Bali

[claassenam]

I'm posting this both here and on the worldwide board - still hunting for that perfect trip for August! I've been perusing the LL offerings (I'd love to do this LL all the way) and there seem to be several Bali resorts that seem to have all the luxury and interest we desire at very good prices. The ones right now are the Viceroy Bali, the Kupu Kupu Barong, and the Hotel Tugu Bali, all of which are in Ubud which sounds like a delightful little town. Each resort seems to have its own distinct style and charm, and all seem pretty amazing.

Has anyone stayed at these or any other Luxury Link resort in Bali that can give some recommendations? Also, and this is important, can my husband surf in that area? I'm not necessarily looking for a resort right at a surf break or on the beach but if there is some day trip access to surfing that would make or break the deal for him!

[cruisinred]

Hi claassenam



I've been to Bali before and have been checking out the LL offerings for a possible return trip next year. The new Viceroy in Bali is my pick of the LL offerings in Ubud. I think the villa pools look bigger and nicer than at KKB. The Viceroy is right on the edge of the same Agung river valley where famous (much more expensive) hotels like the Aman and the 4Seasons Sayan are located.



Also, do note that the Tugu hotel is not in Ubud, but rather right on the beach in Canggu (sp?)....which is a quiet area a bit north of the surfing beaches like Kuta. I love the antique look of the Tugu hotel....I know people who have stayed there and they were very pleased with the intimate, authentic feel of the place. I think a combination of the Tugu hotel at the beach and the Viceroy in Ubud would be a great Bali trip.



Cruisinred

[claassenam]

Thanks, Cruisinred! I agree, the Viceroy looks pretty fabulous. It didn't really dawn on me to combine two hotels but at these current prices that would be great value. What do you think about the surfing situation? How hard would it be to get to Kuta or I suppose the closest surfable beach break? Also, I've had friends go in August and enjoy it but do you think that is a good time of the year to go?

[cruisinred]

August is very good weather wise, but it is also high season/a popular time to go...lots of Europeans take their summer holiday there. So, if you do decide to go, I'd start making arrangments sooner rather than later.




Canggu, were the Hotel Tugu is located, is about a 15 minute drive north from the Kuta/Seminyak area for surfing and about 30 minutes north of the famous surf break at Uluwatu, which is located at the far southern part of the island, near the airport. Here is a picture of the surf beach at Uluwatu:









All that being said, your husband might be happy with the waves right at the Tugu hotel beach. I was just reading a trip report about the Tugu on the Fodor's asia travel board. Here is a link to the report and a photo of the beach there (note the black volcanic sand): http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...7&tid=34957173







Message Edited by jhart_ll on 05-01-2007 01:23 PM

[jashermd]

Hello,

I haven't been to Bali but was surfing through the Asia offerings when I came across what looks like a great Amanresorts package -- 7 nights at your choice of Aman properties in Bali for $5600.

http://www.luxurylink.com/fixedprice....php?id=162989

I'm not sure how this compares to your other options but it sounds pretty good to me!

Cheers,
Julian
Message Edited by jashermd on 03-04-200712:53 PM

[claassenam]

Thanks Jasher - I did see that package which looks fabulous (and, I believe is pretty well priced for the Aman resorts) but just too much $$ for us for 7 nights when the other packages are priced so much better. I think for those prices we'd rather start looking back at our southeast asia plans or even maybe the South Africa/Botswana trip....but we'll have to see how the budget looks in a few weeks!

[claassenam]

And Cruisinred, thanks for all of this great information. It sounds like my husband would be able to surf, maybe not every day but hopefully this would be enough.

[kyshel]

Hi, y'all--I wanted to get in a few words.
I just spoke with a couple [thru tripadvisor.com] who recently returned from Kupu Barong [on LL pkg--small world!!]. They were extremely helpful and so complimentary of the resort.

I am still planning our first trip to Bali. KKB is still my first choice for all the amenities/bonuses included--just the type of place that appeals to us! I have really enjoyed getting prompt emails ftom the resort regarding seasons, availability, etc. I don't believe I would be disappointed by any of the other properties in the Ubud area, tho.

I've gotten some great advice her--thank you all.

I wanted to add, that even it doesn't look overly "luxurious", the Blue Moon Villas in Amed on the NW coast(3 hrs from DPS city/airport) looks so inviting. I played with going to the major beach resort areas in the south and I still like the idea of going there. It's really small but on a beach and looks like the "real" side of Bali. We may do the popular beach resorts once we get plans going, but I think Blue Moon is worth investigating.

[bjlochrie]

My husband and just got back from Bali and Sulawesi yesterday. The first four days of our trip was a package that we bought through LL - The Viceroy Bali. I have been privileged to stay in some very nice hotels but the Viceroy Bali is now very close to the top of my list. Our room was beautiful with our own pool and a herd of elephants carved out of the rock in front of our livingroom. The staff were very friendly and attentive to anything we could possibly need. The Viceroy has a new chef from Belgium and he is fantastic, their menu is fantastic but if you want something that is not on the menu, he will get to the market and have it on your table at dinner.

We spent a bit of time at the spa which was also beautiful and the treatments were terrific.

I have only been back 24 hours but I look forward to our next visit, the country is beautiful and so are the people and the Viceroy Bali was the icing on the cake.

Barb

[bjlochrie]

I have just written a review of the Viceroy Bali but I also wanted to reply to you. We just returned yesterday from Bali and Sulawesi. We stayed at the Viceroy Bali and I just can't say enough about what a great property it is. It is quiet and secluded and on the side of a river valley. Our room was one of the nicest I have ever been in - their attention to detail is impeccable. The food is fabulous and the chef will cook anything you reqest. If you request them to pick you up at the airport the will expedite you through immigration which can take 2 -3 hours. We were out on the street within 10 minutes.

Obviously, there is no surfing there but there is lots of great surfing. On our last night, we stayed at the Four Seasons, Jimbaran Bay and there were lots of surfers. I am sure there are more at Kuta.

Have a wonderful time wherever you decide, the Balinese people are fantastic, they seem to be really happy that you are there and the religion ( which permeates their whole lives) is very interesting. It is a great place to go - I can't wait to go back.

FYI - if you are looking for flights and are flying from the US, Singapore Airlines direct from LAX or Newark to Singapore and then to Bali is without a doubt the best, fastest way to get there.

Barb