Where is the most luxurious place to stay in Ubud, Bali?

Having reviewed many of the top resorts in Bali there is one outstanding resort which sets the standards for others to follow. The Maya Ubud is unique in so many ways it's not hard to see why its won almost every award in its category from Spa of the year award to the Trip Advisors Travellers Choice. However there is sometimes a gap between an award and the experience of staying there. I have to say that the Maya is in a cl of its own. Located just a few minutes outside of Ubud, the long driveway takes you into another world...as you step across the candlelit water entrance and ascend onto a beautiful pavilion you know that this is no ordinary resort. Trust me, the stress literally melts away as the beautifully dressed Balinese staff wrap you up in their warm hospitality and for the duration of your stay any troubles melt away. The Maya blends contemporary design, tradition and luxury into an experience you will never forget. If its a romantic getaway or honeymoon indulge yourself with a spa or garden villa with its Balinese gr roof, with plunge pools,day beds, dvd player and huge bathrooms. Waking up to the morning mist over the river valley and the smell of the forest is as unforgettable. I love the way the Maya embraces its majestic juxtaposition with nature. Every care has been taken to include the visitor to engage with the environment. A team of 35 gardeners attend to 10 hectares with knowledge and care. A 3:1 staff to guest ratio show the attention to service. The botanic gardens are breathtaking. Just one of the free daily activities is a guided nature tour which takes you through a journey which descends many levels to river bed displaying the diversity of the environment. At secluded spots pavilions have been erected for yoga and meditation. If you ever doubted your own spirituality you will find it here. Other daily complimentary activities include yoga to help kick start your 'new me' campaign. Don't get me wrong - they also know how to indulge and excite the senses. With a number of restaurants to choose from you are spoilt for choice. The main restaurant is listed as one of the top 10 fine dining choices in Bali. Sourcing its ingredients from all over the world including meat from Australia and fish from Tasmania, even curing its salmon inhouse. Expect to be impressed from the steaming bread basket to desert. The spa is without doubt one of the best in the world. Its hard to lead in this category but the Maya has the magical combination which many lack...its environment. As you descend in an elevator through to just above the forest floor you step into another world. The spa is set atop the river bed. A private consultation then leads me through a path to a wooden bridge over a black stone water pond to be greated by a private spa pavilion. The doors open onto paradise with views on to the forest. As bats sleep in the tree tops, swallows swoop and dive over the constant hum of the river below. My treatment is dreamlike with soft music simply a backdrop to nature. Even my shower is run in advance not to interrupt my slumber like trance as my pewter bath is filled with frangipani flowers and a fruit plate is placed to compliment the senses... Life is filled with moments. Those you treasure, those you remember fondly and those you sadly know you will not recapture again - Go to the Maya and I guarantee that its one that you can experience and be thankful someone from Yahoo!7 brought you there!