Nusa Dua vs Seminyak with baby and 3 yo

Have never been to Bali before and have heard conflicting info on both above locations..... which is better for:


Restaurants (some beach style as well as hotels)

Shopping

Golf

villa vs hotel for 4 adults + 2 kids


Any suggestions appreciated. Thinking a hotel would be the better option with a 3 yo and baby as has all the facilities, however would like the flexibility of a villa.

http://www.balivillas.com/index.html

Bali is like a 2nd home to me and my family own some villas there.


In my opinion, Nusa Dua has a wide variety of superb beach front hotels so it is a great place to be if you and the family want a pre-dominantly beach holiday. There is also a golf course within a 5 minute drive from most hotels there. On the downside, the main restaurant and shopping areas in Nusa Dua are not very interesting which probably explains why most restaurants and shops there always seem empty.


Seminyak on the other hand is a much more happening place and is home to Bali's best restaurants and bars as well as a wide variety of trendy boutiques, art galleries and spas. You can find a lot of villa style accommodation in this area which are much more cost-effective and afford more privacy than hotels. Seminyak is also a great base from which to explore the sights of Bali so hiring a car would be highly recommended. The highly acclaimed Nivana Golf Course is a 20 minute drive from Seminyak.


If you decide on Seminyak, check out: www.baliretreat.com. Have a fab holiday!