In Reply to: Bali Spirit Hotel posted by VicAus on Friday, 8. May 2009 at 13:15 Bali Time:
I couldn't remember exactly how long it took us to walk to the bottom of Jalan Monkey Forest, so I just measured it on Google earth. Its 1 1/2 kms of flat, tarred road through a pristine village, passing a couple of restaurants, a wood carver and about 12 shops, then skirting the monkey forest (you get to see the little devils).
The lobby overlooks the jungle canopy that covers the ravine. The hotel cascades down the riverside which makes way for vast, interesting and BEAUTIFUL gardens. I've stayed in the river villa and the Legong room. They both have great views and are spacious. The icing on the cake is the plentiful authentic hard and soft furnishings, art and woodcarvings throughout the rooms and the rest of the hotel. Its Balinese owned and it shows.
Breakfast is in seperate bales down by the river (where the locals wash in the afternoon and discretion is asked for). There is a small pool with a swim up bar, that will be manned if you want it.
The downside is the steps (73 to the villa), having to walk or get a shuttle if you want to get into Ubud, and the mosquitoes around the pool. But how else do you get views, views, views next to a river, away from the crowds.
I've also stayed at the Tjampuhan but prefer this place as its smaller, less crowded, more traditional and the gardens are nicer. However the Tjampuhan is better postioned for shops and restaurants.