Explat,

I had the absolute opposite experience vs BF. The Ritz far outshined the Four Seasons (Sayan) in service, but I liked the FS accomodations&atmosphere better. The Four Seasons' service bordered on outright arrogance. They nearly came out and said we work at the FS, so we have the best service instead of just providing the service that was expected. The Ritz staff knew our names from day 1 and never stopped, they remembered little preferences, etc. The Four Seasons staff treated us nicely at all times, but it was far more of a conveyor belt approach at the FS.

Now I'll admit that it's definitely not apples-to-apples, but I liked the FS accomodations better. I stayed in a Villa at the FS and a Club room at the Ritz. The atmosphere at the FS was much quieter and subdued and I just liked the jungle better than the beach. My wife and I asked to see the RC Villas and they looked very nice. Everything between the FS and RC villas seemed about equal except two key points; 1.) The RC was more private 2.) The RC had private "bale"-style gazebos for each villa which are outdoor thatched roof pillow beds (very nice feature). If the Villas had Club Access at the Ritz it would be hard to pass up the value of it...but they do not. So it makes it tougher to choose.

It may help to know that while the FS at Sayan gives you very little to do but hang out in your villa (and what's so bad about that?!? ), the Ritz gives you that option as well...but also has a beautiful US style mega-resort to explore. Some people just dont want anything to do with a large resort when they're on Bali. Don't forget about the Amans either.


Hope this helps...
DR