Bali, Day 5: Friends- New and Old

My last full day in Bali. I'd definitely feel more sad about it if I wasn't coming back again in 3 weeks time. Mum and I were up bright and early again, ready to start the day. We had decided yesterday to head down to Sand for breakfast so we could eat overlooking the ocean. It was so nice and quiet on the beach, the restaurant had beautiful music playing; a perfect atmosphere. I was feeling so content. We ordered breakfast and sat back patiently for it to come. Mum had a beautiful fruit salad that had a touch of cinnamon through it. So yummy. She had bought along her own gluten free bread for French toast. I started off with a fresh coconut and ordered an egg white omelette which turned out to be more like scrambled eggs because none of the "fillings" were actually in it. Ther service here was great and we both loved our breakfast. While mum headed off for a hair creme bath, I decided to stay and enjoy the vibe. 

Breakfast cost about $20 which was the same as what we paid yesterday for our very mediocre breakfast at the Glass House. I happily wandered back to the hotel and plonked by the pool to relax until mum returned. I had the pool mostly all to myself. I passed the time reading my book and hopping in and out of the pool when the sun got too much. One hour passed, two and then three hours before mum came back again. I was beginning to think she had gotten lost! But no she just got caught up shopping, bumping into people and more shopping. 

 

It was time for lunch and even though I was in Sanur, I was heading back to Seminyak/Canggu to go to La Finca. I absolutely love this restaurant for its delicious tapas and good service. Even though the traffic was horrendous getting there, it was so worth it. It wasn't long before I made a new little friend. As soon as I had arrived, a little cat had approached me seeking some love and attention. Being a self-confessed cat lady, I was all for it. She was so cuddley and purry. The moment I started ignoring her, she was up to my lap asking for more. What a cutie. Yes, I did scrub my hands afterwards before eating lunch. 

The menu at La Finca always excites my tastebuds; so many yummy things to choose from! First choice was a Pintxos De Iberico which was a bite-sized bruschetta type thing was some delicious cured meat on top. 

I stuck to a few favourites with the Spanish Meatballs, Patatas Bravas, Crispy Squid and some new dishes with Galician style octopus and chorizo and cinnamon croquettes. 

Everything is so delicious as always but I was left a little disappointed by the octopus. It was maybe a little bit overcooked but it really could have done with a bit of moisture. Just a drizzle of oil with some seasoning would have made it perfect. Nevertheless, I am so happy with the food, some of which I shared with my new little friends, mostly because she wouldn't leave me alone but how can you say no to that face?!

The staff at La Finca call a taxi to take me back to Sanur but I've got one stop along the way. After getting my Mimpi Mannis shoes yesterday, one of my friends begs me to get her a pair and being the generous friend I am that loves giving presents, I agree. I ask the taxi to take me back via Oberoi Street so I can jump out and grab her a pair but he tries telling me that Oberoi is a one way street that he can't go down. This is a new rule that came in sometime between when I was last there in March and now. The shop was way too far away to walk but he doesn't seem to care. He goes a back way, drops me off at a gang and tells me to walk and then I can get another taxi. Well he clearly doesn't want my money. I give him no tip at all and no thanks. Lucky the walk from where he dropped me wasn't far at all, I get the shoes and a Blue Bird drives past. Perfect timing. The traffic getting back into Sanur isn't great but I make it. 

We have plans tonight to meet some friends for drinks before dinner. Our first stop is The Regent, which is quite a new property in Sanur. I can't say I would ever stay here- it's not my style at all and quite out of my price range- but the Happy Hour they have is great. They've got a great range of cocktails that are buy one, get one free plus free canapés throughout. Happy Hour is out on a terrace that overlooks the beach. They have a couple of guys singing acoustic and the service is fantastic. We chat away, get a couple of cocktails each and enjoy the canapés that come around. I sneak off for 10 minutes to do a quick room inspection (huge, nice view but not very attractive decor) before returning to enjoy another cocktails. The view is beautiful and the sky gets a gorgeous hint of pink as the sun sets behind us. 

I paid $15 for my 2-for-1 cocktails plus the canapés which I'm really happy with. It's a lovely place to come for evening drinks. From The Regent, we wander south along the beach path to one of our favourites bars: the Bamboo Bar at the Prama Hotel (previously Sanur Bsach Hotel) where they have swings around the bar. We meet up with more friends that have come to swing with us. A few drinks, a few laughs before we catch a taxi to Sand restaurant for dinner. It's a very late dinner and I wasn't particularly hungry but when do I ever turn down food?! I decided to choose some fresh squid to be grilled and I'm so happy I did. It was really beautifully cooked and had delicious flavours. Everyone is really happy with their meals and mum and I once again paid about $20. Not bad at all. 

It was about 10:30 when we decide to call it a night and wander back to our hotel. For once I'm not suffering from Bali blues because my next trip is well within sight. 

Bali, Day 4: When Love Lets You Down

It was an early start for us today. We were booked in for a bicycle ride with Sanur Cycle Tours along the beach. Mum and I, as I'm sure you know by now, love getting up to watch the sunrise so we had chosen to do the Sunrise Tour. This tour usually begins around the Inna Bali Beach area but as we were the only ones on the ride, our guide Putu met us at our hotel. Our bikes had been delivered the evening before so we were ready to go. We rode down to the beach to begin where I caught the last of the sunrise. It was just stunning. The beach was already alive with locals watching the sunrise, eating their breakfast. It was beautiful. 

One of the owners of the business came to meet us at the beach where she had helmets for us (safety first!) and a light snack for the ride. It was time to get moving. We rode North along the beach, admiring the view and watching people taking selfies, where it got busier and busier. The path was packed with locals which is what happens on a Sunday. We managed to get past them all and we rode as far as the beach path goes which meets with a black sand beach. More locals were there enjoying the water and having some family time. This is one of the things I love about Sanur on a Sunday. 

We turned our bikes around and headed back south, but took a backroad path to avoid some of the busyness but it wasn't long until we found it again. We weaved our way through the people, using our bells like new toys (said Putu). We kept on riding until we were right at the South end of the path. Once again, the beach here was packed with locals which was a beautiful sight. Their little beach warungs were opening, grilling corn cobs (I must try to get one of these beach I go!), little kids riding around, people wading into the shallow water. I could sit for hours and watch this. 

We cracked open our snacks and had a look at what was in our little treasure chest. We had been packed a cold towel, a water bottle, some fruit and some Indonesian snacks. Delish. What a nice touch to add as well, especially for a ride at this time when we're bound to get a bit peckish before breakfast. Putu had planned on taking us to a bar in Sanur called the Manshed. Not to have a drink but to have a look at the old cars and motorbikes but mum and I are not old cars and bikes kind of people. I think it would be great if there had been a back-up plan in place at this time. During this ride, you are supposed to stop at a local restaurant, Sweet Magnolia, for breakfast but for some reason or another Putu didn't take us. Instead we got back on our bikes and rode back along the street. The ride lasted for a couple of hours but was in no way strenuous so you definitely don't have to be particularly fit to do it. Although mum and I, bring Sanur regulars, had already seen most of what we saw along the ride, I think it would be great for newbies to Sanur to get their bearings and see what is beyond their hotel. The bikes and helmets were in excellent condition and you are also able to hire the bikes on a daily basis. Some even have child seats on the back. 

Sanur Cycle Tours have got a huge range of rides (see here) and it may have been more beneficial for mum and I to go on a different one so we could see something a bit different but you live and learn! We had a great ride nonetheless, Putu was lovely to ride along with, chatting and making jokes, making sure we both alright. I'd definitely do a ride again but would choose something like the Morning Tour so I could see a part of Sanur I haven't seen before. 

When we got back to the hotel, we were well and truly ready for breakfast. We decided to just head next door to The Glass House. I've always wanted to give this restaurant a go, especially since it has recently been renovated. We took a seat outside but soon moved in after the noise from the street was just too much (I swear my hearing is more sensitive since being in Candi Dasa). I ordered an eggs benedict bagel and mum ordered a muesli stack with yogurt and fruit using her own gluten free muesli from home. I quite liked the feel of the restaurant and the menu had a nice range of options but when our meals came out literally 5 minutes after we ordered them, I was a bit concerned. There is no way that in 5 minutes, these people managed to toast a bagel, cook some bacon and poach 2 eggs plus put it all together on the plate. I do not believe for a second that my breakfast was freshly cooked. Mum was happy enough with her breakfast- it would be hard to get a fruit salad with muesli and yoghurt wrong- but was wasn't happy about paying $10 for it when she used her own muesli. You wouldn't even be happy about paying that in Australia. So no, we won't be going back. 

We left feeling a bit ripped off but it was done. It was time to freshen up in the pool after our ride. I got my book, got a towel and a lounge (no hogs today!) and had a nice dip. I enjoyed the sun and the water for an hour or so before it was time for me to get dressed for an afternoon of shopping. Our guide Putu from our ride had organised one of his friends to pick up Mum, Hilary, Nadine and I and take us into Seminyak today. I had booked a table at a newish restaurant just near Seminyak Square called Sisterfields. I'd heard a lot about it and seen lots of photos of the place which looked really cook. Given we had some dietary requirements to cater for (coeliac and vegetarians), we thought this would be a great place to go. Lucky I had booked a table because the place was quite packed. We ordered drinks of fresh juices and decided on our meals. The menu had a big range of options from all-day breakfast to salads and burgers. There was really something for everyone. I decided on  crispy soft shell crab hawker roll, mum had a corgette, mint, feta and falafel salad, Hilary ordered a chicken schnitzel sandwich with gluten free bread and Nadine got a pan seared fillet of fish plus we got some polenta fries to share. The service was fantastic and everything from our juice to fries to fish and salads were so yummy. What an awesome choice of restaurant for lunch. Everyone was so happy with their meals and the price was really reasonable. 

After lunch, it was time to hit the shops. We explored the ones right next door to the restaurant before heading to Oberoi street. I bought some gorgeous rings from a shop called My Cup Of Love which was a shop of bits and pieces; cushion covers, jewellery, chinaware, mugs, bags and purses, and I got some coconut (my current obsessive) body scrub and moisturiser from a shop called Cocona. We stocked up on DVDs and wandered along the street. I'm proud to say I didn't do a huge amount of shopping, but what I did buy, I'm very happy with. I got a gorgeous maxi dress from one of my favourite shops Sophia & Indigo. I had gone in here in March and met the loveliest shop assistant and when I showed her a photo of us together from March, she laughed and thanked me profusely for coming back. She is just such a beautifully happy person. I also grabbed a very light linen beach towel that will be great for those summer beach days. 

 

 

I looked in shops here and there not getting much before heading back to Seminyak Square to meet our driver. There was one more place we all wanted to go; Mimpi Mannis. It was a gorgeous shoe shop that just opened recently but was a bit too far along Oberoi Street to walk. We had all been eyeing their shoes off for months so were eager to get in there and buy some. The shop is tiny but jam packed full of goodies. So many pretty sandals to choose from, purses, clothes, sunglasses. Deciding which to get was difficult. I decided on 2 pairs of sandals and was so happy to find them quite soft, not like the usual Bali sandals that can be quite hard. The shoes are about $35 and so pretty!

After buying our shoes, it was time to head back to Sanur. We got back in great time and half an hour before I had a booking at my favourite Koa Spa. I had a quick dip to refresh before walking over. Koa has recently extended their spa to keep up with the demand as they were getting very popular. The area where the 3 massage cubicles use to be is now an area for manicures and pedicures. They have a new upstairs area for their massages. I was really looking forward to my massage as every one I had had previously was so good. I was directed into one of the new cubicles and was ready to get started. I'm very sad to say that I was left disappointed. The extension of the spa obviously means more staff and this one just did not have that touch. They've completely changed their hot stone massage and it was no where near as good as it use to be. They were a bit stingy with the stones; where they use to massage you with the stones and leave them on very specific parts of your body ie all along your spine, up your legs, in your hands and up your arms, they don't do that anymore. The number of times I had to ask the girl to take the stones off before I suffered from 2nd degree burns was ridiculous. I really hate it when a place you use to love so much lets you down. I don't know if I'll be returning now but I'll definitely be reviewing them so they can hopefully improve and get their standard back up to what it use to be. 

I had a little while to relax before dinner. After freshening up, mum wanted to head to the beach for a drink. We went to Sand which is along the beach path. It is a really nice setting here but unfortunately my cider was not cold at all. Nevertheless, it was really nice and we decided to come here for breakfast in the morning. 

We wandered along the street to one of my favourite restaurants; the Art Cafe. We were meeting some friends for dinner and I was, as always, really looking forward it having chocolate cake. The service here is always fantastic and the food never disappoints me. I stuck to my promise and got the beef rendang for my main. The flavours were absolutely beautiful but the meat was a bit chewy and not tender enough. Mona Lisa remains as my favourite beef rendang. Chocolate cakes were ordered around the table and they were as good as ever. Gooey goodness. Always beautifully presented and perfectly cooked. I was a happy girl. 

By the time we got back to the hotel, it was 10:30 and time to hit the hay. Tomorrow is another beautiful day in Bali! 

 

Bali, Day 3: We're Not In Candi Dasa Anymore...

Mum and I managed to sleep in this morning and by sleep in I mean we didn't wake up until after 6:00. It was a good start to the day. This morning was our last morning in Candi Dasa. I cannot recommend the area and the Candi Beach Resort enough. Candi Dasa is a beautiful, sleepy little town with some stunning hotels and great restaurants. Candi Beach Resort is one of those stunning hotels and I would stay here again, without a doubt. The staff were lovely, the grounds were simply beautiful, the rooms, although a little outdated, were clean and comfy. Everything was perfect. But before we could say goodbye, I had some pampering that needed to be done! After a delicious breakfast with a great view over the ocean, I spent a little time by the pool before heading up to the hotels phenomenal spa. Although it's a bit pricey, it was just too good to pass up. I had booked myself in for a 2 hour pamper session with a massage, body scrub, body mask and flower bath. 

 

If you read my blog yesterday, you would have seen photos of the hotels spa but let me paint a picture for you anyway; the spa sits on top of one of the hotels restaurants, looking out over the ocean. Each room is its own little building, perfectly angled to make the most of the view. Looking out to that view, listening to the waves, it was just magical. I went upstairs at 9:00 for my booking and after a nice welcome drink of ginger tea and filling out of a medical form, I was shown to my room. All of the rooms have 2 massage tables in them but I was so excited to have it to myself. Who needs a Prince Charming anyway? I was shown to the bathroom, directed to take off my clothes, put on the oh-so-sexy paper panties, a dressing gown and slippers. I always just have to laugh at myself when I put on those paper panties, I don't think they could possibly be flattering on anyone. 

I was directed to sit to have a quick foot bath before the massage was underway. I had chosen this particular treatment because it had a hot stone massage. Although it was nice, it was definitely not as good as Koa's. I cannot wait to return to Sanur so I can get one. I have no complaints about the spa at all. It was so lovely drifting off with the sound off the waves. The girl was very respectful of my modesty, her pressure was perfect in that I didn't cringe once while she was massaging me. It was really beautiful. After the  body mask, I had a quick rinse in the shower before hopping into the flower bath with a fresh coconut to drink. It was perfect. Such an incredible view over the hotels pool and ocean although it took me a minute to get comfortable with the idea of being in this bath and being able to see everyone around the pool. In fact I got so comfortable that it took me a second to register that I was standing butt naked in front of the window while getting out of the bath. As far as I know, no one saw but I just laughed it off. 

Back at the spa reception, I filled out a comment form and paid. I even got a sneaky 10% discount. Once again, I don't know if this was my doing, due to them knowing I'm a travel agent, or Yuda's from being friendly with the staff. Either way, I was happy. 

I only had a little while to kill before we were due to get picked up by Oka. It was off to Sanur today. He was at the hotel right on time, we said our thanks and goodbyes to the lovely receptionist we had met when we first checked in and told her how much we loved the hotel. I was actually quite sad to be heading back to Sanur! 

With a quick stop to pick up Hilary and Nadine from their hotel, we were on our way. We had plans to stop at Komune Beach Club again, for lunch this time. I had checked out the menu before hand to make sure it catered for mums gluten intolerance and Nadine's vegetarianism. With the traffic, it ended up being about an hours drive but with so many laughs still carrying over from our dinner last night, it passed like no time at all. 

Komune Beach Club doesn't have an entry fee at all and if you're not a guest, you just need to purchase food or drinks to be able to use the facilities. They've got a great menu with a huge range of western and Indonesian food plus cocktails and delicious fresh juices. The options were endless. Mum and I both got a fresh juice, I ordered a chicken schnitzel burger from lunch, mum got a tuna sandwich made with her own gluten-free bread, Oka got some Nasi Goreng and Hilary and Nadine both got salads of sorts. We were all really happy with our food but even more happy with the atmosphere. The service was great, the place was stunning and so relaxing. Not at all like other beach clubs where you feel the need to dress to impress. Komune has such a chilled out vibe. 

By the time we finished our lunch, it was 2:00. I would have loved to stay and hang out a bit more but time was just not allowing for it. It was maybe another 20 minutes to Sanur and I felt so good as we turned onto the main road and the familiar restaurants and shops were within view. We dropped Nadine and Hilary off at their hotel before heading to ours; Kejora Suites. Located right on the main road, it's in a great location and is a nice little boutique hotel. Exactly our kind of hotel, right? Well it wasn't long after coming into the hotel that I felt claustrophobic; there was no breeze drifting through, hardly any pool lounges available, no grass, no gardens, no palm trees towering over us. Did I love it? Well it certainly wasn't the Candi Beach Resort. Never have I been so... not sad but up that alley... to be back in Sanur. Where had the space gone? I couldn't hear the waves anymore or feeling the beautiful breeze. I couldn't even get a lounge in the sun. Despite that, it is a really nice little hotel. And I will exaggerate the word little. 

Nevertheless, the staff were lovely checking us in. We got quite a surprise when we were shown around our room but one I'm not allowed to fill you in on until I get home, so stay tuned for that one (although some of you already know;)). We got settled, had a dip and "enjoyed" the hotel. I may be sounding like a brat now, and don't get me wrong, it is a lovely hotel but I have now been so spoilt after staying in Candi Dasa, it's hard to adjust to having to share a small space with so many people. The rooms though are lovely; spacious and very comfortable. If you could take these hotel rooms and put the at the Candi Beach Resort, you'd have a perfect hotel. 

We headed down to the beach for a drink before it was time for our dinner plans, where we bumped into Hilary and Nadine and some of their family. What a small world!! Now that I could feel the breeze, see the ocean I felt better about being back in Sanur. We enjoyed some more chats and laughs over a drink before we had to head off. Yuda had insisted on us joining him and his family for dinner tonight and we could never say no to him. Not that I would want to anyway, I just love spending time with him and his family. We were off to a local warung tonight that was owned and run by the village. Yuda had booked and ordered ahead for us, not giving us any choice in the food choices which was fine by us, because we completely trust his judgement! The food was all lovely but even if I wanted to tell you where it was, I couldn't. Without Oka driving me there again, there's no way I would be able to find it. 

Yuda and his family are truly some of the loveliest people I have met and I am so blessed to have them in my life. A trip to Bai would no longer be complete without seeing them. We had a lovely dinner together before returning to their home for coffee and tea. We had a lovely walk back to our hotel where it was time for an early night. Tomorrow, mum and I are up bright and early (as usual) for a Sanur bike tour. Stay tuned! 

Bali, Day 2: A Day at the Beach

After a wonderfully solid nights sleep, Mum and I were up to our usual antics of rising early. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the sunrise but unfortunately a cloudy haze had rolled in so there wasn't much to see. Early mornings in Bali are such a beautiful thing, watching the world wake up and the Balinese going about their morning business like placing offerings and fishing before it gets too hot. I spent a good hour wandering around the immediate area and taking it in before Mum and I decided to head to breakfast. 

The hotel has got 2 restaurants, both with the same menu but breakfast is served only at one. It's quite an old part of the hotel but everything here has got such a stunning view over the ocean, it didn't matter. The hotel has plans to renovate this restaurant soon though. Although we were disappointed with yesterday's lunch, the breakfast here is fantastic. They had beautiful fresh fruit from tamerillo's to guavas, dragon fruit, pineapple and melons. They had plenty of Western options (probably for all the Europeans this hotel seems to attract) and a few Indonesian as well as an egg and pancake station. 

After breakfast, we were off for a quick a walk before I spent the next 40 minutes enjoying having the pool all to myself. Something great I've noticed about the hotel is that there is no one up early trying to reserve pool lounges. Whether it's because there are so many lounges scattered around that no one feels the need, that all lounges are in a great spot or because the staff keep an eye on it, I don't know but it's so nice to get up and not feel the need to fight for a lounge. I had a beautiful morning swim and caught a few rays before it was time to face the world. And by face the world, I mean get picked up by our friends that are staying nearby and head to White Sand Beach. 

Mum and I had visited White Sand Beach last year at the end of the East Bali Bike tour we had done. It's a beautiful place to relax for a few hours with a nice clean beach and an abundance of warung's. There are a few local people wandering up and down the beach trying to sell the usual Bali knick knacks and offering massages but they're not aggressive in any way. But first, we had to make another stop. Mum had been drawn to the Candi Dasa Chocolate Factory after seeing photos online. It was tucked away a little way out of Candi Dasa so our friends had organised a driver for us. It was a very cool place but it was lucky we hadn't gone for the chocolate because there wasn't any! It wasn't what we expected at all. There was no where to buy the chocolate (that I saw) or the soap that also gets made here. What we did love about it was the swing. A swing strung between two palm trees with that spectacular Candi Dasa view. Of course I had to have a go. After a swing, I reverted back to my childish ways and decided to have a swing on my stomach. This swing was not made for that at all and I ended up falling on my butt. I'm pretty sure it's going to bruise but we all got a good laugh from it. 

The chocolate factory also had a pet goose that I feel I should warn you about. Whether he's very friendly or he's looking for a fight, it was hard to tell but not long after getting out of the car, he had waddled over to greet/fight us. We were all a bit to nervous to test the waters with him but I am 97% sure he had an agenda. He starting sniffing around our bags and it took our driver scaring him off to we could get them again.

So with no chocolate to be found, we got back into the car and headed for White Sand Beach. It was the perfect day for it; a light breeze to keep us cool while the sun was shining down with no clouds in the way. Our driver recommended us a particular Warung so we chose a few lounges (all the warungs have lounges out on the sand) and got comfortable. It wasn't long until the ladies were upon us offering their goods and services. I agreed with one to have a massage later on when I had finished drink my coconut but she didn't stray far. In the meantime, mum and our friends headed out for a dip in the ocean while I watched them from a distance struggle with the strong under current and laughing as the small but deceivingly strong waves had them falling all over the place. It was the perfect for people watching; I couldn't help but chuckle as I saw a European lady being too busy posing for a photo that she didn't see a wave coming that knocked her over. Don't worry, she didn't get dumped, just pushed down onto all fours. . It wasn't a choppy day by any means but depending on the tides, this beach would definitely not be good for weak swimmers. Even me, who was in a swimming club for years, was wary of the strength of the current. 

As soon as I finished my coconut, she was upon me, asking if I was ready for my massage. I decided to cave and let her take over my feet. The foot massage was lovely and only 50,000 rupiah. My feet are very ticklish but I didn't not have any twitchy foot problems while trying to keep a straight face so it was a succes. We enjoyed our time laying under our umbrella, chatting and laughing before we started getting peckish and went into the warung for lunch. The warung was Warung Sunrise and with its simple menu, I wasn't expecting much. We ordered drinks and our food and although it took quite a while to come out, we were chatting happily away, passing the time. 

The food, though simple, was delicious. All freshly cooked and nicely presented. I had decided on crispy calamari, mum had grilled mahi mahi, our friends Hilary and Nadine had grilled whole snapper and gado gado. We were all really impressed with the food and thanked the cook profusely. Our meal along with the lounge hire and earlier drinks was about $30 between mum and I. We didn't have long before our driver was due to pick us up so into the ocean we went. The temperature of the water was just amazing. The swell had been going from calm to a bit crazy throughout the morning but was looking pretty good at this time. It was perfect.

We went to find our driver to take us back to our respective hotels. I had only a couple of plans for the afternoon; swim and relax. Mum and I went for a quick dip in the hotels second pool before taking up places on lounges, overlooking the waves crashing on the shore. I got some sun and listened to the sound of the waves while I had a bit of a nap before. Mum came down to wake me up at about 3:30. We had planned with the hotel for me to do some room inspections and we were so eager to see the beautiful villas on site. 

We met the manager in the lobby at 4:00 and he lead us towards the direction of the villas. But no, we weren't walking. People that are staying in the villas don't have to walk (to be honest, some of them could be a fair walk), they get escorted by golf buggy. What a novelty! We were shown inside one of the villas and it was just gorgeous. When I find my handsome Prince Charming (come on mate, where are you?!), I will be bringing him here. The villas can sleep 3 but are really only suitable for 2. It's got a big double bed overlooking the lap pool which overlooks the hotels grounds and the ocean. It has a double shower, a double spa bath, 2 chairs and 2 pool lounges. See, much better suited for 2. If you're thinking about staying here and can afford to splash out a bit, these villas are the place to be. Words cannot describe how stunning they are. They're all identical with beautiful views and a couple of them will soon be interconnecting for a group or family. 

Back into the buggy we went and next we were shown an upstairs deluxe room. I learnt that the only difference between the superior and deluxes is the location; superior are garden facing, deluxe are pool/ocean facing. They're all the same size and same design but all so comfortable. We paid a quick visit to the spa as well which is also just spectacular. It is quite pricey for a Bali spa but it really is just beautiful. I'm booked in for a 2 hour pamper tomorrow and I just cannot wait. The spa rooms are designed for 2 people (ie they have 2 massage tables and 2 showers in each room) and are all individual little buildings, placed on an angle to make the most of the beautiful view. They have spa baths right up next to the window which is huge to let in the natural light. The sound of the waves is almost hypnotic, I felt relaxed just being in there. 

 

The manager was just lovely so we thanked him so much for showing us around. We had some time to kill before we met up with our friends for dinner so after freshening up a bit, we headed to the restaurant for a cocktail. The prices here are not cheap by Bali standards but whenever we're in Bali, we have to have at least one cocktail at the hotel. We plonked on one of the lounges by the restaurant, overlooking the ocean and ordered our cocktails and some fries. They did take quite a while to arrive but luckily we were so content, it didn't matter. We chatted and relaxed, while I decided that this would be the place I get married one day (Prince Charming, just hurry up would you?!). Our cocktails were just right for us, when they eventually arrived. It was the perfect way to spend an hour with the sound of the waves and the laughs of local kids playing in the water. 

 

We killed some time back in the room before heading to the lobby to wait for our pick up for dinner. We were off to Le Zat's, a little hotel located in the middle of town that has a fantastic restaurant. It located right on the waters edge so had a beautiful breeze blowing through that kept us nice and cool. I ordered a 3-course set menu of some soup that I can't remember the name of- it was like a coconutty Tom Yum soup and was delicious- vegetable samosas and beef rendang. Anyone that has been reading my blog for a while would know that I'm mad for beef rendang, especially the one from Mona Lisa's in Sanur. I decided before this trip that as much as I loved Mona Lisa's, I hadn't tried enough rendang's out there to really declare it the best. After eating this one tonight, I have come to the conclusion that Mona Lisa's may not be the best but it is my favourite. All the rendangs that I've tried have been different, with a uniqueness to them so I don't think it's fair to say Mona Lisa is the best. Mum and Hikary had "Nasi Bali" which is thir version of Nasi Campur and Nadine has honey ginger prawns. Le Zat's food was delicious; all of us loved our meals, except for the the vegetable samosas, wasn't a huge fan. We left with full bellies and smiles on our faces after sharing delicious food with great company. We shared many stories and laughs with Hilary and Nadine. It's so nice to holiday with people that you click so well with. 

Another day gone but tomorrow is a new adventure. Back to Sanur we go!