Not a new concept to Bali, "Boutique hotels" have become very popular with the traveler seeking something special and exclusive. Known for providing secluded luxury, a boutique hotel is generally small and intimate with it's own character and ambience. Also known as being at the top end of the market, price wise, in recent times, the more expensive boutique hotels have been joined by a few up market places which are offering something completely different to the five star international chain hotels, but with a smaller price tag than the likes of the Aman group and Four Seasons Resorts.
With it's unusual two storied guest pavilions, the Tanjung-Sari Hotel in Sanur is somewhat of an institution and has long been popular with the "In" crowd. In the early days, Campuhan village in Ubud attracted many expatriate artists including Arie Smit, Antonio Blanco, Rudolph Bonnet, Walter Spies and musician, Colin McPhee. Built on the site of Walter Spies' home, the Campuhan Hotel has been attracting discerning travellers ever since and has just under gone an extensive face lift, which incor­porated a unique spa designed to blend with the environment of Ubud and the Campuan River.
Australian architect, Peter Muller designed the Oberoi Bali in 1972 and what was originally planned as a private residence with five bungalows eventually turned into a 68 room hotel made prac­tically from local materials. In the late 1980's the luxurious Amandari opened in Sayan, Ubud. The completion of the Amandari fulfilled Muller's dream of building a luxury resort by using local craftsmanship and materials. The Aman group, brainchild of Adrian Zecher, continued it's growth when Amanusa opened in Nusa Dua and the Amankila in Candidasa. For golf fans the Amanusa overlooks a world class golf course while the Amankila overlooks the Indian ocean with a private beach club. Next door, the Serai Hotel, set amid a coconut grove features clean crisp lines, striking tropical colours, coconut wood and natural fabrics.
The design of The Four Seasons Resort nestled in Jimbaran Bay is deceiving. Set within beautiful gardens that layout of the property gives the occupants of the 140 pl private villas, the impression of complete seclusion. E@ of the villas features an outdoor plunge pool, outdoor law, in and dining areas, outdoor bathrooms, indoor bat}q room and tastefully outfitted sleeping areas, making this award winning hotel one of the top ten resorts in the world. A spa exclusively for guests is an added attraction.
Four Seasons at Sayan, joined the growing number boutique hotels in Ubud, earlier this year. With only fifth: rooms the hotel's unique design has been quite a discussion topic. Also with a spa exclusively for guests, the hotel is'. nestled amongst rice terraces of Sayan gorge and overlooks the Ayung River.
Further along the road is the Chedi set amongst the rice fields. The restaurant and pool offer spectacular views. lei architectural style is quite modern in a very tranquil setting
A few minutes drive from Ubud, the Waka de Ume has 16 rooms only, where natural products are accentuated such as stone, alang alang grass roofs, homespun fabria and smooth unpainted woods. With no TV's and a meditation room, the Waka de Ume is a place to forget the stresses of the outside world.
The Ibah in Campuhan has ten individually designed villas with Balinese exteriors and luxury interiors. The hotel boasts a beautiful salt water swimming pool, spa and the spacious and well laid out gardens all combine to make a delightfully peaceful setting.
The Pita Maha also situated in Campuhan has twenty four Balinese villas set in traditionally-styled walled com­pounds. The design, based on a Balinese village, was cre­ated by a member of Ubud's royal family who have been hosting guests since the beginning of this century. Overlooking the River Oos, rice terraces and tropical for­est, Pita Maha also features an infinity pool and most of the rooms have private pools.