Dianne47

Alam Jiwa is a magical small property, off the beaten path but very convenient to nearby Ubud. I've been to Bali 5 times over the past 18 years, Alam Jiwa is my heaven on earth. The staff there is simply amazing, the rooms are beautiful, and the breakfasts are to die for. Book early, the hotel is always full.

Another good option is a homestay with a Balinese family. I can recommend one of Cozy Wayan Sueta's Villas, available on airbnb. I've known Wayan and his wife, Ayu, since 1999. Staying in their family compound is a really special experience, close to the amazing culture and rural beauty of the island.

My last trip to Bali I split my 10 days between Alam Jiwa and a villa at Cozy Wayan Sueta's.

DeepUnderground

No THAT looks like a good place to get some of the true Balinese culture while still staying upmarket.

Annalisa12

I absolutely love this. I want to know I'm in another country and the rooms have that wonderful Balinese feel.

I'll keep this one in the memory bank. Thanks for the info

dhammer53

I appreciate this, and all the advice offered. Bali has always been on my bucket list, especially after reading so many trip reports over the years. Sadly, my wife does not share my bucket list. I'm still trying to convince her that USD$100 per night for the suggestions offered should be an inducement. After clicking on the link, that's a lot of hotel room for the price.

I'm currently researching Vietnam for an 8 day stay. It's doable, but it's so much easier to fly SIN/DPS/SIN, then SIN/HAN x/SIN.

I'll still be reading suggestions here. I have time to convince her.

Dan

SanDiego1K

Does your wife like massage? If so, between @Dianne47, @l'etoile, and me, we can provide names of a number of spas in the Ubud area where it's only $10-ish for a 1 hour massage. There's great shopping in the Ubud area for local crafts and art. There's a wide range of excellent restaurants. There's dance performances in beautiful palace settings. And there's spectacular scenery to see on day trips.

I also like Vietnam, so consider both trips in the near future.

Annalisa12

I chose Bali as a cost saving holiday whilst i save for a mega bucks trip next year. We are still flying business class and staying somewhere nice but it's only 50% of the cost of our regular holidays. Maybe tell her you can put the savings to somewhere super high and expensive on her bucket list.

Sweet Willie

These properties are special, a sister property is Alam Shanti where Mrs Willie & I stayed http://www.alamindahbali.com/alam_shanti.htm

highly recommended. BTW good spa within walking distance.

Camoore86

@SanDiego1K My wife and I are headed to Bali in 2 weeks for our honeymoon and will be spending 4 days in Ubud. I'd love to hear your suggestions for restaurants and spas (she's planning on getting MANY massages on this trip). Thanks!

dhammer53

Janice's brother just got back from Vietnam. Looks like the primadonna convinced her not to go to Vietnam.
If anyone has northern Vietnam questions, I'm your guy.

And now, back to the drawing board. I was just re-reading this amazing thread and all it's hotel advice.

A question. Should we spend a week in the Ubud area, or spend time elsewhere ie up north? We're interested in non-beach activities when we're there in November.

Thanks.
Dan

Annalisa12

Cheap spas are everywhere and easy to find in Bali. We'd often do it twice a day. Just wander around.

Stgermainparis

I'm going to hop on here and ask about splitting our time. I'm glad so many of you like the Alam Jiwa/Shanti properties b/c I actually booked them for 5 nights of our 7 in Bali before ever seeing this thread. And even 11 months out it was hard to get that!

So I'm trying to decide if we go to Sanur for a change of scenery (if so, any suggestions on a 2-bedroom villa in the $300 range?) or stay near Ubud for the last 2 nights. Will two teens and 9 year old have enough to do in Ubud with day trips, etc, or will we be ready to move on? Generally we like to move hotels after 4-5 nights. Near Ubud, I see Sankara, Surya, Sri Ratih, Luwak villas. For our dates, many are charging "high season" prices (July 2018). I am not remotely interested in Seminyak, Kuta, Nusa Dua, but don't want to go further north from Ubud or further from airport. Our flight out isn't till 4 PM last day, but I don't want to spend it all in a car.

TheMadeTraveler

I am not sure you have added below destinations in your Ubud trip. If not, you should select Ubud.

• Taro Elephant Park
• Bali Zoo
• White Water Rafting
• Treetops Adventure Park