Hello everyone.<BR>I'm planning for a 15th wedding anniversary holiday in Bali for 4 days, 3 nights.<BR>Any suggestions for a luxury/de luxe beach resort, not too tourist-y. I guess those offering so-called "honeymoon packages" would qualify. Must offer full spa services (most of Bali does, right?).<BR>Has anyone been to Matahari Beach Resort?<BR>Let me hear from the romantics out there!<BR><BR>

We were in Bali for our honeymoon and loved the Jamahal Resort... try them out. Very private and only 9 resorts, so it's not too touristy.<BR>Check their website out: jahmahal.net<BR><BR>Good luck!

I have been doing extensive research on a trip (11 nights, 10 full days) next June. The Matahari is in western Bali which is the most untouristed area on the island. It is not near anything so if you want to sample other restaurants or go shopping, it will be difficult. I really don't think you have to go so far out of your way to avoid the tourists since all of the smaller places are isolated and can offer you plenty of privacy. The Matahari is popular with divers, but there are lots of other activities there as well. One thing the Matahari doesn't have is rooms with a plunge pool which, if it were my honeymoon, would be a necessity.<BR><BR>I think you can get a "honeymoon package" at pretty much any of the more expensive places on Bali. Most offer full spa services as well. One place we are considering is Hotel Tugu in Canggu (Southern Bali). This hotel is probably the most similar in price and location (i.e. on the water) to the Matahari but it has much more character and, of course, plunge pools in its "Dedari" suites. It is within 20 minutes of the towns of Seminyak and Kuta so if you want to venture out, you can.<BR><BR>One more suggestion: a good website for researching hotels and prices is Balidiscovery.com. They seem to have a good reputation and their prices are the best I've seen anywhere on the web.

I have looked at the Matahari resort, and to be diplomatic, I think you would be very disappointed. When you say not too touristy it's a little confusing...I would say for high end luxury there are many boutique hotels much much nice than the Matahari which caters to package tourists. The Tugu would be one, even the Le Meridian, Four Seasons, I've also heard nice things about the Intercontinental. And about 95% of the hotels in Bali are less than $50 a night, so not all hotels offer spa packages, but again there are many that do.

Craig,<BR>Thank you for your help! I will definitely surf Balidiscovery.com and Hotel Tugu.<BR><BR>Would you by any chance have heard of, or also checked out, the Pangkor Laut Resort in Malaysia? This was another place I had shortlisted.<BR><BR>Ajfoe,<BR>Yes, I will check out Jamahal's website, too! Many thanks.<BR><BR>Made,<BR>Thanks for being "diplomatic"! I needed the realistic perspective, not the brochure-perfect language...which is exactly why I posted my S.O.S.

if you want an out of the way place Bali is the place to be, we just got back from a south east asia tour and loved bali, stayed at the balitropik loved it. no beach to talk about but nice pool, spa, and restaraunts. nice people. and away from the bustle.

I've only been to Bali once. BUt I stayed at the Bali Spirit Hotel and Spa in Ubud. It's on the bank of the river with views of rice paddies. Private balconies. I got the Honeymoon package. $399 for 4 days 3 nights. Large stone room bathroom. It felt very native. Or at least what I percieved native to be. Candlelit dinner for two included and bottle of wine. Plus one free private day tour. Of course breakfast included every morning. Airport pickup included oh and a free massage for both of you. The grounds are gorgeous. Maybe only 40-50 rooms total. So it felt like a private resort. The staff was very nice and personable. <BR>No beach however, but you can pay for a hotel driver to take you there.<BR>I booked online at their website balispirithotel.com, so there may be cheaper ways to book this hotel. The photos on the website don't do it justice. <BR> The Four Seasons is located on the same river. I've heard that's great too. But I'll always have fond memories of Bali Spirit. I wouldn't trade it for anywhere else.

Hi Liz,<BR>I got married in Bali and rented villas for the wedding and all guests via www.balivillas.com. They have some great villas available, all over Bali: Jimbaran, Ungasan, Seminyak, Legian, etc. Most have pools, are really tastefully decorated and furnished. All are fully staffed, including chauffeur-driven car so it's like being in a hotel. Email your likes and dislikes to them and they'll stock the fridge with what you want. For a special dinner while you're there, head to KuDeTa in Legian, next to the Oberoi. Very special. The "Waka" resorts are also very special, check out WakaShorea in Bali Barat National Park - the only way to get there is by boat, even though it's on the mainland. Your private villa overlooks Menjangan Island, the sea is beautiful, there's diving, hobiecats, kayaks, walks in the national park, and good food, served anywhere you want: in your villa, in the restaurant, on the beach, at the end of the jetty. Their Waka di Ume resort in Ubud is also wonderful, villas w/private pools overlooking padis. The Chedi is also great but a little more pricy. And in Ubud there are spas, great restaurants (Ary's Warung for starters) and a world of shopping. Unless you really need tv and minibar don't go near any of those "honeymoon" packages.