Luxury Hotels - Chedi Bali + Amanusa

Hi everyone,

We love to stay at different hotels every time we go somewhere. Now it looks as if we will go (back) to Bali next year. Previously we have stayed at FS Jimbaran, Amandari and Amankila. Now we would like to try something else. Amanusa is on my list (though I am a bit worried about the construction work going on). In addition I might want to try out one of the Chedi resorts. Which one would you recommend and which room type? And what would be the pros and cons compared to an Aman or FS?

The Chedi Club near Ubud is a very nice place to stay … we stayed in a Pool Villa and liked it quite a bit. Only a Queen bed - and the desk area is a bit cramped - but it was a comfortable room. One of the real advantages of Chedi is the inclusions - they'll do your laundry for you (so be there mid-trip!), provide airport transfers, and even provide drop off and pick up service to Ubud.

Chedi Club certainly does not rise to Aman's level of service (nobody does), and it's a very different kind of resort than Four Seasons, but clients have really enjoyed their stays here.

The other GHM resort in Bali is The Legian, but I did not see that one. Seems much larger.

chedi/legian club are actually smaller than aman
top 4 suites at legian, including beachfront pool villa, now incl club access/benefits
legian just did exterior and half of interior renovation, and are closing half the rooms again early next year for last reno

Hey !

Can`t speak for the other resorts as we didn't get the chance yet to visit them but in April we stayed 4 nights in Amanusa and we absolutely loved it. we also were somewhat reluctant about noise and were tempted to extend our stay in Kila with a few more nights but we are so so glad we didn't do so. There is indeed some construction going on. However, noise pollution is negligible (at least when we were there). There is of however some visual pollution from nearby hotel construction but it didn't affect the tranquil atmosphere in the resort whatsoever. Before construction like 15 years ago... this place must have been out of the world but in fact it still is.

I`m about to post my review on Amanusa one of the next days when I`ll find the time. We stayed in a pool suite which, absolutely recommendable all tough not essential as the beach club is amazing and we spend at least a few hours per day there and on top there is the massive resort pool.

The Chedi Club near Ubud is a very nice place to stay … we stayed in a Pool Villa and liked it quite a bit. Only a Queen bed - and the desk area is a bit cramped - but it was a comfortable room. One of the real advantages of Chedi is the inclusions - they'll do your laundry for you (so be there mid-trip!), provide airport transfers, and even provide drop off and pick up service to Ubud.

Chedi Club certainly does not rise to Aman's level of service (nobody does), and it's a very different kind of resort than Four Seasons, but clients have really enjoyed their stays here.

The other GHM resort in Bali is The Legian, but I did not see that one. Seems much larger.

I actually preferred GHM Club at The Legian to GHM Chedi Ubud although both were amazing.
We stayed four nights in pool villas in each last year.
The villas at the Legian are much bigger , the butler only works for you . At Chedi i think they do two villas.
The club at the legian is only 12 villas and is separate from the main 50 room hotel so didnt feel bigger than chedi. whenever you want to go over to the gorgeous main hotel your butler drives you over by golf cart - takes 2 minutes.

Legian - elegant luxury . gorgeous grounds , beach , pools etc etc

we stayed at the club across the road for 4 nights in a pool villa. you get between the hotel and the club by spending about 1 minute travelling by golf cart! i thought the villas at chedi where amazing but they blew even those away. amazing butler called Sura . the great thing about the Legian Club is your butler only works for you - so is always there for you.

just absolutely amazing. service. spa . restaurants . afternoon tea at the villa . free cocktails. my local newspaper from the UK brought to our room every day.

any questions - Sura had an answer. where to get handbags ? where to eat ? where to get authentic Bali souvenirs ? Sura had an answer and a car waiting to take us there!
the list is endless

amazing amazing amazing - truely a leading hotel of the world
we met the assistant manager at a cocktail night and had a note from the manager on arrival and an email after. brilliant service.

we were treated like VIPs from start to finish thanks to the level of service at the hotel and being on honeymoon and booking through the legendary travel agent David Ourisman all helped!

In my opinion the Club at The Legian is massively underrated hotel. It seems to fall under a lot of peoples radars which is maybe a good thing for the regulars ;-) . Everyone i spoke to when there had was in love with the place.

I got a 4 for 3 deal and I think i paid $600 a night for september 2011.
stayed in a lot of 5 star hotels in europe and usa ( and am just back from bora bora ) but this was the best service i have ever received in a hotel.
there wasnt one fault all four days..
note - have not yet stayed in an Aman...:(

http://www.ghmhotels.com/en/the-club-at-the-legian/home/#home
http://www.ghmhotels.com/en/the-club-at-the-legian/home/#home

chedi/legian club are actually smaller than aman
top 4 suites at legian, including beachfront pool villa, now incl club access/benefits
legian just did exterior and half of interior renovation, and are closing half the rooms again early next year for last reno

correct - i think Chedi has about 20 villas and The Legian 12 or 16 if you include the top 4 suites. We used to go between the Club and the main hotel and got brilliant service at all times.

I have never stayed at Aman but the way it is talked about on here I know service must be better than what I had at the GHM hotels although I struggle to envisage how!!!.

Therefore i can only conclude GHM Bali is a great choice if you dont have Aman budget which was the position I was in but you want as near to Aman service with a smaller pricetag!

Thanks all. I am leaning against going back to Amankila (after Amanusa) instead of trying out one of the Chedis after reading your reply. Even though I would prefer to try something new, it feels like I would regret it since the Amans are just so much better than the alternatives, reading the replies of people having stayed at both.

For Amankila we would consider taking a pool villa or better. Having stayed in a normal villa last time, I really did not like the fact that the outside area of the villa was at the entrance and thus not really private. Can someone tell me how the Amankila pool villas outside area is (I assume that the inside is like a standard villa), i.e. where is the exit to the pool, is the lounging area and dining area at the pool terrasse next to pool and loungers or is this area still at the entrance?

if you can afford Aman go for it!!
book through DavidO for guaranteed room upgrade + many other perks!

Thanks all. I am leaning against going back to Amankila (after Amanusa) instead of trying out one of the Chedis after reading your reply. Even though I would prefer to try something new, it feels like I would regret it since the Amans are just so much better than the alternatives, reading the replies of people having stayed at both.

For Amankila we would consider taking a pool villa or better. Having stayed in a normal villa last time, I really did not like the fact that the outside area of the villa was at the entrance and thus not really private. Can someone tell me how the Amankila pool villas outside area is (I assume that the inside is like a standard villa), i.e. where is the exit to the pool, is the lounging area and dining area at the pool terrasse next to pool and loungers or is this area still at the entrance?

Musken my view is that you should be cautious about Amanusa. Overall I liked it for the service and the amazing private beach, but you need to remember that you are still in Nusa Dua, overlooking a golf course. This is not unspoilt nature and reminded me of the Costa del Sol. 2 or 3 nights would absolutely be enough. I know others disagree, but I didn't love the rooms either. The checked floors and use of black and white felt a bit 80's to me. Just my taste perhaps. For me Amankila outclasses Amanusa in every way, other than the beach and maybe the food.

Thanks all. I am leaning against going back to Amankila (after Amanusa) instead of trying out one of the Chedis after reading your reply. Even though I would prefer to try something new, it feels like I would regret it since the Amans are just so much better than the alternatives, reading the replies of people having stayed at both.


Have you considered Alila Uluwatu? That would be the only resort on Bali I would be considering other than Amankila and Amanusa.

Musken my view is that you should be cautious about Amanusa. Overall I liked it for the service and the amazing private beach, but you need to remember that you are still in Nusa Dua, overlooking a golf course. This is not unspoilt nature.

I 2nd this. Nusa is a great hotel in many ways, but the location and setting is not what you will be used to from other Amans. It's an excellent stopover but you wouldn't want to build your trip around it.

I can't remember, have you been to Jiwo?

Actually, if I were headed back to Indonesia and had some extra pocket change, I'd do Wana and one of the Amanikan cruises!

Musken my view is that you should be cautious about Amanusa. Overall I liked it for the service and the amazing private beach, but you need to remember that you are still in Nusa Dua, overlooking a golf course. This is not unspoilt nature and reminded me of the Costa del Sol. 2 or 3 nights would absolutely be enough. I know others disagree, but I didn't love the rooms either. The checked floors and use of black and white felt a bit 80's to me. Just my taste perhaps. For me Amankila outclasses Amanusa in every way, other than the beach and maybe the food.

Since we have been to Bali many times before and since we would combine Amanusa with another property (or two), I do not worry about the Nusa Dua location. I think the rooms look lovely, though, and the pool and the beach club, so I think we will keep it in, but maybe for less days than otherwise planned.

Have you considered Alila Uluwatu? That would be the only resort on Bali I would be considering other than Amankila and Amanusa.

Funny you mention it. I was not aware of it, but just looked at it today since I read in a Norwegian newspaper that it had been voted best rooms or something. I will have a closer look. Is service good there?

I 2nd this. Nusa is a great hotel in many ways, but the location and setting is not what you will be used to from other Amans. It's an excellent stopover but you wouldn't want to build your trip around it.

I can't remember, have you been to Jiwo?

Actually, if I were headed back to Indonesia and had some extra pocket change, I'd do Wana and one of the Amanikan cruises!

We have been to Jiwo and Wana as well. I thought bout the Amanikan cruise, but my pocket money does not go that far, it is really VERY EXPENSIVE, but I agree that it would have been fantastic.

I really have a very selective memory. I did not think about going to Bali for some time, and have therefore missed the reports about the Alila resorts. They do look like a very exciting alternative or addition to the Amanresorts. Now I just have to make a choice...

Thanks all. I am leaning against going back to Amankila (after Amanusa) instead of trying out one of the Chedis after reading your reply. Even though I would prefer to try something new, it feels like I would regret it since the Amans are just so much better than the alternatives, reading the replies of people having stayed at both.

For Amankila we would consider taking a pool villa or better. Having stayed in a normal villa last time, I really did not like the fact that the outside area of the villa was at the entrance and thus not really private. Can someone tell me how the Amankila pool villas outside area is (I assume that the inside is like a standard villa), i.e. where is the exit to the pool, is the lounging area and dining area at the pool terrasse next to pool and loungers or is this area still at the entrance?

The normal pool villas at Amankila don't offer a huge amount of deck space around the pool. I never think they are worth the extra, given the two amazing pools at kila. However, if you take one of the larger suites such as Indrakila, then you get a proper pool, a large deck and incredible views, so it is really worth paying more.

I think that The Legian is well worth a few nights especially after its big refurbishment, but maybe not the GHM in Ubud. They have some really huge suites at The Legian in the main building and, of course, the newer villas. Another one to try could be Alila Uluwatu (as you now, Alila was started by ex-Aman people and is now run by Guy Heywood).

The normal pool villas at Amankila don't offer a huge amount of deck space around the pool. I never think they are worth the extra, given the two amazing pools at kila. However, if you take one of the larger suites such as Indrakila, then you get a proper pool, a large deck and incredible views, so it is really worth paying more.

I think that The Legian is well worth a few nights especially after its big refurbishment, but maybe not the GHM in Ubud. They have some really huge suites at The Legian in the main building and, of course, the newer villas. Another one to try could be Alila Uluwatu (as you now, Alila was started by ex-Aman people and is now run by Guy Heywood).

Sooo many choices suddenly. What a luxury problem! So on my list are:
- Amanusa (only Indonesian Aman we have not been to, so have to go!)
- The Legian
- Alila Uluwatu
- Alila Soori (some very good feedback here at FT, interesting that it is West Bali since I have never seen this part of the island before)
- Amankila (going back which I normally do not do, but it is a long time since I was there, and it is really special...)

We have 12 nights. I think that we do not want to go to more than three resorts.

Which ones should I do and how many days at each and which order?

soori and legian have beachfront

if early next year, check timing of legian renovation - half the rooms taken out of inventory means more aman size and lower occupancy, and there were also some bonuses given to guests during the last reno

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1023061-luxury-hotels-forum-presidential-suite-lounge-all-welcome-post18043610.html#post18043610
http://www.ghmhotels.com/en/the-legian-bali/news/?d=,press-release-guests-drive-refurbishment-agenda-at-legendary-bali-resort-the-legian-bali-english,all#news_,press-release-guests-drive-refurbishment-agenda-at-legendary-bali-resort-the-legian-bali-english,all
Beach House was the recipient of a new 20-square-metre terrace with sunbeds, accessible from the master bedroom, which was itself rearranged for better ocean views. More windows were created to allow Bali's tropical rays into the guest rooms and bathrooms, while the living room was opened up with two walls of transparent folding doors giving guests the option to enjoy 180-degree panoramic views whether relaxing in the sea breeze or air-conditioned comfort.

great thing about the Legian Club is your butler only works for you
should be same for top 4 at legian, they used to be advertised that way, but now it matches legian club description

I stayed in pool villas at Chedi , Soori and Club @ Legian.
I stayed in the beachfront villas at Soori - number 207 .
Soori was good but very remote and seemed to get a lot of clouds while we were there.
i paid about $400 a night for Chedi , $500 Soori , $600 Club @ Legian
Soori was very nice , really modern and funky BUT service levels no-where near GHM standard.
When we left we agreed if doing again we would of done just a mix of Chedi and Legian and not bothered with Soori.

I really cant emphasis how impressed I was with The Legian hotel. FAR SUPERIOR TO SOORI. Personally I would go there for a few nights, try and get the Club on a 4 for 3 offer like I did in Sept 2011.

how impressed I was with The Legian hotel
legian club staff including butler vs legian staff?

other soori reports include >

Alila Soori a very good resort with brillant modern design instead of the fake-pseudo-Balinese design of much other resorts.

The absolutely black fine lava sand beach is absolutely unique, so is the little temple next to the resort, where you can sometimes see dozens of villagers going to and praying. The view of the Vulcanos behind the rice fields is absolutely romantic. Food is excellent, and the value is, especially compared to Four Seasons and Bulgari, very good.

Concur with all of the points above. We had a great time at Alila Soori. In addition, service was outstanding.

+1 from me. An excellent, well-built modern property. What an excellent breakfast i.e. Very stylish design with great substance. And from last October's experience, it can stand a 6.0 earthquake without any damage...

Aside from the Amans it has become my preferred property on the island for great relaxation. I just cannot stand the buzz and horrendous traffic of the southern part of Bali anymore.

At Soori i.e. horseback riding along the black sand beach, spa treatments, Segway tours through surrounding rice fields

deer and ngfan put food at alila soori and como shambhala estate at the top >
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1237553-food-quality-our-favorite-luxury-hotels.html

Oh, it is just sooo difficult to make the choice. I know Amans would be wonderful, but I would like to try something new, but still do not want to risk regretting it....

For 12 nights I would do amanusa either at the beginning, if late flight, or end if early flight. Although I like the property I think 3 nights is adequate. I would Allila Ulluwatu second for 4 nights, ( have been to Legian years ago so sure it is improved, but notnon my list althoughncould be sub),and lastly Amankila in the indrkilasuite suite for 5 nights. I have been back to that room, cannot resist!
Sounds wonderful!

I thought bout the Amanikan cruise, but my pocket money does not go that far, it is really VERY EXPENSIVE, but I agree that it would have been fantastic.

With the new boat, it has gotten so expensive that we can't even consider it. If I remember correctly, two or three couples sharing the boat comes out a little better...we'll have to get some flyertalkers together to share a cruise sometime!

Soori

upon arrival the hotel has really blow away impressive. we had an oceanfront beach villa (top floor ones) and the villa was very impressive with infinity pool directly from living room!

food is good at Soori - they have an American Chef who we were speaking to one night.
One negative was only Indonesian Food in a formal setting served at night so if you want say casual food or a burger and fries you have to get room service. the food was very good although we found it a bit limited for example we had chosen to eat a lot of indonesian food in Ubud , but you had no choice but expensive indonesian food in the evenings whereas we were in the mood for non indonesian, so 2 of the 3 nights we actually ordered food o our room for dinner as this worked out much cheaper and was what we wanted. wagyu burger !! the hotel could do with offering some more casual dining option at night but they know the can get away with it at night as the property is so remote.

all in all the resort is impressive as is noted in many reviews. but for us we were spoiled by staying at REAL luxury by staying at GHM Chedi and GHM The Club at The Legian before and after. these are LUXURY with service that may even be up there with Aman properties ?? and that left Soori feeling a bit inferior , the level of service expecially butler service is far inferior to GHM. but still a very good stay .

met the manager as we left and she gave us a complimentary book on the Seminyak area as she knew we were heading there which was nice. we visited tanah lot en route to The Legian.

also note it was overcast quite a bit while there in september .

lastly , you can pick up some great deals occassionally on luxury link and jetsetter for the Alila properties.
We just noticed going from GHM Chedi to Alila Soori and back to GHM Club Legian that the service was good at Soori but not exceptional like the 2 GHM's.

Legian Club

Kagehitokiri - I was staying at the Club and we had amazing service in the Club - our butler was Sura.

We often went over to the main hotel . I think every day but one we had breakfast there. We had a gorgeous dinner there one night. Every afternoon we went over to the main hotel to use the main pool or to relax on the day beds that sit on the edge of the pool/beach. From every time we were in the main hotel we received good service and i was left with the feeling a stay in the main hotel would be excellent too.

I had originally booked a suite in the main hotel for $450 a night but upgraded when I got a $600 a night deal on the Club.

ps My wife informs me Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have jetted off to southern peninsula of Bali - guesses at hotel - Amanusa ?

ps My wife informs me Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have jetted off to southern peninsula of Bali - guesses at hotel - Amanusa ?

(Insert gagging smiley here.)

thanks for reply WEEBOBBY

amanusa >

Groombridge
nusa/wana best food http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/16737801-post5.html
report http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/14879728-post3.html
architecture—in my opinion the best designed public and private areas of these 5...freshest rooms of any of the 5...most polished and luxurious of the 5 resorts, in terms of its feel and delivery of service. The best beach club experience I have ever had

beach club. By far our nicest beach experience ever...I could easily spend weeks there without getting bored...We sometimes get bored of staying in the same place and go out and about, but I have to confess that we didn't actually leave Amanusa for the duration of our stay there. This is testament to how fabulous the place is
had Amanusa to look forward to. And sure they did not disappoint. Unexpectedly, Amanusa would prove to be the biggest revelation of the trip

and sean came from amanjiwo (incredibly consistent here) and might make food even better

and sean came from amanjiwo (incredibly consistent here) and might make food even better[/QUOTE]

Sean is not only GM for Amanusa , from about a year ago also overseas all of Indonesia :)

So, we have made our choices. :p

We will stay first at Amanusa (4 nights, longer Bali break package incl. breakfast and one activity, room category tbd), then 4 nights at Alila Uluwatu in a one BR villa with pool (Seduce your sences rate incl. daily breakfast, One time 3-course dinner at either CIRE Restaurant or in-villa dining
 + a 90-minute Spa treatment + transportation etc.) and finally at The Club at the Legian in a one BR villa (indulge in Style Package, stay 4 pay 3 including breakfast and lots of other club benefits).

Must say that I am very excited to try out some (for us) new hotels since we have more or less only stayed in FS or Amans the last 10 years. The villas looks stunning and I have very high expectations regarding food at the Alila. Now fingers crossed for the service.

So, we have made our choices. :p

We will stay first at Amanusa (4 nights, longer Bali break package incl. breakfast and one activity, room category tbd), then 4 nights at Alila Uluwatu in a one BR villa with pool (Seduce your sences rate incl. daily breakfast, One time 3-course dinner at either CIRE Restaurant or in-villa dining
 + a 90-minute Spa treatment + transportation etc.) and finally at The Club at the Legian in a one BR villa (indulge in Style Package, stay 4 pay 3 including breakfast and lots of other club benefits).

Must say that I am very excited to try out some (for us) new hotels since we have more or less only stayed in FS or Amans the last 10 years. The villas looks stunning and I have very high expectations regarding food at the Alila. Now fingers crossed for the service.

Funnily enough, I am staying at the same hotels later this year, plus a few others. I always liked The Legian until the decor started looking terminally tired, but the big refurbishment looks to have fixed that.

Funnily enough, I am staying at the same hotels later this year, plus a few others. I always liked The Legian until the decor started looking terminally tired, but the big refurbishment looks to have fixed that.

Looking forward to hearing your experiences, but the fact that you picked the same hotels, is already a good sign! And if you hate one of them, I can still change before March. :cool:

So, we have made our choices. :p

We will stay first at Amanusa (4 nights, longer Bali break package incl. breakfast and one activity, room category tbd), then 4 nights at Alila Uluwatu in a one BR villa with pool (Seduce your sences rate incl. daily breakfast, One time 3-course dinner at either CIRE Restaurant or in-villa dining
 + a 90-minute Spa treatment + transportation etc.) and finally at The Club at the Legian in a one BR villa (indulge in Style Package, stay 4 pay 3 including breakfast and lots of other club benefits).

Must say that I am very excited to try out some (for us) new hotels since we have more or less only stayed in FS or Amans the last 10 years. The villas looks stunning and I have very high expectations regarding food at the Alila. Now fingers crossed for the service.

First impressions: I am particularly impressed about the little electronic book with preferences about our stay that at Alila Uluwatu that I have been asked to fill in. Great idea and really well done. Promising for the rest of the stay!!

Alila Uluwatu in a one BR
The Club at the Legian in a one BR

I am particularly impressed about the little electronic book with preferences about our stay that at Alila Uluwatu that I have been asked to fill in. Great idea and really well done.

indicate our preferences (music, pillows, level of attention by the butler, etc) prior to check in? To give you an idea, you can click on the Alila Villas Uluwatu – Personal Preference Menu link (http://www.ppm.alilahotels.com/uluwatu/) to take a look. Go ahead and input a fake name/email address – nothing is saved until the form is submitted

are they the only one to do it online (instead of email/etc document) ?

WEEBOBBY - the Amans are the hotel group of choice for a lot of celebrities - when we were staying at a hotel next to Amanpuri Noel Gallagher and Meg Matthews were staying at the Aman as have the likes of Kate Moss and Prince Andrew!;)

Musken - when you're staying at Amanusa - you should go to see the Kecak dance at Uluwatu at sunset. Your driver will wait for you and find you at the end of the performance. I'm assuming you're taking your son - he will love it. It's a lot more boy friendly than say Legong:).
http://www.bali-dance.com/english/Uluwatu.html
Keep your sunglasses etc. well concealed when walking up to the temple as the monkeys are adept at snatching unsecured items.

are they the only one to do it online (instead of email/etc document) ?

I have never seen something like this before, at least. Have been asked to fill in a form a couple of times, but this has been mainly about minibar content and not something I have done. Mainly I just write an email about preferences or talk to this, but this electronic book was just so nice and informatice that it is a pleasure to fill in.

WEEBOBBY - the Amans are the hotel group of choice for a lot of celebrities - when we were staying at a hotel next to Amanpuri Noel Gallagher and Meg Matthews were staying at the Aman as have the likes of Kate Moss and Prince Andrew!;)

Musken - when you're staying at Amanusa - you should go to see the Kecak dance at Uluwatu at sunset. Your driver will wait for you and find you at the end of the performance. I'm assuming you're taking your son - he will love it. It's a lot more boy friendly than say Legong:).
http://www.bali-dance.com/english/Uluwatu.html
Keep your sunglasses etc. well concealed when walking up to the temple as the monkeys are adept at snatching unsecured items.

Yes we will make sure that we get to see the performance this time. Have been to Bali four times before and have seen Kecak dancing as well, but our son has not seen it so far so I am sure he will like it.

I have never seen something like this before, at least. Have been asked to fill in a form a couple of times, but this has been mainly about minibar content and not something I have done. Mainly I just write an email about preferences or talk to this, but this electronic book was just so nice and informatice that it is a pleasure to fill in.

hmm, i see i hadnt actually looked at alila's yet. definitely interesting. ^
style of service, sounds like book preferences, 'local' food option, not just airport transfers but VIP.

soneva kiri's forms for example (1+ yr old) >
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1857/picture2wjf.png
http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/3075/picture1vc.png