Though set on one of Bali’s liveliest beaches, this all-suite resort has an air of seclusion—a splendid mix that provides equal measures of relaxation and excitement. The beach-front infinity pool tempts by day, but an undeniable highlight is the front-row sunset view, best seen from the open-air rooftop restaurant
Location
Anantara Seminyak is directly on Seminyak beach, next to a row of beachfront bars and restaurants that offer colourful beanbag chairs and nightly live music. Rent a surfboard or grab an ice-cold Bintang beer from vendors in front of the hotel, or take a 25-minute stroll past souvenir shops and cafés to Seminyak Square, a popular shopping centre. Allow up to an hour to reach the airport by car—though it’s a mere six miles (10 km) away, traffic really can be that bad.
Style and Character
A Zen-like vibe permeates the resort from the minute you step into the streamlined marble-and-wood accented lobby. Modern architecture combines with distinctive Balinese touches such as intricate carvings and water features meant to resemble the island’s ubiquitous rice paddies. While the grounds are relatively compact—this is prime beachfront real estate after all—the few outdoor spaces such as the beachfront lawn area by the pool are well groomedService and Facilities
There’s no shortage of the famed Balinese hospitality here. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, right down to the security guard who keeps random passers-by out of the tempting beachfront infinity pool. There’s also an outdoor pool in an interior courtyard that features trees as centrepieces—some of the suites have direct access to it. The top-floor spa is relatively small, with only four treatment rooms, but has a wide menu of massages, facials and body scrubs available, including many that use local ingredients such as Balinese coffee beans and volcanic pumice. A gym and yoga classes are offered too.
Rooms
Polished wood floors, silk cushions and a nature-inspired palette give the airy suites a soothing feel. All have balconies or terraces with pool views, direct pool access or panoramic beach and ocean views. Bathtub junkies will appreciate the deep soaking tubs in the marble bathrooms, complete with soothing incense and bath salts—some suites also have an indulgent outdoor bath. Comfy living areas, minibars, espresso machines and Bose speakers are also provided.
Food and Drink
There are two restaurants. The downstairs one, open for lunch and dinner, serves Indonesian and Western comfort foods in a poolside, open-air setting. The sleek rooftop restaurant and bar has to-die-for ocean and sunset views, and serves a wide variety of Asian cuisine such as Madras curry with Lombok mussels, pan-seared barramundi and roast duck-fried rice. Vegetarians will struggle here, but there’s enough variety of meat-free side dishes to create your own tapas-style meal. As far as breakfast goes, an à la carte menu features filling favourites such as eggs Benedict and Mexican-style breakfast burritos, plus healthy fresh pressed juices like spinach and beetroot. Warning: music during happy hour can be on the loud side.
Family-Friendly?
Both restaurants offer kids’ play areas. Activities for children include pizza making, and Balinese kite making and flying. There are also spa treatments geared toward children and families, including manicures, pedicures and chocolate massages.
