For our trip this November to Bali we have decided on Kayumanis Ubud as our first choice. There seem to be some newer units just finished? Does anyone know the difference between a deluxe private pool villa and regular private pool villa. Is it location/views or size or the new units vs. older ones? The price difference is about $100/night. Want to make sure there is some additional value for the money. Thanks.

scfphoto, My understanding is that some villas have views and some don't, and I would guess that that's the reason for the price differential. The view is pretty spectacular but whether it's worth $100 to have it 24/7 is a personal decision.

If the difference is due to pool or no pool, then that's a little more complicated as the resort doesn't have a shared pool on site. So, again, if a pool is important to you be sure to ask about it. For what it's worth, their website indicates that all villas have pools, which may or may not be updated.

The last time I visited -- which was about a year+ ago -- they were in the process of building the additional villas. It appeared that the new development would be much the same as the existing property. The design is very refined and elegant, overall ambience serene and intimate.

I'd like to stress that although I've visited Kayumanis several times and have eaten at their restaurant I've never actually stayed there.

All villas have pools, but when they built the new villas they also put in a new bar, a shared pool and dedicated spa villas. All these facilities are closer to the river and reached via a bridge over the smaller river. Not sure but I think only the most expensive rooms have views. the best view is from the restaurant anyway. I believe all the Private villas and the deluxe private villas do not have any views. The difference is basically size and design. the deluxe villas are a lot more spacious and they have a more modern design. I stayed at both and I liked the new villas a lot more but that is a personal choice. One could argue that the older villas look a bit dated. The best thing about Kayumanis is the outstanding service, which is the best I ever had except for Amans and the restaurant with superb food and very moderate prices.

Thanks. We stayed at Puri Wulandari our last visit to Ubud and our villa had great views of river valley and the big mtn. in the distance. PW seems to have slid according to TA reports and we wanted to try someplace new. We were hoping to find a villa that would at least have river valley views. The Royal Pita Maha
seems to fit the view part but Kayumanis seems to have better service and food. Also, does the limo service at Kayumanis run on a schedule or whenever you need it. Any input on which is better choice? I know we are splitting hairs, but want to get it right. Thanks.

sue---why not address these questions directly to the hotel so you get 100% correct answers...

Not to confuse your decision, but you might also want to check out the Viceroy if great views and great food are priorities. Haven't stayed there myself, but have often been tempted by the attractive package deals available on the luxurylink.com website.

http://www.luxurylink.com/luxury-hot...bali?clid=2430

We have emailed directly and they just send excerpts from their website. Just want to get some first hand knowledge from other sources. Thanks.

At Kayumanis they drive you anywhere anytime if you give them 10 min notice. You won't get the views from the 1BR villas at kayumanis, other than that it is in a different league than Royal Pita Maha or Viceroy. I stayed at the Viceroy 2 years ago and it is nice, the view is ok, though different river, but the overall experience is nowhere near Kayumanis, it could be great if they knew how to manage a hotel, RPM is much bigger, 70 villas, so it is not as private, I don't like the villas but the views are nice.

Thanks opxzaw, Kayumanis it is. We will go for a deluxe villa if we can get them to negotiate on a longer stay deal. We will ask for a view if possible. If brusselschap comes back with a bad report we can always change. Thanks for all the help.

Opxzaw,

you have been at both Chedi Club AND Kayumanis. Which would you recommend? Are they comparable (other than the location)? Is one betten than the other?

thanks
bc