Honeymoon in heaven (2)

If you or your partner intend on spending a lot of time browsing for bargains, however, further up the island's east coast lies Seminyak, a shopper's paradise filled with boutique stores and high-end fashion outlets.

This was our next stop, staying at the W Retreat & Spa, a super-trendy hideaway perfect for young couples and the young at heart. If I had to describe the hotel in one word it would be "chilled".

Entering our room we found a celebratory bottle of Champagne on ice and two ready-to-mix pomegranate martinis waiting for us, while down-tempo tunes emanated from the room's sound system. "I'm sleeping out here," my wife said, as she gazed out at the ocean from our balcony. It was fair enough; I'd already claimed the mini bar.

The W has a large pool area facing onto Seminyak Beach that is perfect for families; an equally spacious spa that offers couples treatments and yoga at its AWAY spa; two restaurants, Fire and Starfish Bloo; and WooBar, which on weekends turns into a popular night spot for the expat crowd. It also has a quiet corner that would be perfect for an intimate wedding or blessing ceremony.

For those looking for somewhere a little quieter, on the southwest coast is Nusa Dua, an area that has long been known for its luxury resorts.

Mulia Resort & Villas, which opened early December, is a huge beachfront complex that has almost a palatial feel, largely thanks to its golden-tiled walls and smiling staff stationed on every corner.

Built on a steep cliff, the hotel was still partially under construction when we visited, including its spa and fitness center, but what was finished was impressive: Soliel is perfect for couples with a taste for fine dining, while Sky Bar and ZJ's Bar & Lounge are both ideal places for a late-night celebratory cocktail or three.

The best thing about the Mulia, however, is its pool area, complete with swim-up bar and chatty bartenders, and its beach, where guests can enjoy a range of water sports or lie back and enjoy a foot-rub.

We recommend:
Tough way to get to school in Hunan province	Top 10 attractive Chinese cities for foreigners 2012	31 abandoned scenic spots in the world
Hot dances of basketball babies	Glamourous elderly ladies in Qipaos	Top 20 sexiest women in the world 2013
Wow, women's underwear rugby	Dream girls of post-70 generation in China	Who is the most beautiful post-90s stars