M Style

SUNNY DAYS

- Text: ARANTXA NEYRA

If you love surfing, you've probably heard of the Sol House Bali in Kuta. Ready to catch some waves?

A refurbishe­d Sol House resor t has just opened its doors in Kuta, and it's already stealing the spotlight from the nearby Legian Beach and its famous sunsets. Relax and enjoy the waves, surfing, Indonesian food and Balinese nights.

In 1985, Meliá opened its first hotel outside of Spain. And it didn’t choose a European capital or a Caribbean beach, but rather an island awash in the waters of the Pacific, which was relatively unknown at the time: Bali. This Indonesian paradise is now famous for its music, dance and natural beauty.

Just over three decades later, the company has four resorts on the island and eight others spread throughout the country. They ’re proof that its infatuatio­n with Indonesia in the 80s wasn't just a momentary whim or a passing passion, but a lasting love affair with a long journey ahead of it. In fact, it continues to grow; Meliá Hotels Internatio­nal’s expansion hasn’t stopped since then, in either Bali or the rest of the Asia-Pacific region. Andrea Barbi, Asia-Pacific Marketing & PR Manager, explains: ‘In the next three years we expect to open eight hotels in the area, including the Meliá Bandung Dago, Gran Meliá Bintan, Meliá Bintan, Meliá Ubud and Meliá

Lombok: excellent hotels that are integrated with nature, featuring villas with private pools and direct sea views’.

Known for its waves, sunsets (which are said to be some of the best in the world) and infinite nightlife, Kuta beach is a true paradise for travellers in search of fun. It was selected as the location for Sol House’s second hotel on the island, the Sol House Bali Kuta resort. ‘Bali is a destinatio­n for people with a youthful and adventurou­s spirit, who want to enjoy their free time under the sun—which fits perfectly with the Sol House brand’, says Barbi.

From the Matahari Kuta Square and the traditiona­l market to the Waterbom park (a local institutio­n and an essential stop if you’re travelling with children) and the Discovery Shopping Mall (not to mention the Sol House Bali Legian), all of the attraction­s in Kuta—Bali’s top tourist destinatio­n—are right around the corner from the Sol House Bali Kuta. By staying here, you’re guaranteed to get the most out of your holiday.

Dine in its restaurant­s, surf all day (or just give it a try), buy fun souvenirs, enjoy every sunset beside the sea... and, of course, party the night away until the sun rises to the rhythm of the music. ‘We’re excited to expand our presence in Bali with the opening of the Sol House Bali Kuta, and to strengthen the Sol House brand: an easygoing, carefree brand that has a lot in common with Kuta itself ’, explains Bernardo Cabot Estarellas, Asia-Pacific Senior Vice President at Meliá Hotels Internatio­nal.

The old Kuta Beach Club building was fully renovated to embody the brand’s standards, philosophy and lifestyle, lending it the freshness and modernity that define Meliá. All of this was done while preserving the local culture and involving travellers in the process—one of the company ’s commitment­s at all of its locations around the world. ‘The Sol House Bali Kuta offers a unique atmosphere, full of enthusiasm, music and innovative design’, explains Álvaro Berton, General Manager at the Sol House Bali Kuta. ‘Our greatest objective is to channel the beauty of the surroundin­gs and bring a bit of the island’s dynamism directly to our guests’.

The architectu­re is also replete with Balinese culture. It combines traditiona­l shapes and materials with contempora­ry design in both the building itself and its 150 brand new rooms—all of which have balconies overlookin­g its two gardens and pools surrounded by hammocks. These outdoor spaces are guests’ favourite spots to rest, swim and sunbathe during the day, and when night falls they transform into a local hotspot. Along with the hotel clientele, visitors flock here for special events, fun parties and DJ sessions.

Along these lines, the Sol House Bali Kuta offers common areas to complete the holiday experience: shops, a cosy bar in the entrance lobby, a gym (with CrossFit included) and a variety of restaurant­s. Factory, for example, has direct access to the beach, making it the perfect place to meet up with friends to enjoy interestin­g street food and share tasty Indonesian specialtie­s. That’s what it’s all about here: enjoying yourself, sharing and sampling all that Kuta has to offer.

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 ??  ?? Right, par t of the Kutaseasid­e promenade, with the beach in thebackgro­und. A group of dancers perform a ceremonial dance at Kuta Beach.Below, cocktails at the Play Bar and the swimming pool with itsnight-time lighting.
Right, par t of the Kutaseasid­e promenade, with the beach in thebackgro­und. A group of dancers perform a ceremonial dance at Kuta Beach.Below, cocktails at the Play Bar and the swimming pool with itsnight-time lighting.
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 ??  ?? On the previous page, a temple with traditiona­l architectu­re in Bali, also known as the Island of the Gods thanks to its many temples (puras). On this page, a view of the hotel and oneof its rooms.
On the previous page, a temple with traditiona­l architectu­re in Bali, also known as the Island of the Gods thanks to its many temples (puras). On this page, a view of the hotel and oneof its rooms.

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