The Balè Bali: A Striking Seduction

Bali’s Lifestyle Retreats always manage to make me feel like a queen. The striking, architectural design of each hotel’s facade and the sheer brilliance of their personalised service never ceases to seduce me every single stay. The Balè is no different. Just as The Amala and The Santai before it, The Balè Bali proves that space, privacy and modern luxury are paramount to the hotel group’s ethos as a whole.

Walking up the enormously vast steps from reception to the 29 individual pavilions and main swimming pool, you feel a sense of calm. And even though you’re surrounded by sweeping limestone structures, ponds and cascading waterfalls, you never feel as if they’re gaudy or out of place. Architect Antony Liu has created a modern, clean-cut minimalist palace, and it’s hard not to feel at home here.

What is particularly inviting about The Balè Pavilions themselves, and indeed their design, is that you don’t feel as if you’re trapped inside the confines of their walls. Granted, you are in your own luxurious little bubble, complete with an outdoor shower, infinity pool backing into the bathroom and a daybed the size of a small apartment, but you never lose your sense of open space when you look out over deserted rice paddies beyond the enclosure. Speaking of infinity pools, it’s a real treat to be able to turn-around and step into the tranquil water right after you’ve washed your face with The Balè’s aromatic bathroom products in the morning!

Although you have your own private Butler 24/7, if you do feel like venturing out of your room for a feed you’ve got a few options. For breakfast, you’ll find Faces Restaurant located by the main pool in a bright, airy pavilion. The breakfast, lunch and dinner selection is extensive, creative and, where applicable, organic. Come evening, you can chill at global tapas bar Tapa, a bistro raised above reception taking advantage of the cool breezes coming from the nearby ocean. DJ’s and acoustic musicians often play here, adding to the ambience.

The Balè Bali: The Lowdown

Vibe	A soothing sensual seduction
Think	Indiana Jones in heaven
Sound	None. Ah, the serenity.
Crowd	Honeymooners, couples.
Highlights	gorgeous Private beach club with personalised service striking, architectural design NO children under 16 = romance and quiet Hospitality, staff go out of their way to accomodate any request Eco-friendly – The Bale recycles water and paper, and, where possible, forges links with the local community Free cookies (a Lifestyle Retreat signature) stocked daily Excellent spa with inspired treatments and plenty of couples options Close to airport
Lowlights	Some areas are showing minor signs of age – could use a lick of paint No direct beach access – though the beach club is a short walk or drive away It’s location in Nusa Dua isn’t thebest place to experience the true Balinese culture – very ‘resorty’.
Opened In	2008
Amenities	24 hour concierge 24 hour gym Bar Free parking Free wi-fi Garden Jacuzzi Library Lounge Luggage storage Multi-lingual staff No pets allowed Outdoor swimming pool Restaurant Room service Sauna Shopping area nearby Spa Spa treatments (on request) Wake-up service Wood burning fireplace Yoga
Price	Double rooms from AU$412.47 (IDR4,058,964), excluding tax at 21 per cent.