In Reply to: Four Seasons posted by beebster on Saturday, 9. April 2005 at 20:47 Bali Time:
You are looking in the right place for full service pampering. The Four Seasons Bali experience is incredible.
I've worked and stayed at both properties and will say that I much prefer Jimbaran to Sayan.
The Sayan resort..while being an architect's wet dream is something of a functional nightmare in my opinion. Built into the sige of a deep gorge along the Sayan River, the main building itself consists of, if I remember correctly, appproximately four levels. It has no elevators but lots of stairs, stairs and more stairs. There are two types of accomodations here, suites housed within the main building (two levels and more...stairs) and private villas nestled is an idyllic setting beside the river.The villas also feature private plunge pools in each. You will certainly get your exercise here negotiating the stairs and paths to and from suites, villas, pool, and restaurants.
Jimbaran, on the otherhand offer only villa accomodations. The property is laid out in similar fashion to a ttraditional balinese village, each villa is in fact a private compound, surrounded by privacy walls and containing a building which houses luxurious indoor sleeping and bath, also outdoor bathing in a garden setting. There is also a covered outdoor living area, equally luxurious with full wet bar, entertainment center, dining area all surrounded by magnificent gardens created by the incredibly talented andd cheeky Made Wijaya. Each villa also has a great plunge pool and views towards the airport and Kuta across Jimbaran Bay. The beach fronting the property is very nice, usualy uncrowded and home to a small village fishing fleet with clorfull prahus (outrigger fishing boats). Thosh there are some minore hills, getting around on this property is relatively effortless.
My opinions about Jimbaran vs. Sayan are strictly that...opinions. I've met others who absolutely loved the Sayan Resort, but for me...Jimbaran is perhaps the finest resort I've ever had the pleasure to stay in.