Luxury Hotels - Overwhelmed with choices for Bali...

I've read through the FT threads on Bali, Trip Advisor, etc and am just completely overwhelmed by choices. Seems like there are dozens if not hundreds of "pool villa" hotels in Bali. I contacted Amex FHR but they haven't gotten 2013 contracts secured yet, so they can't reserve anything. I called Virtuoso and booked FS Jimbaran Bay through them after spending nearly an hour on the phone with them. The agent seemed mildly informed, but certainly not a Bali expert.

We were a bit spoiled by a trip to Anantara Phuket and I loved everything about that place, if that helps focus in on what we like and would like.

Absolute musts:
--Pool Villa--totally walled off from the outside resort and preferably able to get good sun within the confines of the villa.
--Property on the beach or with a beach down a pathway or something (a la FS Jim).
--<$800 per night and ideally <$700

We'd like somewhere with a little hustle and bustle to it outside the resort, but this certainly not a necessity. I like being able to get outside food and even some basic groceries/snacks without paying an arm and a leg at the resort.

I spoke with the Virtuoso agent about The St Regis and it looked great, but from what he told me the basic plunge pool villas, called "one bedroom suites" are actually just the first floor of the other suites building and thus not very private. Is this accurate? I can't imagine this is desirable, and we definitely want a private structure all to ourselves.

via Virtuoso the StR was $90/nt more than the FS, but via their own website, they are ~$15/nt cheaper than the FS and also include breakfast. We'd miss out on the upgrade chance, late checkout, etc but honestly the free breakfast is the amenity we really care most about. And I suppose there's always a chance FHR will have that rate for the StR when they finally get it together for 2013...

Any other suggestions on properties that would suit our needs?

booked FS Jimbaran Bay

Anantara Phuket

Pool Villa--totally walled off from the outside resort and preferably able to get good sun

beach

$800 per night

hustle and bustle to it outside the resort


getting narrow actually, for example >
- you booked residence at FS jimbaran? otherwise not "totally walled off"
- legian club
- BENLEE actually gave W good report.. you would need villa (less outdoor space than legian club?)

at st regis you would need gardenia villa which might be same cost as aman pool villa..

Hmm, ok, I may need to relax my demand a bit for it being entirely walled off. That was a very relaxing feeling at Anantara Phuket, but it does look like the FS villas are of adequate privacy and seclusion.

Can anyone speak from experience about the "one bedroom suite" at the StR? Is it a private villa with a plunge pool, day bed, etc in a secluded accommodation or is it simply the first floor of the "suite building?" It does look like their beach is superior to the FS, so I don't mind pre-paying for a similar accommodation and better beach...

You might want to post your query in this thread specific to the St Regis Bali:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/710583-st-regis-bali-resort-master-thread.html

Not sure how many days your going for ? Budget is good ? FS Jimbaran would be along lines of what you are looking for . Club at Legian villas are awesome but are not beachfront.
If your going for 10 days + why not combine FS Jimbaran ,Amankila and somewhere in Ubud like FS Sayan / Amandari

We are going for 6 nights. It did occur to me to choose 2 hotels, but then I also thought if we love hotel #1 and hotel #2 doesn't measure up in any way, we'll regret having left.

With 6 nights I would do 2/3 in Ubud and the remainder at the beach resort. I haven't stayed at either resort you mention but I have to say I much prefer Jimbaran than Nusa Dua which is a manufactured tourist enclave where the local Balinese are not allowed. At the end of Jimbaran the locals come out in the evenings with offerings, kids playing football etc.. There are seafood restaurants on the beach just along from the FS Hotel where you can enjoy fresh fish, watching the sunset with your toes in the sand.

I agree with quitecontary. 2 days at FS Sayan + 4 days at Jimbaran Bay would be good (assuming you're mostly focused on beach). I preferred Sayan to JB.

Just booked four nights at the Club at the Legian in a One BR villa. http://www.ghmhotels.com/en/the-club-at-the-legian/home/#home

Ticks many of your boxes. It is walled off and has a large private pool and access to the beach at the Legian hotel which is across the street (a couple of minutes to walk or your private butler will drive you, I have read).

Just booked four nights at the Club at the Legian in a One BR villa. http://www.ghmhotels.com/en/the-club-at-the-legian/home/#home

Ticks many of your boxes. It is walled off and has a large private pool and access to the beach at the Legian hotel which is across the street (a couple of minutes to walk or your private butler will drive you, I have read).

That does look like a nice property, but about the beach, is the hotel where it's located very busy? I tend to like the seclusion of all-suite/villa properties because they're so quiet and private. Having to go to a larger hotel to use the beach is not an appealing option, if it's a large hotel.

That does look like a nice property, but about the beach, is the hotel where it's located very busy? I tend to like the seclusion of all-suite/villa properties because they're so quiet and private. Having to go to a larger hotel to use the beach is not an appealing option, if it's a large hotel.

The villa is extremely nice, but the beach there is very busy. That said it's quite a nice beach. In the morning though the beach is quiet.

That does look like a nice property, but about the beach, is the hotel where it's located very busy? I tend to like the seclusion of all-suite/villa properties because they're so quiet and private. Having to go to a larger hotel to use the beach is not an appealing option, if it's a large hotel.

legian+club is half the size of FS
half of legian rooms close for renovation in early 2013
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1023061-luxury-hotels-forum-presidential-suite-lounge-all-welcome-post18043610.html#post18043610

legian+club is half the size of FS
half of legian rooms close for renovation in early 2013
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1023061-luxury-hotels-forum-presidential-suite-lounge-all-welcome-post18043610.html#post18043610

Really? I thought the FS was a total of ~70 suites & villas?

Any thoughts on Orient Express Puri Bali? I've enjoyed other Orient Express properties in the past and the pool villa is at $570/nt which is less than FS JB by a full $100+.

FS was a total of ~70 suites & villas?
thats FS sayan in ubud

Orient Express Puri Bali
also fits

legian+club is half the size of FS
half of legian rooms close for renovation in early 2013
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1023061-luxury-hotels-forum-presidential-suite-lounge-all-welcome-post18043610.html#post18043610

In the text it is written that the renovation will be in 2012 (i.e. that it should be over now). What is correct?

Really? I thought the FS was a total of ~70 suites & villas?

Any thoughts on Orient Express Puri Bali? I've enjoyed other Orient Express properties in the past and the pool villa is at $570/nt which is less than FS JB by a full $100+.

Club at Legian: 10 1br villas, 1 3 br villas.

The Legian (main hotel across the street where the beach and spa etc. is:
A suites only hotel with 68 suites + one beach house.

In the text it is written that the renovation will be in 2012 (i.e. that it should be over now). What is correct?

I will send them an email to check this.

Just booked four nights at the Club at the Legian in a One BR villa. http://www.ghmhotels.com/en/the-club-at-the-legian/home/#home

Ticks many of your boxes. It is walled off and has a large private pool and access to the beach at the Legian hotel which is across the street (a couple of minutes to walk or your private butler will drive you, I have read).

Musken - I stayed four nights in September. The villas are amazing. I booked through David0 . Request Sura who is the #1 butler ! You will have an amazing time. These guys just think service service service so you will not be disappointed. Service is amazing - any questions just shout.

The villas are really quiet - you will hear no noise ! When you want to your butler drives you over to the main hotel (one minute) . the pool at the main hotel and the beach is gorgeous. the club also has its own huge pool .

along the beach are lovely other hotels and bars for a drink or something to eat

ghm club at legian - 10/10
ghm chedi ubud 9.5/10
alilla soori 8.5/10

stayed in pool villas in each in september 2011

Club at Legian: 10 1br villas, 1 3 br villas.

The Legian (main hotel across the street where the beach and spa etc. is:
A suites only hotel with 68 suites + one beach house.

That's not bad at all. Are there sufficient facilities at the hotel beach area (chairs, service team, etc) so that it doesn't feel overcrowded?

So it seems like by process of elimination, the choices are FS JB, Legian or Puri Bali perhaps? Has anyone stayed at Puri Bali? YouTube is coming up a bit empty for it, though the villa looks very nice in the one video I did see.

Phase 2 will commence January 2013 for the remaining 2 blocks
not sure how long it will last since it is just rooms and not grounds as well like recently completed Phase 1

puri bali - there is discussion and DavidO site inspection

not sure how long it will last since it is just rooms and not grounds as well like recently completed Phase 1

puri bali - there is discussion and DavidO site inspection

Oh, thanks. Only room is good ( more space for us :-) Grounds would be sub optimal.

I lucked up and managed to book a pair of first class tickets for myself and my spouse on Singapore Airlines from SFO to SIN to DPS using UA miles in May of 2013. We will be in Indonesia for only 6 days, and I'm looking for some expert advice on where to stay in that period of time. I know it's very early, but I want plenty of time to get things set up well in advance.

Based on everything I've read so far, my ideal trip would entail 3 nights at either the Chedi Club at the Legion or the Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, and then 3 more nights at the Amanwana.

Deciding between the Chedi Club at the Legion and the Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, the rates at the Chedi Club Tanah Gajah are HALF that of the Chedi Club at the Legion, so it gets the nod.

As to the Amanwana, I'm worried this might be too much travel on such a short trip. I'm curious if anyone else has done something like this.

So, just curious what everyone's thoughts are and any additional suggestions. I'm trying to keep the budget in line, but am willing to splurge somewhat.

The Club at the legian is fabulous - i did a similar Trip some years ago and, if i would do it again, would opt for a full week there

The Club at the legian is fabulous - i did a similar Trip some years ago and, if i would do it again, would opt for a full week there

I've read that too. In fact, most here seem to rank the Club at the Legion a little ahead of the other Chedi in Bali. However, a villa at the Club at the Legion is around $800 a night whereas the other Chedi is around $400 a night for the same type villa. So, I'm wondering if the Club at the Legion is really THAT much better than the Chedi Club Tanah Gajah.

All of the Amans in Indonesia are fabulous....the best, actually. Amanwana is a must if you are a diver or very serious snorkeler. However three days does seem a bit short when you factor in transfer time and how the air transfers can cut into your dives. If you are not serious about the underwater world, you could pick up a diffent Aman instead. Also, keep in mind Amanwana will not be luxurious the way the other Amans are. It's more wild and fun...with great service of course.

Is this your first trip to Bali - if so I suggest you spend 3 nights in the Ubud area and then 3 in a beach resort. Have a look at this thread -
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1374467-overwhelmed-choices-bali.html
Well done on getting seats in SQ F btw.

The Club at the legian is fabulous - i did a similar Trip some years ago and, if i would do it again, would opt for a full week there

I've read that too. In fact, most here seem to rank the Club at the Legion a little ahead of the other Chedi in Bali. However, a villa at the Club at the Legion is around $800 a night whereas the other Chedi is around $400 a night for the same type villa. So, I'm wondering if the Club at the Legion is really THAT much better than the Chedi Club Tanah Gajah.

Thats a tough one... Both are Great places... Still, if you don't mind the extra money, i'd take 'the better one' - but you'll have a great time in either

Is this your first trip to Bali - if so I suggest you spend 3 nights in the Ubud area and then 3 in a beach resort. Have a look at this thread -
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1374467-overwhelmed-choices-bali.html
Well done on getting seats in SQ F btw.

And since that thread is recent and covers these resorts, I think that's where this discussion should continue. So I'm going to merge this thread with that one.

RichardInSF, moderator, luxury hotels

i paid about $400 a night for chedi ubud pool villa and about $600 a night for pool villa at club at the legian (stayed at both on a 4 for 3 night promotion) in Sept 2011

Both hotels are brilliant and the grounds of both are amazing. Service at both is top notch. The reasons we liked Legian more was - butler only deals with your villa . At Chedi they do 2 properties I believe. The villa at Legian was huge. We stayed at Alila Soori as well and if we did it again we would do 8 nights Legian GHM, 4 nights GHM Ubud Chedi.

I am not sure if I would pay $800 for Legian a night. At that price level you could probably choose any resort - AMANs etc.

i would say Chedi was wrth the $400 a night and Legian the extra $200 a night.

Once again book either through DavidO and you will be assured your treated like a VIP.

at $800 you might be better with three night package at AMANKILA booked through DAVIDO for guaranteed upgrade etc.

At $400 i would look at Chedi definately , also talk just now of FS Sayan being $475 on another thread.

At $800 i would maybe look at a 3 night AMAN Package.

Any questions PM me.

I have stated at the Alila Uluwatu (3 times), and both the Banyan Tree Ungasan and the Club At the Legian in Seminyak once and would highly recommend them all, although Alila Uluwatu is my favourite:)

In the text it is written that the renovation will be in 2012 (i.e. that it should be over now). What is correct?

JUST GOT THIS EMAIL TODAY

"REFURBISHMENT COMPLETION

After a five-month enhancement project, the newly refurbished section of The Legian Bali reopened on 25th June to reveal a new adults-only 30-metre infinity lap pool alongside the existing pools, beachfront sundecks and freshly landscaped gardens around the resort. Lighting within some of our suites are also improved for guests' comfort. Our exclusive three-bedroom Beach House has also undergone a major makeover to include a 20-square metre terrace with sunbeds and floor-to-ceiling glass doors at the living room to enjoy the spectacular 180-degree panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

LEARN MORE


SUMMER INDULGENCE

In celebration of the refurbishment's completion, guests who book six consecutive nights at any category at The Legian or The Club at The Legian will be pampered with more benefits. In addition to our suite and villa offerings, you will receive a 60-minute Ancient Balinese Massage for two, a bottle of house wine and canapés upon arrival, and a USD 50 resort credit redeemable on spa treatments, food and non-alcoholic beverages.

This offer is valid for bookings of six consecutive nights received by 31st August 2012."

JUST GOT THIS EMAIL TODAY

Leading Hotels of The World
doing 3 for 2 includes
The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Ubud (Bali)

Samabe Bali Resort & Villas (http://www.samabe.com)is a new 5 star beachfront resort that sits on a tranquil part of Southern Nusa Dua area, blessed with majestic views of the Indian Ocean with a white sandy beach and waters that sparkle shades from turquoise to sapphire blue. Featuring 81 luxury suites and villas, Samabe offers top luxury experience with 5 star service and facilities, and a whole new concept of luxury all inclusive called “Unlimited Privileges.” With a collection of leisure and cultural activities, guests are invited to “Uncover the Ancient Secrets of Balinese Culture.”

**************

Note: This post (originally done as a separate thread) is probably spam. But it might be a new luxury or near-luxury level resort, so instead of deleting it, I moved it here to let others chime in about it.

Thanks,
RichardInSF, moderator, luxury hotels

http://www.samabe.com/en/press/media-contact.php
post from Marketing Communications person
although sometimes it could be nonemployees using employee names

http://www.samabe.com/en/press/media-contact.php
post from Marketing Communications person
although sometimes it could be nonemployees using employee names

The IP of the poster is from Indonesia so that suggests that at the very least it was a friend of the hotel.

I checked their posted rates for a random day next April and the rack rates are borderline luxury level, so that made me think the place might be appropriate to get a mention here. Would be nice if someone independent could, at least, check out the location, given that it is evidently still under construction.

Thanks for all the tips so far. To catch everyone up, I (and my SO) will be staying for 6 nights in Bali next year. We have decided to spend 3 days at the Chedi Club Ubud. I plan to book a pool villa (one bedroom) for this stay. I will take everyone's advice and contact David O regarding this.

After that (or possibly, before that), the plan is to spend 3 days at the beach. Here is where it gets trickier. Which Aman resort would be best for this? Again, I will be booking a pool villa. Alternatively, would anyone prefer the Chedi Club Legion Villa's over an Aman? Or any alternative to both of those?

Thanks again for all the assistance.

Not familiar with either of those properties per se.

I've had the fortune to visit Bali 4 times in the last 5 years.

I think the best part about Bali is the private pool villa - which it seems you have booked already. You can do this through a hotel (Legian - expensive) or through independents (cheaper). I'd budget $350 USD - $400 per night for a really swank one at independents. Of note, the UV rays, sun and rain are harsh. The ones that were hot in 2009 are likely weathered. I wouldn't rely on old reviews since the weather can play havoc on outdoor furniture.

I personally prefer staying in Seminyak. There are fabulous restaurants there if you are a foodie like me, the tourist community is vibrant and there is lots to see there - especially sunsets.

Ubud is worth seeing once, but I tend to visit over a 1-2 day visit. Get some reservations at Mozaic restaurant. An outstanding value if you are a foodie and one of the most unique dining experiences in the world in the outdoor jungle garden.

Nusa Dua I have not stayed at, because it is the home of western style hotels and artificially perfect beaches - perhaps what Bali aims to be, but isn't all around.

I don't know about you, but I'd rather be on a nice, clean beach than a dirty one like Seminyak's.

What do you mean with Western style hotels? From what I know almost all hotels in Nusa Dua have some sort of Balinese/tropical architecture. On the opposite hand, there is W in Seminyak which has no Balinese character whatsover.

Nusa Dua I have not stayed at, because it is the home of western style hotels and artificially perfect beaches - perhaps what Bali aims to be, but isn't all around.

I agree with wt73's view of Nusa Dua - see my post 7 above. Yes nice beach but not the real Bali in any way. This is from Wikipedia -

"As well as a host of luxury hotels, Nusa Dua is home to the most popular golf course in Bali and the main convention centre on the island.
Nusa Dua understandably gets a lot of bad press amongst travelers as it is so artificial and sanitised. That does not change the fact though that the beaches here are glorious - white sand, deep, long and safe for swimming. The public beach at Geger is the best to head to if you are not staying at Nusa Dua. This is also home to one of the best museums in Bali. The fact that it is nearly always empty is testament that most visitors who stay here in the least Balinese part of the island are, not unsurprisingly, rather disinterested in learning much about Bali.
The Nusa Dua enclave has three manned gates and everyone entering is subject to a security search. This can have a slightly claustrophobic effect, and only contributes further to the impression that you are in an artificial location."

FF if it has to be an Aman the one at Candidasa would be best to get the feel of Bali - the one at Nusa Dua isn't on the beach in any case.

I wonder what visitors' perception of what real Bali is? As far as I know, Bali doesn't have great beaches compared to those in Thailand or Australia. Nusa Dua's stretch of beach is not bad at all, but I feel the pain of entering a 'sanitized' area with security guards checking your vehicles! How awful!

But for readers in this forum I suppose the real Bali is a villa in Amankila :)

After that (or possibly, before that), the plan is to spend 3 days at the beach. Here is where it gets trickier. Which Aman resort would be best for this? Again, I will be booking a pool villa. Alternatively, would anyone prefer the Chedi Club Legion Villa's over an Aman? Or any alternative to both of those?

Thanks again for all the assistance.

Amankila for beach.

Chedi ubud pool villa first then on to amankila

i stayed in a club at the legian and chedi ubud pool villa and paid usd600 and usd400 a night approx. both were amazing especially Legian.

people are talking 800usd a night now?? in which case take the 3 day amankila package which was usd800 (i think) last year

Chedi ubud pool villa first then on to amankila


Based on advice from all the above, I think this is going to be the plan. Now to find this David O to book.

Based on advice from all the above, I think this is going to be the plan. Now to find this David O to book.

Here is David0 and his Bali inspection trip from last year

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1209666-hong-kong-bali-site-inspection-trip.html

Headed to Bali in December. Probably do the Amans again, but two questions.

1) Has anyone rented a large private villa on Bali and have any recommendations for large, very high end properties?

2) What's the weather like? I've been there twice in December. I know it's the rainy season, but my recollection is that the weather was pretty good but with some torrential rains interspersed.

i presume youre aware of this http://www.villabatujimbar.com/about/

"very high end" - rates top out pretty early/low, comparatively speaking

if you only need 1BR, you might try walk up here http://www.mesahotelsandresorts.com/theedge/

there are different hotel options, alila soori's ~10BR is certainly over the top

Headed to Bali in December. Probably do the Amans again, but two questions.

1) Has anyone rented a large private villa on Bali and have any recommendations for large, very high end properties?

2) What's the weather like? I've been there twice in December. I know it's the rainy season, but my recollection is that the weather was pretty good but with some torrential rains interspersed.

1 Have not personally though I have had friends & relatives who have & fine with their experiences . So rather not suggest.. But can PM me if you wishI prefer to be at an Aman .

2 The weather patterns seem have changed so you likely will have mostly sunny days. Just not as ' cool & dry ' as in August

For those of you who are interested - Check out these Villa choices. They are all luxurious and our favorites. All are private and walled-off except the side facing the view. Yes, the choices can be overwhelming. We typically prefer to be within a small to medium size resort with all it's amenities rather than a really small property or private villa.

www.villavajra.com (larger private Villa)
Four Seasons at Jimbaran and Sayan (make sure to get river villa at Sayan - though there may be occasional rafters and bathers - it doesn't bother us as the setting and view and sounds are amazing); Fantastic service; great locations
The Begawan Giri (Como Shambala Retreat) larger villas and amazing property; Very romantic and special
The Aman properties (especially the one outside Ubud)
The Royal Pita Maha (perhaps not as swanky as the others listed, but owned by the local royal family and so more local in flavor; service maybe not quite as polished as the others; dramatic location)
The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah Lovely grounds and surrounding rice fields; good service and value - lots of inclusions; Interiors of Villas not quite as nicely furnished and decorated as some others, but the rest of the package makes up for that.

If you go to Bali, then you must go to the Ubud area regardless of where else you go. It has the most magic. Bali is not really about the beach - though the beach is still nice. Try to stay at both areas to get a feel for the different sides of Bali. Seminyak is a hip and trendy scene with lots of bars, but with a stinky and busy beach (even near the Legian). Though if you are looking for a hip scene, then that is the place to go. Jimabaran is more low-key and the beach is more naturally appealing to us. Ubud and the surrounding areas with it's rice fields and river gorges is just spectacular. Really special, peaceful, and relaxing with nice shopping in the village, great walks and biking, and tasty restaurants. We are staying at the Chedi Club Tanah Gaja and then at the Amanjiwo in Java over the Winter holidays. I have never been to Amanjowo so am really looking forward to that experience. Hope this helps and happy travels!

Totally agree with your final paragraph - Choosy Traveler.

GHM Chedi Club Tanah Gaja
Amankila
GHM Club At The Legian
Amanjiwo

this would make a good 2 week itinerary IMHO

stayed at the two GHMs last year - excellent . Actually preferred GHM Club At The Legian.