Up in the cool hill country of Ubud where Bali's true soul resides, the Maya Ubud Resort & Spa is a must-see spot. Stretched out along paddy fields above a river valley, the Maya Ubud is stylish and chic. The Spa at Maya, is some distance away from the main resort. To get there you can walk or hop on a buggy that drops you off at an unobtrusive elevator that takes you down to the river level where this enticing spa is located, halfway down the hillside at the Toya Mampeh spring with attractive standalone villa residences for ultimate indulgence. The Spa at Maya straddles a scenic bend in the river and some treatment rooms with their beaten metal bathtubs are right above the gurgling waters. The steep, wooded valley walls add to a sense of other-worldly enchantment. There is a separate swimming pool here with a spa menu for light meals. At the top end of the rubdown charts is the secluded and alluring COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri. COMO's arrival has revitalised this elegant establishment and there is a fresh buzz about the place. The five spacious "residences" as they are called (housing 21 suites), are spacious, pretty and utterly private. All feature breathtaking pools and a butler.
