Bali getaways

MENTION Kuta and images of backpackers' hostels and the stretch of great surfing beach in Bali come to mind. All that is still there for the budget conscious travellers who want to rough it out. But the area is now getting a more upmarket feel with the opening of the Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort.

The great thing is that the Sheraton is located in the heart of Kuta beach with the golden sandy stretch and the Indian Ocean just across the road, and the bars, restaurants and pubs all within walking distance.

Already, the resort is popular with families and the slightly older crowd, who may have given Kuta a miss before.

Instead of sticking with the slanted, thatched roofs typical of Balinese architecture, the hotel has opted for a modern look, but retaining some Balinese …