Gateway to Bali

Above article about Bali.

Bali is back bigger than ever and Catriona is about to show us the new hot-spots and some luxury accommodation.

Getaway visited Bali for the first time since what locals call "the tragedy".

There is much to be positive about and people who have loved holidaying in Kuta will be pleased to know some things are pretty much back to normal. Backpackers have returned in large numbers, surfers are enjoying the waves and there is plenty of cold beer to enjoy at the end of a hot day. While there is still a lot of rubble around, everyone is trying to fix up roads and footpaths and putting in pedestrian walkways.

Most people visit the site of the Sari Club for some quiet thoughts at the memorial and to pay their respects to the many who lost their lives in 2002.

Most accommodation places have used the downtime in tourism to recreate their properties, as well as employing sophisticated security systems.

Just a little north of Kuta and Legian is Seminyak, a place which has helped in the rebirth of Bali’s popularity as a holiday resort.

Seminyak has a more sophisticated feel than Kuta and has retained a small-town atmosphere. It has less traffic and fewer hawkers and is generally quieter.

It caters very much to the more up-market tourist and expat communities, with world-class restaurants, hotels, clubs and shops.

Jalan Dhyana Pura is known as "drinks street" — this is where the trendy establishments with trick names are: Spy Bar, Q Bar, Tu Bar and Liquid.

Jalan Double Six is a popular nightspot street. It has lots of bars, including De Ja Vu, Double Six Club and Oxygen, a stark white chillout lounge which would be at home in any city’s funky area.

Great restaurants are in abundance — La Luciola, Gado Gado, KuDeTa, The Living Room and Made’s Warung, a Balinese institution.

There is a good variety of designer boutiques, many owned by Australians. Silk and leather are put to good use and many items end up being sold in European and American stores.

Villas are increasingly popular places to stay. They offer more privacy and have kitchen and lounge areas, so people can self-cater and relax. They are very popular with families, groups of friends and sets of couples.

Villa Coco Bali has 16 choices of accommodation. There are eight self-contained one-bedroom and three two-bedroom villas and a luxurious four-bedroom villa. There are also four bungalows. It was all modernised in 2001 to improve facilities without damaging gardens or disrupting the traditional Balinese design. All have kitchenettes which are fully equipped and guests may order supplies to be delivered from the local market.

Roofs are thatched and beds are netted. Ceiling fans keep a cool breeze stirring and showers are open air, but totally private.

The Dusun has 14 exquisite private villas with thatched roofs, stone carvings, fine sandstone detailing with antique batik art pieces and soft flowing fabrics.

It is in the heart of a traditional Balinese village just 100 metres from Petitenget Beach. The village features Pura Petitenget, one of Bali’s six most important temples. Sunset Beach is a short stroll and the hotel driver is available to provide transport.

One-bedroom villas have private entrance, pool, garden, spacious airy living area, dining area and full kitchen. The air-conditioned bedroom has satellite television.