Bali is one of the most traveled to island in Indonesia. If you want an exotic getaway that pretty much trumps all others, Bali is the place to go. There are several luxury resorts in Bali, and depending on the area of Bali you travel to, you'll get a different experience. The mountains of central Bali are breathtaking to look at, but if you want more of a city backdrop filled with night life, southern Bali will probably suit you best. There are plenty of private rental villas to live in during your stay in Bali.
Kuta is the best tourist destination in Bali, and surfers will be delighted by the plethora of surfing opportunities in the Indian Ocean. The Bali beaches are on full display in Kuta. The city is right on the beach, and the narrow streets mean that getting around on bicycle or motorbike will be a better way to go. There is no real shortage of clubs or restaurants to go to either, and because of the popularity of Kuta among Western travelers, the influence can be seen in the shopping malls in Kuta. If you want a hotel on the beach, you can find that here too, but the more upscale living arrangements will be found a few miles away in Seminyak, or for even further upscale, try the resorts in Nusa Dua.
Nusa Dua is home to several expensive resorts for those who want to do Bali in a big way. Spending $200-$250 a night at these resorts--which is very expensive by Bali standards--is not unheard of. A hotel on the beach in Nusa Dua will give you a great view of the water—for a price. Seminyak is a step down on the price chain than Nusa Dua, but has far more nightlife, which for those who like to go out at night is an acceptable trade off. Seminyak is also home to several great fashion boutiques, so if you enjoy shopping without the mall atmosphere, Seminyak can provide that to you.
For those who want a Bali vacation without the pricey extravagance of Nusa Dua or the bustle of Seminyak or Kuta, Sanur might be a better fit. It is more relaxed and family-oriented, and while it has its share of mid- to high-priced resort locations, it is not the feature of the locale as it is in Nusa Dua. There are many things to do in Sanur for everyone but the selection of museums and small craft shops make it a great Bali holiday location for the older crowd and families. Make sure to go to Sanur during the International Kite Festival—it's a great hit with the kids.