This was our second visit in 12 months to the Royal Beach at Seminyak, and again it ticked all the boxes for us. This time we stayed 13 nights and we totally relaxed, just lazing by the pool and doing a few day trips, having lots of local massages and shopping. The staff at this hotel are amazingly helpful and friendly. If you like to use hotel drivers I recommend Kardek, who was faultlessly pleasant and friendly.

The Aussie dollar is very strong at the moment so food and drinks at the hotel were cheap for us and the quality is incredibly high. The Mie Goreng and Nasi Goreng and sates are fabulous, as is the tapas and the fresh juices. Breakfast is diverse and delicious. Balinese dancing at sunset on a Friday night is really very special

Just a short walk up the street are shops where you can rent a DVD player for $3 a night to watch one of the many DVDs you will doubtless buy. There are local laundries to wash your clothes for almost nothing, local market type shops, coffee shops and spas. At the main road junction there are all the upmarket Seminyak shops.

Walking along the beach, which was a little dirty on our first few days, due to the rain washing rubbish down in the stormwater, Ku De Ta is just a short walk up the beach and is fun for a sunset drink. Mr Potato Head is a little further on and one of the really happening places in Seminyak at the moment.

The Royal Beach's proximity to these places but its peaceful serenity and beautiful gardens make it an ideal choice for people who want a relaxing holiday which is close enough to the action, but not too close. There are two gorgeous pools and I wish I was lying by one right now!

We enjoyed at stay at the Royal Beach hotel. It's in a good location near the beach and has a really nice pool for watching the sunset. We got upgraded to a deluxe room that was sufficient. It is a little over priced but overall we were happy with our stay.