After a nice and quick taxi ride and check-in I'm heading straight to the lounge. A drink is needed!!! Even though it's only been 4 days (at work and yes without alcohol) it's been a looong week.
After downing two Aperol spritz it's time to head to the gate with a quick stop at duty free. Need to get myself sorted for my 3 days off doing absolutely nothing!
Shortly after our departure time the pilot makes an announcement advising a mountain on the island of Java, Indonesia has just spewed out volcanic ash and head office in Melbourne has advised we have to wait here until they give clearance and there is a possibility we might not be going. Bloody hell - a little scary. After a quick Google search (and a phone call to my trusty corporate security guy at work) I can't find anything on the news so thinking it can't be too severe. Thankfully it's not too much longer until the pilot announces we have been given the all clear. I can now breathe a sigh of relief.
On arrival into Bali we are put onto busses to take us a short distance to the airport - never can understand this when it would be quicker to walk. The first thing that strucks me is the fact the part of the airport I'm in is basically brand new. I then continue walking and wonder where I am, the whole place is new! Nice and easy through immigration, thanks APEC card, then after clearing customs find a man holding a sign with my hotel name - perfect! Not easy though to get to him, through duty free (where they are having a 10% off sale as it's new....) and round another counter, past and through the "taxi drivers" and we are reunited. He tells me the airport was built last year, makes sense given there are parts that are still under construction. We have a small wait before the car arrives - he's very sweet chatting to me the whole way then waits until we drive off. A lovely greeting after the pain I went through booking the hotel!
After a quick trip we arrive at the hotel, I'm immediately greeted with a cold towel and put on a golf cart to take me to the lobby. I was more than happy to walk but was told no because it's upstairs. Ok off we go.
Check-in is painless - everyone is being super friendly and nice. I'm wondering if it's because of the prior issue with booking or just because that's how they are. After being told I've been upgraded to an aqua studio room I do my best not to scream in excitement, instead nod my head, smile and say thankful. The excitement piece can come later. Then I remembered I'd booked a room type with an upgrade (if available)......
I'm able to walk to my room which is nice - on walking in I'm amazed at the size, wholly smoke you could fit a small country in here, then in the bathroom an army. Shame I'm not here for longer!!! In what's becoming normal fashion for me I'm given a tour of my room before being left alone. Loving the direct access to the pool - this though will need to wait to tomorrow, sleep is needed.
Friday morning I wake super early but force myself to go back to sleep. It's great not having to get up to an alarm. After a leisurely breakfast, sunscreen is put on then I'm straight to the pool with my book. Man it's hot! It's not long before I'm in the water. And for the next few hours am in out in out. This is the life.
Mid afternoon I decide to head to the gym and run 5 km's - this is to help with the blue cheese and wine I'll be drinking in a few hours. After a late lunch it's back to the water I head; this time entering from my room. Such a nice wee luxury :)
I spend a couple of hours chilling on my balcony over wine, blue cheese and YouTube - a great way to waste an hour or three.
As I'd been for a small walk after lunch outside of the hotel I decide there is no need to leave again for dinner; I enjoy dinner and a delicious cocktail before returning to my room to watch a movie. Another great day on holiday!
Saturday morning after a sleep in (heaven!) I head to breakfast then resume yesterday’s position by the pool with a book - ground hog day for me. Such a shame I'm not here for longer than 3 nights.
It's another hot hot day so after a few hours I return to my balcony to continue reading - love dipping into the pool when hot. It's the heat that's making me hot not the vino I've been consuming.....
Shortly after sunset I head to the roof top bar for a cocktail; immediately I'm kicking myself I didn't get here sooner - the view is amazing! I decide on a pepper mojito before going onto the trio of mojito's (raspberry, coconut and mango). All absolutely delicious.
It's earth hour tonight and I'm very pleased to see the hotel is taking part. Eating in the dark is no problem - choosing what to eat was a tad difficult.
Sunday morning I wake early, always seems to happen on my last day. After breakfast I retire to my balcony to enjoy the last of my break away.
I've had a lovely 3 nights (which feel like it's been much longer) and would definitely return. Shame my return flight back isn't a couple of hours later!
I ended up sharing a taxi to the airport with a lady (another hotel guest) as my taxi didn't turn up. Definitely a huge bonus staying close to the airport, you don't need to leave as early. Check-in is super easy. With the upgraded airport comes a fee of course - having paid that I join a long line to clear immigration. Clearly no need to add more counters when the lines keep getting longer......
As I discover very quickly the immigration line was practice for the crazy long line to use the bathroom and even longer line to get into my gate. All seems a bit too much but hey ho.
Singapore here I come......for about 3 weeks that is :)
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