Photo: Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel and Suites.

Well folks, I’ve love to take you all a little further with my Bali posts, but two weeks just isn’t enough time to get to know this fascinating and miraculous island paradise.  I thought I’d share the links that we used to plan our Bali trip.

We like collecting literature, brochures and maps everywhere we go and we enjoy spending some time checking out recommended accommodations, attractions and restaurants.  We can’t claim to have tried them all, but we did stop by to take a look around.  They all come highly recommended, both online and in several Bali brochures and guidebooks.

I had hoped that my thoughts and comments on Bali reflect the true essence of Balinese life and culture, but I can honestly admit that I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface.  If you’re interested, Bali Travel has loads of interesting tips and advice.  Anything and everything you want to know about Bali can be found here.

Here are just a few of my own links for accommodation to get you started. We would definitely consider staying at any one of these fabulous properties.

Jimbaran

Jimbaran is located just south of the airport.  This small fishing village now boasts the cream of the crop, with five star luxury villas and resorts as far as the eye can see.  We stopped by to take a look around at the immaculate grounds and gardens.

Four Seasons Resort

Jimbaran Bay Villas

The Ritz-Carlton

Kuta

When we arrived in Bali, we didn’t book a room in advance, but that didn’t stop us from finding a lovely little cottage with Kuta Seaview Cottages on Kuta Beach.  Our comfortable little cottage was directly across from the beach and central to downtown Kuta.  Kuta Seaview Cottages are great for travelers on a budget.  They’re clean, quiet and romantic.

Poppies Bali also comes highly recommended for their cottages and restaurant, located at Poppies Lane 1, Kuta.

Ramayana Resort and Spa

Sanur

Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel and Suites

Bali Hyatt

Seminyak

Bali Island Villas Luxury villas in Seminyak.

Ubud

Ibah Villas and Spa -  This is a boutique resort boasting fifteen luxury villas in the heart of Ubud.

Maya Ubud Resort and Spa  at Jl. Gunung Sari, Ubud Bali has outstanding facilities, friendly staff and a stunning natural environment.  It looks like a magical place to get lost in for any length of time.  There are sixty villas, each with their own private plunge pool.  They also have 108 rooms with all the amenities.  Their award winning spa is known all over the island and their restaurants come highly recommended.

Nefatari Villas on Bali Honeymoon Villas I included this link because it features photos of the villa we stayed in for a week.  These luxury villas are quite reasonably priced in comparison to other villas in the area.

If spas are what you are after, the best comprehensive guide online is the Bali Spa Guide.  Bali’s combination of ‘health and tourism’ is especially attractive, as they are not only places where you can go to improve your health.  You can do so in  natural surroundings which instantly lift you up and away from a busy urban lifestyle.  I spent a full day pampering myself at Bali Botanica in Ubud.  I especially liked sampling the different blends of essential oils made from local flowers such as frangipani, ginger, coconut and sandalwood.  I could literally feel the tension and stress oozing from my body.