I've stayed at the Lombok Oberoi several times, but it was some time ago, about 10 years I think. It's a luxury property on a nice beach. The villa rooms were lovely, the food was good and the facilities well maintained.

The Bali Oberoi is one of the oldest resorts in Seminyak (it was built before Seminyak was even on the map) and I think it's showing its age. The design of the rooms, pool, restaurant seem dated, though they're well maintained. That said, it has beautiful spacious grounds and a good beach. It's right next to KuDeTa on the same stretch of beach as the Legian and Samaya.

Lombok has some nice beaches and several top-flight resorts, but I think your decision to add it to your Bali trip would depend on how much time you have for both. Whether you fly or take the ferry, getting to Lombok from Bali takes up most of a day.

Depending on your itinerary you may be able to fly directly into or out of Lombok airport.

In early March you may still get some ocean storms which can affect ferry schedules. Having Oberoi arrange the logistics would make it easier but not necessarily faster.

I think I will stick with my original plan....4 nights UBud and 2 nights seminyak. Just need to decide on where in seminyak. I think we will try ritz reserve in Ubud. I'm watching prices in Seminyak!
thanks!!
J

Marmot...just checked rates at Ritz reserve..wow!! pricey. I will look elsewhere.
I will look into your suggestions.
J

also marmot thoughts on Viceroy?

Viceroy is in the same general area as the Four Seasons and Alila. Same river valley, same spectacular views. About 20 minutes drive from Ubud center.

I'm not that wild about the design of the Viceroy -- lots of faux-Bali schlock. They have a fancy European style restaurant that is, to me, a bit over the top (Hey, it's Bali!) but is highly regarded among people who like fancy European style restaurants.

I still like the Valley Villa at the Alila for location, view, design, facilities and value. Followed by a tie between Uma Ubud and Como Shambhala. Kayu Manis and Samaya if you want a small resort with a private pool villa.

Better experience of Bali you get in Ubud. Lost of fantastic places in Ubud, but i cant make any links here :)

Seminyak - just tourist area, if you prefer spend you vacation in swimmingpool all hte time, its seems ok.

All the best,
Slava

We stayed at the Komaneka Bisma for 4 nights before renting a villa in Seminyak. Loved the Komeneka and especially loved this location. Not right on the main streets, so it was super private and lush, but 5 min drive from to town and all that it has to offer. Best of both worlds and I highly recommend it.

I like the Komaneka Bisma too (though I'm not too fond the area around Jl. Bisma). The Koman group not quite on the same level of super luxe as the Four Seasons or Como Shambhala, but it offers good value in a beautiful setting and topflight service. Like the Alila in that sense, though the Komaneka Bisma is in town and the Alila out of town.

You might also look at the Komaneka Tanggayuda which is across the road from the Alila and Viceroy. The river valley isn't quite as spectacular, but it's another good value in a lovely setting.

One thing I've noticed is that people tend to really like whichever resort they choose in Bali. If it's hard to choose, it's because there are so many good choices. :)