Asia - Bali hotel/resort recs near dreamland beach?

I've gotten off to a late start in planning my August holiday this year! My husband and I usually go to a beach to chill out for two weeks (favorites have been Maldives and Hawaii but its too expensive/late to do that this year) and are thinking of going to Bali. Does anyone have a recommendation for a hotel near dreamland beach? I've heard that that stretch is the best area of beach on Bali. People have recommended the Legian to me but unfortunately I haven't budgeted that kind of money this year.

Also, is it safe? I've seen the travelers warning but also saw that India is on that list and wouldn't hesitate to go there.

I don't know much about Bali! So would appreciate any tips!

Thank you in advance!

I'm starting to get the idea that Jimbaran bay might be closest.

Has anyone ever stayed at the Royal Bali Beach hotel or the Keraton Resort on Jimbaran bay?

I would like to know of the actual name of the dreamland beach.

I have stayed at the Bali InterContinental at Jimbaran Bay. Had a great stay there.

The Royal Bali Beach is not located on the beachfront, and will take some time to reach there. No idea about the Keraton, since the entrance is quite isolated....

Cheers

One of the best resources for information on hotels is www.tripadvisor.com
Reviews written by travelers for most locations on the planet. Hope this helps.

Thanks!

We are now booked at the Keraton Resort. It appears that most of their clientelle are austrian and/or german because the reviews we finally found about it were on a german site. My husband speaks german so we were able to read the reviews, they were very positive and the price was a good deal less expensive than the other resorts on Jimbaran, so we made our choice.

I'll report back...

In the meantime, what would you say are your "not to be missed" things/places in bali?

There are lots to do it Bali for a first timer. To get an idea of the various places to go, pick up the leaflets when you are clearing (or cleared) Immigration there.

Suggested:

- seafood dinner at Jimabran Bay at their warungs. Must Do! You sit on the beach while the food is cooked. Fantastic during sunsets.

- Uluwatu temple. Fantastic views, the sunset kecak (Fire Dance) is suggested, thou' its a bit touristy.

- Massage and Spas. Found everywhere...

- Do nothing at Jimbaran. The whole beach to virtually deserted. No pesky touts unlike in Nusa Dua and Kuta.

- Get a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide book for recommendations.

Take a look at the following thread at Flyertalk Community. There are pictures of our trip towards the end of the thread.

FlyerTalk Bali DO (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=421351)

Cheers

I would read this forum to get ideas. We have always had wonderfull times in Bali. ONe of my favorite places to visit. If you like spa treatments this is the place..
http://www.balitravelforum.com/index.html