Originally Posted by
e-aviation
After going through countless threads, and prices of hotels, I have narrowed my choices down to these 3 hotels (looking at our budget - it's already been stretched considerably)
St. Regis 2 Bedroom Lagoon Villa
W Hotel 2 bedroom Pool Villa
Bulgari 2 Bedroom Villa,
From those three, if you are looking for a luxurious and relaxing holiday where would you stay? I think most of the time will be spent in the hotel, and we would love some great views.
I feel a little bit bad saying this, because we got moved/upgraded to the St. Regis from the W on a recent trip--and booked those 2 nights on points to boot--but I wasnt that impressed. For reference we stayed at Amanusa, Amanwana, and Amankila on that same trip. The St. Regis came off as a very big resort hotel that was just a little soulless. The rooms were nice (and admittedly, we only had an ocean view room, not one of the villas which are probably much nicer being situated on the lagoon pool). The service was OK to very good--but not as good as the service at the new St. Regis in Bangkok, not by a long shot. The food was good to very good, but not stellar. The beach is OK at best (and that would be a stretch if you are used to the beaches in Hawaii or Florida). Overall it was the only place we stayed where we wouldn't return, and had we been paying, I am not sure I would have thought it was good value.
On the other hand, both Amankila and Amanwana were very good value and absolutely stellar properties--although very different from each other and very different from the St. Regis--and we would go back any time without any hesitation at all.
Based on your list, I would add Amankila to your places to consider. I don't think they are any more expensive than Bulgari, but don't quote me on that. It is truly an exceptional property with exceptional service (even by Aman standards). The only downside is that it is quite a ways from Seminyak/Nusa Dua so there are not a lot of off-property dining alternatives.