Already have a villa in Tegallang area of Ubud for 4 nights during middle of our stay in Bali. Need to figure out first 3 nights. Arrive late evening of first night. Can stay at another villa (Villa Kalisha?) in hills of Tegallang above Ubud, then transfer to Villa Damee in Ubud. (Already locked in with Villa Damee with dates that fall in middle of our stay.)
So, stay first three nights in Seminyak or Jimbaran? 3 adults, one room. But, The Colony is already booked. Or stay first three nights at Villa Kalisha, then
four nights at Villa Damee, and perhaps stay two nights at Seminyak or Jimbaran area before departing for Thailand? The Colony is available if I decide to stay in Seminyak at the end of our visit to Bali.
So, 7 nights in Ubud and two in Seminyak? Or 3 nights in Seminyak and 4 nights in Ubud with maybe 1 more night at the end of stay that's near the airport for early morning flight to Thailand?

First time to Bali and I really want to make the most of it. I live in SoCal 6 miles from Laguna Beach, so I have experienced plenty of developed and beautiful coastal areas. Looking for culture and also a few days on the beach.

dame looks ok.. how do you get into town? that can be important.

sanur is nice for a day or two..

hire a driver for a day or two to take you around bali.

Just to clarify: you have 3 nights open, 4 nights Villa Damee (just east of Ubud), 2 nights open. Right?

You don't sound like you're convinced that the beach is the kind of Bali experience you want. If that's the case why don't you start at Kalisha which is quite isolated, move on to Damee which is nearer to the town of Ubud and end up at the beach?

I couldn't find a map for Kalisha. The website says it's north of Telagalang which is a pretty big area. It sounds like you'd be pretty much on your own there, so it depends on how much isolation and serenity you're looking for.

Jimbaran can cover a lot of territory and a lot of different types of accommodation. Most villas and resorts are on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. There's an okay swimming beach, but not a lot in the way of restaurants, shops etc.

If you think you're going to be spending time in Seminyak -- beach, dinner, shopping, etc -- then stay in Seminyak. The traffic in South Bali can be unpleasant, so stay near where you want to be.

The difference between transit time from a resort/villa in Seminyak and one in Jimbaran is minimal. I wouldn't make that the determining factor.

After Ubud you might find Seminyak lively and fun or you might miss the serenity. It depends, really, on what you and your kids like to do.

Thank you so much for the response marmot. Here is a link that shows the general location of Kalisha. Both of my kids (18 & 22) enjoy sightseeing and learning about other cultures. So, I wouldn't be cajoling them into exploring. I can't wait to see the area around Ubud. We also would like to snorkel and surf. Two different areas on Bali. Also, I am certified to dive and they have already been on intro dives. Do you have any idea if a day trip to Menjangan can be done from Kalisha? https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/759328

So perhaps I should do this:
First 3 nights at Kalisha (1st day just relax & explore rice terraces? Hiking? And anything else in the area? 2nd day take a day trip to Menjangan for snorkeling/diving?
4 nights at Damee (Transfer from Kalisha to Damee using Damee's pickup and maybe see a few things along the way?) During days at Damee, explore Ubud via scooters, hire a driver to take us to temple ceremonies, etc., yoga, massages. We are also taking part of a day to teach English at a school in the area and also visit an orphanage.
2 or perhaps 3 nights in Seminyak (The Colony is available on those dates. Price is reasonable but with extra bed it's $60 more.) In Seminyak, surfing, shopping, beach swimming, sunset at Jimbaran, hire a driver to see temple by the ocean (I can't remember the name.)

^I think this may be it! Finally!

I'm sure you'll find a lot to do both near Kalisha and Damee.

From either one Menjangan is about a 4 hour drive. It's a long day, but plenty of people do it as a day trip. You could ask your hosts to arrange something for you or contact one of the dive shops in Pemuteran or Menjangan. They will pick you up, take you on a dive or snorkling trip then take you back to your villa.

August is surfing season. You can rent boards -- as well as chairs and umbrellas -- all along Seminyak beach. From The Colony you the beach at Petitenget temple and head south. There are often ceremonies on the beach at Petitenget Temple.

If your kids are serious surfers you might want to go to Ulu Watu to watch the big wave surfing. Blue Point is a good vantage point. Also, Single Fin for sunset and partying.

The two famous beach temples are Tanah Lot which is north of Seminyak and Ulu Watu which is south. They're both quite photogenic, but you'll get nice sunsets anywhere on Seminyak beach.

Some of my favorite restaurants are
La Lucciola -- right on the beach near Petitenget Temple, good for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Sardine -- a beautiful setting, mostly seafood
Sarong -- Southeast Asian, sit in the garden
Watercress -- about 10 minutes away in Batubelig, great breakfasts
Kudeta -- a bit of a zoo, but fun after dinner drinks and for breakfast and lunch

Thanks again marmot for the advice and recommendations! Starting to get things finalized. Usually I'm way ahead of the game at this point.

Another question. How can I find the lowest airfare from DPS to either Krabi or Phuket? I am committed to flying out of Bangkok because I am using miles. So, I figured we'd spend a week in Thailand. Taking our chances with weather. I've been checking both Phuket and Koh Samui and it looks like both are cloudy/rainy.

Should I book the flight from Bali to Thailand online here in the US before I leave? The flight would be August 6 or 7th so at this point I'm still within 14 day advance purchase. If I wait until I actually arrive in SE Asia it will be only 7 days advance.

Any opinions ?

Air Asia connecting through Bangkok is probably the best and cheapest option. Price is relative to availability, so the sooner you book the cheaper the fare.

Bear in mind though that there are additional fees for luggage, meals and penalties for date changes. You will most likely have to collect your bags in Bangkok and check in again for the next flight.

Check the cancellation policy carefully.

Air Asia also do v.good flight/hotel packages...

https://www.airasiago.com/en-gb/