A sweet tropical getaway
Welcome to the W Bali, a tropical resort that offers plenty to entertain the whole family, writes
Check-in
Right on Seminyak Beach, the W Bali is at the end of a long driveway that is quite the spectacular introduction.
An arched bamboo corridor followed by tropical gardens and water features lead to its grand, white-pillared modern lobby, where your bags are whisked away to your room and a welcome drink served as you check in.
The look
Welcome to the W, where eye candy is everywhere, music is pumping from morning until late at night, and numerous, attentive staff are waiting to serve your every need from every corner of the property, no matter how secluded.
The stylish furnishings are accented with funky, playful elements, such as baby head pot plants on every table.
Colour plays a big part. The central building is white, but inside all the chairs have pink cushions and there are large, brightly painted murals; outside are lush green palms with blue terraced pools and loungers, or beanbags of yellow, pink and red.
Much to my surprise, half the pools outside aren’t even for swimming. But whether you are swimming or not, this is the place you want to be at sunset. Grab a seat to watch the sun plop into the ocean. Hot pink lips are set up on the stairs to entice visitors to the poolside bar from the beach.
In the lobby, fluorescent lights change colour from the central bar and multitudes of candles decorate its flanks.
The spa also feels like a club, with the same interchanging neon lights, allowing guests to soak in its pools 24/7.
Attention to detail is strict. There are even alternating welcome mats rolled out in the lifts to mark morning, afternoon and evening.
The room
While outside our doors the vibes are high; inside our quiet suite, serenity beckons with neutral tones on everything bar the pale green sinks, cushions, throws and rugs. It is one of the many suites in the multi-levelled building which, for a few more dollars, face the ocean, bending around the tropical pools below.
The balcony is generously proportioned and furnished with terrace chairs and a daybed. Inside, the bedroom and bathroom are separated by sliding wooden doors. Our suite has twin beds, L-shaped lounge and Pluma floor lamp; and a fold-out minibar with cocktailmaking facilities.
The remarkable bathroom has his-andhers sinks with ample towels and an oversized washing area with rainshower and bathtub.
Food and drink
There are three restaurants. Poolside Woobar serves the usual poolclub fare and drinks, which can be delivered to you, wherever you find a space within the resort’s large pool complex – hail a staff member from the buzzer next to your daybed.
Oceanside sea-themed Starfish Bloo serves pan-Asian cuisine, and Fire, the grill restaurant, named after the Balinese kecak dance, has a spectacular flameinspired chandelier central to the firethemed dining room. It serves excellent seafood and steaks, beginning with fresh bread and sambal butter.
Buffet breakfast is served in both restaurants, although their offerings are similar.
There are staff at stations serving Balinese meals or themed treats, and on the floor they top up guests’ plates with samples, refilling coffees and fresh juices.
The resort also hosts ‘‘Bali’s biggest brunch’’ on Sundays and, during my stay, famous pastry chef and chocolatier Janice Wong hosted a fun ‘‘choco-splash’’, where guests painted surfboards in edible chocolate before an afternoon tea of her exquisitely flavoured pastries.
Out and about
Seminyak is a tourist hub for shopping, restaurants, bars and clubs, and finding transport is easy. Guests get ferried by golf carts on to the main road from which the area is at their disposal.
From the hotel, you can hire colourful bikes or W-branded electric scooters.
Next door, Desa Potato Head is accessible from the beach, and Canggu is an easy 30 minutes’ drive away.
The verdict
This is a fun tropical island getaway for everyone, from couples to families.
Essentials
Jl. Petitenget, Kerobokan, Seminyak,
Bali, Indonesia, 80361, ph +62 361 3000106; marriott.com. Rooms from $765 a night.
Highlight
The rooms were comfortable but being waited on hand and foot at a daybed in between the pool and the sea at sunset was definitely a highlight.
Lowlight
The front-row seats to Seminyak sunsets can be expensive, and a happy hour or two would be welcome.