Smeagol

Visiting K in Singapore in September , had planned to go to Krabi or Siem Reap but looks like its rainy season, so may go to Bali for a long weekend.
Have been to Bali before but open to suggestions on places to stay ( don't really want much more than an hour max transfer)
K and I are looking for a smallish boutique hotel or B & B prefabaly within walking distance to some restaurants/ shops. Ideally it will have a spa on site/ close.
We are trying to keep within a budget so I guess $160 ish per night is what we want to spend.
I like Ubud so that area would be ideal or any suggestions please.
Many thanks

Craig

Hey Nicky - take a look at the Alam group of hotels in Ubud. Jeane and I will be staying at Alam Shanti for a few nights and that stay includes the weekend of September 20-21. It is Bob's favorite and It just so happens that not only will he be there with Karen at the same time, but HT and Linda will be there also!

When are you & K planning to go?

Smeagol

Craig, I had hoped our dates would collide but alas we will be there before you all
I m going to email Alm Shanti and see if they have availability ( I don't think they do) but you never know. A couple of years ago Qunci were fully books dans then had a cancellation so you never know.....
It's either there or Java now...l I fancy seeing Borobudur!

FromDC

It's a lot more than $150 per night but Amanjiwo is one of the 2 or 3 most wonderful place we've ever stayed. They even send someone to save a place for you at the top of Borobudur so that you get to see the sunrise from the best position.

Smeagol

From DC, yep Amanjiwo is a LOT more than $150 so definitley out for this trip.....I absolutely have to keep in( or near my budget) got lots of trips planned this year

Smeagol

I had actually scoped out the Aman the other day ( I have looked at it on and off over the years as I think D and I will go one day. BUT it's currently $ 2300 for 3 nights.... K would kill me if I booked that

FromDC

I think it was about $600 per night when we went in 2005. It was much more than I had ever spent on a hotel but we were never sorry. We balanced it out by staying at a very reasonably priced villa outside Ubud. A great combination.

Smeagol

Sadly not for this trip....l

Smeagol

Anyone know anything about the Alaya which I think is close to Ubud

Craig

Nicky, I checked the location of the Alaya and it is slightly closer to Ubud center than Alam Shanti. It seems to be a notch below the Alam properties in comparison. Alam Shanti has a shuttle for going into town - it is on call all day long. I would guess the other Alam properties do as well.

Too bad you won't be there when we are - it would have been fun...

Smeagol

Craig, yes I am really gutted about that. I have emailed Aalm and see if they have any thing ( fingers crossed!) thank you for checking the Alaya location

kmkrnn

AS has a newish spa too

marmot

September should be slow in Bali so be sure to negotiate the rate anywhere.

In the town of Ubud I like Uma Ubud but I think they may be higher than your target price. Excellent spa offerings.

I'd also look at the Komaneka group, both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

Also outside of Ubud:
Alila Ubud has a very good spa -- and wonderful pool -- but the ambiance is quite different from the small villa style resorts. The rooms are smallish, but nicely designed and the views are extraordinary.

Alam Sari (no connection to the other Alams) is outside of Ubud and a very good value. They have a spa but I haven't tried it. Location is very scenic, food is good and cultural excursions menu is excellent.

If you change your mind and choose the beach, The Colony in Petitenget, Seminyak is a gem. No in-house spa but steps away from BodyWorks the godmother of Bali spas. Near the beach, Petitenget temple, and lots of good restaurants and shops.

Desa Seni is a wellness resort located inland just north of Seminyak. A lovely setting, good food and a full range of spa, wellness, yoga, etc. Not walking distance but a 15 minute taxi to Petitenget/Seminyak.

Smeagol

Marmot, fantastic advice thank you. I'll check them all out.

filmwill

Nicky, I agree. Look at Komaneka Monkey Forest (if you want to be in town) -- their other properties are further outside of town but, with those, it seems the further out you go, the more luxe they get.

Personally, I loved being in Ubud proper just for the convenience of being able to walk around -- but at a hotel like KMF (or even the one we stayed at across the street) ... in a nice villa, you don't feel like you're anywhere near the center of any town but rather swept away in a beautiful countryside vista.

Ubud is one of my favorite places in the world and I'm supremely jealous that you get to go!

crellston

The last time we were in Bali we stayed at http://www.alamsari.com . It is a way out of town but a short taxi ride is a small price to pay for the peace and quiet. Lovely surroundings and close to Keliki village. We took two great days out from the hotel. The first was a downhill bike ride from mount Agung down through the vial legs back yo Ubud and the second was a walk from the hotel through the rice terraces down into Ubud. About 8kms through some spectacular scenery

sartoric

We're currently in Ladera Villa, Jalan Bisma 25, it's about 100 metres from the palace and Ubud market. Cost is about $140 per night. The room is smallish, with outside shower and loo, and a breezeway with sitting area, private plunge pool (freezing) but lovely staff, good included breakfast and in house spa treats about $7 for 1 hour massage. There are 7 rooms I think. Many other spas are in the same street.

sartoric

Might have to take this recommendation back, there's a field next door where the locals are burning rice detritus. The smoke is suffocating...

Smeagol

Billy, which one did you stay t? k rasa sayang has availability it's just over budget, looks lovely.... Did you pay on departure or when you booked? X

Craig

Those Komaneka properties are fabulously located, but you pay about 2x for the privilege...