We spent six nights in a Lumbung suite at Novus Gawana in December. After some time diving at Wakatobi, we wanted to visit the north and west coast of Bali and this seemed well placed. It was ideal for us and we had a great time. The grounds are lovely and spacious and exceedingly well maintained. Nearly all of the staff were incredibly attentive and responsive. One previous guest mentioned repairs around the pool, but everything was completed. The pool was spotless, with plenty of lounge chairs. Often we were the only guests in it. Below the pool is a warmer soaking pool - great for cooler days or evenings. Henry, the general manager, was around nearly every day and checked in with us on our experience. I'll describe the transit to Novus Gawana from the airport, the food, the outings, and New Year's Eve.

We arrived back in Bali at 4:30 pm, and I knew we would have a long drive, some of it after dark. The Novus Gawana driver was right there to meet us, so we were on the road and into heavy traffic in a flash. We then crept along across south Bali for over two hours. Finally we began to leave the horrible traffic when we reached several small towns and villages with Hindu processionals. After we left that behind, we reached the mountains and crooked roads with fog. We finally arrived at 9:15 pm. Fortunately our driver was excellent, and our dinner was waiting. All I can say is "be patient" in getting to the north and west coasts.

We'd pre-ordered a half-board package and had a four course dinner each night - chef's choice. I understand they have a relatively new Executive Chef, and he was excellent. We really enjoyed the originality, quality and variety, with a mix of international food - great tuna, tender beef, excellent soups. We had a mix of Indonesian, Thai, western and other Asian dished. One night the main was chicken teriyaki - not usually my favorite, but this was the best I'd ever had. We barely looked at the dinner menu but just accepted what was offered. It was a nice sense of adventure. As with all Indonesian restaurants, wine was expensive. The selection was very limited, but then I don't go to Indonesia for the wine. Breakfast was a standard buffet, though they would also make nasi goreng or mei goreng. One day the stars aligned and I had what was probably the best nasi goreng I've ever eaten.

We took four outings - diving, driving to Singaraja, and a mangrove tour via boat. Top Dive did a very good job and they handled our gear in a very professional manner. We really enjoyed the muck dives in Secret Bay. We also dove Mengangan Island. It was better than I thought it would be, but, of course, not as good as Wakatobi. We'd go back to do more diving in both places, though. One morning we took a cruise through the mangroves. We didn't see as many birds as we'd hoped, but the cruise was nice and our guide pointed out some birds we would have missed. We also hired a driver one day to take us to Singaraja. I wanted to visit a weaving studio and shop and we found it. I was able to buy some very high quality ikat. We also visited the Atlas pearl farm, and hot springs on the way back, and had lunch at a little warung. If you've never toured a pearl farm, do so and see the process. They have gorgeous and expensive pearls, but there is no pressure to buy.

Finally, New Year's Eve was an incredible treat. Four groups of employees performed and they were fantastic. We were asked to vote for the best. We couldn't do that because each was great, but awards were handed out. There were also professional musicians and dancers, representing the best of Bali traditions. After New Year, there was disco dancing for everyone.

Oh, and I must mention the spa. I had a wonderful Javanese massage. I wish I'd had time for a second. My only disappointment was no pedicures and I really needed one.

There are mosquitoes, and they do bite. The resort supplies repellant, and we used our own as well.

So, to sum it up, we'd go back again to enjoy the pool, the diving, and we'd rent a kayak to paddle around the mangroves on our own. We'd also walk down to the village, which we didn't manage this time.

The setting is amazing and the staff very friendly and professional
But overhall the hotel is overpriced and attention to details are not up to the standard of a 200usd per night in Bali: the breakfeast is quite poor and the area around the pool under refurbishment

I was staying in one of Lumbung villa's. It was very comfortable and well designed.
The food at restaurant is great.
Staff are very attentive and provide very good and friendly service.
It's perfect place for dive and snorkel lovers as the professional dive shop in the resort provides daily trips to Menjangan island and other spots.
I enjoyed the tranquility over there. If you are looking for a tranquil and peaceful place, here is the right place :-)

Our first impression on the way to the Novus Gavana was rather negative considering the really bad entering road to the resort (bumpy). But once arrived, all our concerns were blown away. We were welcomed by very friendly reception staff and offered a refreshing welcome drink. We stayed in a Mangrove Suite, which has a huge living area in Balinese style with a canopy bed, a lounge and a coffee table with two sitting cushions. No TV in the Suite but a CD Player, a Nespresso coffee machine (what a luxurious item!) a mini bar and a wine cooler, offering a small choice of different wines.

Probably the most impressive location in our suite was the half-open bathroom, with two sinks, an open-air shower and – an own hot spring Jacuzzi!

As we were travelling with two toddlers (1 and 2 y) we also had a proper baby cot in our room, covered with a mosquito net. There are no baby high chairs available in the restaurant, but the staff was very quick preparing an extra double-cushioned chair which worked as good as a high chair for us.

There are no facilities for children in the resort however, it seems to be a perfect choice for kidsless couples or honeymooners rather than for families.

The restaurant had a lunch- and separate dinner menu; the chef was happy to create our special wishes (e.g. kids menus), breakfast was a small buffet plus an egg cooking/frying station. Very friendly staff, incredibly kids-friendly in special. The view from the restaurant offered the mangrove waters and the nearby forest, on some days we could observe a few monkeys.

The resort runs its own dive shop with caring and responsible staff. Diving (and also snorkeling) around Menjangan Island is incredible and organized by the dive shop. Also other trips to the National Park could be booked through the resort.

The resort manager always seems to be around and reassuring everyone is doing well. Not to forget the spa in the resort with a good choice of treatments and its friendly staff. The prices are all over reasonable. The language skills of the most staff members include a bit of German, a bit of French and a bit of English. ;-) The resort staff was happy to find babysitters for us so we could have dinner without our kids.

Novus Gavana has a big sunning area with a long swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. Very quiet and peaceful as there are (usually) no kids in the resort :-) In the game room next to the restaurant you are able to watch TV, play pool or other games, surf the internet (for free) or exchange your books in 4 different languages (English, French, German or Dutch).

All in all it was a great stay and IF we ever come back to Bali this will be the resort of our choice!