Location Simply fantastic, minutes’ walk to Seminyak’s chic boutiques and restaurants and boasts a long beachfront.
Ambience I arrive in extremely heavy rain. Yet, curtains of water and staff scrambling to keep the lobby dry fail to dampen Alila’s stylish vibes. The architecture has the brand’s stamp on it – clean lines, minimalist, open spaces – except this newest Alila is larger, more sprawling, more contemporary, posher. Some may argue it needs to be more Balinese but for me the architecture fits like a glove in trendy Seminyak. A beautiful, old temple on prime beachfront is incorporated right into the heart of the development – what better Bali flag is there than that?
Room I’m in Deluxe Ocean Suite 134 which is on the third floor of a low-rise building, one of three buildings that comprise the hotel. The size of my suite is a generous 60m2 and its sleek, clutter-free design makes the room feel even more spacious and comfortable. The huge balcony with an inviting daybed hits a yearning; I know I will be immersing myself in a book there often, or watching people along the beach and enjoying the famous Seminyak sunset.
Ironically, there isn’t enough space in the very spacious suite – too few drawers for clothes and no working table. But its modern comforts are faultless; I love the complete range of Alila toiletries, free speedy Wi-Fi, LCD TV with satellite channels and plenty of movies, and coffee-/tea-making facilities.
There are several room types and sizes. At the time of visit in early February, 124 of 240 rooms have opened.
F&B Move aside Potato Head next door. Alila’s Beach Bar clearly is the new flavour of the month. A large open pavilion with the cosiest daybeds and cushiest floor couches, it’s the place to be anytime from 11.00 but especially in the evenings, with beach music being spun by a DJ.
Alila’s all-day dining is an open-kitchen beachfront restaurant with many sections, including an Asian noodle bar and a grill & rotisserie. I love the variety it offers. My favourites are the chilli crab claws and crispy chicken with Szechuan lemon mayonnaise.
Facilities Three of five infinity pools have opened – and how gorgeous they are. Equally a dream is the fitness centre near the Beach Bar which is lined with the best machines, yoga room, body-building and relaxation spaces. Other facillities include the Alila Spa and an Event Centre which can host meetings and banquets for up to 350 people.
Service Alila prides itself on being ‘Surprisingly Different’. On standby at the lobby are handsome, young ‘menpower’ dressed in smart white shirts and navy trousers ready to welcome and help guests with luggage, shopping bags, directions, etc. All the staff I encounter are clearly proud to be part of a swanky hotel; morale is high and they are so eager to be of service. There are real stars among them, like Roma who serves at the all-day dining restaurant, and there are others who are still ‘raw’ but their enthusiasm more than make up for their inexperience.
Verdict Hottest chick in town and dripping with tropical cool. A great addition to Alila’s portfolio, and that of Design Hotels, of which it is a member.
No. of rooms 240
Rates Check various introductory deals on offer throughout the year on the website
Contact details
Tel: (62) 361 3021 888
Email: seminyak@alilahotels.com
Website: www.alilahotels.com/seminyak
