4 travel buddies bali experience
Recently 4 travel Buddies spent 7 days on the beautiful Island of Bali. Read all about some of our experiences
The mulia experience
If you are looking for the ultimate luxury resort experience when travelling to Bali, Indonesia then you can't go past The Mulia, Nusa Dua. Located a short 30 minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, The Mulia is a 5 star resort boasting 700 room across three properties; The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Mulia Villas. Taking 3 years to build and opening December 2012, The Mulia is situated on the Geger Beach, Nusa Dua. The 3 properties sit on 30 hectares with unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean.
From the moment you arrive at the mammoth flower water feature at the main entrance you are in awe of the adalah sculpture (big rose flowers) as your transportation is stopped at the security check point. As you drive around the windy road to the lobby you know you are in for a truly amazing experience as you take in the architecture of this amazing haven.
There is no denying The Mulia is an ultra high end resort. 4 Travel Buddies couldn't fault our 6 night stay in The Mulia Resort Grandeur rooms. A spacious room with a luxurious bathroom it exceeded all expectations of a standard room. The high quality interior and design of the room was breathtaking; the crisp white linen, comfort of an oversized bed and oversized soft fluffy pillows, plush arm chair with foot stool, flat screen television, large balcony area with outdoor seating, and lavish free standing bath tub we knew we were indulging in the most luxurious resort.
Even the finer details were not been missed with complimentary bottles of water restocked twice daily and toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, shower cap, dental floss and the list goes on. After a soak in the tub you can rug up in a plush towelling bathrobe to keep you warm. The Mulia Bed experience doesn't have to stop when you leave. The Mulia's exclusively designed mattresses, pillows, bed linen and bathrobes are available to purchase!
Perfection is each night when your bed is turned down. Grandeur on all scales a high tech Toto toilet with motion sensors opens and closes by itself and offers controls for different washing settings! Even your touché is looked after with a heated seat; yes you heard right a toilet seat warmer.
Staff are beyond exceptional. Service was superb; staff are not only friendly and helpful, they are always smiling and want to ensure your stay is a pleasant one and an unforgettable experience where you will come back and stay soon. The security is above expectation with loads of security staff and resort personal stationed throughout the resort to assist guests with directions. Grounds staff rake the beach each day so guests can enjoy the pristine Nusa Dua beach front.
Multi tiered blue tiled swimming pools are lined with rows of towering sandstone statues. The six pool areas include a children's pool and the main two pool areas boast swim up bars with seats in the water (Ocean Pool & Ladies Courtyard Pool). We never had trouble securing a sun lounge at the pools. The pools are surrounded by Life Guards (dressed in red uniform) ensuring the safety of swimmers. A nice inclusion would be an adults only pool.
With a eye for detail this classy resort comes with lavish amenities including spa, laundry service, huge fitness centre with state of the art gym equipment. Fitness fanatics are well catered for with daily activities including zumba, pilates, yoga, aqua aerobics and the list goes on.
With an amazing choice of restaurants you are spoilt with a selection of 9 restaurants on the premises including Edogin (Japanese), Soleil, The Cafe, The Deli, Table 8, The Bar, JZs, Please refer to individual reviews for Edogin, The Cafe (buffet breakfast), A Taste of Ciccetti and Sunday Brunch at the Soleil, Sky Bar, High Tea at The Cascade Lounge and the Mulia Deli.
The grounds are immaculate and well maintained. Lush green foliage, tropical gardens and tranquil ponds are at every advantage point. Sculptures are scattered throughout the property and statues adorn the pool areas. Marble floors, plush couches, oversized pots, day beds scattered throughout the property and large lanterns offer moon lighting in the evenings.
Bali is becoming an up market tourism destination as the Balinese cater for all ends of the tourism market from budget accommodation starting from $25 AUD up to $400 plus AUD per night. In terms of price The Mulia is at the high end per night when staying in Bali, but if you were to experience a resort in Australia like The Mulia you would pay three times the price. Still in comparison the high end lux resorts such as The Mulia it's still great value. You can easily see why The Mulia has been voted number 1 beach resort in the world by Conde Nast Traveler USA - Reader's Choice Awards (2014). You can still enjoy the humble life and culture of Bali outside the compounds of The Mulia with warungs, rows and rows of lounge beds and umbrellas and enjoy a massage on the beach for $8 AUD if you barter well.
We had one hiccup whilst staying at The Mulia. As a guest it was very frustrating not be told booking a taxi through the resort would be calculated in U.S. Dollars (USD) considering all other charges at the resort including restaurant menus are in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). What heightened the situation more was being laughed when we questioned the taxi bill being so high and told 'what did you except the currency to be'.
From the moment you arrive at the mammoth flower water feature at the main entrance you are in awe of the adalah sculpture (big rose flowers) as your transportation is stopped at the security check point. As you drive around the windy road to the lobby you know you are in for a truly amazing experience as you take in the architecture of this amazing haven.
There is no denying The Mulia is an ultra high end resort. 4 Travel Buddies couldn't fault our 6 night stay in The Mulia Resort Grandeur rooms. A spacious room with a luxurious bathroom it exceeded all expectations of a standard room. The high quality interior and design of the room was breathtaking; the crisp white linen, comfort of an oversized bed and oversized soft fluffy pillows, plush arm chair with foot stool, flat screen television, large balcony area with outdoor seating, and lavish free standing bath tub we knew we were indulging in the most luxurious resort.
Even the finer details were not been missed with complimentary bottles of water restocked twice daily and toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, shower cap, dental floss and the list goes on. After a soak in the tub you can rug up in a plush towelling bathrobe to keep you warm. The Mulia Bed experience doesn't have to stop when you leave. The Mulia's exclusively designed mattresses, pillows, bed linen and bathrobes are available to purchase!
Perfection is each night when your bed is turned down. Grandeur on all scales a high tech Toto toilet with motion sensors opens and closes by itself and offers controls for different washing settings! Even your touché is looked after with a heated seat; yes you heard right a toilet seat warmer.
Staff are beyond exceptional. Service was superb; staff are not only friendly and helpful, they are always smiling and want to ensure your stay is a pleasant one and an unforgettable experience where you will come back and stay soon. The security is above expectation with loads of security staff and resort personal stationed throughout the resort to assist guests with directions. Grounds staff rake the beach each day so guests can enjoy the pristine Nusa Dua beach front.
Multi tiered blue tiled swimming pools are lined with rows of towering sandstone statues. The six pool areas include a children's pool and the main two pool areas boast swim up bars with seats in the water (Ocean Pool & Ladies Courtyard Pool). We never had trouble securing a sun lounge at the pools. The pools are surrounded by Life Guards (dressed in red uniform) ensuring the safety of swimmers. A nice inclusion would be an adults only pool.
With a eye for detail this classy resort comes with lavish amenities including spa, laundry service, huge fitness centre with state of the art gym equipment. Fitness fanatics are well catered for with daily activities including zumba, pilates, yoga, aqua aerobics and the list goes on.
With an amazing choice of restaurants you are spoilt with a selection of 9 restaurants on the premises including Edogin (Japanese), Soleil, The Cafe, The Deli, Table 8, The Bar, JZs, Please refer to individual reviews for Edogin, The Cafe (buffet breakfast), A Taste of Ciccetti and Sunday Brunch at the Soleil, Sky Bar, High Tea at The Cascade Lounge and the Mulia Deli.
The grounds are immaculate and well maintained. Lush green foliage, tropical gardens and tranquil ponds are at every advantage point. Sculptures are scattered throughout the property and statues adorn the pool areas. Marble floors, plush couches, oversized pots, day beds scattered throughout the property and large lanterns offer moon lighting in the evenings.
Bali is becoming an up market tourism destination as the Balinese cater for all ends of the tourism market from budget accommodation starting from $25 AUD up to $400 plus AUD per night. In terms of price The Mulia is at the high end per night when staying in Bali, but if you were to experience a resort in Australia like The Mulia you would pay three times the price. Still in comparison the high end lux resorts such as The Mulia it's still great value. You can easily see why The Mulia has been voted number 1 beach resort in the world by Conde Nast Traveler USA - Reader's Choice Awards (2014). You can still enjoy the humble life and culture of Bali outside the compounds of The Mulia with warungs, rows and rows of lounge beds and umbrellas and enjoy a massage on the beach for $8 AUD if you barter well.
We had one hiccup whilst staying at The Mulia. As a guest it was very frustrating not be told booking a taxi through the resort would be calculated in U.S. Dollars (USD) considering all other charges at the resort including restaurant menus are in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). What heightened the situation more was being laughed when we questioned the taxi bill being so high and told 'what did you except the currency to be'.
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Tina's Shop
We stumbled across 'Tina Shop' via Bali Addiction Facebook page where Tina Shop regularly posts.
Tina Shop is a women's clothing store stocking amazing clothing and all the bibs and bobs including fully lined and locally handmade tote bags; no two bags are the same with 100% leather straps, raffia clutch bags, raffia hats, accessories including beaded and metal necklaces, belts, and garments including tops and dresses in sizes S, M and L and XL (size 16-18).
A little gem of a find with new stock arriving weekly with not the run of the mill mass produced clothing you find on the streets or at market stalls in Bali; Tina's Shop offers unique garments with excellent quality fabric.
Situated off Jalan Legian between Jalan Padma and Jalan Werkudara, Tina Shop is on Gang Three Brothers. Recently re paved, it's a short stroll down the Gang (small lane way) to the bright colourful sign with frangipani. You can't miss Tina Shop with the bright pink facade and Balinese wooden window frame around the main glass window.
If you are after hassle free shopping without the annoyance of bartering and in your face assistants, Tina Shop offers you a unique shopping experience and service with a smile allowing you to aimlessly look through the racks of bold and soft pastel colour garments. We were warmly welcomed by Jessy and Dewi who offered us a refreshment of a cold drink of water upon arrival and rendered assistance with styles and sizing without being pushy.
A small shop in size, Tina Shop packs as many beautiful garments on the two racks on either side of the shop all hanging on silver twirl metal hangers with each garment accessorised by a necklace on the hanger (accessories can also be purchased from Tina Shop). Above the racks are several single hangers to display more beautiful dresses. Adding to the overall charm of this small shop is the bright pink walls and chase lounge to sit on while you ponder which garment you love the most.
A large variety of full, 3/4 and knee high length dresses in feminine fabrics of cotton, silk, sari and soft rayon voile to name a few and styles including bohemian and dresses with lace trim, Pom poms, tassels and frills it's hard to pick one favourite. The dresses came in long sleeve, short sleeve 3/4 length sleeve, draw string waist and seams, elastic straps and shoe string and styles can be worn with or without a belt.
Supporting local tailors, garments from Tina Shop are made in Bali and the stunning and exquisite fabrics are often supplied from Bali too; supporting the local industry. As garments are not mass produced a limited number of each fabric design is made offering you the opportunity to purchase a limited edition garment; a one of a kind! You can't buy these quality garments online nor can they be shipped due to postage costs; you have to book a trip to Bali!
Tina Shop is a beautiful boutique shop and truly is Bails best kept secret offering a unique range of stunning and exclusive styles of women's clothing. Open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily and closed on Sunday's, make sure you visit when next in Bali. You won't be disappointed.
The women of 4TBs certainly can't wait to visit again in January 2016 to purchase more lovely garments.
Tina Shop is a women's clothing store stocking amazing clothing and all the bibs and bobs including fully lined and locally handmade tote bags; no two bags are the same with 100% leather straps, raffia clutch bags, raffia hats, accessories including beaded and metal necklaces, belts, and garments including tops and dresses in sizes S, M and L and XL (size 16-18).
A little gem of a find with new stock arriving weekly with not the run of the mill mass produced clothing you find on the streets or at market stalls in Bali; Tina's Shop offers unique garments with excellent quality fabric.
Situated off Jalan Legian between Jalan Padma and Jalan Werkudara, Tina Shop is on Gang Three Brothers. Recently re paved, it's a short stroll down the Gang (small lane way) to the bright colourful sign with frangipani. You can't miss Tina Shop with the bright pink facade and Balinese wooden window frame around the main glass window.
If you are after hassle free shopping without the annoyance of bartering and in your face assistants, Tina Shop offers you a unique shopping experience and service with a smile allowing you to aimlessly look through the racks of bold and soft pastel colour garments. We were warmly welcomed by Jessy and Dewi who offered us a refreshment of a cold drink of water upon arrival and rendered assistance with styles and sizing without being pushy.
A small shop in size, Tina Shop packs as many beautiful garments on the two racks on either side of the shop all hanging on silver twirl metal hangers with each garment accessorised by a necklace on the hanger (accessories can also be purchased from Tina Shop). Above the racks are several single hangers to display more beautiful dresses. Adding to the overall charm of this small shop is the bright pink walls and chase lounge to sit on while you ponder which garment you love the most.
A large variety of full, 3/4 and knee high length dresses in feminine fabrics of cotton, silk, sari and soft rayon voile to name a few and styles including bohemian and dresses with lace trim, Pom poms, tassels and frills it's hard to pick one favourite. The dresses came in long sleeve, short sleeve 3/4 length sleeve, draw string waist and seams, elastic straps and shoe string and styles can be worn with or without a belt.
Supporting local tailors, garments from Tina Shop are made in Bali and the stunning and exquisite fabrics are often supplied from Bali too; supporting the local industry. As garments are not mass produced a limited number of each fabric design is made offering you the opportunity to purchase a limited edition garment; a one of a kind! You can't buy these quality garments online nor can they be shipped due to postage costs; you have to book a trip to Bali!
Tina Shop is a beautiful boutique shop and truly is Bails best kept secret offering a unique range of stunning and exclusive styles of women's clothing. Open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily and closed on Sunday's, make sure you visit when next in Bali. You won't be disappointed.
The women of 4TBs certainly can't wait to visit again in January 2016 to purchase more lovely garments.
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Angelita patisserie
Without a doubt Angelita Patisserie was the greatest disappointed of our last visit to Bali.
Located away from the main hustle and bustle of Seminyak this glorified Patisserie did not live up to the hype surrounding it.
The cakes were displayed nicely but the interior of the café was unpolished and very tatty. The furniture looks worn and stained. The white table are now a lighter shade of gray and we will not even mention the bathroom facilities.
We could not believe that there was a sign above the cake cabinet advising that no photos were to be taken of the café and its food. Written permission was to be sought to post any photos of the food and café on any social media or websites. To be honest this sign really isn’t worth putting up as I am not sure who would want to be endorsing this Patisserie.
We ordered teas and juices along with sampling a couple of their cakes. To their credit the cakes were lovely and the juices were fresh.
Unfortunately the service was atrocious. The waiter spilt one of our drinks not only on the table but also on one of the 4 travel buddies. There was no apology and no clean up provided. We had to call another waitress to come over and wipe up the table.
The waitresses seemed more interested in chatting amongst themselves than taking care of customer needs.
Overall we will not be re-visiting Angelita Patisserie when we return to Bali in January, and as we did not ask for permission to use any photos, here is a picture of the 4Travelbuddies which is much more interesting! Lol only joking here are the photos we were "permitted to take!!
Located away from the main hustle and bustle of Seminyak this glorified Patisserie did not live up to the hype surrounding it.
The cakes were displayed nicely but the interior of the café was unpolished and very tatty. The furniture looks worn and stained. The white table are now a lighter shade of gray and we will not even mention the bathroom facilities.
We could not believe that there was a sign above the cake cabinet advising that no photos were to be taken of the café and its food. Written permission was to be sought to post any photos of the food and café on any social media or websites. To be honest this sign really isn’t worth putting up as I am not sure who would want to be endorsing this Patisserie.
We ordered teas and juices along with sampling a couple of their cakes. To their credit the cakes were lovely and the juices were fresh.
Unfortunately the service was atrocious. The waiter spilt one of our drinks not only on the table but also on one of the 4 travel buddies. There was no apology and no clean up provided. We had to call another waitress to come over and wipe up the table.
The waitresses seemed more interested in chatting amongst themselves than taking care of customer needs.
Overall we will not be re-visiting Angelita Patisserie when we return to Bali in January, and as we did not ask for permission to use any photos, here is a picture of the 4Travelbuddies which is much more interesting! Lol only joking here are the photos we were "permitted to take!!
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breakfast at the mulia
All 4 travel buddies were lucky enough to spend 6 wonderful nights at The Mulia Resort in Nusa Dua Bali, which meant we enjoyed six AMAZING buffet breakfasts.
One thing we can say is that you will not be disappointed with the choice and variety on offer.
Breakfast is served at “The Café” each morning between 6am and 11am. From the moment you walk through the large glass doors you have the undivided attention of the waiting staff. On one morning we were exceptionally impressed with one of our waiters who brought our choice of juice to the table even though it was self serve. You soon learn when you are at The Mulia nothing is too much for the staff.
The Buffet is divided into 4 sections, Japanese, Indonesian, Western and Sweets. We made sure we tried everything that was on offer and went back several times for more!
From the made to order omelettes, sushi and sashimi, cheeses, dim sum, curries, pancakes, waffles, donuts, pastries and the list goes on and on every possible breakfast from all over the world was covered.
Our recommendation would be to arrive between 8am and 8.30 as this appeared to be a quieter time compared to later on.
If there was one negative it would be the coffee. Although coffee is very subjective as one persons taste can differ from the next. Lattes were too milky and flat whites were cold
One thing we can say is that you will not be disappointed with the choice and variety on offer.
Breakfast is served at “The Café” each morning between 6am and 11am. From the moment you walk through the large glass doors you have the undivided attention of the waiting staff. On one morning we were exceptionally impressed with one of our waiters who brought our choice of juice to the table even though it was self serve. You soon learn when you are at The Mulia nothing is too much for the staff.
The Buffet is divided into 4 sections, Japanese, Indonesian, Western and Sweets. We made sure we tried everything that was on offer and went back several times for more!
From the made to order omelettes, sushi and sashimi, cheeses, dim sum, curries, pancakes, waffles, donuts, pastries and the list goes on and on every possible breakfast from all over the world was covered.
Our recommendation would be to arrive between 8am and 8.30 as this appeared to be a quieter time compared to later on.
If there was one negative it would be the coffee. Although coffee is very subjective as one persons taste can differ from the next. Lattes were too milky and flat whites were cold
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