FlyerTalk Forums - Together Once More

Thank you, everyone, for reading and for your kind comments. I apologise for not getting back any earlier, I have been rather absent from FT for a few weeks.

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Originally Posted by camsean (Post 34487661)

Not surprised they didn’t name it the Plataran Kerobokan as that’s the location of the infamous jail!

That's a very good point! I never quite realised that when I was there :p

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Originally Posted by not2017 (Post 34467313)

Thanks for all the pics! It seems that so much of the resorts appear so similar. Considering that 5 star resorts are a dime a dozen in Bali, I personally cannot see why any of these resorts are preferable to any of the international chains. I find mold to be an issue in Bali. While these resorts appear to do good cleaning, many times I find the local hotels have lots of mold and mildew. Especially ones that have bathrooms that are not air conditioned. I have stayed at the Maya, about 7 years ago. Our opinion of the resort was much different than yours. But so much can happen in 5-7 years.

Thanks for reading! I believe that many resorts look very similar because many of the more well-known and established resorts on the island are designed by a handful of mutually-influencing designers that led to the creation of a so-called 'Balinese hotel style' (thatched roofing, warm, cream hues, wooden accents, etc). Being the well-known ones, their style and look were soon imitated by other resorts, regardless local or foreign. A significant number of local hotels run a rather amateurish operation (although there are obvious exceptions), so I could see why international chains could be preferable.

Maya, for instance, has been very highly-regarded in the area, something you've perhaps experienced 7 years ago; although between my two stays (a few months apart), I noticed many inconsistencies and shortfalls. I surely hope that they've made amends to their SOPs now that the island is back and running again, after all, the resort is very beautiful.

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Originally Posted by HAF (Post 34494339)

I would have been very interested to hear your review for Komaneka since we were almost settled to spend a few days at the Komaneka at Keramas - however after considering all options we decided to spend two weeks next month at a private villa in remote west Bali. Your reviews are very informative and getting us ready for coming to Bali soon.

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Originally Posted by not2017 (Post 34467313)

Kinda of interested on the bad aspects of Komaneka Resorts as they have been on our radar for awhile.

I won't go into the details of my stay at Komaneka. My bad experience was my experience, and I really hope it won't happen again. But without going into detail, Komaneka has excellent rooms that I think are very well appointed. The Komanekas at Bisma and Monkey Forest were also very clean, although I couldn't say the same about Rasa Sayang. However, one negative pattern I noticed with Komaneka is how stiff and inflexible the staff were; I got a sense that staff had a very low level of autonomy that really prevents the provision of personalised service—everything felt like an assembly line. In case any incidents were to occur, they will either blame management or reason that they are just an employee and do nothing about it.

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Originally Posted by not2017 (Post 34467313)

The Banyan Tree Buahan seems to be really nice. The rates are about $120 USD per night including breakfast and dinner. That is just outstanding for a new deluxe property. I would be concerned about sleeping with all those bugs, though!

I've visited Banyan Tree Buahan during its final stages of construction. I agree that the place is very nice and is built to a high standard. I'd say that the hotel has more of a novelty factor rather than being a 'base' to explore the island. The location isn't very ideal and is rather out of the way, so I'd think of it more like a short getaway with the novelty of outdoor living. I'd say the Capella has a very similar concept.