Love it or hate it, Bali’s infamous Kuta Beach is an iconic locale that has inspired countless holiday romances, millions of vacationers seeking sun, sand and surf and numerous controversial documentary series dedicated to exposing the dark side of paradise. Smack bang in the middle of this tropical playground sits The 1o1 Bali Legian, a cool oasis with a unique urban concept finely tuned to woo both leisure and business travellers.
The 1O1 Bali Legian thrives on Kuta’s hustle and bustle, offering affordable yet chic accommodation with its signature Smart Stylish Experience – the three-star hotel’s guiding philosophy encompassing all aspects of hospitality: smart and flexible design, satisfying customer service and smart living.
Strategically located in Legian, undeniably the pumping heart of Kuta, walking distance from the legendary beach, restaurants, shops and other entertainment options, all of the rooms feature smart design and minimalistic interiors, with amenities such as LCD screen TV, energy-saving air-conditioning, hot water showers and free broadband internet access.
The 1O1 Bali Legian has recently completed its extended wing, adding 103 Deluxe Rooms to the existing 198 smartly designed rooms, a new swimming pool, a new restaurant – De Basilico Kitchen & Bar, and an additional rooftop restaurant and bar. The hotel offers a range of facilities, including a meeting room for up to 100, a business corner, a spa, a mini gym, a total of three swimming pools and a convenient basement parking area.
We booked a divine three-hour treatment at The Atma Spa, consisting of an invigorating body scrub, a relaxing massage, a cooling yogurt mask and a relaxing bath, highly recommended before a night out in the crazy town. The spa offers three cozy treatment rooms and traditional Indonesian beauty rituals such as a signature massage, facials, manicures and pedicures.
Dubbed the pioneer of pool parties in Bali, The 1O1 Bali Legian wears the title with pride, flaunting it further by hosting a steady string of pool parties on its popular Rooftop Dine & Music Lounge and Sky Pool, boasting the best urban sunset vistas. Lured by sunset views, barbecue buffets, buy-one-get-one-free special beverage promotions and world-class DJs, partygoers from Down Under flock here to let loose in paradise.
Each year thousands of Year 12 Australian students (‘schoolies’) descend on ”schoolies destinations” to celebrate the end of their school years and enjoy the ultimate summer holiday for three weeks. Some chose to party hard while others prefer a quiet celebration. For many, it marks their first vacation without their family. For approximately two weeks in November, The 1O1 Bali Legian overflows with these youngsters.
One wouldn’t normally expect much of a gastronomic experience in a party-oriented hotel, but The 1O1 Bali Legian’s newly opened De Basilico Kitchen and Bar, serving international fusion cuisine (aptly named after basil, the omnipresent culinary herb in all of the dishes on the menu), has far exceeded our expectations. For one, the location is unbeatable with an al fresco dining area for prime people-watching.
The restaurant exudes a warm, rustic glow despite the modernist wooden interiors. We were seated on the deck, sipping a series of incredibly creative cocktails and mocktails by the restaurant’s talented bartender while taking in the contemporary atmosphere and the buzz of Kuta in the setting sun. Our favourite cocktail, the Basilico Punch, is a giddying concoction of basil, honey, peach, lemon, pineapples, strawberry syrup and rum. Other noteworthy drinks include Passionate Limoncello and Pinamelon Basilic.
Local Executive Chef Gede Ekadana, the man behind De Basilico’s innovative basil-infused menu, exudes the quintessential Balinese charm with his warm eyes, friendly smile and slightly shy demeanour. He is obviously passionate when it comes to food and cooking, having worked extensively at the luxury Sheraton Hotels & Resorts chain across Indonesia. His concept for De Basilico is clear: simple yet luxurious food presented beautifully, using fresh, locally sourced produce. His favourite: the signature pork chop. We tried it, we loved it and we will come back for more.
Over a delectable dining experience at De Basilico, we got to know the amazing people and the dynamic team behind The 1O1 Bali Legian. The summer is endless in this part of the world and The 1O1 Bali Legian certainly doesn’t take itself too seriously. This is what sets them apart from other hotels in the area. Here’s a tip: ask for a shot of Friends with Benefit at the bar of De Basilico Kitchen and let’s get the party started!
