In Reply to: 5 star hotels/villas posted by rclarke on Wednesday, 29. June 2005 at 14:07 Bali Time:
Hi rclarke,
The one thing about Bali is you are not going to struggle to find small quality 5 star hotel/villas in all spots on the island.
If you are intending to stay in Ubud for a couple of days I can't recommend highly enough the "Maya Ubud Spa & Resort". Stayed a week in one of their pool villas for our honeymoon. The location has a mystical feel to it with the resort laid out along the ridge line with the spa complex sitting secluded down on the river bed (no kids under 12). The architecture is all natural wood, stone and marble but with a modern twist and the resort has specifically been designed so the staff can move about without being seen by guests giving it a very peacful feel. With most villas having pools and with two other main pools as well you do not feel on top of other quests as well.
Another great touch is free ice water and fresh towels (with a coupon systen) when sitting by the pool and afternoon tea with interesting treats during the day whether you are in your room, common pools or spa area. They somehow seem to find you in the afternoon to deliver the tea and treats?
We also made use of the free bushwalks, yoga and morning trail bike rides as part of the spa health complex.
They also provide a free shuttle to Ubud on the hour (5 minutes) to get out for dinners.
If you are thinking of Seminyak then Alu Bali Villas, which is a small complex of 7 villas just off Petitenget beach is also fantastic. Open air bale for your lounge, dining area and kitchen surrounded by running water with your own pool, indoor bedroom and total outdoor bathroom. Great menu for in room dining but you are also within walking distance to Ku De Ta, Laluciola, Hu'u & Alang Alang (part of The Samaya Resort Seminyak) which are all great restaurants or bars.
Good luck and enjoy your trip.
DST