Ooh la la
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just need a break that’s relaxing; a time to chill, some ‘me’ time. Whilst on other occasions I really want to party and look for a place swollen with swinging music, nightlife, banging bars or fine dining options. But best of all I like the option of doing both in the same place and to choose as my mood suits. That’s one reason why I like The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa in Bali.
From check in to check out, my short stay at The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa was everything I hoped it would be and, in many ways, more. I’ve been a few times before, but never to stay since its rebranding and renovation a few years ago and the thing I like most about this terrific beachside resort is that ticks all my boxes – fabulous luxury accommodation and great facilities set in a lush green beachside oasis. A place where it’s easy to kick back and soak up the sun but, located in the heart of one of Bali’s most hip districts, it’s also easy to splurge. For those who know Seminyak, you’re only a few minutes’ walk to KU DE TA, Urchin, VIN+ or La Lucciola, and just a few minutes by taxi to a heap of other entertainment and hang out options.
Check in was among the simplest ever – a few minutes confirming details and photocopying my passport, all accompanied by refreshing lavender-scented iced towels, a heavenly scented flower garland, welcome drinks and supremely friendly staff, I felt my luck was in. Easy! Then off to the room. En route, the young man helping with my luggage pointed out the key facilities along the way, which although The Seminyak is not a particularly large resort, was a very thoughtful touch.
The hotel itself is contemporary in design with flashes of Balinese influence, and my one-bedroom private villa followed the same theme; heavy on the white-creamy stone and contrasting dark wooden furniture and furnishings with some nice arty touches.
The villa was spilt about 50-50 between indoors and out. Indoors was the large bedroom, dressing and storage area, plus a fabulous bathroom, whilst outside there was a table and chairs, lounge area with tea and coffee equipment all under cover and a substantial walk-in private pool with sun loungers and a large pavilion-covered bed. Very nice!
Glass in hand and feet in the private pool, I peruse the hotel’s welcome literature (which of course we all know is compulsory to ignore) and find, among other things, an invite to the sunset cocktail party which starts in 30 minutes. Feeling a little smug, I dress and head to the beachside Sanje Sunset Lounge where I join a healthy turn out of guests to enjoy the celebrated transition of day to night, whilst sipping a number of creamy rum cocktails and nibbling on some scrummy snacks in the cool evening breeze.
Darkness comes quickly in Bali and soon the party was over, but not to worry, the night was still young and so, it’s decision time – do I relax and stay in, or go out to eat since a couple of my favourite restaurants on the island are within walking distance? A la carte dinner is served in the open pavilion style Santan Restaurant and through the day, poolside food is served at Sanje. However, on some evenings, like tonight, the chef takes advantage of the island’s wonderful clear star-spangled skies and the cooling breeze and complements Santan by setting up tables and food stations outside. By luck, since I love Balinese food and entertainment, it was Balinese Buffet Night with dancers and gamelan and, I am told, authentic Balinese tucker – it’s a no brainer.
Back to my villa and the turn-down staff had already visited the villa in my absence, leaving a selection of chocolates and an incredible amount of deep red flower petals on the bed which look amazing contrasted with the pristine crisp white sheets. It seems a shame to disturb them, they look so good, and dinner is in an hour or so, so I don’t.
The buffet is an appetising mix of authentic Balinese dishes, far too many to try in one go, despite the encouragement of the staff. Spread out across large serving tables under traditional penjor, palm leaves and the iconic Balinese sun shades, the large range of traditional snacks, meats, vegetarian dishes and desserts, plus a choice of fruits and drinks, look stunning.
The centrepiece is the spit roast suckling pig with its delicious crispy skin and contrasting soft and succulent meat. I start with Babi Tum and a few large helpings of Lawar Bali. The little packets of spiced pork baked in banana leaves are one of Balinese cuisine’s real treats and were mouth-watering. The various Lawar Bali, shredded and spiced meat and a spoon of rice completed my starter and, after a suitable break to watch the dancers, it was onto the mixed sate, spicy peanut sauce and just a small helping of Serombotan – mixed vegetables in a very spicy sauce.
More fabulous dancing provides another break before I opt for a plate of Rujak – just about every Balinese person I know tucks into this feisty fruit salad, and The Seminyak’s take on this ubiquitous fruity snack with its palm sugar, tamarind, chilli and shrimp paste dressing stands up very well indeed.
The wonderful evening of traditional dining and entertainment draws to a close and after a brief graze of the desserts, which includes my all-time favourite, bright green rolled sweet pancake, the Dadar gulung, I call it a night and waddle back to the sanctuary of my delightful villa and fall into a deep contented sleep.
The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa is a smart but easygoing resort in the heart of one of Bali’s most popular areas for tourists. It offers quality accommodation and a menu heavily influenced by local cuisine in a manicured, lush, beachside location. The staff are adorable and nothing seems too much trouble, however insignificant, they also pay a great deal of attention to detail which makes, in my view, a good experience great. The best thing about The Seminyak? That fact I will be coming back again later this year!
The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa
Jalan Kayu Aya, Seminyak Beach, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Tel: (+62) 361 730814
E: info@theseminyak.com
