last minute Christmas trip to Bali- hotel advice please.
Dec 4th, 2011, 12:41 PM
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last minute Christmas trip to Bali- hotel advice please.
After snagging amazing biz class flights from London to Singapore just before Christmas, we have ( I think) settled on Bali for a few days (5)over Christmas.
It's been about 9 years since I have been to Bali and we stayed just outside Kuta so wouldn't want to go back there.
I would like somewhere that feels like I am in Bali but is within walking distance to a village with some restaurants/ shops etc. bob (RHKK) thinks Ubud is a good bet ( and i do love the sound of it) and I am also looking at Sanur etc... Availability ( and affordability) as it's the busy season is probably an issue. D really fancies the club rooms at the Intercontinental in Jimbaran but I'm not sure about Jimberan, any advice?
I guess my max budget is $450 ish per night ( although ideally I would want to spend less but I am being realistic about peak prices.)
I also LOVE the look of the hanging gardens but think it looks a bit too remote?
Sorry, I am rambling but I think I need to nail this in the next couple of days.
Advice much appreciated.
It's been about 9 years since I have been to Bali and we stayed just outside Kuta so wouldn't want to go back there.
I would like somewhere that feels like I am in Bali but is within walking distance to a village with some restaurants/ shops etc. bob (RHKK) thinks Ubud is a good bet ( and i do love the sound of it) and I am also looking at Sanur etc... Availability ( and affordability) as it's the busy season is probably an issue. D really fancies the club rooms at the Intercontinental in Jimbaran but I'm not sure about Jimberan, any advice?
I guess my max budget is $450 ish per night ( although ideally I would want to spend less but I am being realistic about peak prices.)
I also LOVE the look of the hanging gardens but think it looks a bit too remote?
Sorry, I am rambling but I think I need to nail this in the next couple of days.
Advice much appreciated.
Dec 4th, 2011, 02:32 PM
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With that budget, you should be able to stay pretty much anywhere you like.
Ubud and Sanur are both great choices. I don't care for Jimbaran all that much because it is too close to the airport - can pretty much see the runway from the beach. Sanur isn't far from the airport, but it is on the opposite shore, so there is some distance.
I personally would go with a smaller locally-owned hotel than an international chain like the Intercontinental to feel like you are in Bali.
Ubud and Sanur are both great choices. I don't care for Jimbaran all that much because it is too close to the airport - can pretty much see the runway from the beach. Sanur isn't far from the airport, but it is on the opposite shore, so there is some distance.
I personally would go with a smaller locally-owned hotel than an international chain like the Intercontinental to feel like you are in Bali.
Dec 4th, 2011, 03:46 PM
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Ubud definitely!
One of the most beautiful room or suite that we have ever stayed in is the owner's suite(master bedroom suite) at the Wanakasa residence. Everything was beautiful including the fantastic views - http://begawan-giri.com/wanakasa.htm
Before the take over by the Como group you could call up the resort and negotiate the price. Now a days I'm not sure if you can do this. The only bad thing about this resort is that it's a bit far from Ubud town so only car transportation.
Christmas might be hottish in Bali but Ubud is usually cooler than areas around the coast.
What airline Nicky - middle eastern?
One of the most beautiful room or suite that we have ever stayed in is the owner's suite(master bedroom suite) at the Wanakasa residence. Everything was beautiful including the fantastic views - http://begawan-giri.com/wanakasa.htm
Before the take over by the Como group you could call up the resort and negotiate the price. Now a days I'm not sure if you can do this. The only bad thing about this resort is that it's a bit far from Ubud town so only car transportation.
Christmas might be hottish in Bali but Ubud is usually cooler than areas around the coast.
What airline Nicky - middle eastern?
Dec 4th, 2011, 05:46 PM
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Smeagol, I'd go with three days in Ubud and two at the beach.
First, rates WILL be excessively high over Christmas and it appears that Bali is heavily booked this year. Remember that all resorts in Indonesia add 21% service and tax so $450 becomes $550 real fast. You might be able to cost average -- pay more at the beach, less in Ubud.
In Ubud, you can choose between a place that's right in town (or close enough to walk) or outside of town. Personally, I prefer outside. The atmosphere along the river valleys is magical. I'd look at the Alila, Kupu Kupu Barong and Alam Sari. Alila would be my first choice for lovely setting and an all-service resort. In Ubud town I like Uma Ubud.
Como Shambhala is spectacular, but very very pricy. I haven't stayed at Hanging Gardens, but I've visited. It's a bit more remote (maybe 40 minutes to town) and very vertical. Beautiful views, though.
South Bali is experiencing severe traffic congestion which is sure to be at its worst at Christmas, so whatever beach you choose, plan on staying there. For that reason I prefer Seminyak -- nice big wave, sunset beach and lots of choices in restaurants, spas, clubs, shops. Right on the beach, I'd look at the Seminyak Resort and the Grand Seminyak. Off the beach but convenient and charming, I'd highly recommend The Colony.
I'm not much of a fan of Jimbaran. Good swimming beach, not so good for walking. Many people like the beach barbeques (not me). The Intercontinental does have lovely gardens though. Same for the Hyatt in Sanur. Older property, but beautiful garden setting and a nice swimming beach (sunrise).
First, rates WILL be excessively high over Christmas and it appears that Bali is heavily booked this year. Remember that all resorts in Indonesia add 21% service and tax so $450 becomes $550 real fast. You might be able to cost average -- pay more at the beach, less in Ubud.
In Ubud, you can choose between a place that's right in town (or close enough to walk) or outside of town. Personally, I prefer outside. The atmosphere along the river valleys is magical. I'd look at the Alila, Kupu Kupu Barong and Alam Sari. Alila would be my first choice for lovely setting and an all-service resort. In Ubud town I like Uma Ubud.
Como Shambhala is spectacular, but very very pricy. I haven't stayed at Hanging Gardens, but I've visited. It's a bit more remote (maybe 40 minutes to town) and very vertical. Beautiful views, though.
South Bali is experiencing severe traffic congestion which is sure to be at its worst at Christmas, so whatever beach you choose, plan on staying there. For that reason I prefer Seminyak -- nice big wave, sunset beach and lots of choices in restaurants, spas, clubs, shops. Right on the beach, I'd look at the Seminyak Resort and the Grand Seminyak. Off the beach but convenient and charming, I'd highly recommend The Colony.
I'm not much of a fan of Jimbaran. Good swimming beach, not so good for walking. Many people like the beach barbeques (not me). The Intercontinental does have lovely gardens though. Same for the Hyatt in Sanur. Older property, but beautiful garden setting and a nice swimming beach (sunrise).
Dec 4th, 2011, 09:18 PM
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We are going back for our second trip in January. Stayed outside of Ubud at a hotel with a shuttle to town -- worked perfectly well the last time. Easy enough to get a taxi back out the night we went in for dance performances at the Palace.
All things being equal, if I had to pay full price for rooms I would probably stay in Seminyak for things to do other than the beach. Sunset is magical on the west facing beaches (like Seminyak) -- Sanur faces east.
All things being equal, if I had to pay full price for rooms I would probably stay in Seminyak for things to do other than the beach. Sunset is magical on the west facing beaches (like Seminyak) -- Sanur faces east.
Dec 4th, 2011, 09:41 PM
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Thanks everyone, will have a look and let you know. The are lots of full places so availability is also a bit of an issue. I like the look of tha Alilal but D wasn't so sure. I don't think we will split the time but will look to concentrate on Ubud. I may come back with some more Questions. I'm sure I have asked before but will it be really rainy or can I expect some sunbathing weather?
Dec 4th, 2011, 10:54 PM
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Alila's architecture gets mixed reviews. I like it because it combines both traditional and modern elements in a resort (versus villa) layout. The public areas -- the pool, restaurant, ground -- are beautiful and serene. The regular rooms are smallish, but well designed and either have a balcony or a veranda overlooking the gorge. The suites, which are really big rooms with wrap around terraces, are wonderful.
Expect some rain with interspersed with ample sun. Or some sun interspersed with ample rain.
Expect some rain with interspersed with ample sun. Or some sun interspersed with ample rain.
Dec 4th, 2011, 11:02 PM
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I have just returned from Bali(my first time) and we stayed in Seminyak and Ubud.
In Seminyak we stayed at the Ulin Villas. these villas are just gorgeous.
They are close to Eat Street and a 10 - 15 minute walk to the beach just outside Ku De Ta.
They have a drop of service in the area if you do not want to walk.
Great breakfasts and afternoon tea.
The area has some really good restaurants and bars.
While I really liked Ubud, If i only had 5 days I would return to Ulin Villas
In Seminyak we stayed at the Ulin Villas. these villas are just gorgeous.
They are close to Eat Street and a 10 - 15 minute walk to the beach just outside Ku De Ta.
They have a drop of service in the area if you do not want to walk.
Great breakfasts and afternoon tea.
The area has some really good restaurants and bars.
While I really liked Ubud, If i only had 5 days I would return to Ulin Villas
Dec 5th, 2011, 01:33 PM
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There are literally hundreds of villas in Seminyak and more coming. I like the Petitengit area best. Here are a couple of websites to peruse:
http://www.laksmanavillas.com/
http://www.seminyakvillas.net/
The Colony is a good choice for a regular (non-villa) resort. Boutiquish, but lovely and well located.
In Ubud I would add Kayumanis and The Samaya.
http://www.laksmanavillas.com/
http://www.seminyakvillas.net/
The Colony is a good choice for a regular (non-villa) resort. Boutiquish, but lovely and well located.
In Ubud I would add Kayumanis and The Samaya.
Dec 5th, 2011, 01:51 PM
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Wow thanks Marmot will check them all out. Love the sound of the colony. Everything I seem to like is full( I guess we are very last minute)
We are now considering Khoa lak too!!!!
We are now considering Khoa lak too!!!!
Dec 5th, 2011, 03:11 PM
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The Legian is still my favorite in Seminyak, but I believe the Christmas rates would be exorbitant. The Colony has lots of charm, but it's very small and bare bones. Good access to everything you need, though.
Dec 7th, 2011, 06:45 AM
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>>>After snagging amazing biz class flights from London to Singapore just before Christmas, we have ( I think) settled on Bali for a few days (5)over Christmas.<<<
Warm holiday greetings Nicky, from a warm and pleasant Singapore evening. Congrats on forthcoming holiday and hope you enjoy flying British Airways. (And one of these days, I'll finally lure you into flying business class on Singapore Airlines out of LHR! Trust me from personal experience, SQ has some fine J-class seats - and service - waiting to fly you from London.)
Now, re Bali, can't resist giving a promo to the Four Seasons properties, particularly Sayan. That particular holiday (albeit a few years back, and in low season) the fine FS management stepped up with comped nights at both places and quite the upgrade to a 'cabana' lodging upon our return to the FS Bangkok hotel. Doubt that specific itinerary is in the cards for your upcoming visit, but perhaps in future for you. (And will add I was a much more frequent Four Seasons business travel guest in BKK and SIN in those days.)
Another potential option for you: do you have a friendly and generous business colleague or client with a villa in Bali?! That happened on one occasion and it was a delight. (As well as flying SQ J, SIN-DPS, naturally.)
(And - completely off topic - will add that a most recent stay at one of your favourite hotels, the Peninsula in beloved Bangkok, was as memorable as ever. I'll have much more to report on that property at a later time.)
Wherever you stay, have fun!
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
Warm holiday greetings Nicky, from a warm and pleasant Singapore evening. Congrats on forthcoming holiday and hope you enjoy flying British Airways. (And one of these days, I'll finally lure you into flying business class on Singapore Airlines out of LHR! Trust me from personal experience, SQ has some fine J-class seats - and service - waiting to fly you from London.)
Now, re Bali, can't resist giving a promo to the Four Seasons properties, particularly Sayan. That particular holiday (albeit a few years back, and in low season) the fine FS management stepped up with comped nights at both places and quite the upgrade to a 'cabana' lodging upon our return to the FS Bangkok hotel. Doubt that specific itinerary is in the cards for your upcoming visit, but perhaps in future for you. (And will add I was a much more frequent Four Seasons business travel guest in BKK and SIN in those days.)
Another potential option for you: do you have a friendly and generous business colleague or client with a villa in Bali?! That happened on one occasion and it was a delight. (As well as flying SQ J, SIN-DPS, naturally.)
(And - completely off topic - will add that a most recent stay at one of your favourite hotels, the Peninsula in beloved Bangkok, was as memorable as ever. I'll have much more to report on that property at a later time.)
Wherever you stay, have fun!
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
