@travellingwiththeateam

With the girls partying last night until 3am, then chatting until to 6am, it was always going to be a slower morning….oh to be young.

Andy however was up and running along the beach at 7.30am – how times change!

As we relaxed by the pool we watched the lizards dancing around the decking of the pool.

Late morning we decided to head out for a coffee and some brunch and were pleasantly surprised to find another great restaurant only a stones through from the villa.

It’s clear there is a lot of investment being made into this part of Seminyak with new buildings popping up which are of a high quality than before. The bar we were at wouldn’t look out of place in the Mediterranean resort.

The restaurant was very styled, and the food and drinks equalled the look and feel of the place. It’s pretty quiet, although I suspect that’s due it being the off season. Despite the development the rice fields remain and it’s a nice mix between the old and the new.

After a return to the villa pool to cool off and to see the sleeping girls we decided to return to one of the restaurants for the early evening cocktail promotion- 2 for 1!

The girls were all dressed up and sporting flowers in their hair.

We watched the sunset from the bar before tucking into our gin and strawberry cocktails. A big favourite all around which got us in the party mood.

Post drinks we edged across the road to get another new restaurant that is all about fire cooked food. One by one we all ended up plumping for the pasta dishes which were a real revelation with fab beef and lamb ragu.

The venue was nestled in the rice fields and felt idyllic in the illuminated evening light. This was another great find and just a short walk back to the villa.

Tomorrow we head back to the Potato Beach club as it’s forecast to be a sunny day and we plan to chill by the pool and have a day of indulgence.

Today was all about the beach club, the Potato Head beach club to be exact. The girls had heard about it on Tik Toc and were desperate to go. Fortunately for us, it’s only about a mile or so from our villa.

After a lazy morning for some (excludes Andy and his mad morning beach runs) we made our way to this haven of ‘cool-dom’ to experience a day lazying by the pool as the groovy tunes play and the kids (and a lot of older adults) eat and drink and take in the awesome views.

This is no ordinary beach club, with a space age look and feel from the outside.

Once inside it has a laid back, Ibiza feel to it, but at the luxury end and with knock out service. An ever patient waiter keen to get you that next cocktail, beer or vino.

We arrived just as the sunshine came out from the clouds, so before consuming our first drink we were off to the infinity pool and bar to check out the views out over the beach and ocean.

Whilst there are references to Bali in the decoration of the beach club, it has a very definite European feel, with almost everyone there being from overseas notably Aussies, English, German along with Malaysians and Japanese.

Lounging was the order of the day and we duly followed suit and enjoyed people watching along with the odd Bintang.

In contrast the girls were all about the cocktails and got straight to it.

The girls enjoyed themselves as they drank their fancy drinks and watched the Potato Head ‘show’ unfold.

After deciding that we would return another day for a proper session, we had a wander around the ‘complex’ which included more bars, restaurants, shops et al.

Another beach bar area to explore and another infinity pool to enjoy.

It was soon time for dinner so we headed to a local Indonesian restaurant we‘d be recommended called Biku which turned out to be a real find. Great food in a homely atmosphere and really friendly service – we will return.

The evening was a real success, however for some it was just beginning as we headed back to the villa, before Amelia and Meg got changed and headed out to a club to meet up with some friends of friends.

We said our goodbyes and waved the girls off before we settled in with a Netflix box set!

With today being Amelia’s & Meg’s first morning in Bali, we left nature do its work and let them rest up and sleep.

Contrastingly Andy was up with the birds and ran down to Seminyak beach to catch some rays and the odd stray dogs (of which there are many).

Once the girls emerged, we lazed around the villa pool and made the most of a sunny morning.

Amelia is keen to get some tanning time in, as to catch up with Michelle and become suitably bronzed!

So as to keep everyone’s strength up, Michelle rustled up a good old fashioned brunch of scrambled eggs, baked beans and toast with cheese. Almost like being at home…

Today was always likely to be a chilled day so the girls could adjust, so we left them reading next to the pool, and went for a wander to see where we could get a drink and eye up a dinner reservation.

By luck we came across a fantastic place called Hook in the paddy fields only a few minutes away. Wow what a find. It has a chilled out vibe and is decked out with bamboo furniture and long lounge chairs ideal for watching the world go by.

We enjoyed the place so much, we decided to return later with the girls and enjoy some traditional Indonesia food.

After a shower, spruce up and pre dinner drinks in our cool snug, we returned to the Hook restaurant.

The girls were so excited and although still a little fatigued were ready to dive into the Balinese menu.

As the evening came to a close we had a wander around and took in the views out across the rice fields.

Tomorrow we plan to venture further afield, now that the girls are acclimatised, with a trip to the beach and no doubt a look around the markets in and around Seminyak.

Today we checked into our ‘new home’ for the next 2 weeks whilst Amelia and her friend Meg are staying with us in Bali.

Like all journeys in Bali, finding the actual place you’re going to takes time. Place names and addresses are vague and it’s made up worse when the accommodation is tucked away down a side passage. Fortunately we managed to get hold of the villa manager by WhatsApp.

Pleasingly on arrival we were greeted with a lovely open plan pad that looks just like it did on the Airbnb site!

After unpacking we took a stroll down the road to explore the nearby restaurants and bars, of which there are a surprising number and of decent quality. Seminyak is clearly upping its game and seeking to attract the more discerning holiday makers.

After a trip to the supermarket to buy supplies for the next week or so, something we haven’t done for all, we have picked up our 4th Grab taxi of the day (we might buy shares in them at this rate) and are at the airport waiting to meet the girls off their flight.

At long last, after battling their way through security and extra bag checks Amelia and Meg have arrived. Both were a little blurry eyed, not surprisingly, but ready to face their adventures ahead!

After dealing with the important stuff of new SIM cards for their phones, we picked up our 6th and final cab and headed back to the villa to await the girls reaction to their new home for the next couple of weeks. It’s fair to say they were impressed. After snacks and drinks and general catching up, we said goodnight around 1.30am and the girls started their unpacking and detoxing!

Another healthy start to the day.

Andy went out for his customary run to the beach and back, before we both then did a yoga class in front of our villa.

After that it was breakfast time at Desa Hay for the last time. We kept with a combo of fruit granola followed by avocado on toast – doesn’t get much better than that.

Whilst we both could have stayed for another night or two, it was time to reengage with ‘busy’ Bali again and move on to our Airbnb apartment in Seminyak.

We managed to stretch out a couple more hours on the sun lounger before we got a Grab (Indo Uber) to our nights stay.

Whilst it was a tad more bijou, the apartment was very stylish and had all the facilities that we could have asked for. Along with a plunge pool up front!

With the sun shining we moved on to Double Six beach and strolled along the waterfront in late afternoon heat. After not so long we found ourselves in a beach bar enjoying the views and making plans for the arrival of Amelia and Meg tomorrow.

The waterfront is well developed and awash with beach clubs, upmarket hotels and shops. The latter are awash with designer fake brands selling all the bags, shoes and accessories you could ever imagine.

After enjoying a stroll along the street, we had an early evening pizza surrounded by a sea of Australian holidaymakers starting their Easter break.

Despite being almost 9pm, it remains so v hot, so a return to our air conditioned apartment was a big draw along with a cool beer.

Tomorrow we move on to a larger Airbnb in readiness for our two new arrivals at the start of the party season in Seminyak.

So excited to see Amelia after we said goodbye to her 12 weeks ago when she flew back from Sydney to the Uk.

Another wonderful day in our amazing hotel. Again been making the most of the facilities and great hospitality.

Andy was up early for his daily run and headed down to the beach and came back with photos of the sculptures adorning the walkways on the sea front.

Keeping with a healthy start to the day, we decided to do a morning yoga class with a few of the other guests. Sandra was our instructor and introduced us to some calming stretching before upping the ante and making us push ourselves both physically and mentally!

After all that exercise, we tucked into a fantastic and generally healthy brekkie of fruit and granola followed by avocado on toast. Yum yum.

After exercising and eating, it was now time for swimming and sunbathing.

We had a very chilled day relaxing by the pool before catching a few episodes of The Gentleman on Netflix. Doesn’t get much better than this..!!

This evening we headed back to the hotel bar to enjoy some more of the wonderful food on offer.

Well that brings to a close another wonderful day in our slice of heaven. We have so enjoyed our 2 days of indulgence in this luxury hotel and it’s a big thanks again to Lunson Mitchell for their kind generosity for buying Andy the Mr & Mrs Smith vouchers. Great memories.

Tomorrow we head to our Airbnb in nearby Seminyak for one night, before we move on to our larger villa and the arrival of Amelia & Meg from the UK. So looking forward to seeing our daughter after 3 months apart.

Today was all about our wonderful hotel in Desa Hay, in Canggu, a gift from Andy’s former work colleagues at Lunson Mitchenall.

We arrived at this slice of paradise in late morning to max out on all it has to offer. The hotel is bijou, with just 6 rooms and as a result you get a real personal touch from the staff.

Our villa is luxurious in a laid back welcoming way, with a plunge pool up front, outdoor roll top bath and adjoining amazon shower with floor to ceiling glass allowing you to stare out across the private enclosed jungle garden.

Our own restaurant catering for the 12 guests staying at anyone time.

When we entered our room we both couldn’t help smiling as it’s got to be one of the best places we’ve ever stayed in. We feel so lucky and fortunate to be able to stay here. It’s a proper treat.

Like kids in a sweet shop we were keen to try all that the hotel room had to offer. From a bath outside, then the matching bath robes and chilled drinks outside on the veranda.

Surrounded by the mature jungle gardens we indulged in early evening cocktails as the ultimate treat. Both were delicious.

Having booked via Mr & Mrs Smith, we had a complimentary evening meal to enjoy, which was delicious and so tasty. Again a memory that will stay with us for a long time.

We retired to our room with chocolate treats waiting on our pillows and again pinched ourselves as to how fortunate we are to be staying here for a couple of nights.

Tomorrow we have booked an early morning yoga class in the communal gardens.

So looking forward to another day in our Bali paradise.

A traveling day back to where it all began some 2 weeks ago.

Andy was out for his customary early morning run with a loop around the island of Gili T.

After an enjoyable breakfast, we headed to the port to pick up the fast boat back to Bali. This time rather than 5hrs, the return by boat was just 90mins.

On our return to Bali we jumped into a couple of taxis and within 1hr we had driven south back to Sanur.

Tonight was our farewell dinner & drinks with the other 10 people on the Classic Lombok tour. Over half have been with us for the last 2 weeks and we will especially miss Bob, Nicole, Kari, Jennifer, Eva and Birgit who have made it a very special time for us both. Great memories! And not forgetting our amazing guide Barry who made the whole adventure so special and inspiring.

Barry thank you.

A lazy day on Gili T chilling in the sunshine.

With no activities planned we spent the day at the pool side with the rest of the Lombok group.

After a few hours on the sun lounger, we took a walk along the main strip for a proper coffee and to watch the world go by.

Cars aren’t allowed on the island, with the mode of transport being horse and cart or bicycle.

Queuing for a taxi…..

The view from the sun lounger on the beach. Doesn’t get much better than this!

In late afternoon we went for a walk to watch the sunset.

Andy was keen to buy a memento from our island stay, and came away with a Gigi T t-shirt.

A beer in the late afternoon sunshine.

Sunset in a beach bar – a memory that will stay with us as a highlight of our Lombok tour.

Early evening we went for our final tour dinner in Gili and enjoyed the lights and music in the various bars & restaurants.

Tomorrow is our departure day and the last one of the tour. It’s been a fab 14 days with some great people who have helped to make the whole experience so much fun.

A day for island hopping.

On leaving our hotel we drove down the coast on the way to the port and our boat to the Gili islands. Along the way we passed a number of half built houses, the reminiscences of the 2018 earth quake that hit that island.

After a false start with our boat having problems with its engine, we successfully set off to the main Gili T island and our hotel for the next 2 nights.

After checking into our fab new hotel on the beach, we jumped into a smaller boat to go snorkelling around the two smaller Gili isles.

Our first stop was on Gili Meno which was like an island paradise with perfect white sandy beaches.

We had a great time snorkelling and managed to spot a couple of turtles nestling on the reef. Incredible to be up so close with these amazing creatures.

Lunch on Gigi M was in a beach bar where we enjoyed local Indonesian veggie curries. A proper island paradise.

Back on the boat we headed for the final small island of Gili Air for a walk along the beach and another snorkel on the reef. The water is so crystal clear and warm, such a perfect day for messing around on a boat.

Tonight we headed for dinner with Barry our guide and the rest of the Lombok crew. Such a wonderful evening drinking cocktails, looking out across the water.

Another lovely day in Indonesia. This has been the highlight of the Lombok trip to date and a great way to end the trip before we head back to Bali on Friday.

Tomorrow is a free day, so plan to enjoy time at the beach and taking in the beautiful scenery.