2015-03-14

The AMALA Seminyak Bali @ An Intimate Hideaway Boutique Resort


The island of Bali has thousands international and privately owned pool villas, hotels and resorts and it is all about who could provide what to satisfy your individual needs and desires. The AMALA in Seminyak is one of the Lifestyle Retreat Group boutique resorts that is an intimate hideaway yet offers you a tranquil surrounding in the heart of the bustling Seminyak. mylifestylenews discovers……



Size can be deceiving and it is what cannot be readily seen that turns out to be the hidden gem of this resort. The AMALA is located in the heart of the busy precinct of Seminyak, but you wouldn’t know it once you turn into a very narrow entrance driveway and leave the hustle and bustle Seminyak life behind you. The initial impression you may get is a very small boutique resort with minimal public areas to facilitate the guests’ need, but it is what the charm of this kind of small resort is.




The reception/lobby, outdoor dining water pavilion Bamboo restaurant, main swimming pool, library and spa & wellness are at the heart of the property, which form a long passage right through the centre. These amenities are completely surrounded on each side by all other villas, which are discreetly located behind high walls with complete privacy.



We checked-in to a pool villa. The moment we opened the carved Balinese wooden doors at the entrance, we were intrigued by the courtyard that brought half of what would normally be the inside to outside. The courtyard has a outdoor bathroom pavilion – a free-standing spacious bathtub as well as a separate steamed shower that can be opened to the elements. The wardrobe and vanity basin encompassing a complimentary minibar with daily replenish and a plunge spa pool under a frangipani tree provides shades while sunbathing on the two sun lounges.



One of the exquisite designed collection of the 12 modern luxurious villas.



As if this wasn’t enough to whet the appetite, the glass sliding doors lead you into the inner sanctum in essence one long wall dividing the bedroom and courtyard. The indoors minimalist décor comes with a touch of Orient comprised of a large and comfortable king size bed, a 2 seaters sofa, work desk and another wardrobe as well as a separate toilet.



It is a well laid out space and while the outdoors can be very hot and humid, you do want to spend more time enjoying your private oasis. With the air-conditioned bedroom, every corner of the villa will lull you into a state of relaxation. Given the intimate size of the main resort pool is not that large, but enough to chill and stretch out although we still favour our private courtyard plunge pool more.


A complimentary 30 minutes welcome spa treatment is offered, so we opted for a foot massage and found this a most invigorating experience and would highly recommend you to book for additional treatments.


The pavilion restaurant in the heart of the resort connection the front entrance to the rooms is rather intimate. This is where you enjoy a leisurely breakfast if you do not wish to have it in your villa. The unlimited serving cook-to-order a-la-carte menu offers food that is beyond expectations. With wide selection of local and western choices, there is never once disappointing over the two breakfasts during our stay.


If your morning breakfast juice is still orange or apple juice, it is time to upgrade youself to a healthy freshly made juices and smoothies. There is a list a juice for “morning cocktails” which really pack a punch in the taste – pineapple, mint and lemongrass being one possibility, they do it just right and is really irresistible.



While the chef can turn out a great egg Benedict from the Western selection and a Nasi Goreng or Mi Goreng from the local menu, we couldn’t find any low points with any dishes that we have ordered. With much anticipation, hopping over for breakfast is no doubt became our first things to do in our itinerary each day. For a small intimate resort that offers such concept and exceeded the expectation, it is a more than a plus.


As they say, size isn’t everything and The AMALA punches above its weight, if you take it on the face value. It has a great location for you that want to eschew a beach front position and take a different approach to start exploring Bali especially in Seminyak area with some enticing shopping just around every corner. The AMALA ticks all the boxes for a small boutique villa lifestyle retreat approach.




Tried & Tested:
Location: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Food & Beverage: 4.5/5 
Housekeeping: 4/5
Service: 4/5

Highlights:
An Oasis in Seminyak
Breakfast/Mix Juice

Flaws:
Facilities

Jalan Kunti 108
Seminyak Bali
Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 738 866

*The AMALA is a member of Lifestyle Retreats

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