Bali is back baby!

This summer season has been its best ever. Hoteliers have happy faces, Bar tenders have the beginnings of tendinitis from all their cocktail shaking and the spa therapists may just need lie down on a massage table and 'take a load off.'

This not so little island has a magic combination of things that make you go hmmm. Whether you have come to sink your toes into soft sands, give into your inner glutton or desire to live the life of royalty with butler service in your very own villa, it's yours for the taking. With so much more on offer your only stressful experience is going 'Top Gun' and finding the Best of the Best. Why bother... we have done it for you!

Best Eats    Best Sleeps   Be Pampered

BEST SLEEPS

Best for Couples - The Kayumanis, Ubud
If escapism is your thing and you want to put back the 'vroom' back into your sex life, this is the place. The huge villas are nestled in a serene plot of land studded by cinnamon trees along the banks of the Ayung River. Reach for your "interior design guide book" to facilitate your preference of Javanese, Oriental, Palembang or contemporary design. Attention to detail is everywhere such as the provision of daily home baked hazelnut pralines; a complimentary mini bar (which includes alcohol!) and drop dead sexy open air bathrooms complete with stand alone bath and TWO padded headrests on each end! Aromatherapy candles add the final touch for that romantic glow. Kudos to a luxury resort which doesn't 'fleece' its guests when it comes to additional services; The Dining Corner provides an elegant setting with an elevated bar and restaurant which delivers stunning Thai and international cuisine at prices consistent with those in town. It begs the question why would you ever leave even if you have a chauffeur on call?

To book check out the Mr& Mrs Smith for the special deals at the Kayumanis, who focus on boutique resorts with romance in mind www.mrandmrssmith.com.

Best for Service & Luxury - The Kunja, Seminyak
The Kunja has nailed it. Fantastic location, uber luxury villas, huge plot size, a gorgeous pool, luscious gardens, peace, privacy and the most gentle, humble and friendly service you can imagine. It's the little things you notice; the pick up from the airport in your private 4x4 limo, fresh cold towels and no reception ordeal. Instead, zip through security straight into your villa, relax on your sofa and sip your welcome drink as your staff capture the desires for your stay. The villas provide a blend of contemporary & Balinese design. Ditch the traditional thatched roof with its resident wildlife, instead a stunning wood paneled roof create a silent environment for the best night's sleep of your life. The oooh la la bathroom will have you reaching for your compass to find your way out as you tip toe across the stepping stones! I love the thoughtful touches such as a mineral water dispenser, bath bombs and even lilos or waterslides appear out of nowhere upon request! Wake up to the smells of a cooked breakfast as your butter hums away in your kitchen to provide you with a great reason to get out of bed. A stay here is delicious on every level, but off the scale for the staff who exemplifies the ultimate caring environment.

Visit http://www.thekunja.com.

Best for Valley Location - The Viceroy, Ubud
There are only 10 villas at the Viceroy which is part of the Small Leading Hotels of the World. Each one is set on the side of a dramatic ravine. The most exclusive (and expensive) being the 'Terrace Villa' which has an infinity pool and overwater salsa from which you can observe nature dawn in your spectacular penthouse. The garden villas are lower down the hillside and receive little light as the morning sun rises overhead. The terrace villa feels more like a large hotel room with a private pool attached but the location is one of the most spectacular in Bali. The intimate spa and main infinity pool offer further entertainment along with the extensive DVD and library collection. A courtesy car is generally available on request for local trips. Book direct or even better, check out Agoda for some amazing last minute deals. My $800 USD villa cost only $297 AUD a night the night before!

Visit www.agoda.com.

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BEST EATS

Best Breakie - Boneka
Throw your breakfast preconceptions out the window. Set in the recently opened St.Regis Hotel Boneka is a ground breaking experience in how one should start their day. Think yum cha (minus trolleys) up the ante with skilled waiters and add a degustation menu. This is a buffet like no other. You don't need to move a muscle! Select from an array of canape size creations such as scrambled egg white tian with roasted pepper relish and chorizo with basil oil, or delight in the catwalk glorious eggs Benedict with salmon roe and Serrano ham. Go wild with the chefs creations such as indulgent croissant French toast, dim sum or perhaps a duo of oysters drizzled with spinach and herb hollandaise. The waiters waft around offering delectable dishes cooked a la' mode. This includes a tempting array of vitamin drinks and a damn fine mini Bloody Mary. Don't leave without trying the river lobster omelet complete with its head and arms waving! Champagne is on ice at the ready if you want to go the whole hog and splash out.

www.stregis.com/bali.

Best Value Lunch and Social Hot Spot - Made's Warung
This Balinese institution has a 'blink and you miss it' location. Built in the middle of a little square, set back from the main shopping district in Seminyak, it provides an oasis of escape from the bustle outside. Ornate birdcages and sparkling sequined curtains spill from the high ceiling as the elaborate central floral displays make this a the perfect place to park your shopping bags. The enormous menu spans the globe and you may find you have to 'shoo' your servers a few times due to in an attack of indecision-itus! If you need help, don't miss the Indonesian section and the enormous Nasi Goreng special. Fantastic food, great vibe and unbelievable value show why these guys have been in business since 1969.

Visit www.madeswarung.com.

Best Fine Dining, Ubud - Mozaic
It is fair to say there is strong rivalry between the two reigning champs of French gastronomy - Mozaic in Ubud and Warisan (now Metis) in Seminyak Mozaic is the only restaurant in Southeast Asia selected by Traditions & Qualite as one of Les Grandes Tables du Monde (Great Tables of the World) and to have its wine list awarded year after year by Wine Spectator. Make sure you book way in advance. Whether you choose to dine in the garden or under the pavilion you will be rewarded with elegant, intelligent and highly original cooking. From its NASA like Miele kitchen the latest sous-vide techniques are applied to a degustation menu which changes constantly. They allowed for my idiosyncrasies of being a recovering vegetarian with diplomacy and understanding (not a common feat in French restaurants). Go for the food, the location and an unforgettable evening. Top marks to Chris Salans and James Ephraim for outstanding cuisine. They also run cooking workshops, so you too can learn to do 'this at home'.

Visit www.mozaic-bali.com.

Best French & Mediterranean Cuisine, Seminyak - Metis (formally Kafe Warisan)
Moving to new premises with a change of name in October 09, Metis is one of the culinary constants on revolving door of the restaurant scene. Chef Nicholas "Doudou" Tourneville turns out legendary dishes such as their famous pan seared foie gras. Unique touches such as your name being written in silver on a frangipani leaf to mark your reserved table start the evening with anticipation. Despite a respectable wine list I opted for the signature passion fruit Martini which wow'd the palate. A low moment was the unimpressive breadbasket which contained butter in takeaway plastic containers making me question if I was fine dining or at a service station. The equation of 'Food'- 'Finesse of Service' = Redemption, applied here, so all is forgiven. The starter of artichoke ravioli with grilled scallions & prawns was lifted to another level with the perfect balance of lemon butter sauce to counter the richness. For mains the pan roasted Pacific Barramundi with crab bisque emulsion had me almost licking my plate for more of the delectable cushions of truffle mash. If only I had known earlier that ANYTHING you see on the menu can be reproduced as a side dish. I might have just opted for a bowl and hold the Barra!

Visit www.metisbali.com.

Best Bar to Dinner venue - The Hu'u Bar and NutMegs Restaurant
Hu'u is biting at the heels of its whipper snapper rival, Kudeta who are disputably the kings of cool. This is the discerning person's wonderland. Morphing from 'cool' colonial bar, to lounge and restaurant area it transforms again with its regular international DJ nights which draws global attention. Gasp at the stunning backlit pool which stretches out into beautiful gardens illuminated by candlelight. Pavilions are draped in pleats of white fabric whilst sunken day beds provide optimum canoodling areas. Their signature lychee cocktail is a masterpiece worthy of Carrie Bradshaw giving up Sex & The City for good! A gold star to the eagle eyed waiter who notices my infusion lychee disappeared in nano seconds. Another cocktail glass appears full of the luscious fat monsters! Nutmeg breaks into innovative cuisine; forget bread rolls with dinner, they're replaced by green chili Yorkshire puddings! Bold moves from the kitchen deliver grilled watermelon stack with tomato tapenade and basil dressing. Mains showcase lemongrass skewed tuna with herb butter and passion fruit. The Deserts are accomplished but not their finest moment.

Visit www.huubali.com.

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BE PAMPERED

Best Natural Location - Spa at Maya
The Maya wins hands down for its dramatic location and range of harmonious therapies which take inspiration from nature. The spa is tucked away from its luxurious hotel in an almost secret location. Follow the long path downwards towards the river and enter the elevator which descends 30 meters into the jungle valley gorge. Clusters of open air thatched treatment pavilions are perched above the swirling waters of the Petanu River. A baffling range of soothing and energizing treatments are offered including the new organic 'wonder' treatment which has the spa world talking - Pevonia. Thoughtful touches such as massage tables with heated under blankets keep you warm as the cooling jungle air soothes and cleanses. The Maya is deserving of its many awards, delivering unforgettable memories as you watch the birds swoop and dive over the river valley from your flower bath vantage point. This has got to be one of the most incredible back to nature experiences in the world.

Visit www.mayaubud.com.

Best New Spa: Remede Spa
Step through the Chinese inspired spherical walkway and your encounter with thousands of butterflies commences. Glittering in the daylight, the metal feature wall magically creates the illusion of flight and fantasy. This is reflected in the many koi pools which meander around the treatment rooms. The theme flows into rooms which are moon lit by the central ceiling sculpture casting dancing shadows over your massage table. The Customized Massage ensures that your treatment is a unique blended cocktail of your desires. Chose Shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, parafango or go wild and have them all! The surprising 'oooh' factor begins with your feet and hair being encompassed in Remede Massage Balm as the state of the art table changes shape and moulds into the contours of your body.

Visit http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis.

Best New Asian Spa - Anantara Spa
Whilst there are bigger, flashier spas in Bali, what Anantara does is to embody the sensuous Thai culture within an intimate environment on the rooftop of this new hotel. No longer do you endure the drudgery of ticking boxes on a questionnaire. A therapist discusses your needs and desires. Over 70% of their treatment products are handmade by the therapists, be that vanilla massage oil or coconut rub. The signature is personalisation such as the IPod connection to place you in charge of your environment. Select your music from the offered or bring your own. Leave your footwear behind and delight in the deliciousness of walking on the most sensual rug your toes have ever experienced as you step towards your treatment room. Beautiful colour therapy adds touches of silks and prints in lush Thai orchid visuals which add to the sensory experience.

http://bali.anantara.com.

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