Margy

Bali December 2014

The friendly, warm and hospitable Balinese people make travelling to Bali a pleasure. The traditional favourites of Kuta and Legian are popular with families and the young at heart, whereas Seminyak offers a little more sophistication and some of the best bars and restaurants in Bali. Ubud, surrounded by luch rice paddy fields, is Bali's cultural heart and home to artist and crafts people. Further afield, the laid back areas of Candidasa, Lombok and the Gili Islands offer the chance to escape from it all.

Here is some first-hand feed back on just a few of the popular hotels in Bali:

The Villas Seminyak

• 1,2 & 3 bedroom private villas
• Private swimming pool (not plunge pool) in each villa
• No resort facilites or central pool area
• Spa facilities are exotic Moroccan style and real treat
• Nice location in Seminyak close to shops and the local deli for supplies if self catering
• My rating - 4.5 out of 5

Padma Resort Bali

• Great resort for families or couples
• New large family resort area with waterslides and activities
• Great location near the beach, close to shops and short cab to central Kuta
• Great pool area
• My rating - 4.5 out of 5

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort

• New build hotel in 2012
• Good location close to beach, shopping and Kuta
• Great Sheraton buffet
• My rating - 4 out of 5

Mercure Kuta Bali

• Very basic property
• Good for those on a tight budget
• Needs renovation
• Good location across from beach and next to Hard Rock
• My rating - 2.5 out of 5

Peppers Sentosa Seminyak

• 1,2,3,4 & 5 bedroom private villas
• All villas have private pool
• Large resort where buggies are used
• Central pool area and restaurant/bar area
• My rating - 4.5 out of 5

The Maca Villas and Spa

• 1& 2 bedroom villas
• Small boutique property
• Quaint on site restaurant with a large wine selection
• Shuttle provided to Seminyak for shopping
• My rating - 4 out of 5

Seminyak Beach Resort

• Located right on beach and some beachfront villas
• Large resort style property
• Close to Ku De Ta and Potato Head
• Lovely wedding chapel
• Beware - garden rooms are in separte wing across the road from main resort
• My rating - 4.5 out of 5

Bali Garden Beach Resort

• Located in Tuban South Kuta. Walking distance to  shopping, Kuta restaurants and Waterbom Park
• Good, clean and comfortable lead-in property
• Direct access to beach
• Large pool area and small adults only pool
• Lots of dinning options - 9 restaurants 5 bars including a great Mexican with salsa dancing on weekends.
• Lots of room types including 3 bedroom villas
• My rating - 3.5 out of 5

Cruise to Nusa Lembongan - Bali Hai Cruises

• Departs from Benoa Harbour and includes hotel transfers
• Crystal clear water
• Activities include banana boat rides, snorkelling, waterslides, semi submersible, sea kayaks and beach games.
• Kids club
• Morning and afternoon tea plus BBQ lunch
• Fun day out for all ages
• My rating - 4.5 out of 5