Having finished our experience in the north of Bali (Tulamben), we ‘drove’ over some ‘roads’ to reach the city of Ubud. \u00a0Now, I have been creeping on the Four Seasons Sayan<\/a><\/strong> website since we made the booking and I can tell you the property is even better than its pictures or reviews. \u00a0Equal parts tropical and private, the property is perfectly proportioned at 60 keys. \u00a0With a smaller total number of guests (and a very high ratio of staff to guests), the lush property never feels crowded.<\/p>\n

I timed our arrival slightly early to (hopefully) take the most advantage of our room (which, unfortunately, was only 2.5 days). \u00a0On arrival, we informed that although our room wasn’t ready, we had been upgraded. \u00a0It was at this time we also met the first of many of the senior managers. \u00a0This was not in a planned way, simply, these hospitality professionals wanted me to know who they were and personally welcome us to the resort. \u00a0Hungry for lunch, we hopped in a golf cart down to the poolside restaurant. \u00a0As we were finishing our meal, one of the wait staff approached me with a phone. \u00a0Somewhat confused, I answered, and it was one of the managers advising that our room would be delayed another 15 minutes and could he buy the next round of our drinks. \u00a0This, hospitality professionals, is exactly how you do things. \u00a0The call was proactive and really, the drinks unnecessary, but still appreciated.<\/p>\n

As we entered the private one bedroom villa<\/a> and walked outside, I was completely speechless. \u00a0While I’ve been fortunate to stay at some divine properties (the Shangri-La in Boracay, above water villas in the Maldives, along with some truly unique boutique properties in South Africa), I have never been so impressed with a view, room, and experience as at the Four Seasons Sayan. \u00a0As we walked down the path to our super private oasis, we were greeted by our own lily pond at the top of the villa. \u00a0Down a set of stairs, past a small water feature, a set of double doors opened immediately onto a large covered deck. \u00a0Outside, we found a large couch, a covered sun lounge, and a table (with shade). \u00a0We didn’t get the chance to dine outside, but I sincerely wish we had! \u00a0The outdoor space was made even better by excellent lighting, a refreshment area, and an overhead fan.<\/p>\n

The bedroom can be accessed by either a front door (immediately through the front set of doors) or closer to the private pool. \u00a0The large deck area also connects to a private outdoor shower (which, in turn, connects to the bathroom).<\/p>\n

While I can wax poetic and run out of adjectives of how impressed I was with this villa, in this case, I think photos will do far better:<\/p>\n

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