|
Bali
is an enormous island, and is just one of the 17,071 Islands or is it
17,072 (?!) that presently make up the mystical country Indonesia.
Bali is famous for its surfing and beaches, and is very popular with
Australians, being so close. Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and Benoa
are the most famous beaches and where you will find all the major hotels
and resorts located.
We
strongly recommend that you think very carefully about what it is you
need from your holiday in Bali. The beach that you choose will affect
your experience. Kuta
for example is a chaotic beach with lots of
shopping around, and a lot of people trying to sell you something. If
you are looking for nightlife, don't mind being harassed by street stall
vendors, like to be one among thousands on the beach, and don't mind
hundreds of surf boards whizzing past while you swim then Kuta is
probably for you. If you are looking for a quieter holiday and beach
then one of the other choices above would be a wise choice. Our personal
favourite is Jimbaran and Benoa. Jimbaran
is where you will find some of the best hotels in Bali, such as the Four
Seasons, the Villa Hanini and Pansea Hotel among others. Jimbaran also
boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in the world, with
ridiculously low rates and sand between your toes. Benoa
is just after Nusa Dua, again some very good hotels can be found here
such as the Novotel Benoa, Grand Mirage and others. Benoa is a very
natural area. Nusa Dua
on the other hand may boast some big name hotels such as Sheraton,
Hyatt, etc. but to be perfectly honest it is all very man made and a
little false. Most hotel rooms do not offer you a sea view, instead
offering rooms that look out onto lavish and very beautiful gardens. The
food also tends to be expensive by Indonesian standards and more often
than not is quoted in US$, which means that you always have to be aware
of the exchange rate before you even know how much you are actually
paying. Having said this the hotels may be big but the area is secluded
and does offer a beautiful beach. There are other areas where very good
hotels can be found such as the Aman hotels who boast three in Bali
alone, one just outside Nusa Dua. The Nikko is also a little way away
from Nusa Dua and is a very good hotel.
Bali
also offers some idyllic areas that still remain as they have been for
centuries. If you are looking to see a little of Indonesian culture and
life, and can do without a beach for a few days then do try to escape
from the main areas that we have described above. Instead go to Ubud and
experience a relaxed holiday set among stunning scenery of rice fields
and hills. There are hotels that range from US$ 5 all the way to US$
10,000 an night so there is something for everyone. Novena is also an
idyllic area and very good for diving. The beaches are natural and
consequently black, Bali is a volcanic island.
Below
we look at some of the best hotels in Bali. We as always write our own
reviews after having either stayed at having seen the hotel. They are
not influenced by advertising or the hotels. We would live to hear from
you though if you have any recommendations or tips on things that we may
have missed out. Jut send us an e-mail.
Jimbaran
Beach
Pansea
Hotel -
One of our personal favourites. 41 Cottages that are all very private
and offer you your own peaceful garden, with out door shower. The rooms
are very romantic with a wooden decor and a lovely large bed centrally
located. In the evening they turn down the bed and when you return to
the room the bed is covered by a white mosquito net hanging from the
ceiling. See
more of this hotel with pictures and special rates here.
Four
Seasons - everyone has heard of it but
only a few have had the fortune to be able to stay there. Yes the hotel
may be spread out over a wide area, is not directly on the beach, but it
is an amazing property. The private villas not only offer you a small
garden but also your own pool ! It is a very romantic hotel and is very
popular with honeymooners. An amazing hotel with excellent service.
Villa
Hanini - One of the best kept secrets
in Bali. This property has 4 houses/villas to rent. Each has it own very
large garden with swimming pool. Two of the villas have frontal beach
access while the other two, are set further back from the beach. Each
Villa houses three separate bedrooms, each with Balinese ensuite
bathrooms. The main bedroom also has a Jacuzzi, and cd player.
Inter-Continental
- A very big hotel that is popular with
Japanese guests. It is decorated in similar design to all the hotels in
the Nusa Dua area, in a Balinese, almost false Balinese way.
Benoa
Melia
Bali - Very nice hotel in the Benoa area of Bali. See
pictures, special rates here.
Novotel
Coralia -
This hotel has one of the most relaxing and welcoming lobbies in Bali.
The hotel itself is also very nice, although the pool can get a little
hectic at times especially as this hotel is popular with families and
families can also mean children ! The hotel is split into two parts, one
which is across the road and away from the beach and the other side
which is reception side and closer to the beach. Their beach restaurant
is very good and serves some delicious pizzas. The restaurant is very
popular with the French as it is a member of Accor. See
pictures, special rates here.
Other
Areas
Century
Mabisa Inn Bali - Only minutes walking distance away from Kuta,
this is a mid market hotel with some very attractive rates. See
pictures and special rates here.
Century
Saphir Bali - Located in the Seminyak area of Bali not far
from the beaches. This hotel has nice gardens and good amenities. See
pictures and special rates here.
Nikko
Bali -
What a hotel this lobby will take your breath away. It is a very large
hotel built up on a cliff, and also has direct beach access. Again very
popular with the Japanese, and as all Japanese managed hotels the
service is very good.
Amanusai
- Well if you have not heard of Aman, then
to put it simply they have some of the most luxurious resort hotels in
the world. Previously owned by Adrian Zecher, and just recently taken
over by the American Capital Group (We believe). Anyhow these properties
are all stunning. I personally will never forget a lady I know who every
year when I saw her at the same travel trade show, she would be pregnant
! Now I am no mathematician or speller as you may have noticed on
certain pages through the site but 4 years in a row and I saw her at
exactly the same time once a year. I was curious and had to ask if there
was any special reason (apart from the practice being extremely good fun
!) she answered me the following " Every year my husband and I take
our holiday at one of the Aman Resorts. Well they are sooo romantic that
one thing leads to another. We are going to stop going to them for a
while as we believe four children to be enough". This really does
some up the resorts. They are incredible, the service is quiet yet
effective, the attention to detail is always there. Then again at
anywhere between US$ 250 and US$ 500 per night, what else would you
expect.
|
