TOYABALI - Resort

The infinity pool looks out over the sea and Agung volcano, and there's also a jacuzzi outside. My room was incredible, with an outdoor shower and separate outdoor toilet. The restaurant is simple and cozy. Though the hotel is dated, it's kept extremely well, and the staff are careful and attentive.

Quiet, with beautiful gardens and rooms right on the beach. The pool has gorgeous ocean views, and the Liberty wreck is directly in front of the resort. Finding the place can be tricky because the signs aren't good. Breakfast and dinner weren't great, so I'd go out for dinner.

The people were nice, the dining area was great, and the pool was amazing. The location is beautiful, but getting there was a hassle: the directions weren't marked clearly, our driver made two wrong turns, and we had to walk along a long path full of mosquitoes. The room was a mixed bag. I loved that the AC was behind the bed and didn't blow straight on you, but the mattress was so hard that I struggled to sleep. The toilet was outside, which meant mosquito bites during a 2 a.m. bathroom trip. The food upset our stomachs, so we had to be careful about what we ate. The neighbors were the worst part. One night, they burned trash and the smoke ruined dinner. It got into the room through the AC, so we had to turn it off. On the other side, the resort played loud music at 9 and 10 p.m. while we were trying to sleep. Without the stomach trouble, smoke, late noise, hard bed, and difficult car access, this could have been a five-star stay.

At Toya Bali Resort in Tulamben, the oceanfront layout gives you waves to wake up to and views of Mount Agung. It's a peaceful place, especially for anyone diving at the USAT Liberty Wreck or simply looking to relax. The villas were spotless, with genuine Indonesian art, and the staff were warm. The food was tasty and affordable, so there was no need for us to eat elsewhere.