Just managed to pick up some cheap flight to Bali with Sinagpore Air. Having only been to Bali once before about 7 years back, I could do with some ideas on places to stay. Our planned itinerary is:

3 Days in the south in a beach type hotel
4 days Ubud
4 days in the east - say Candidsada (for the diving)

I was thinking of the Conrad (very impressed with their Bangkok property!) for the 1st 3 days to get over the jet lag.

As for the remaining hotels mid range balinese with character & good service as opposed to chain hotels are preferable. I would really appreciate suggestions for places to stay and things to see. Also, what is the best way of getting around the island, taxi, bus, self drive hire car, motorbike??

I don't have hotel recs for you but the best diving is off Menjangan Island in the northwest. You could base yourself in Lovina where there a few dive shops that can take you there.

Bob really liked the Conrad. But it is part of a large chain.

I lke the Sanur area, and have stayed at the Bali Hyatt several times. It's a lovely (non-glitzy) property set in gorgeous gardens. The Hyatt has been there for many years, and was the model for responsible development - nothing higher than a palm tree, etc. There are a number of smaller places in Sanur, as you aren't interested in a large property. The town of Sanur is nice.

Hire a car and river to get around - you'll have no difficulty doing so. It's quick and easy. Self-drive is not recommended.

I loved the Nusa Dua Beach Resort ( in Nusa Dua) and the Alam Jiwa in Ubud.
Also stayed at the Puri Santrian in Sanur but I truly didn't enjoy it or the Sanur area.

In the east, have a look at places in the Amed area like Apa Kabar or Blue Moon Villas. Near Candidasa, there is an Alila that is supposed to be nice. Across from the Conrad is a great place called Bumbu Bali for cooking classes and eating.

Getting around...car and driver. You will be inundated with offers, so you can pick and choose.

Get a copy of this month's Budget Travel. They have some incredible looking small Bali hotels featured!

Here's a link to the Budget Travel article Lcuy mentions. http://www.budgettravelonline.com/bt...040400852.html

Also consider Alam Sari www.alamsari.com We had a wonderful experience there...our pictures are on their website under the category "courses." Dewa was a wonderful guide and driver for us as well. Now he and his wife offer a class through Alam Sari in making coffee from beans to cup as well as palm oil, too.

crellston, There are so many good choices in Bali.

Beach
The Conrad is a beautiful property but with a lousy beach. Personally, I think there are a lot better choices in the same range. I prefer the Seminyak area for beach and for access to shops, restaurants, clubs etc. It's lively but not as crazy as Kuta. Two places that I would recommend are the Legian at the higher end and the Sofitel in the Conrad price range.

Ubud
In the Ubud areathere are also plenty of choices in all price ranges. Some people like to be within walking distance of Ubud town itself; others prefer the countryside. For the former I'd recommend Komaneka, for the latter the Alila. Alam Sari, as Kim suggests, is a magical place.

Diving
I like the East Coast of Bali a lot -- and the Alila here is very good too -- but I agree with Craig that the best diving is found in the Menjangan area. If you do decide to go East I'd avoid Candidasa proper as there a many nicer areas now.

In the Northwest one place that is well recommended (I haven't been there myself) are the villas Ganesha.

A lot of people "commute" to the diving areas from Ubud. It's a drive of 2 hours or so, but will save you from having to move around so much. Culturally central Bali is, to me, a lot more interesting than the north.

Driving
I'd agree wholeheartedly that you should hire a car AND driver to get around Bali. A motor bike is fine and fun for jaunts around the neighborhood, but for serious touring, let someone else do the driving.

Many thanks to all for your help & guidance. I have now revised our plans and we will now do our diving off Menjangan Island possibly staying in Lovinia or maybe even commuting from Ubud for the diving. Any suggestions for dive operators??

Still unsure about the beach element but will do a little more research but Seminyak sound interesting and I came a cross a brand new hotel The Elysian which has a special opening rate of $200 pn - and looks really good http://www.designhotels.com They have some hotels in Ubud as well so I will try and check out a deal for staying at both places. Thanks once again for your input it has save nme a serious amount of time