a half weeks to celebrate my 50th. My wonderful husband surprised me and organised my birthday dinner at my favourite restaurant La Lucciola, booking the private function area upstairs for the twelve family and friends who had travelled to help celebrate. All I can say is WOW. Hubby also had a say in the accommodation so we stayed at the Padma for twelve nights, I'm usually the budget accommodation type so was nice to see a variation on our usual accom. Our group all stayed here as well which made organising easy. Some highlights together, State of Origin at Legends, fun night, Bali Hai to Nusa Lembongan for the day, Waterbom. Shopping at Biarritz, Discovery, Carrefour and street shopping afternoons at the beach. Restaurants TJ's is a tradition, Boardwalk a favourite, Lanai, Mazzanos as daughter loves the gnochi, Warung Asia, Mozarella on Beatles night for the birthday of another in the group. Besides the fabulous La Lucciola spent a great night at Pearl with one family toward the end, amazing as always. Husband usually gets reading prescription glasses but this time also had prescription lenses in his safety glasses for work, much much cheaper than at home. Had few treatments at Pip's, Melasti Spa, Padma's spa, Chill is a favourite, group members visited many times and I was also thrilled to receive a Prana Spa Voucher so spent a lovely few hours being pampered. In the lead up to our holiday the girls and mums got together items from the wish list for the Bumi Sehat Birthing Centre,popped in quickly to deliver them on a day out to Ubud. Hubby had a painful hip before we left which became progressively worse so the surfboard didn't leave the room. Sent him off to Lhaksmi holistic centre (thanks to those on BTF who have previously mentioned) who were able to fit him in straight away and several times during our stay. Now it's all over but great to spend it with special friends and family. I have returned with a chest infection as I did the previous two trips so not sure what I'm doing wrong. Travelled J* from Sydney and return, all on time both ways, the new Dreamliner is great. On arrival in Bali bit of a line up as other aircraft arriving but all part of the experience, on departure straight thru. We were last in Bali in October and can't believe the airport improvements over the past eight months, seating, eating areas etc. Wanted to get to Finn's Beach Club for the day, unfortunately the day planned was the only bad weather day we had so that's next visit. That's about it, a significant birthday in a special place with amazing people.