sph

I am planning a trip for my daughter's honeymoon and they are trusting me to name the destination and itinerary. I am lucky enough to have traveled to many amazing places. The honeymoon will be in March 2014 and the couple want a beach so I am considering the weather (Italy is number one on their list but too cold for the beach). Anyway, I have been to Bali, Nusa Dua, many years ago and loved it so I am thinking Bali may be a good choice. We stayed only in one place but visited Kuta and a few other places. Other than Nusa Dua, what is recommended for the second half of their stay? They will have ten nights.

Any advice you can give regarding the most luxurious, beautiful place to stay that will allow them the ability to get to the best beaches, nightlife, etc will be appreciated. They have decided to spend their money on the honeymoon and not the wedding ceremony so high end accommodations are best. I am looking at Amanusa which looks fantastic but I need to keep in mind they are younger so I need to make sure it will not be too quiet.... They want to scuba dive, like culture, good food, active, a little nightlife.

If you have other ideas besides Bali, I am open to those as well! Thank you in advance as I am just beginning the planning process.

Kathie

I highly recommend against Nusa Dua. It is a purpose-built tourist enclave. I refer to it as the place people go if they don't really want to be in Indonesia. I'd recommend they split their time between a beach (Sanur or Seminyak, for instance) and inland near Ubud.

Watch for Marmot to make hotel suggestions. She is our local expert. There aren't a lot of places for scuba on Bali, but she can tell you which places are the best.

Bali is a perfect place for a honeymoon.

sph

OK thanks. The Samaya Bali in Seminyak looks great. I look forward to learning more...

sph

One more discovery. Does anyone know of the Ayana Resort and where it is located in relation to activities (in other words, is it too far away). thanks

rhkkmk

the conrad is really fantastic and north of nusa dua... don't stick them with nusa dua as kathie says...too sterile.

while an older hotel the bali hyatt is very nice in sanur with a lovely beach and pools.

marmot

Lucky kids! I'd lean toward Seminyak for your honeymooners. Luxurious hotels, big wave sunset beach, lots of choices in restaurants, clubs, shops, spas. You can be as social or as private as you like.

Samaya is a good choice, though I haven't seen the rooms since it's been completly redone. My favorite is The Legian (the one in Seminyak, right next to the Samaya). Beautiful grounds, pools, beach view from every room. I prefer the upper floors -- 400 series -- in the main building to the private villas across the road.

There's a new Alila under construction nearby that will open at the end of the year that also looks promising.

Renting a private villa -- with pool and staff -- is another honeymoon-friendly choice. There are dozens in the Seminyak area, near but not on the beach. Take a look at this site http://balihomeparadise.com/

I'm cool on Nusa Dua for young adults, beautiful properties but too staid. I wouldn't recommend Amanusa unless they are golfers.

I'd suggest they divide their time between Seminyak and Ubud, maybe adding a snorkling location in the northeast or northwest.

There are so many choices in Ubud it's hard to know where to start. My favorites would be Como Shambhala, a suite at the Alila or a villa at Kayumanis. There's also a well liked Samaya in Ubud, but I haven't been there.

Lastly Amankila on the east coast is spectacular. The Amed area which has good snorkling and diving is not too far. The northwest coast near Menjangan Island also has good reefs. There I'd recommend the Ganesha Villas.

I guess my top three picks would be The Legian, Como Shambhala and Amankila.

They'll get some rain in March but it should be tapering off.

Ann7544

Agree with all the responses above. One thing to keep in mind is there is a big difference between Seminyak and Sanur. Seminyak has big waves and a large unshaded patch of beach while Sanur's beaches are smaller with lots of shade as well as calm waters for swimming. Also, Seminyak is a big city, lots of dining and shopping choices but also lots of mileage to cover. Sanur is more of a village.

I am a big beach lover, but would skip any beach for a stay in Ubud. For me, it's a true highlight of a visit to Bali. We stayed in Warwick Ibah Villas and Spa resort, amazing grounds, walking distance to the city, great food, only 17 villas so lots of privacy, perfect for a honeymoon. Ask for Jasmine villa at the very end of the property, you feel like you are alone in a rain forest but with all the luxuries of the modern world. The price was great too.

bombayteddy

Why Bali? It rains there in March! Though it is my favorite place in the world, I would go there only from June to August.
For a beachfront honeymoon in March, may I suggest Thailand? In particular Koh Samui, at the Intercontinental which has perhaps THE must stunning location. Check it out at http://samui.intercontinental.com/