Luxury Bali
by Karen Lawson from Yahoo!7

'Luxury Villas in Bali' appears in the top 10 results for a search on luxury holidays...surprised?

Perhaps not, these days a Luxury Holiday doesn't seem complete without your private butler, pool, spa, fabulous location and world class food. So the dilemma for the traveller with so many different options available is almost indecision through choice. How does one decide?

The race is on in Bali at the luxury end of the market. Private villas are being built with bigger pools, higher standards of fittings and bathrooms that have you reaching for the map to find your way back to your bedroom. So based on a budget of USD $400-$500 a night what can you expect for your money? I explored options including private villas, villa complexes and luxury hotel resorts.

Do your homework on its positioning, the villas might look grand but they might be crammed so closely together that you might struggle to see daylight especially in key location spots such as Seminyak which is booming with stylish restaurants and cool night spots. So where does one get the 'Princess' effect of turning into Royalty overnight?

The Kunja | The Samaya | The Legian | The Bale | The Maya

The Kunja
One place that had me reaching for my tiara is pretty much off the Aussie radar, it's the best kept Japanese secret: the Kunja is off the scale. I was taken from a 'WOW' moment to an 'OMG' experience in seconds! Commencing the second the chauffer picks me up from the airport. My professional decorum goes out the window as the Front door opens onto the most enormous villa set around stunning gardens and a ridiculously huge pool. I suddenly feel like a school girl that wants to jump up and down for joy and clap with excitement. Set on the outskirts of busy Seminyak opposite a paddy field, space is the name of the game. Robert the owner describes the place as 'schmick', oh yeah baby, it sure is! Peace & quiet and the most wonderful staff embrace you in their hospitality. Want to go shopping? No problem your chauffer will take you to the best places. Forget trudging to the breakfast buffet...you awake to find your butler quietly humming away in the kitchen. This is the place to beat for seclusion, luxury and service. This place rocks! Its older sister
www.the-dusun.com is about to get a makeover too so check it out.
Princess rating 9/10

The Samaya
But what if you want to be on the beach with access to more facilities via foot, a whopping communal pool with an award winning restaurant and spa? Say no more, enter The Samaya. Recognised as one of the best resorts around, what you trade in seclusion, plot size, you compensate for in facilities. Breakfast is on the beach rather than in your villa and boy does this chef know how to cook. It's the best breakfast I have ever had; it's a shame I feel like I am in a scene from Faulty towers every day with the restaurant staff! Having said that the Samaya is about to go one step better, realising that the 'race is on' has opened its amazing new 'Royal Courtyard Villas' in May recognising the demand for a step up in standards and with an 11m pool who wants to share a skinny dip with a neighbour?
Princess rating 7/10

The Legian
So if bigger is better, then the Legian offers a colonial/Balinese design and all-suite accommodation hotel complex. If you want to blow $3k a night for rock star pad this is the place. It takes me a few minutes to walk from the reception to my room the place is that big! The interior is a bit 'cheap n cheerful' indeed for the money you don't get much and the TV might be from the 70's! But it's designed that way...its all about 'the view' and the sounds of the waves crash rather than lull you to sleep. The complimentary ipod is a great touch. It has a very 'formal feel' and I do leave feeling a bit of a 'number' rather than a treasured royal guest.
Princess rating 6/10

The Bale
Now if its serenity you are craving, head south to the quietness of Nusa Dua, the Bale is a retreat for the soul. So where is everyone? Step into one of the 29 Pavilions and all becomes clear. Intimacy is the name of the game; close the doors and don't come out your 24hr butler is on call. A holistic spa retreat to engage the senses from the food you eat to the array of toiletry options in the bathroom. Glass doors slide back and 3 steps descend you into your private lap pool. If you are a honeymooner or a burnt out executive this is the place. So why is the place so quiet? Answer: no children allowed! Yippee! I rest my case!
Princess rating 8/10

The Maya
No visit to Bali would be complete without a stay in Ubud, the cultural and spiritual heart of the island. Wanting to capture the beauty of nature is an outstanding spa resort. Ubud (The Maya) has won just about every award going. Perched above a river valley amid the forest this place as it all, whether you opt for a hotel room or splash out on river side villa, the stress melts away with seclusion and space. The Balinese grass roof villas are traditional in style and popular with the wildlife too. My gecko in the rafters kept me up till all hours, so there is much to be said for villas which have gone to the expense of a ceiling! The service is impeccable warm, friendly. Unlike many resorts who offer afternoon tea (mostly just a cup of tea and a biccie) - Think the 'The Ritz' style here. Choose a chair and prepare to be pampered! The business centre is well equipped with the best corner office views any exec could wish for. The free activities include a breathtaking guidedwalk around the botanic gardens not to be missed. I regret that I can't even keep a coriander plant alive in my Sydney flat and search our guide for top tips!
Princess rating 9/10

So for a few days a year you can easily turn into a princess overnight, the only problem is that I have been treated so well I am beginning to believe I really am one, now isn't that great to know that Royalty is something that money can buy?

For more information about Bali, click here.