Waka Shorea, Ubud Alila, Poppies!
 

Hi - our honeymoon is in Bali in Jan and we were thinking of the above hotels, in that order - starting with the romantic and ending with some more down-market fun at Kuta! Anyone have any comments on this itinerary? Poppies seems to come up as an old favourite, but is it still what everyone says about it? Thanks

Hi felix

A few comments for ya. The Waka Shorea is definitely off the beaten track in North Bali. I am staying in North Bali next month and looked into the hotel, but read some negative things about the Waka groups environmental sensitivity (lack of...).
I decided to stay at the Damai in Lovina which looks great (will report back soon)Seems to be the perfect spot for HM, and still easy access to snorkelling etc.

Another amazing place I would also love to stay is the Agung Bali Nirwana villas in north bali. Their rates are quite good and it gets rave reviews.

Good luck!

I stayed at Waka Padma in Ubud in Dec and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had heard about the above poster's mention that the group is env unfriendly but have also got the impression that waka group is being esp singled out for this by s group of activists. I took a look at Poppies and it is highly recoed on one of the Bali forums but we did not want to stay in Kuta. The Ubud Alila is gorgeous from the outside at least as we passed it. Hope u are on www.baliforum.com and www.balitravelforum.com. My driver was also great - [email protected]

I last stayed at Poppies about 3 years ago. It really is one of my very favorite places. Assuming it has not been redone since then, I would say it was a good 3-star, but the location, their lovely but compact grounds, grotto pool and great staff more than make up for it. It is a quiet little haven in hectic Kuta. Having a breakfast of banana pancakes delivered to my room and eating outside on the little terrace in the garden is my idea of heaven! You can walk down to the beach in about 5 minutes, and sunset on Kuta beach is a nightly ritual for locals and tourists alike. Great shopping all around the area, and several good restaurants, including Poppies own restaurant across the lane.

I knew the Alia in Ubud when it was the Chedi. It is in a beautiful location.

Thanks for the replies. I had also heard a couple of negative comments about the Waka group, but I think I'll give it a try and make my own mind up - will post back after the honeymoon! Many Thanks once again.