Hello All,

My soon to be new bride and I are planning on a Bali honeymoon after we wed in mid August. We're from the eastern US. I'm 52 and she's 49, both professionals. We had originally booked at the Bali Ritz Carlton, but decided that a mega-resort is not what we're looking for. What we are seeking is a nice, uncrowded beach with a nice view, nice but luxurious villa accomodations, a degree of privacy, amenities, good food, and some decent diving, although this is NOT a dive vacation - but a honeymoon. The Agung Bali Nirwana might be what we're looking for and looks nice on the web, but so did the Bali Ritz Carlton at first. I'm guessing that there are other villas comparable to the Agung Bali Nirwana. It's not that we don't want to stay there. We would just like to compare the recommendations of others. Also, we are not locked into north, east, west or south of the island and figure on paying between $200 to $400 per night. Recommendations and personal experiences would be most helpful and appreciated. Thank you so much!

Michael

Michael,

We have been to ABN (Agung Bali Nirwana) twice over the last 3 years. It is as beautiful as the pictures on their web site (Private Luxury Villas & Sea-Spa ~ Agung Bali Nirwana, Bali) . The staff is super friendly, but also very unobtrusive. If you want or need anything, they are there for you. If you want to kick back, relax and be left alone, they don't bother you at all.

There are three villas that are fairly close to one another, but with decent privacy. There is a fish pond around each of the villas and the dining Bale in front of the villas. We LOVED having romantic diners in this dining Bale (that has a ceiling fan, if it is too hot). The view is awesome since it is right on the water!! For special meals, they will set up tables on the lawn right next to the beach. It is great!!

Snorkling is good right out front, and even better about 100 meters up the coast (ask the staff). Lots of coral and fish!! To go diving, you probably have to take a day trip down towards Amed. The trip to Menjangan (sp?) island is a bit long, however.

The food on the restaurant menu is excellent and very reasonable (you can have the meals either in the restaurant or, as we preferred, in our own dining Bale). If you order "special dinners" ask the price before, since things like lobster are pretty expensive.

There is not much activity at ABN since it is really away from it all. Just a small village with friendly people. We loved the place and are thinking about going back in Feb. 08. I would pick it as a honeymoon spot over the big resorts in Jimberan anyday.

Good luck,
Roger