The properties of The Samaya Bali are a haven of serenity immersed in two of Bali’s most popular touristic destinations: Seminyak and Ubud.
by Laila Afridi
“Samaya” in Sanskrit refers to the inner sanctum of wellbeing, a reflection of peace and tranquility where one finds refuge. And the properties of The Samaya Bali (www.thesamayabali.com) know how to convey this all the way.
West Coast Relaxed
The moment you enter the airy wooden pavilion lobby of The Samaya Seminyak, the friendly reception staff welcomes you with flower garlands, warm smiles, and the promise of ultimate relaxation. As you dab your neck with a refreshing cold towel and gaze through the glass windows to the lush garden and the Indian Ocean beyond, you feel your daily stress just melt away. You have found your refuge.
Set on its own private sandy beach, with one of the finest views of the beach town’s sunset, The Samaya Seminyak is an intimate and luxurious property that perfectly embodies Balinese hospitality. Using local style and décor, but without compromising on comfort and elegance, the villa property offers something for everyone, from couples looking for a romantic escape, to families or friends searching for a relaxing break.
The lush beachfront grounds are dotted with 30 beautifully appointed pool villas, contemporary in design but meshing perfectly with the Balinese environment. Just across the street, there are an additional 22 spacious courtyard villas, each with a private pool and gazebo, arranged in the style of a Balinese village and linked by paths lined with bright red birds of paradise. Both properties are minutes away from the boutiques, galleries, “warungs” (restaurants), and bars of Seminyak, which can be reached on foot or via the regular shuttle provided by the hotel.
The villas themselves evoke the feeling of a luxurious home away from home. Five-star amenities include a personal butler, a pillow menu, a large flat screen TV, and complimentary wireless. The spacious bathrooms each have a Jacuzzi bath, double rain showers, and a flat screen TV. The garden area surrounding the private pool has comfy lounge chairs and a gazebo, which are perfect for relaxing. The staff is eager to please and has a genuine interest in ensuring that each guest’s needs are met. Adding to the theme of ultimate relaxation is the fact that breakfast can be ordered anytime, anywhere on the hotel property.
A stay at The Samaya Seminyak would be incomplete without a visit to the “Spa at The Samaya.” Its rooms are located by the hotel’s large swimming pool and overlook the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. The Balinese massage using locally sourced natural products is the perfect antidote to a day spent learning to surf or browsing the many boutiques and galleries nearby. The aptly named ocean-facing restaurant, Breeze, serves award-winning Euro-American and Balinese food as well as a sumptuous afternoon tea, against a backdrop of lanterns and palm trees swaying in the breeze.
In the Meantime, in Ubud …
A scenic 90-minute drive from Seminyak takes you to The Samaya Ubud, a haven of serenity, surrounded by the enchanting forests and rice fields of Ubud, the spiritual center of Bali.
The resort is embedded into the hillside and stretches down to the holy Ayung River. A retreat in every sense of the word, each of the 19 lavishly appointed hillside villas has its own private garden and lap pool, representing the ultimate in comfort and luxury with cutting-edge design and a host of amenities. Once again, exceptional service abounds as each guest’s needs are dutifully catered to by the hotel staff.
Steps away from the reception, at the top of the hill, is Scene restaurant: a perfect spot for breakfast or a sunset cocktail with a spectacular panoramic view of the vast landscape of rice terraces, forests, and mountains. The intensity of color and sound is all-encompassing as butterflies flutter past and guests are serenaded by the songs of birds and cicadas. A short buggy ride down the hill leads you to the dramatic setting of Swept Away restaurant. Located on the banks of the revered river, Swept Away offers creative fine dining using only the freshest local ingredients.
“Eat, Sleep and Spa” is the mantra of Wayan Suambara, The Samaya Ubud’s friendly hotel manager. Here too, breakfast can be ordered anywhere, anytime, and the spa offers a plethora of indulgent treatments in a setting of peace and tranquility, as Bali’s largest river thunders past just outside the treatment rooms. The wellness center offers riverside sunrise yoga, and the beautiful traditional temples and colorful daily offerings scattered around the property serve as a happy reminder of the spiritual nature of this place.
Beyond the hotel grounds, The Samaya Ubud provides guests with the unique opportunity to truly experience and connect with the local people and environment. Hiking or cycling trips through the rice terraces and the neighboring villages can be arranged and, for the more adventurous, a thrilling white-water rafting experience down the Ayung River is a must! For the foodies, a morning visit to Ubud spice market with the executive chef, followed by a private cooking lesson is something that cannot be missed. Excursions to nearby temples and the many local art galleries and markets ensure that hotel guests leave having truly experienced the magic of this wonderful place.
Together, the luxurious Samaya properties capture all that is best about Bali—from the beaches, shops, and nightlife of Seminyak, to the rice fields, forests, and temples of Ubud. In addition, the Samaya hotels contribute to the sustainable development of their local communities, having recently been awarded a Green Globe Certification for implementing a variety of green practices into their daily operations. They also support local institutions and community programs by providing them with living materials, resources, and food.
As a guest of the Samaya, you will leave feeling refreshed and relaxed in body, mind, and soul; content in the knowledge that you have played a small part in giving back to the beautiful environment and people that make the Samaya experience one that is truly unforgettable.
