My birthday was coming around so we decided to leave the peaceful little villa in the rice fields of Ubud, for a few days and visit the beach on another Indonesian island — Lombok.

For $65 USD a night we were able to get a nice second floor room, overlooking the swimming pool and the Bali Sea. There was a big balcony, air conditioning, a flat screen television with DVD player and satellite. There was strong Wi-Fi in the room, a mini-fridge and a big bathroom with a steady stream of hot water. The price included a free welcome drink and breakfast.

The staff at this place, Sunset House, was friendly, efficient and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Because reception needed a copy of our passports on check-in they discovered that it was going to be my birthday. On the day of the event, while we were out lounging in the covered, beachside shelters, they left a birthday cake in the room along with a card signed by the staff and this message written in flowers on the bed.

It was a great break from an already great trip and another excellent birthday celebration!