Review: W Bali - Seminyak
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When I went to the W Maldives, I was lucky enough to strike up a friendship with the Executive Chef, Norberto, a keen runner like myself. After leaving the Maldives, he joined W Bali. During our trip to Bali, the opportunity to catch up with him seemed obvious. Staying at the W Bali wasn’t just about reputation, it was also about reconnecting with a key staff member from my previous stay. This kind of personal connection is part of the unique experience of high-end hotels like the W, where you can forge authentic and enriching relationships with passionate staff.
Booking
In April, the price of a room was 530 Canadian dollars or 54,400 Bonvoy points.
Arrival
Location
Located in the town of Seminyak, in a bustling coastal region on the southwest coast of Bali, Indonesia, the hotel is nestled at the end of a long cobblestone alley, offering welcome tranquility away from the busy traffic.
This peaceful setting is underlined by secure access, guaranteeing the resort’s privacy. Located in the vibrant district of Seminyak, the W Bali stands out for its lively, festive atmosphere.
Check-In and Lobby
When we arrived at the airport, the W Bali minivan picked us up (for a fee – about $50). Once at the hotel, check-in was a breeze.
Although I had booked a « Wonderful » garden-view room, I was lucky enough to be upgraded to a « Marvelous Villa with private outdoor pool ». This upgrade transformed our stay into an exceptional experience.
Room
The W Bali Seminyak is a medium-sized hotel by Bali standards, but as soon as you step into the world of the Marvelous Villa with a private pool, any sense of being in a large property disappears. Access is via paved paths lined with fences integrated into lush vegetation, creating an absolute sense of privacy.
The backyard is a haven of peace, with an infinity pool, tropical trees and a cushioned gazebo for relaxing. The murmur of waterfalls and the scent of plants add to the soothing ambience.
Inside, the space is bathed in natural light thanks to the large windows. The spacious king-size bed occupies the center of the room, while a sitting area, a perfectly integrated desk, and a television add comfort and elegance. The motorized blinds allow you to adjust the light or privacy as you wish.
The bathroom, a true sanctuary of relaxation, features a bathtub placed near a large door opening to the outside, offering a soothing view of the waterfalls. The double-sink counter and numerous storage spaces complete this haven of comfort.
The high ceiling accentuates the feeling of space, while natural light filters through the windows. The integrated Bluetooth sound system lets you personalize the villa’s atmosphere to suit your mood.
Every corner of this villa exudes luxury and elegance, creating a sensory experience that leaves a lasting impression.
General Impression of the Room
Our stay at Villa Marvelous with a private pool was a true immersion in luxury and serenity. Every detail seemed designed to offer rare privacy, with a peaceful courtyard, lulled by waterfalls and the aromas of tropical plants.
Every moment spent in the villa, whether in the bright living room, the pool, or during a meal, was a true sensory journey. More than just a place to stay, it was a haven of peace to recharge and savour every moment, far from the outside hustle and bustle.
Restaurant
W Bali Seminyak‘s restaurants offer a diverse culinary experience, combining local and international flavours in unique, dynamic settings.
FIRE
FIRE was our favorite restaurant at W Bali. This vibrant modern steakhouse is a must for lovers of fine dining. The menu, focused on quality meats cooked to perfection, also offers tasty vegetarian options. It’s a place where we enjoyed most of our dinners, and every meal was a culinary adventure. The setting, overlooking the pool, completes the experience perfectly.
STARFISH BLOO
Starfish Bloo, a beachfront restaurant, is ideal for those who love fresh seafood and Asian fusion cuisine. Although the place is simpler in terms of decor, the quality of the dishes is impeccable, especially the seafood and Asian fusion options. The Sunday brunch, with its cooking stations, is also a welcoming and festive experience.
WOOBAR BALI
Bali’s WOOBAR is the ideal place for an evening social experience. Located by the sea, with sun loungers and a sunny terrace, it’s the perfect place to enjoy Bali’s famous sunsets. The atmosphere is lively, with international DJs in residence. If you’re looking for a festive evening with creative cocktails, this is the place to go. For those in search of peace and quiet, it’s best to look elsewhere in the resort.
W LOUNGE
For a more relaxed moment, W Lounge is the perfect spot. It offers a friendly atmosphere, ideal for enjoying afternoon tea or sipping a martini in the evening. We enjoyed the Balinese-inspired small bites that accompanied our drinks.
In-Villa Dining
For our final meal, we chose a private gourmet experience. The chef created a custom menu for us, served in the privacy of our villa, for a dinner that was as delicious as it was memorable. It was the perfect way to end our stay at W Bali, with attentive service and exquisitely crafted dishes.
Other Services
Beach
Bali is renowned for its beaches, which, although vast and offering beautiful views of the Indian Ocean, have one major drawback: cleanliness. Unfortunately, the vastness of the beach is often marred by garbage washed up by the ocean, making the experience less pleasant. It’s difficult to sit comfortably or enjoy a swim, as the sea seems to have been overrun by litter, greatly reducing the enjoyment of the beach and the ocean.
Outdoor Pool – W Oasis
Inspired by terraced rice fields, the pool at W Bali offers a splendid view of Seminyak Beach and the horizon, making it ideal for watching sunsets. Surrounded by lush greenery, it invites you to relax in the sun, but the lively atmosphere in the evening, with DJs, makes it more festive than tranquil. Preferring peace and quiet, we chose the private pool in our villa.
FIT Gym
The FIT gym at W Bali offers modern cardio and strength training equipment. Accessible 24 hours a day, it also offers a variety of group classes depending on the day, such as HIIT training, Pilates, yoga and ab workouts.
SPA AWAY
AWAY SPA at W Bali offers treatments 24/7 with single and double treatment rooms, spa suites, facials, and a manicure lounge. Relaxation facilities include a hot stone bath, vitality pool, and decompression lounge.
Whatever/Whenever Desk
W Bali ‘s Whatever/Whenever Desk lets you customize your stay to suit your desires. Whether you’d like to go on a private excursion, discover Bali’s lush landscapes or explore Lombok, the concierge will organize tailor-made adventures for you.
Around the Hotel
Around W Bali, we took time to explore the city on foot, soaking up the local temples and Balinese culture. We also explored a Luwak coffee plantation, an interesting experience that gave us a better understanding of this unique process.
Another highlight of our stay was snorkeling with the manta rays – an unforgettable experience, although the massive influx of tourists somewhat diminished the intimacy of the activity.
We also enjoyed long walks on the beach, sometimes watching the surfers, sometimes going for a morning run. However, our exploration of Seminyak left us with mixed feelings. Although the area is vibrant, the infrastructure is clearly overwhelmed by the volume of tourism, and getting around can be chaotic and time-consuming. In addition, the streets and even the beach can sometimes be disappointing, with cleanliness that could be improved.
Overall Impression
The W Bali – Seminyak offers a unique experience combining luxury and serenity. The Marvelous Villa with private pool is a true haven of peace, perfect for recharging away from the hustle and bustle. The personalized service and quality of the amenities make every moment unforgettable. Every moment spent in this intimate space, surrounded by nature and lulled by the sound of waterfalls, was an invitation to complete relaxation.
However, the lively atmosphere of WOOBAR, with its DJs and constant entertainment, contrasts with the tranquillity of the villa. In addition, although the hotel is an oasis, the infrastructure around Seminyak can sometimes be lacking, with crowded streets and a lack of cleanliness, especially on the beach.
Despite these few details, our stay at W Bali – Seminyak was an unforgettable experience, combining luxury, serenity and exceptional shared moments. This is a destination to recommend for anyone seeking a paradise retreat in Bali.
Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points
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