just an update. we ended up doing 4 nights at COMO Uma Ubud and 3 nights at Alila Villas Uluwatu. have to say that I really enjoyed the COMO property. small property, but our experience really was topnotch. food was really amazing (i keep thinking about their breakfast nasi goreng -- one of the best I've ever had) and service was all around very good. for the price point, I think it is a great option in Ubud. only downsides were the view (not much of one) and a mediocre spa.

Alila was pleasantly nice. we stayed at a 2 BR cliffside villa with a spectacular view. interior was very well done, outside of our villa definitely showing its age (weeds/walls with paint loss/cracks, rusty AC units, pool looking old). the main buildings though were truly special in the design/overall look and the upkeep was much better than our villa. service was very nice (including a private butler who was a guide/driver/etc). we enjoyed the stay, but I would not go to Uluwatu again given is proximity to no where.

next time would love to revisit the Amans again.

things I learned this trip: I truly do not like the Jimbaran area. Uluwatu is gorgeous but pretty remote. Cultural Bali (ie Ubud region and north/east Bali) is really where the island and its people shine in my opinion. Thumbs up to COMO