Benjamin Tan

Hi Flyertalkers,

Some advice needed from the experts around here.

I'm planning a trip for 6 to Bali this July. I know its the high season but there's no getting away from it.

Shortlisted 2 properties that fits within the budget and expectations. Trust me, I've trawled the internet for probably 172 properties and still counting and these 2 seriously fits what I'm looking for.

I've been offered a 3BR Owners Villa at Kayumanis Ubud and 3BR Villa Jepun at The Hill Villa and just wanted to hear thoughts by those who have stayed in either property.

Pros of The Hill is that the villa & pool are much arger. The villa is about 100sqm larger, and the pool is twice the size. The view is towards the ocean - Benoa. However, little is know about its food, spa and overall quality. Tripadvisor ranks it 1 out of 11 in Ugasan.

Pros of Kayumanis Ubud is that the villa looks more modern, and the spa won a award in 2009. The property is also quite focused on spa life. The view though is towards the forest and they are more expensive too.Tripadvisor ranks it 4 out of 99 in Ubud.

My expectations:
- nicely size villa and proper pool, and great views
- good spa
- real balinese activities (i'm planning a cooking class for the family)

Wanted to hear your thoughts. And yes, all the wonderful properties like Komaneka, and Samaya, Four Seasons, Aman, Tjampuhan, PitaMahal. Chedi, Legian etc....they are either booked, beyond budgets or don't have a 3BR so I thought I should just focus.

Looking forward for inputs into the 2!!

Thanks!