WHAT HOLIDAYS ARE MADE OF…AT DISCOVERY KARTIKA PLAZA HOTEL
As one of the first hotels to pitch up on the dazzling shorelines of Kuta, not only does Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel hold one of the best addresses in the area, but over the years they have come to know exactly what a holiday in Bali is all about.
It might seem a cliché to call a resort “paradise,” but Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel has managed to capture every detail you dream of when planning a holiday to the tropics: lush green palms that gently sway from a cool ocean breeze, the soft tickle of powder-white sand between your toes, brilliant white poolside umbrellas that provide shade to bronzed skin, and the distinct aroma of coconut-scented tanning lotions that dance with mouthwatering wafts of a nearby barbecue.
And every guest at the resort seems to be embracing this blissful atmosphere. At the swim-up bar, a young couple sip two straws from the same fruit-filled cocktail, while teenagers are posing in front of their smartphones to capture picture-perfect holiday snaps. Two honeymooners walk hand-in-hand to a quiet, shaded spot beneath tropical blooms, while a family of five excitedly make their way towards the beachfront kids’ play area.
The mood is laid-back and breezy, yet awash with that unmistakeable holiday buzz that seems to fill the air – the one you only feel when you’ve really found paradise. And as I sip on a freshly squeezed mixed juice in the resort’s Sunset Lounge, overlooking the pristine garden-to-ocean vista, I too can’t help but feel swept away by these chilled-out, holiday vibes.
Into the Suites
The crisp, air-conditioned living area of the resort’s Discovery Suite is a welcomed reprieve from the midday’s rays. The room is bright and airy, complete with floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors that soak up Kuta’s seaside panorama from the private terrace. The cool marble flooring meets splashes of bamboo to keep the tropical ambience alive, while sleek black furnishings remind you that this paradise has met a five-star twist. And even with the chic accents, the room still manages to feel homely, stocked with creature comforts like a full-sized refrigerator, dining table, a cosy sofa and a TV.
Leading off from the living area is the Master bedroom and twin room. A giant King-sized bed proudly takes centre stage in the Master bedroom, complemented by a shiny LCD television, a dark wood writing desk and a large squishy daybed beneath the bay window. Into the bathroom and a giant bathtub is sunken into stone-coloured tiles, equipped with luxurious bathing creams to soothe sun-kissed skin.
The twin room is equally stylish, with an en suite bathroom fitted with a spacious rain shower. The room also has direct access to the private terrace, where long white drapes flutter with the gentle sea breeze. Bamboo lounge chairs dot the terrace, acting as the perfect lolling spots to capture the last glimmer of the afternoon’s sun before it fades to a deep orange sunset.
The resort also features their ultra-luxurious Presidential Suites, comprising two King-sized bedrooms with en suites, as well as a spacious living room, dining room, lounge and a kitchenette. And to capture that bachelor-pad flair that you’ve come to expect from a Presidential abode, there is also a private indoor pool that overlooks Kuta beach and the ocean, as well as a Jacuzzi in the bathroom and a 24-hour butler service exclusive to these elite suites.
A Special Occasion
Because Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel mixes its paradisal surroundings with its finely-tuned, established service, the resort is a popular spot to host special occasions, whether it be a glitzy wedding celebration or a dedicated business event.
With the beach and Indian Ocean as the backdrop, weddings at the resort can either be held during the day in the glorious sunshine or at sunset for a stunningly romantic setting. The expert wedding team can create anything from a classic white wedding to a traditional Balinese blessing. They can organise the seating, decorations, the culinary choices, a professional photographer as well as the entertainment and any customised activities you desire.
For indoor weddings, the resort can hold a lavish celebration in the Kharisma Ballroom, a grand 700 square metre space that can sit up to 400 guests for a banquet and up to 800 guests for a cocktail reception, with an adjoining pre-function area for canapés and cocktails.
The area is also ideal for business soirées, with additional function rooms for meetings and MICE events. The nine function rooms are all equipped with modern amenities including audio-visual equipment, wireless internet and elegant furnishings.
With everything covered for both business and pleasure, the opulent hotel draws in a mixed crowd and rightly so. But it is far removed from the one-size-fits-all kind of resorts, where young families disturb business folk, or honeymooners struggle to find a tranquil spot just to themselves. Instead, the hotel is a haven of different neighbourhoods to cater to each type of guest. The beachfront kids’ club keeps the little ones busy, while the Discovery Spa and Fitness Centre means you can simply relax or blow off some steam away from the sun-lounger. There are also three different signature restaurants dotted throughout the resort, as well as two bars and two indulgent lounges so you can soak up this paradise from a different angle each day.
