Most Wanted Bali Resorts: Ritz Carlton Bali And Bali Intercontinental

There are many ways to see Bali the tropical dream island, one of the most intriguing options to spend your time is to stay in style at a place where it's more than just nice. One of the preferred beaches is Jimbaran Beach because it's still very original, a laid back fishing village without any high rise buildings or hotel complexes. Actually there is only one major resort at that beach and that is the Bali Intercontinental. Huge gardens directly on the beach, who can ask for more. It's a classic Bali Resort that seems to have been there right from the beginning of tourism in Bali. Since then it was renovated just recently and now has some of the most stylish rooms in any of the big resorts on the southern Nusa Dua and Jimbaran tip.

This year in 2008 they suddenly got a fresh boost in interest and are on the top of the "most wanted" list. It must have been some kind of mouth to mouth recommendations of happy visitors that refer others looking for the same experience. If you look for this hotel inside the video section of the Bali1.com web site you can find a few videos that show the suites in the Singaraja or "club" section of the resort. They are very interesting I have to say, with lots of space and things going for them like fine art on the walls and decent sized living rooms.

Unfortunately it is also the hotel in Bali with the slowest reservation staff (ofall hotels we know). They seem to get so many bookings that they let you wait in line for days without getting back to you, yes a treatment like sending in a job application. On the other side we get so many bookings for this resort that we have to deal with them, like it or not. What says nothing about the hotel as such, except that their sales staff is not organized well and seem to have problem getting things done, not that Bali is generally a fast island. No, here time seems to be available in abundance, it's just overseas clients that do not understand that at all. just yet. Prior to their arrival.

Further up on the southern cliffs in Jimbaran is the Ritz Carlton Bali that now has its new additional pool down by the beach. Which is just gorgeous all by itself. This southern cliffs area with its ocean climate is fantastic and the preferred surrounding for a real Bali experience with salty ocean air. This resort was always booked out for 3 months ahead the last few years what brought them to raise prices quite a bit since April 2008. At least officially. However when you tap into the wholesale source at the very source of it, you get rock bottom prices with guaranteed availability and unlike the slow Intercontinental processing a 24h confirmation. Now that's more to my liking, also the villas at Ritz Carlton are closer to my personal idea of a real vacation. Yes, they are not exactly entry level inventory, rather something for people that have seen it all, and now just want something solid with a nice touch and a good view. And a great breakfast to start a day of leisure and relaxation.

The Club rooms and suites at the Ritz Carlton Resort are about the most wanted room types in Bali. And for a reason, you are treated well and with charm. After all you would not be coming to Bali every month, so it's better to save money on business trips to cities where most hotels look just like all the others. The Ritz is different in the same way that Bali is different than all the other islands that build skyscrapers directly on the beach. Nothing like that here on this island, everything is integrated into the natural surroundings and many times even hidden from view in lush green vegetation and trees. This year Bali has a road traffic problem, but the buildings are strictly limited to 3 levels what seems to give a much nicer touch to the landscape than you would see in all these overcrowded European and American popular beach resort regions.

So al in all, Bali as a destination is always recommended, and these two Bali resorts are about as good as it gets in the mid to upper price level of resort accommodation. Of course if you already looked around you can easily spend hundreds more a night for the same rooms Bali1.com offers at wholesale rates even for a single room booking. Travel agents are invited as well, as these low rates make them suitable for your local travel agency as well. Contacts are invited and welcome.

Villa Sasoon, Bali

Bali is one of my favorite places to chill, eat, lie in the sun and do absolutely nothing. I live for moments like these and I am sure I am not alone. Villa Sasoon located in the heart of Candi Dasa, is a 90 minute ride from the main airport of Denpasar Bali. It boasts 4 private villas, all with its own private pool and 2 separate sleeping quarters.

The villa is surrounded by palm, bamboo trees and high walls, so you can be assured of privacy while you skinny dip in your own private pool. The pool is cleaned as soon as the previous guest checks out of the villa so if you check in right after someone checks out, you might not be able to use the pool till the next till day (it's for the best - let chlorine do its job) - that was what happened when I was there last.

The beds are relatively soft and comfortable and the living quarter has ample space for 2 individuals. With laundry service that is so affordable and that only takes 24 hours, I usually take a bunch of dirty clothes and have them clean them here (yes I do travel with some dirty clothes - I am all for cheap laundry!)

The bathroom boasts a big tube and a outdoor bathroom space for those who love to be one with nature. The outdoor shower area is tiled with stones and wooden planks while a powerful shower washes the day away. The tub is large enough to accommodate 2+1 individuals; depending on your preference and the occasion.

The living room is one of an open concept with basic kitchen amenities and satellite cable tv. From the living room, the pool and living quarters can be seen which might be ideal if you have young kids. A small dining room finishes the main area of your private villa.

I stay at this great villa every time I am in this area of Bali, with charming, personable staff that speak decent English, this is one private villa worth checking out; after all, it's not everyday that you get your own pool and a shower with the sound of nature in its full glory.

Bali Bungalow Accomodation is the Way to Go

Bali is one of the most beautiful islands on earth with its natural beauty and smiling people. The culture and religion, steeped in centuries of tradition, plays a major role in the everyday life of the Balinese.

Another feature of Bali are the endless Bungalow accommodations that are available.

What is a Bali Bungalow?

It is an accommodation designed in Balinese traditional architecture. The word "bungalow" comes from the Indian word bangla, which, in the 19th century, referred to houses built in the Bengal style. Bangla were thatched roof cottages that had low roofs and porches built around them.They will always be either completely detached or semi-detached.

Bali bungalows are built in the Bali style with thatched roofs and local timbers. Where possible local natural materials are used to create a Balinese ambiance. Each cottage has its own secluded terrace with views out over the landscape of colorful foliage to the contrasting blues of sea and sky.

They are usually surrounded by lush green tropical gardens, exotic plants and flowers. Some have their own private pools and others have a swimming area for the entire bungalow resort. They can have a garden of terraced ponds,waterfalls and cobbled pathways.Bungalow accommodations can be situated amidst gardens and rice fields or they can be right on the sandy beaches with a choice of air conditioned or fan cooled suites.

If you want to feel like you are living in amongst the Bali culture, a Bali bungalow is so much better than an International Hotel. If it's Bali living style, then look for a bungalow. Some people may not want a unique style. They may just be looking for a style that they have always been used to when travelling overseas. In this case, you would look for an International Resort or Hotel with all the latest facilities. That is not to say that Bungalows do not come with modern facilities. There are many luxury style Balinese bungalows that do come with the the most modern facilities. It all depends on what you want.

The most satisfying experience in a true tropical lifestyle is how you relate to the environment. With a causal lifestyle habitat, addressing the trade winds and garden visuals, we can enjoy a considerable amount of time with nature.A Bali bungalow gives you just that kind of freedom and lets you be at one with the natural surroundings and the culture of the Balinese tradition.