Andaz Bali by Hyatt Hotel Review
The Walking Critic | Sanur, Bali | 2024
Discoveries are what make my craft all the more exciting, as both a travel writer and expert. Afterall, I’m forever looking for new places to shine a light on. Untapped experiences to share with readers and listeners alike. Hidden corners of the planet, that remain untainted by mass consumerism. If they exist.
For me, the Andaz Bali, by Hyatt was one such unearthing. A brilliant gem, that I was immensely lucky to experience and love, in its full and blissful glory.
Not many hotels have impacted me in such a profound way, as the Andaz did. Until January of this year, 2024, I had never stepped foot in Sanur or its southeastern corner or Bali. I had been too busy pounding the pavements of Seminyak, among many other beachfronts on the western coast.
Yet the word "Sanur" kept popping up with such rapidity, that I was drawn towards it, by other travel foot soliders before me. Without their collective wisdom, I might never have ventured slightly off grid, to visit the sleepier beaches of Sanur. And I certainly would have never looked at the Andaz Bali, by Hyatt.
Finding Sanur is best left to a driver. And why not, when you can sit back in the airconditioned comfort of a clean vehicle, soaking up the sights and sounds. Besides, they know every constricted alley way and shortcut!
We arrived in near darkness, around 7.30pm, having detoured via some pop-up mobile phone office, simply to purchase a local phone chip. It was literally some random hut on the side of a convenience store. To top that off, it was not a short process, even by Australian standards.
Anyway, the moral of the story is that everyone uses WhatsApp in Bali. There is no telephone service! It costs very little and for people, like myself, that needs to talk to locals…all the time…this is a deviation worth doing.
When you eventually pull off the main road, there are no flashing lights and grand entrance announcing the Andaz. May be, it was the darkness that got me, but I felt like my driver had gone rogue for a second. Until, that is, we pulled up in front of this grand Balinese façade.
Goodness knows how bad I smelt, after a fusion of airport grime, mingled with wafts of travel stress and fear. In a matter of nano seconds, I had suddenly been tamed and becalmed, by the new sensation that “I was on holiday”. I was no longer barking orders at my closest ones, or trying to eviscerate luggage from the rear of a taxi. I was somewhere between composure and murder.
And then, like magic, the Balinese angels descended from out of nowhere.
There were no bags to worry about. I was not being foisted through customs like a tourist pig, in an abattoir. No, to the contrary, I had arrived in Bali. I was at my destination: the Andaz!
For the first time since leaving home earlier that day, I felt loved and wanted. Even by my own family! I honestly felt like I was the only person that mattered on earth, despite the dribbles of sweat peeling down my forehead.
The Andaz gives away no secrets, until you climb up those first few steps and stand before the covered entrance, peering into the inner sanctum of a giant courtyard. A whole new realm unfurls before you. A covered colonnade framed with carved wooden panels that frame the outer walls. It is immense. I found myself saying, “Well I didn’t expect that!”
My eyes were lured towards a large pond, in the middle of which stood a dark stone fountain of Ganesh, pouring water in four directions. Even though it was nighttime, a warm light filled the open-air courtyard with a soothing glow. From the far side, I could see a second entrance. Another surprise in waiting.
I walked around the left side of the pond, feeling more at peace with every step. A school of white guppies swam beside me, mouths agape, until my mission ended at the second entrance. I had finally arrived at the inner reception area.
I had not prepared myself for the immensity of open space that greeted me. A giant atrium of classic contemporary Balinese architecture, towering and pointing upwards, towards the heavens. An apt description, considering how one was now on the “Island of the Gods.”
Arrival at the check-in area was not the end of my journey either, or the reveals. I realised that we were merely at the apex or another much larger, inner courtyard. A whole new world was opening up across manicured lawns, to reveal what I’d later discover were the four restaurants of Village Square. A Balinese family temple stood dominant to the centre, in spiritual reverence to its local roots.
I sensed the beating pulse of the hotel was all around me. And I liked it.
As I sat down to hand over my passport, after drudging through airports and two countries, it was so nice to have one’s spirits uplifted and welcomed with a cool drink and cold towel. It is little customary details like these, that let travellers know they are special. Not royalty. But people that matter. It lets you know how “You’re in Bali now!”
I barely noticed the check-in process, because it was fluid and seamless. Before I could even blink, we were strutting across the lawn, weaving our way to the left and behind the restaurants. Seconds later, we were stepping into our very own Lagoon Access room.
The “wow” effect was instant. Whoever designed the Andaz Bali was very, very clever and supremely gifted. Such a wonderful fusion of natural colours, patterns and textures.
The King Bed had a chunky, dark wooden headboard, that was barely noticeable, dissipating behind a collage of busy fabric panels that pop out. Shapes that seemingly pay homage to the rattan weave, reflected in swirls of blues, greys and browns. Each fabric tells its own story through contrasting, entwined patterns. Even the floor and ceiling textures follow divergent woven themes, from the cold, linear thread of the jute floor mat, to the hanging ceiling panels. Even the teapot has a rattan handle. The Asian influence is imbued into everything in the room, from the hanging wall lanterns, to the Balinese sacred gate prints. Even when you step through into the bathroom, darker volcanic colours dominate the space in reverence to the Balinese geology.
The room reflects a careful balance between ancient and modern culture, architecture and nature. It is deeply spiritual and culturally reflective. It is soothing and comforting.
True to its Asian roots, it is harmonious.
"Whoever designed the Andaz Bali was clearly very clever and supremely gifted."
Our Lagoon Access bathroom was another showcase of hotel interior design. It had widely contrasting colours and textures, without ever wandering off its native Bali theme. When you stepped out of the living area, you left the warm and earthy tones of wood and carvings, for a world of grey volcanic stone, such an emblematic feature of Bali's birth and modern existence.
I am often on the run between two places that I never get to run a bath and just soak. Not the case this time! The eliptical white stone bath was too inviting, along with a dose of bubble bath and mandatory glass of wine.
The Andaz Bali holds back on nothing when it comes to creature comforts like coffee (Nespresso machine), tea, cold drinks (mini bar). As one of the top travel experts in the world, and a professional travel writer, I care about what you find in a hotel room, down to the number of USB or USC connector plugs beside the bed and the room desk. As a busy person and executive, I travel with more than your fair share of electrical items that need charging and keep me connected to back home. These matter!
It seemed like everything had been pre-thought and considered, even if it was ultimately never used by a guest. Psychologically, I felt at ease. There were no lurking thoughts, "Did I bring my shampoo?" Everything was "just there". Tissue boxes, room safe, walk-in closet, slippers, loofah, even a bath bomb and bubble bath for kids!
Of course, the piece de resistance lies in its name, “Lagoon Access”.
Stepping through the slide doors and onto your own rear patio, you enter an oasis and private enclave. A few steps later and you are swimming in your own tropical paradise and lagoon pool, which is simply stunning, especially when lit up at night.
This was truly one of the most memorable and beautiful parts of my stay at the Andaz Bali, by Hyatt. Having a lagoon pool...that was mostly all to myself. Sure I used the main pool by the ocean, but nothing quite compared to my late evening dip.
With Bali being such a wonderfully hot and humid country, the lagoon is a private paradise well worth paying for. Shrouded in lush, tropical foliage, the water is an escape from the world, shared by very few other people. In fact, we only ever saw one other couple the entire time wer were there: a semi-retired builder from Queensland and his wife. They travel to Bali each year for about a month each time and have vowed to return to the Andaz from now on. They had never experienced such hospitality and service. And I have to agree!
I have many fond memories from my short stay at the Andaz and unquestionably one of them was the exquisite dining at Village Square.
Village Square has four intertwining restaurants and let me tell you this, no one will be lost for choice. Wok Wok features Indonesian favourites, Blue Oven offers Mediterranean cuisines, Fire Fox is their Asian Steakhouse and Deli & Bakery serves up coffee, tea, dessert choices.
For me, the Village Market breakfast was simply unmatched by any other experience in Bali throughout 2024. And that is saying something, considering how I spent nearly 12 weeks, over three trips, reviewing more than 50 hotels and restaurants! Apart from the usual breakfast heroes, where you can personalise your own style of eggs, I’m well known for venturing off the path. I literally tried everything on the menu and nothing failed. Here are a few of my big hits:
- Seasonal Fruit Plate
- Avocado Mashed with lime & sea salt
- Bakery Basket with mixed pastries and bread
- French Toast with Brioche, grilled pineapple, coconut ice cream, cinnamon
- Andaz Prawn Omlette, sambal, galangal, shallot, lemon basil
- Onsen Egg, avocado, tobiko caviar, brioche, horseradish
- Souflé Pancake, maple syrup, butter, sea salt
- Warmed Banana Bread with Espresso butter
- Steamed Dumplings, mushrooms, cabbage, chili, soy sauce, sesame
- Kimchi Jjigae, stew, pork belly, tofu, spring onion
- Cold Soba Bowl, avocado, cucumber, kale, buckwheat, chili, braised quail egg
- Kwae Teow Goreng, rice noodle, egg, chive, bean sprout, shrimp paste, sambal
I am also a complete coffee geek and aficionado. I cannot start my day without a win and there the Andaz scored every time. I was heaven once more, especially when companioned with amazing fresh juices.
Village Square obviously becomes the main focus at meal times, yet I loved the fact that you could choose to sit in so many locations. I often opted for a more al fresco dining experience, both in front of the main restaurants on the verge of the grass, as well as the more remote rear and side areas. The Andaz is not just a hotel; it is a tropical paradise with stunning gardens. It provides ample nooks and crannies to get away from the world and have some private dining times too.
The main hotel is set back a few hundred metres from the beach and its main pool. Fisherman’s Club is its casual ocean front restaurant that offers an alternate dining experience. Here you can order great lunch fares: pool snacks, sandwiches, burgers, noodles, salads, catch of the day and comforting cold sweets or fruit.
In the evening, the dinner menu ramps up to a heavier emphasis on the “Seafood Bar Pick Me Up”: lobster, prawns, mud crabs, barramundi, grouper, red snapper, yellowfin tuna, sashimi, oysters and more.
The Andaz Bali, by Hyatt was built on a prime position on Karang Beach, though not alone. It’s older sister, the Hyatt Regency Bali, straddles the Andaz to the South. This much-frequented hotel is hugely popular especially for its casual beachside dining. It commands stunning views of the ocean and is the perfect place to kick back in the evening with a cold Bintang and pizza.
Guests at the Andaz can visit the Hyatt and enjoy the swimming pool and gym. However, this does not work in reverse. Andaz remains exclusive to its own paying guests.
I was super lucky to have a Lagoon Access room providing me with a private swimming pool that only a few other Lagoon rooms could use. In fact, I barely saw anyone using it over the few days that I stayed there! Nonetheless, there are three main swimming pools throughout the resort, each providing its own unique vibe. They are open from 7am to 7pm.
Liang is the main oceanfront pool. It is huge, offering an energetic and lively atmosphere, perfect for those seeking fun and activity. The Santhi pool is tucked away in a tranquil setting, provides a peaceful retreat for guests who crave ultimate relaxation. Meanwhile, the tropical-chic Alit pool is a favourite among families, with its playful vibe loved by both kids and parents alike.
If I have one regret, it is that I didn’t make more use of the resort’s free bicycles. And this is a sin, because it is about the best way to explore local Sanur, at a leisurely Bali pace, rutted roads, alleyways and sand included. God only knows what would happen to a flash racing bike!
A decent selection of bikes can be signed up for to the rear of Fisherman’s Club, as you approach the ocean from the main resort area. They have a great selection of “Mountain Bikes”, along with locks and chains.
As far as where to go, that is an open book. I ventured both left and right on the oceanside pathway, as well westward into town. I dodged pedestrians, had a swim, bought a coconut, visited the Griya Santrian and Puri Santrian hotels, ate pizza and pasta at the Hyatt, visited the InterContinental. I even had a pedicure and a massage (highly recommended at UR Spa Sanur). And to crown it all…I ate a Massimo Sanur ice cream (by the way…you haven’t lived in Sanur unless you’ve eaten one of them!).
The Andaz Bali, by Hyatt is really in a league of its own and in my opinion, “the” premier stand-out property in Sanur. It is like staying on a private estate, with all the trappings of sophistication and class to come with it. In its boutique world, even the gardens are mind-bogglingly beautiful, perfectly kept and expertly manicured. It is like every tree and blade of grass was planted with purpose.
The Andaz never loses site of its local roots either. From building materials to furnishings and fabrics, everything draws inspiration from its history and geological birth. The Bali vibe is ever-present from the moment you walk through its gates, until the second you leave. Yet unlike many other hotels in Bali, the design of the Andaz does not feel like a rehash of ancient architecture. It is not sprayed with historical selling points. It stands alone as a property of classic contemporary significance, appealing to traditionalists, as well as the modern whims of today’s more affluent international travellers.
As for dining, the food and dining experiences are nothing short of outstanding. And I don’t say that lightly, considering that I have visited or stayed in well over 50 hotels throughout Bali. May be more.
I love how Village Square offers something for everyone, even at breakfast. I’m a big risk-taker when it comes to trying new foods, and Andaz was no exception. Everyone can eat eggs and bacon every day at home, but when you come to place like Andaz, you really ought to step out of your comfort zone and open your palate to new tastes.
It is always tempting to stay cocooned in a resort.
Don’t!
Take one of the free bikes or walk north alpong the coastal path. See the other hotel properties and villas. Buy a fresh coconut. Walk to the end of the pier. Have a beer at one of the swim-up bars like at the Griya Santrian. Or may be head south. Locals and tourists are like institutions, idling away time at the many cafes. If you take a right up one of the many side streets, heading inland, you’ll quickly reach the shopping strip. This is known for its spas and the iconic destination ice cream venue like Massimo Sanur.
I ate a few times at the neighbouring ocean front Italian Pizzeria at the Hyatt Regency Bali. This had a really chilled-out, ocean front view, great food and family-friendly atmosphere. Live music was often playing and if you simply wanted to do some casual people-watching, this was the place to hang out. The broad walk was a constant buzz of activity and evening strolls.
This is one hotel for which you should not skimp on the budget. The extra payment for a lagoon access room or villa is worth every penny.
For more information on the Andaz Bali by Hyatt Hotel Review or to make an actual booking enquiry, contact Bali experts BlueSun Travel on 1300 799 758 or holidays@bluesuntravel.com.
