Padma Resort Legian Hotel Review
The Walking Critic | Legian, Bali | 2024
It’s really a no brainer. The Padma Resort Legian is the best family resort in Legian.
No disrespect to its worthy neighbours, it just has everything. And a notch better: space, pools, buffet breakfast, gardens, sculptures, kids area, class of guests, peace and quiet, cultural events.
You just feel at home here. Smiling faces, old and young. Respect. Great rooms.
By being slightly more exclusive and expensive, you don’t get swaths of trailer trash on their third beer by 8am and on their second slab by 2am.
I wouldn’t say it is classy, but people are respectful. Of you and your holiday. The Padma gels.
Nestled within a sprawling 9.6 hectares of lush tropical gardens, this five-star beauty boasts everything from serene water features to jaw-dropping public art. The Padma is like an art lover's paradise bundled together with a stunning green landscape.
Perfectly perched on Legian’s prime beachfront, the resort is right in the heart of the action. You’ll be just a short hop away from the famous sunsets, buzzing nightlife, and enough restaurants and boutique shops to satisfy even the most dedicated foodies and shopaholics. Whether you're into chilling by the pool, sampling some local art, or soaking up the sun with a cocktail in hand, Padma Resort Legian has got your back.
Step inside and you’ll find a mix of stylish, contemporary rooms infused with Balinese charm—because why choose one when you can have both? Oh, and did we mention the world-class facilities, event spaces, and that legendary Balinese hospitality? Prepare for a stay that feels as luxurious as it is welcoming—it's like Bali's version of a warm hug!
The front entrance to the Padma Resort offers an open arrival zone, where cars and taxis can pull up under a covered portico, that is propped up on smooth white columns. It is the perfect protection from the elements and the first time any new guest is greeted by scurrying staff eager to help with bags. A kind of distraction from what will be your first “wow” moment when you step up into the lobby area and the immensity of space everywhere. Centre stage is a giant circular bronze sculpture piece that is framed above by the slatting of Balinese-styled roofing. Rattan furniture adds more credence to the local elegance of the lobby.
On my arrival, the reception area was a hive of activity. People were flowing in every direction, coming and going. Those that were checking out were either sitting quietly and reading or nervously pacing before their luggage. Others like me, were being guided to a couch, awaiting a staff member to process check-in. As I watched the energy and buzz, I could not help chuckling to myself. It was like an exercise in orchestrated psychiatry, where madness was tempered by brilliant staff who could handle the flow without a bead of sweat rolling down their brows. Somehow, they made you feel special in the tsunami of want and need.
The Padma staff were awesome. Mechanical. Calming. Like they had done this before….every day….every hour.
The dark reception area is soothing, when it could be the reverse and ominous. But this is Bali. Dark is good. Heat and sun is not.
My check-in process was so fluid and easy.
If you’re looking for a modern, clean, conveniently located room, then look no further than one of the Deluxe Chalets. Very family friendly too!
In my case, I had opted for a lower-level Deluxe Chalet, which meant that I had no steps to climb and a somewhat private garden view of the main resort and its manicured lawns. Better still, I was only a stone’s throw away from the main lobby and the buffet breakfast dining area. Even the main pool (and beach access) off to my left was a short walk away. I felt as if I had prime positioning, without barely a peep from my nearest neighbours at the resort.
And on that note, without naming and shaming other hotels in the vicinity, the sanctity of ‘peace and quiet’ was a cherished blessing! I had to pinch myself. Padma guests were classier and way more considerate than other guests I had encountered in nearby hotels!
I always love first impressions and like many of my stays, I genuiunely did not know what to expect. But as soon as I prised open the door, I felt as if I was in Scandinavia. Not Ikea. Sweden.
The room was spartan and neutral, honey-brown woods and caramael colours, offset by neural off-white walls and beige fabric. There was no mish-mash of designer furnishings or decorator statement pieces. The room felt purposely functional and adequate. Nothing more and nothing less. Besides, less clutter means less to clean!
I'm a big fan of white linen (the purest form of linen in my opinion), so I smiled when I saw the king bed was basic and unassuming; a white bed cover with a barely discernable chequered pattern; plain white pillows. Even the headboard was a recessed wooden panel filling the whole wall from the bed to ceiling.
I am forensic when I inspect a hotel and may be that's because I'm a professional traveller and reviewer. However, I did notice that there were no USB or USC charging sockets beside the bed.
In my book this is a huge no-no and lifestyle screw up. Sure it takes time to modernise, but if you want to make customers smile, modernise this first. In this day and age everyone travels with a mobile phone or iPad (and more often or not, both). This is the modern way of life. And no guest should have to walk across the room to charge their phone. They rightly want their devices charging beside the bed, for security and safety reasons more so than convenience.
"Padma guests were classier and way more considerate than other guests I had encountered in nearby hotels!"
Going from the very Scandanavian, neutral, minimalist living and bedroom areas to this quite sensual and textured bathroom space, makes you do a sort of double take.
Like Goofy seeing his own image in a mirror!
It is not so much of a "what-the-heck" moment, but more of a "What!?!"
It does not denigrate what is (in my opinion) the most rewarding room in the chalet: the bathroom.
(I used two !! for a reason).
The bathroom colours spin away from the trend of beech wood warmth to cool mosaics with an oyster shell shimmer. Gone are the honey colours. Hello tile and sliced rock beach sediment! This is the real McCoy in bathroom design.
Bali is famous for eliptical bathtubs and you won't be disappointed. But since this bathroom is at the back end of the chalet space, and a wiggle to the left through closets, it is okay but not great.
The Padma Resort Legian has no shortage of dining experiences on-site and of course, with breakfast included in many packages, I got to experience the buffet breakfast the most.
Open daily
Open for breakfast and dinner, DONBIU is a relaxed Balinese-inspired restaurant where guests can enjoy a range of themed buffets with traditional local cuisine and an array of international favourites. Live acoustic or cultural performance take place on Themed Buffet Dinner.
| Breakfast | : | 6.30AM - 10.30AM |
| Lunch | : | Closed |
| Dinner | : | 6.30PM - 9.30PM |
| Themed Dinner | : | available every Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
For more information and reservations, contact dining.legian@padmahotels.com or Whatsapp to +62 811 3821 9512
One of the great things about a large resort is that it comes with the abilty to provide choice.
Nowhere is this more apparent than with the choice of swimming pools throughout the Padma hotel. In fact, there are five distinct swimming pools catering for different age groups and leisure styles.
Open daily, 7AM – 9PM
When you catch your first glimpse of the Main Pool at the Padma, it is definitely a “wow” experience. It is vast, inviting and very blue!
Sun loungers are scattered around the entire circumference, with giant umbrellas providing respite from the sun. As you enter the pool complex from the main hotel direction, you can pick up beach towels too.
Once in the water, the world is your own oyster, whether you want to sit in the shallows and cool off or head to the swim-up bar for a cocktail. The best news is that that Padma uses the latest technology of a Salt-Chlorinated water system, which is such a relief from having blood-shot eyes from too much chlorine. As such, the Main Pool is an oasis of family fun and relaxation that is gentle on the skin, especially for the little ones that have their own dedicated and segregated shallow area.
Served by the Seruni Sunken Pool Bar the pool is buzzing with fun-filled activities and sunseekers. And the merry mood gets merrier by the minute, when they have gladiator-styled pool competitions. It is immense fun watching husbands and wives being legally allowed to club each other off a pole into the pool!
At night, the tropical poolside transforms into a romantic dining space. Even to walk past there is magical.
Adults Pool
Size | : 45m x 25m |
Depth | : 1.45m - 1.75m |
Children’s Pool
Size | : 18.5m x 4m |
Depth | : 60cm |
Open daily, 7AM – 9PM
The Padma Resort has a kid-friendly lagoon-style pool that meanders for a full 104m. It is situated in the Lagoon Block with connecting bridge along its route. The sides are framed with tropical plants like big frangipani trees and palms. Sunbeds and parasols are dotted everywhere, providing the perfect spots to relax and soak up the day.
With an integrated shallow pool and swim-up bar and café, the Lagoon Pool is a great spot to relax with family and friends and bask in the lush tropical surroundings.
Adults Pool
Size | : 104m |
Depth | : 1.45m |
Children’s Pool
Size: | : 64m |
Depth | : 60cm |
Open daily, 9AM – 6PM
You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the Family Pool, because this watering hole is a place the whole family can enjoy. It is conveniently located near the Wolly Kids Club in the Lagoon Block and surrounded by plenty of sun loungers with parasols.
The shallow pool features water slides and water spouts for hours of safe fun. Even the giant black and gold statue creates a huge waterfall for kids to shower under.
Adults Pool
Size | : 127sqm |
Depth | : 40cm |
Children’s Pool
Size: | : 175sqm |
Depth | : 1m |
Open daily, 9AM – 8PM
The Infinity Pool is discretely hidden up and away from the mayhem of the Main Pool and the rest of the resort. It is very definitely a tranquil retreat, that few seem to use, despite it boasting sun loungers, parasols and a swim-up bar. As such, it has a much more exclusive vibe, whilst still providing the perks of bar and poolside service
Please note the Infinity Pool is strictly for guests over 17 years old.
.
Adults Only Pool
Size | : 38.5m x 8.5m |
Depth | : 1.4m |
Open daily, 12pm to 11pm or midnight (see below)
Open to both in-house and non-staying guests, SKAI features its own infinity pool. Overlooking the beach with outdoor seating and comfortable daybeds, it offers the ideal spot to bask in tropical sunshine and enjoy selections from the SKAI Bar & Grill menu.
Skai Pool
Sunday to Thursday | : 12pm to 11pm |
Friday to Saturday | : 12pm to 12am |
Size: | : 75sqm |
Depth | : 1.35m |
For more information and reservations, contact info@skaibarandgrill.com
or WhatsApp to +62 811 3821 9512
The Padma Resort is rightly one of the most sought-after hotels in Legian. It is like a family "country club" in that you feel somewhat exclusive here, without the pomposity of such attachment.
If you are somewhat of an agrophobe and hate confinment, then this is definitely the place for you, because space reigns supreme. Like most hotels, it comes down to one rudimentary decision: what you pay for, dictates where you stay.
From my side, I would cough up a few more shekels, for a bit more peace and solitude. I opted for this approach and privacy when I booked my Deluxe Chalet, even though my ultimate accomodation was actually very basic and spartan. The word "clinical" comes to mind. But you know what, it took me a few weeks (after leaving Bali and returning back home to Australia), before I even realised that I had been staying in such a simple place. I never flinched or blinked once. Because I was so comfortable in that space.
As for food, I can impart this wisdom: after visting well over 100 hotels in Bali in my meagre 25 years, as a travel lover and expert, the Padma Resort Legian has one of the best cultural and Indonesian dining experiences out of all of them. The amount of times that I have smiled nicely, whilst eating the equivalent of a Balinese boot, is in the double digits...and close to 90!
The Padma is not one of them.
I might be more acclimated to eating Balinese food than most travellers, but that's because I go out of my way not to eat Western buffet junk. I geninuely want to experience local magic, everywhere I go. Even my family chuckles at me for "trying things" like I'm some gourmet Bear Grylls! But that is true.
When you throw in the swimming pools, food, amazing staff and location, you'd be hard pushed not to love the Padma, along with the hoards of other happy travellers before you.
For more information on the Padma Resort Legian Hotel Review or to make an actual booking enquiry, contact Bali experts BlueSun Travel on 1300 799 758 or holidays@bluesuntravel.com. For the latest Padma deals, click here.
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