Ayodya Resort Bali

By Virginia Shannon
This item appears on page 31 of the July 2015 issue.
Kelly Ellis in a red-and-gold traditional dress — Ayodya Resort Bali.

My daughter, Kelly, joined me in a trip from Hong Kong to Bali, Indonesia, for a 4-night stay at a lovely hotel, the Ayodya Resort Bali (Jl. Pantai Mengiat, Nusa Dua Bali, 80363, Indonesia; phone +62 [361] 771102, fax 771616, www.ayodyaresortbali.com)

The Ayodya has the most wonderful staff of people — very kind and caring — and it has been my pleasure to stay there every year since the hotel opened in 1991 as the Bali Hilton.

It’s located on Nusa Dua beach in a gorgeous setting, with rooms mainly facing a beautiful lagoon. Breakfast may be had by the lagoon or facing the Indian Ocean. A bridge flows between the children’s pool and the adults’ pool.

There are four or five restaurants on the premises. On certain nights, dinner and Balinese theater dancing take place in a separate building on the grounds. 

For families, the resort’s Camp Ananda has a small building and playground devoted to caring for and entertaining children while parents enjoy other pursuits, such as spa treatments. Camp staff will even dress you in local Balinese costume as a queen or princess. There is no charge, but a pleasant tip is much appreciated. 

A shopping center is a short ride or walk away.

Including buffet breakfast, the bill for four nights for the two of us in July 2014 was $548, but that was last year, and I did use a travel agent to get that price; she booked through Travel Bound in New York City.

A more delightful stay you couldn’t have anywhere.

VIRGINIA SHANNON

Naples, FL