Bali 24th June - 2nd July 2013
Kon picked me up early as usual as he always knows I'm early too! Half way to the airport and I think have I got enough cash to pay him or will I use my credit card. Opened my purse and not a credit card to be seen! Shit have to turn round and go home as I had left all of them on the printer as I Had taken copies!
Lucky we were head of schedule!
Arrive in Bali after an uneventful flight on Jetstar, row 1e which was good as only 2 seats in this row.
The Anantara is gorgeous the room stunning with balcony over looking the ocean with a huge bath and own sun lounge . Room 311
The room is huge and could have a party of 50 people easy, bathroom also huge with another large tube the biggest shower with overhead rain shower about 3 feet wide. Separate huge dressing room and all this in stunning beige marble with dark stain timber floors and cupboards. A lovely feature is that the glass door of shower and separate loo all go to the ceiling. This creates such a great look. Must do this on my renos!
By the time I arrived here it was about 1.30am Melbourne time and I was tired! Tried to unlock my lock on my case and any number I put in wouldn't work so I had to call the staff to come and cut it off! Just wanted what I needed at this time of the morning!
25th June
A very lazy day relaxing by the pool. This is a small five star boutique hotel right on the beach the staff are gorgeous and so helpful. The atmosphere is so relaxing and there are only a couple of kids, I think Korean and they are so well behaved! Have the nanny looking after them. No tats to be seen which is so good!
Tom Ginny and Jenny come over for cocktails as there is a fabulous bar called sos supper club on top of the building where you can watch the fabulous sunsets and drink with out the crowds, we decided to have dinner here outside watching the sunset with a slight breeze. Pretty stunning.
The weather is perfect not too humid the best tempt I have ever had since coming here. I'd say about 28 degrees.
26th June 30 degrees
Ginnys 60th birthday today.
This am I actually go for a walk along the beach for an hour, yesterday I was just too tired!
A great way to start the day
I have a rather large breakfast then decide Ill pop off to Bodyworks where I knew the girls were having a treatment. Henny and Alex were arriving last night. I booked in for some treatments then headed off down the street looking at the shops and then bumped into the troop!
They were looking for a spa to have a pedicure as they couldn't get one at Bodyworks so after visiting a few, and I might add they all look fabulous , now giving Bodyworks a run for their money we came across Cool Spa and Salon just next to Seminyak Square
JL Kayu Cendana Cool
Seminyak Bali
Tel (0361) 7871494
We were all able to have a pedicure together which was fun. Across the road was a shop called Feather and Find.
A colourful array of interesting clothes and gifts . I found a fab caftan to wear over my bathers and a gorgeous dress. So I was happy! Tom and all his girls ! In fact 4 of us! Patient just like John! In fact enjoying it all! The troops went off back to their hotel and I went to the shoe shop Lilli Lane at the square where again I had success! A couple of pairs and a couple of bags , one for Kate then back to the hotel for a rest by the pool.
Then I was picked to go to Sardine for dinner which was stunning .
Alex didn't come as she wasn't well! A very late night arriving and a few too many cocktails by the pool in the sun I think? We missed her!
27th June
Today I walked early in the morning and after breakfast decided to sit by the pool until the rain came down! Sat on my balcony and relaxed then headed off to seminyak Square to get some money and head down to Bodyworks for massage foot massage and facial costing 45.00 .total of 2 hrs!
The guys arrived at about 4.00 pm to go to Ulawatu to the Ayana hotel and the rock pool bar. The traffic is really bad so they arrived late and we took a lot longer than anticipated to get there. The hotel is unbelievably stunning and the grounds amazing. It so stepped with pools of water, gardens gradually heading down to the cliffs.
we get to a queue where the wait was going to be ages as they only take 50 people at this spectacular site. You take a elevator down the cliff to the bar! Amazing
. Anyway we decided to leave as it was raining and we don't like queues. I had seen a write up about a new bar at the four seasons hotel called Sundara. Again this is another spectacular site. Sophisticated and stylish, breathtaking . Different levels with a Moorish decor.
Nearly at sea level is the largest pool I have ever seen in my life would have to be more than 100 metre! Amazing. Cocktails to die for all fresh ingredients exciting and delicious
.
We stayed for dinner which again was fabulous .
Jen had organised a driver in fact we have used him and his drivers for days.great driver and cost 35.00 for about 5-6 hours. 13 hours 45.00 . This one called mr big and the other Arthra! mr Big is the boss!
We hAd a quick stop on the way home as Alex needed the loo fast. Mr Big went straight to emergency at a hospital ! The Moody's other than Tom and myself all have very weak tummy s and allergies so this has happened often during their stay ! Tom and I cast iron!
Another fun night!
28th June
An early start for me as I'm playing golf at nirwana golf club Ulawatu . Picked up at 7.45 am and a drive with the rain still coming down through flooded roads and millions of motor cycles .
Now here there are 4.5 million people, but there are 7 million bikes,
Indonesia is on holiday plus Australia there fore the traffic is hell. But the drive I love passing shops inter twined with paddy fields hustle and bustle. No one seems stressed the horns beep and bikes crawl along, no screaming or yelling. They are a gentle race of Hindus.
Arrive at the course and I'm booked with 2 guys and they are from Melbourne . Hamish Little and John Woolly. John owns the OConnells hotel and the Railyway. Small world . Hamish has the Marquee company and went to Geelong Grammar so we knew people ,we had a fun day and drinks and lunch afterwards.
My caddy was Ratna who was fantastic and highly recommend her.
The scenery was stunning running along the coast line and the Uluwatu temple standing out in the ocean. A par 3 with this in the background and the guys have to tee off over the ocean! I gave it a go and did get over! Did a crappy shot off the ladies tee! I guess not too bad but didn't get on the green just off!
Headed back and it took 2 hours getting home . Traffic hell. One hour to get there. Went to Padma where the others are staying and had drinks and watched some rather beautiful Balinese dancing with a lamb dinner.simple food which we all enjoyed! Loved watching the little Aussie kids eyes glued to the elaborate dance moves and costumes! Some trying to do it! So sweet!
29th June
Headed off at 7.00am to play golf at New Kuta Golf Club near Jimbaran bay. Teamed up with Jay from LA a Korean. Played really well, nearly getting a hole in one ! Bunkers surround the green and on I got hitting the flag! It bounched out! Jay and caddys all screaming, very exciting!
I did get a birdie which was fabulous! Very happy with the way I played ! I think is easier than Nirawana
Headed then to Jenggala. ceramics.
Bought some divine pieces and they boxed them up for me - 10kgs for 300.00 worth of purchases.
Now Mr Big my driver told me something interesting than if you have come to Bali 10 times you bring all your old passports and they will then give you a local passport which then allows you not to pay tax which is 21 percent on anything buy.
Mr Big and Artha are fantastic and would highly recommend using then when you come here. 350,00 for half a day and 400,000 for a whole day. That goes to late evening
Details below. I would organise then for the whole time you are here do a deal.
After shopping at the ceramic I get home put my feet up for an hour then get ready to go to Potato Head for dinner. The guys arrive and we decide to go to Gado Gado across the road. Tom had gone in they said we could get a table. We send Mr Big off settling in on the couches and then we are told there is no room in the inn. thank God we hadn't cancelled Potato Head. So off we go . So pleased we did as it is stunning. We had booked at the Asian but Hen was worried about the oils as she's allergic so we sat in the lounge area by the pool in 60s style Danish style chairs and lounge which was so comfortable and not so noisy as the International restaurant
We has fish bowls of Sangria Indonesian spice one, delicious cheese platter and then salmon and quinoa salad. Divine!
The location is truly amazing, the wall made out of old shutters from the Java Tsunami, ceilings lined with shutters. It's a half moon shape all open facing the ocean. An unique place.
30th June
A good nights sleep with ear plugs ! Can you believe the stunning sound of the ocean keeps me awake! Had the eye covers on too! Had a huge bath before bed with candles and josh stick? It was very relaxing !
Got up had a lovely breakfast then headed off to Body Works for head massage pedi and manicure. Well I can say my head feels so much lighter, it was the most wonderful experience and head massage ice ever had. The girl was called Cenji, amazing I want it every day.
Then headed down the street looking for The Prisoners Of St Petersburg, a shop Henny has been talking about since I was here in Sept. I couldn't find it but found this amazing shop with Italian designed clothes in silk made here locally and stunning batik prints.
Bought some lovely pieces and then headed back to the pool where i spent the afternoon. Divine light breeze blowing, heaven.
The guys arrived and we had a drink in the room and then headed off to Sarong but popping into St Petersburg! Just around the corner, have probably passed it many times! Bought some fab glasses Karen Millen and The house of and a couple of dresses! Yippee at last! I got to the shop. I've been trying to find it for agesGinny bought a dress and Henny some glasses!t
Now off to Sarong! The ambience is divine back tables and huge black standard lamps, billowing sheer curtains, high backed comfortable dining chairs with French provincial black carvers. Black chandeliers and candelabras .
We walk in and the first person I see is Hamish one of my golfing buddies from Melbourne! I played at Nirawana. This is funny as he was at Sardine the night we had Ginnys birthday.
Met his gorgeous wife Rachael! Very funny as we passed the apartments they are staying in. Kunja. Apartment. They stay there all time and say they are stunning. Not far from seminyak square
The food is Indian influence and delicious. Another fab night had by all!
July 1st
Had a relaxing walk then leisurely breakfast followed by day at the pool. I had the room till 6.00pm so packed showered and had dinner across the road at Gado Gado. Lovely atmosphere . Mr Big arrived and took me to the airport. We drove along Sunset Road and I noticed a Jenggala pottery outlet. Must go there next time.
Amazed at the airport now that they have Burberry Gucci and some other designer shops. Bali has changed! It's being very modernised!
A sleeping pill ear plugs and eye shade and a few hours sleep! Arrived 7.30am. Home!
Mr Big +6281236129377
Email agusta_62@yahoo.com
Artha
+6281999116990
Email
abw_artawan@yahoo.com
List of shops and restaurant to go and see
Shoes lilla lane seminyak square also fabulous handbags
Quartzite designed by Italian made in Bali handmade silk batik stunning not cheap but very unique
Jl Oberoi 3a Seminyak
The Prisoners of St Petersburg
JL Laksmana No 42
Just down from shop called Joy
A tiny shop that Hen found huge selection of sunglasses and fab little dresses. All sorts of interesting things. a tiny shop! Glasses 100.00 Karen Millen and long dresses fab material and design for 50.00
Leather shop malsti street jackets for 100.00_[
Darda Dulung delicious green sweet delight
Potato head had fabulous meal cheese platter and Atlantic salmon with quinoa
The setting is amazing built from shutters from the tsunami 3 different types of restaurants, Asian , international and lounge bar
Gado gado opposite Anantara
Sarong best in town stunning ambience and delicious food . Indian modern influence
Kerobokan
+62 3614737809
Sardine restaurant set in the paddie fields Seminyak different at night to day stunning
Sari organik in paddie fields Ubud a 20 min walk thru little villages and rice fields food divine and a wonderful experience . Food delicious and walk a wonderful experience in itself .
La luciano seminyak always fabulous
Mosaic ubad extraordinary dining experience de gustation expensive but well worth it
Sundara four seasons Jimbaran bay new and stunning the best cocktails I have ever had
Rock Bar Ayana hotel get there by four as you have to queue only takes 50 people at a time
Mama San kitchen Bar Lounge Jl Kaya Kerobokan Taman + 62 361730436
Metis meant to be amazing
Part of Sarong group haven't been there but hv heard about it
Ku da ta an old favourite great for sunset . It was the in place 15 years ago but now all these new places hv popped up but still a great place to go for a drink and the restaurant use to be great?
Dada Gulung a delicious sweet delight coconut I hv for breakfast
The most stunning ceramics Jenggala Jimbaran
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