Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa Hotel Review
The Walking Critic | Seminyak, Bali | 2024
The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa shares some seriously prime real estate on the exclusive sands of Bali’s western Petitenget Beach. Its neighbours are of equal greatness among the colossi of The Legian Seminyak, Ku De Ta, The Oberoi Beach Resort, the Alila Seminyak, Desa Potato Head and of course, the W Bali – Seminyak.
And that’s just on the beach!
If you snuffle your way inland, there are candy wrappers a plenty to unwrap, between the narrow winding streets, dotted with upmarket boutiques and mainstream brands. You are literally perched on the rim of one of Bali’s best holiday destinations. Far enough to be exclusive and untouchable, yes close enough to let loose.
The forecourt at the Seminyak Beach Resort is non-descript like so many hotels in Bali, Like an international chocolatier, they save the caramel and yummy bits for the interior.
In this case, a cobbled entrance peels off the main strip on Jl. Kayu Aya and through the security gate of shirted, smiling guards. When we stepped out of our trusty driver’s car, it was all very underwhelming and impersonal, which was not the usual embracive reception I’m use to from hotels in Bali. As our bags were scooped out of the car, I had this bland sense of routine coshing me over the head. I felt more like a number, than a guest.
And this was not peak season.
The lobby also felt dark and clinical. I sensed everyone was acting on rota: name, passport, sign, credit card, room key, STAMP! Next!
I did not like the “ching-ching” feel. But I accepted it. Besides, it was about to change for the better.
It was early afternoon and the hunger and heat was getting the better of us. Since our room was still being made up, I decided to head for the Beach Club Restaurant. Luckily one of the lovely front desk staff escorted us the whole way, which was not exactly a short trek, as you burrow through the inner sanctum of the hotel, past the breakfast buffet area and suddenly into a tropical garden. Palm trees lined the paved walkways, casting deep shadows over the verdant green lawns and lush bushes. There were even a couple of Balinese thatched gazebos, with their clay coronets, offering secluded retreats to laze away the afternoon. A stunning glass chapel took pride of place on the water’s edge. Someone was getting married soon. Rose petals were spread out in a decorative red heart.
It felt like a whole new world, compared to the winding streets and subtle mayhem of Seminyak. Here at last I found peace. As the vast ocean spread before me, I smiled and mused, “This is why you come to Seminyak.”
The Beach Club is on a raised area that is tucked away to the quiet, righthand corner of the property. It is blessed with stunning oceans views for miles. It has its own small swimming pool, giant beige umbrellas, and lime-washed wooden tables and chairs. A scattering of turquoise and white flags flutter in the sea breeze and lend themselves to that beachy, nautical vibe.The staff are dressed like extras on a 1920s movie set, something that totally lends itself to a tropical Hollywood setting like Bali. And when you throw in the beautiful smiling faces of all the guys and girls, you would be hard pushed to fault anything at this restaurant.The menu also suits the beach and poolside mood, offering simple fares that are neither too heavy, nor over the top.
Salads (Caesar, Nicoise, Tomato Mozarella, Chicken Pelah and Orange Couscous) and seafood (Calamari and Prawn) prevail. unabashed by burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, wraps and yes, even hot dogs!
For my part, I opted for something more local, choosing the Indonesian Fried Noodle with chicken, seasonal vegetable, fried egg and sambal for a kick! It was perfect. And I do like my chili!
And not to be outdone, I also sampled the Fish Tacos with salsa and fresh coriander, as well as the Prawn Guacamole with Mexican avocado smash, lemon, cayenne, corn tortilla and giant prawns. Oh….I nearly forgot to mention, the very cold Bintang beer to wash it all down!
The main swimming pool is the piece de resistance for the entire property. It is the crowning centrepiece of the Seminyak Beach Resort, like a keystone to an arch that holds the entire hotel together. It is here, that the great and glamourous flock to sun and fry, with uninterrupted views of the ocean before them. A long stretch of sun loungers and nothing else but nature.
The pool is vast, running parallel to the beach and ocean from a raised bank that is only a metre or so up from the sand. And as such, when you swim in the enclosed shimmering waters, you feel as if it runs into the ocean itself. Like an infinity pool. Until you see the tell-tale sign of bobbing of heads cutting left and right, as they walk the beach below.
The incredulity of such in-your-face magnificence is only a part of the theatre. Like in ancient Rome. A sign of wealth and triumph.
Giant columnal urns rise on plinths from the pool itself. Sometimes they sprout from recessed niches, on top of which frogs pour fountained water from their mouths. On another side, three geese, with outstretched necks, provide the same constant trickle of water.
For those that want to switch off and unwind, this is the place to be. Staff are constantly there, attentive to every need. A full bar flows all day and into the early eve.
My world was about to change when I kind of nudged my way into the suite, all glistening and grubby from travelling sweat, like an eroded, grumpy vagrant.
I had booked an Ocean Suite with Jacuzzi room, not knowing what would unfurl inside. And in truth, I didn’t care. I just wanted to stop….and slow down….and digest my new world, devoid of humidity and noise.
My first impression was one of relief. A long thin room, shrouded in soft, light colours and crinkled curtains. Dark wooden floor ran more like a deck, than a hotel room. Disappointing if you can see “things” left on them or where tradesmen didn’t care.
May be a carpet would have been nice.
But the bathroom was the saving grace. Everything gelled from the natural, soft patina on the tiled floor, to the hanging lanterns and double porcelain sinks. The kimonos, slippers, wooden tissue boxes, towels. The Phalaenopsis orchid, shaving mirror, striated windows towards the ocean and the stunning, black tiled jacuzzi. Even the contrasting marbled wall, with beige and brown toffee lines, ran and pulled your eye towards the ocean beyond.
I use this expression way too much: "It was clever."
Yet it was not perfect. It was leaning more up against the "dated" side, than the "look at me now" side. And I mean the "sell by date". It is about to lose it's gloss and sexy sheen.
More information on the Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa will be added soon, so please hold your horses.
It won't be long!
The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa commands an enviable location that wins on so many fronts: the dichotomy of ocean vistas with privacy and class, versus the abundance of shopping, restaurants and cafés.
Serenity and nature to the west, couture and action to the east. From brilliance to bogan, it is everywhere in Seminyak. The one stable factor is the hotel. You can recline or retreat, or simply venture forth. Your castle will still be there when you come back home, with or without trinkets, designer swimwear or beer!
For more information on the Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa Hotel Review or to make an actual booking enquiry, contact Bali experts BlueSun Travel on 1300 799 758 or email them now on holidays@bluesuntravel.com.
