Just Back From Bali

And Jetstar International were really good. I’d flown on a few Low Cost Carriers in Europe before… and they’re ok. They get you there and back. But I was really quite impressed with Jetstar. There was plenty of legroom, and the seats were larger than another scheduled carrier that I’d flown on a couple of months ago.

Yes, you have to BYO food – or buy on the plane. The sandwiches were the style that you see in a 7Eleven store. And you have to buy a ‘comfort pack’. But they seemed really good value with an inflatable pillow, an eye mask and a blanket. I’m always wanting to nick the blankets from flight as they’re small and very warm (never have obviously).

We’d been to Bali a few times before and decided this trip was to be unapologetically, purely self-indulgent. Spa treatments, shopping, relaxing and pool time was all that was on the agenda.

We chose to stay at Aston Sun Island Villas & Spa Seminyak. It has a great location – right on Jalan Raya Seminyak – the main shopping street. The villas themselves are set well back from the road, so there’s no street noise at all.

The lush gardens within the compound hide 23 individual villas with a choice of Studio Suite Villas, One Bedroom Villas and Two Bedroom Villas. The villas are beautifully appointed with Balinese and contemporary design influences offering an intimate retreat.

Each villa is entirely self-contained, with its own swimming/plunge pool. The living and dining areas are open into the garden while the bedrooms have air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms with a separate bath tub and the most wonderful shower. There’s also a self-contained kitchen in each villa in case you run get sick of eating fabulously well every night. There’s an LCD or plasma TV and entertainment system with cable TV, DVD player in each villa too.

We took breakfast by the communal pool each morning, although you can have it delivered to the privacy of your villa.

I can’t praise the staff enough. Bali is known for it’s genuine friendliness and unique hospitality – but never have I felt so welcome. Everyone was so charming and welcoming.

A couple of tips

* Ku De Ta – set right on the beach. This is THE place to go for sunset cocktails and some chilled out tunes.

* bargain bargain bargain! – look around first so you have an idea of how much you want to pay for your souvenirs. And never ever feel pressured into buying something you don’t want. Just walk away

* taxis – insist on the meter (for trips around town). Almost all drivers will use the meter but the very odd one might try to arrange a price without the meter.

* Delicious and great value meals can be had at a Warung (a small restaurant). They usually serve a small selection of Indonesian/Balinese/Western food. It’s a good idea to look for a busy one – the food is usually fantastic and fresh. They’re often down side streets, rather than on the main drag.

* Fruit shakes. They’re so refreshing! I love the banana shake (really very filling) and my sister insisted on pineapple. Mango never seems to be in season when we go.

* Rumours – if you’re craving a steak – this place has ridiculously good and cheap steaks. About $6.50 for a fab meal. Sure, there’s loud music and a pool table… but sit at the front and it’s not intrusive at all.

* DVDs. If you must buy any DVDs while you’re there – just ask if they’re good quality. They’ll tell you if they’re not and you can check them on the spot.

* Chill – a reflexology studio. The best one I’ve been to in Bali. About $12 for an hour.