HI<BR><BR>I am planning a honeymoon for end October..<BR><BR>My fiance is really into going to Bali, so was hoping that you could give us some advice on where to stay and where to avoid??<BR><BR>To help you...here is a bit about us...<BR><BR>1 We want to stay away from tourist droves<BR><BR>2 Not into the idea of staying in big hotel chains (eg 4 seasons/Hyatt) UNLESS they really are the best option.<BR><BR>3. Want privacy<BR><BR>4. Would like to split the trip between various areas. Ubud, beaches, mountains etc<BR><BR>5. Would like to spend 2 or 3 days on a gorgeous untouristy beach (maybe one of the smaller islands?)<BR><BR>Trip will be btween 1 and 2 weeks (we are from Australia so flight durations arent a problem)<BR><BR>Not sure what else i can say...will think of more as i get your replies...<BR><BR>Thanks in advance<BR><BR>Sonia

My husband and I stayed at the Chedi Hotel near Ubud in March, 2001. It was wonderful! Great food in an outdoor (but covered) dining area. Outdoor shower in a private garden area and a cubby hole with a sliding door over the bed..to let in fresh air and exotic sounds at night. Paradise!

If you're only going for one to two weeks, choose at most two places to stay. Each time you move, it's a hassle and you'll detract from the feeling of relaxation and being away from everything by moving too much. <BR><BR>Where to stay away from? Kuta (obviously) and Nusa Dua.<BR><BR>If you are staying two weeks and want another island to try, Lombok is lovely.

message: "Where to stay away from? Kuta (obviously) and Nusa Dua". Considering Bali for January..just wondering about Kuta..is it because it is near the airport? Thanks for any help.<BR><BR>

message: "Where to stay away from? Kuta (obviously) and Nusa Dua". Considering Bali for January..just wondering about Kuta..is it because it is near the airport? Thanks for any help.<BR><BR>

Seven years ago we stayed at the Oberoi and loved it. The beach was beautiful with hardly a sole on it. The rooms were to die for. We got a very good deal through Leading Hotels of the World. Included meals, airport pickup and a private tour in a limo.

Nusa Dua is where all the nice hotels are! It is great.<BR><BR>I recomend the Hilton, I know it is a chain, but never mind that concern, it is fantastic!

On where to stay away from...<BR><BR>Kuta is filled with adolescent Aussie males, lots of drinking and partying and loud music. The atmosphere is absolutely obnoxious.<BR><BR>You may want to read the thread here about Nusa Dua. Some people love it ("It's like Hawaii") and others, like myself, find it sterile and "not Bali." It was developed to be a high-end tourist enclave, and there are plenty of high priced hotels there, but few signs of Bali.

Bali is very much in sight in Nusa Dua, just like Hawaii is found at the resorts in Maui. To see the real Hawaii, where do you stay.<BR><BR>I hope you understand my point!

ok...i know that Kuta and Nusa Dua are not for us...we love the sound of Ubud and Lembongan Island...<BR><BR>Any more actual hotel suggestions?<BR><BR>Sonia