KOMANEKA BISMA,UBUD

Ubud

Ubud is the cultural heart and artistic center of Bali--this is where you should see gamelan and traditional Balinese dance performances, enjoy trekking, cycling past the rice terraces, whitewater rafting, birdwatching, and try traditional Balinese cuisine or even learn to make it yourself in one of the many cooking classes. Ubud is inland, so while many of the hotels here have beautiful pools, you won't be anywhere near the sea. 

If price is no object and this is a romantic getaway, it's hard to beat the Four Seasons Ubud.

Since I'll be in Bali with Family, we might well have a meal at the Four Seasons, but we'll most likely stay at one of the Komaneka resorts. The Komaneka at Monkey Forest is more traditional and also the best deal, at $196-270 depending on time of year. It's also a great location, within easy walking distance of central Ubud.