Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, a Michelin Key One-Keys property, consistently receives high praise for its breathtaking natural setting, unique architecture, and exceptional service, offering guests a luxurious and serene escape in the heart of Bali's jungle.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "exceptional," "beautiful," and a "truly magical" and "peaceful" retreat. It's often considered one of the best luxury resorts in Bali, with an overall "wonderful" rating on review platforms. Many guests highlight the resort's ability to immerse them in nature while providing unparalleled comfort and hospitality.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are consistently captivated by several standout features:

• Location & Design: The resort's dramatic entrance across a suspension bridge to a rooftop lotus pond, which conceals the lobby below, is frequently lauded as spectacular and unique. The architecture, which resembles a rice bowl, seamlessly blends modern design with traditional Balinese elements and local materials. Its setting along the Ayung River, surrounded by lush jungle and rice paddies, provides incredible, tranquil views.
• Service Excellence: The impeccable and intuitive service from the staff is a recurring highlight, making guests feel welcomed and special.
• Wellness & Activities: The resort is a hub for wellness, offering a renowned spa, yoga classes (including AntiGravity Yoga), and other rejuvenating amenities like a sauna and hot tub. Unique activities such as white-water rafting on the Ayung River, cooking classes, and the "Rice Farmer for a Day" experience are also popular.
• Private Pools: Many villas come with private plunge pools, offering an exclusive and secluded experience.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations, comprising 18 suites in the main building and 42 standalone villas, are described as beautiful, spacious, and luxurious.

• Design & Comfort: Rooms feature a blend of traditional Indonesian design with modern touches, often incorporating intricately carved wood, local fabrics, and mother-of-pearl tiles. Beds are generally very comfortable, though some guests have noted issues with pillow comfort, finding them either too soft or too firm.
• Bathrooms: Bathrooms are often described as spacious and luxurious, featuring "his and her" sinks, generous soaking tubs (some with river views), and both indoor and outdoor showers.
• Villas: Villas offer exceptional privacy with expansive outdoor decks, shaded meditation areas, and private plunge pools, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the jungle sounds and river views. Suites, particularly the Family Suites, are well-appointed and offer ample living space, ideal for families.

4. Dining Experience

The resort offers a notable dining program with several options:

• Ayung Terrace: This restaurant, serving Indonesian cuisine, is the primary spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is an extensive à la carte affair with a wide selection of dishes, fresh fruits, and juices. A Sattvic menu, focusing on healthy, low-fat, high-fiber vegetarian dishes, is also available, showcasing Chef Suta's commitment to authentic Indonesian flavors with a wellness twist.
• Riverside: Located by the pool, Riverside offers European dishes for lunch and dinner, including pasta, seafood, and grilled meats.
• Jati Bar: Situated above Ayung Terrace, Jati Bar provides a range of drinks and light snacks, often accompanied by live music and offering panoramic valley views.
• Sokasi (Chef's Table): The Chef's Table at Sokasi is highly recommended for an intimate, seven-course Balinese meal where chefs explain the origin of forgotten recipes, including a traditional suckling pig cooked on a spit.
• Room Service: In-room dining is also available, with kid-friendly menus offered at all dining venues.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is consistently highlighted as a major strength. Guests describe the staff as "absolutely lovely," "memorable," "very friendly," and "professional." The team is praised for being warm, intuitive, and making guests feel not only welcome but "rather special." Many reviews emphasize the staff's attentiveness and their ability to anticipate guests' needs, which is a hallmark of the Four Seasons brand.

6. Location & Accessibility

The resort is located in the serene highlands of Sayan, approximately a 15-minute drive from the bustling center of Ubud. It is nestled within the lush Ayung River Valley, adjacent to working rice paddy fields and traditional Balinese villages.

• Transport: The resort provides a complimentary daily shuttle service to and from Ubud at various times. Taxis can also be easily and inexpensively booked using apps like Grab. Ngurah Rai International Airport is about a 1.5-hour drive away, depending on traffic.
• On-site Accessibility: While the location is incredible, the extensive resort grounds are built into a hillside and feature many steep paths and stairs, particularly in the multi-level main pavilion and some villas. A 24/7 buggy service is available to transport guests around the property, but those with mobility challenges should inquire about specific room accessibility.

7. Value & Pricing

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is a luxury property, and its pricing reflects that. Nightly rates typically start from around $873, with average prices reaching up to $1367 per room. Prices can vary significantly based on the season, with May often being the cheapest month and February the most expensive. Despite the high cost, many guests consider the value to be "exceptional" compared to other Four Seasons resorts globally, especially for larger accommodations like the Family Suites which offer significant space at a relatively lower price point. The inclusion of complimentary breakfasts and other thoughtful amenities further enhances the perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring minor issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Pillow Comfort: A specific complaint from several guests concerns the pillows, which some found either too soft or too firm.
• Dining Repetitiveness: For stays longer than three nights, some guests found the dining options at the resort's restaurants could become a bit repetitive, recommending exploring outside dining in Ubud.
• Aging Facilities: While well-maintained, some guests have observed that parts of the villas are starting to show their age, with mentions of dated walls, art casings needing touch-ups, and minor cracks in bathroom fixtures.
• Stairs and Accessibility: The hillside location, with its numerous stairs and steep paths, can be a challenge for guests with mobility issues, even with the available buggy service.
• Main Pool Sunbeds: The main pool area is noted to be quite small with a limited number of sunbeds, though this is less of an issue for guests staying in villas with private pools.

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