Originally Posted by
pokeable
Didn't think Kuta was quite that bad...but definitely catered to a budget, rowdier/drunker/younger crowd.
Agree with your characterizations of Seminyak (great restaurants, shopping, beach, more local charm) and Nusa Dua (Bali's version of Cancun).
I loved Laguna, but if we went back to Bali, would be staying at the W.
The other benefit to the W is that there's a ton of restaurants you can walk to, along the beach. The walk to Echo Beach isn't that long, and Sundays there are a load of fun. Gado Gado in Kuta is probably only a 25 minute stroll in the opposite direction, and that's one of our fave restaurants. Even closer are La Luciola, Ku De Ta, Potato Head, etc.
So that's another demerit to Nusa Dua, if the idea of walking to/from a restaurant along the beach appeals to you. I'd also note that Jimbaran is the same, there are a handful of seafood places along the beach, but nowhere near the plethora of options in Seminyak.
Wow, it's 9am in September and I'm already looking forward to August, 2017.
Best, Jamie