Modernistic living, while maintaining equilibrium with traditional surroundings, seems to be the increasing theme as more and more hotels and villas sprout up in southern Bali. Yes, one can have the best of both worlds, and O-CE-N Bali does just that by being a stones throw from those picture postcard images of manicured beaches and swaying palm trees.

Set in the upscale district of Seminyak, with neighbouring Kuta just a few minutes down the beach, O-CE-N Bali is all about privacy while having the option to venture out and experience all the excitement Bali has to offer. The front lobby acts as a cove almost, escaping the noise and buzz from behind. Once through their doors though, towering apartments and a winding pool introduce a state of freedom from disturbance and seclusion.

The contemporary style combinations of natural stone and clean finished hotel rooms, suites, and penthouses provide a variety of sleeping options based on visitor’s needs. Large kitchens are included with 2-bedroom suites and up, while the penthouses are outfitted with sizable balconies and private Jacuzzi tubs, not to mention the skyline views of Legian Beach from below. Chic furnishings and fixtures for all rooms ooze in creamy white undertones, as open-plan living areas are an added perk as well.

Spa lovers will be delighted by O-CE-N Bali’s facilities also, their body and massage rituals ring out with titles such as Jasmine Javanese Lulur Therapy, Bali Coffee Body Scrub, and O-CE-N Two Therapists Massage to induce stress relief at just the mere sounds of it. Customized treatments, After Sun Hydrating Facial and Soothing Sunburn Therapy, are additional remedies that accompany established spa mainstays like Reflexology, Balinese Massage, and Deep Tissue Massage to name a few.

Dining in Bali can be an escapade all unto itself with the incredible amount of options in the vicinity, but once again O-CE-N Bali has two great choices already. The C Bistro & Lounge projects a more casual setting offering a modern menu including Mediterranean, Asian, and European cuisine while providing both outdoor and air-conditioned indoor dining. For something on the finer side of things, the Flying Fish is gaining a reputation as one of Bali’s best dinner restaurants by offering a selection of cooking styles from teppanyaki to Asian and European preparation styles. Even daily-delivered fresh seafood can be chosen by guests and served any style they choose.

As mentioned before, O-CE-N Bali is centered in the thick of things. If the strains and pressure of resort life are wearing you down then stepping outside is the perfect cure. Just about every water activity can be found along Legian Beach while shopping is no problem either, just stroll along Seminyak’s expansive boutiques for clothing and treasures you won’t find anywhere else in the world. As the largest all-apartment hotel in the area, O-CE-N Bali by Outrigger strikes gold when it comes to balancing modern service and unforgettable island life.

O-CE-N by Outrigger
Jl. Arjuna 88X Legian – Kuta
P: +62 361 737400 | F: +62 361 737408
E: info@outrigger-bali.com
www.outrigger.com

“We remain committed to not just maintaining, but continually improving our guest experience,” said Mark de Jong, The Villas’ General Manager. “These extensive renovations provide the ultimate blend of traditional style and modern comforts for guests who wish to stay in the Original section, close to our award-winning Prana Spa, Prana Restaurant, Chill Reflexology, and the nearby dining and shopping district in Seminyak. “The newer Sunset section remains a popular choice with guests seeking a more secluded location. The beauty of all of our villas is that they are each completely private, self-contained and spacious, so that guests never have to leave if they do not want to. They can find total bliss in the sanctuary of their own villa and pool, surrounded by tropical gardens and Balinese hospitality,” Mark added.

The renovations of all our villas provide a fresh, sleek yet distinctly Balinese ambience. Each villa’s thatch-roof has been replaced, and in our 1-bedroom villas new wooden decking has been laid around the large mosaic-tiled pool. The new decking is accentuated by terrace-style flowerbeds and newly-refurbished sun beds on one side of the pool, and tropical vines creeping up the high wall on the other, ensuring complete privacy and security.

All our one, two and three bedroom villas open-air dining room and kitchen overlooking the pool and garden have been fitted with gleaming brand new amenities for guests’ private use as well as spectacular dinners cooked by a private chef. Microwaves have been added and the oven and stove, cooking equipment and utensils have all been replaced. In the bedrooms, the televisions have been replaced by flat-screen LG TVs, and are now accompanied by LG DVD players. Previously, DVD players were provided upon request. The new TVs increase the number of channels available from 48 to 60, featuring shows from around the world. Adding to the above is of course the wi-fi internet connections provided in every villa, which is a feature with continuous improvements.

The bathrooms are sleeker and lighter. The décor enhancements include new woven wooden boxes covering the mirror lighting, new wooden frames for the mirrors, and new wooden doors to close off the storage areas below the vanity, which were previously open shelves. The showerheads have also been replaced. All villas throughout the property have also had their air-conditioning systems replaced, and new hair-dryers installed in their bathrooms.

“We take genuine pleasure in providing a rewarding holiday experience for our guests, and this renovation program will ensure our property continues to provide the standard of service and facilities for which we are known,” said Mr Mark.

The Villas Bali Hotel & Spa
Jalan Kunti 118X, Seminyak, Bali
Phone: +62 (361) 730 840
Fax: +62 (361) 733 751
sales@thevillas.net
www.thevillas.net

A short stroll is all that separates one between the famous boutiques and world-class restaurants of Seminyak and your own private comfort zone. It almost feels like there is no outside world when waltzing through the pathways between villas. The overhang of trees and greenery act like an umbrella of shelter from the cares and inconveniences around you, each ending in this maze, is an exquisite boutique villa with all the amenities a five-star hotel. The concept of combining serenity and class all comes to a peak here. Originally created in 2005, The Elysian has 26 villas sprawled throughout their property ensuring the individualism and solitude, the perfect place for rejuvenation.

The architectural aesthetics of each villa bring about an imaginative way of using modernistic design with the tropical environment of Bali. Each villa has a private swimming pool, and sundeck as soon as you enter, and the view from the living and dining area is as comfortable as the sunken couches overlook the pool. An extreme pleasure at any time is to have the bay windows open so the breeze from the Indian Ocean can seep into the entirety of the villa. Complete with styled furnishings in both the generous bathroom which features a walk-in shower, and the bedroom with large king-size bed. These villas certainly add a bit of luxury to your holiday. Modern amenities include free wireless broadband internet connection, 60-channel cable TV, IDD telephone, DVD/VCD/CD player, minibar, safe, pantry and 24-hour room service, and Bose sound dock speakers for iPods. The rest of The Elysian’s facilities can keep you busy as well; their Rush Bamboo Restaurant & Bar serves Mediterrasian cuisine, in your villa or at their café, and has a twenty-five meter pool that’s lined with daybeds and full bar service at your disposal. The spa and wellness centre also has trained Balinese therapists to assist in any body treatment or spa ritual you choose or even try yoga or meditation in your own villa with one of their expert teachers. Gym access is also available a short distance away with free usage of their modern equipment and facilities.

Seminyak’s best beaches and vibrant nightlife are only metres away for those looking to venture outside but returning to the romantic ambience of The Elysian is always a must. Friendly staff and superior service make this a sure bet to return time and time again.

The Elysian Boutique Villa Hotel
Jl. Sari Dewi #18, Seminyak
Tel: (0361) 730999
www.theelysian.com

The hotel is split into two locations on either side of the street. The North Wing Joni 1 is the main area and has its own spacious swimming pool, bar and restaurant in a casual atmosphere. Meanwhile, the South Wing Joni 2 is across the street and just a 50m walk from Joni 1. Both the North and South wings have three different types of rooms; Superior, Deluxe, and Bungalows that are packed with air conditioner, in-suite bathroom with shower and bathtub, private balcony, International Direct Dial telephone, Cable TV with international channels, mini-bar, and Wi-Fi internet connection.

The restaurant at Legian Village Hotel overlooks the pool with a wide ranging menu of Mexican, European, Indonesian and Chinese cuisine. Named Joni Restaurant, this semi open-air restaurant is set for breakfast, lunch or dinner. While having a meal, guests can surf the web through Hot-Spot access which is powered by the Global Extreme internet provider. And for those who do not have a wireless device, three desktop computers are at your service to answer your digital desire. All of this comes at an affordable price; Rp10k for 30min, Rp15k for 60min, and Rp17k for 90min.

Only 200 meters to Kuta Beach, a 15 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, and half an hour’s short drive to Denpasar, the hotel also provides laundry service, money changer, tour arrangement, and various spa treatments. Traditional Balinese massage, Shiatsu massage, aroma therapy massage, Reflexiology massage, body scrubs and Javanese lulur, manicures, pedicures, waxing and hair treatments are just to name a few. And for the family who looks for that inclusive package, the hotel has arranged a 4-days 3-nights family package that consists of free airport transfer, welcome drink upon arrival, complimentary daily breakfast, and complimentary full day tour around Bali for a reasonable price. This is a great place with everything that you need to have a fabulous vacation!

Legian Village Hotel
Jl. Padma, Legian, Kuta, Bali 80361
Ph: 0361 758145, 762780
Fax: 0361 752455
Email: sales@legianvillage.com
Website: www.legianvillagehotel.com

This truly one of a kind place stands out from the cookie cutter mold of many hotels and villas in Bali, their mesh of classic traditional architecture truthfully possesses the spirit of what this island is all about. Akin to waltzing through a living breathing art collection, the owner of this hotel has been collecting antiques since the early 1960s and has turned it into a home for one of the largest original art collections in Southeast Asia. The surrounding natural environment is just as impressive as well; Hotel Tugu is set in a lush tropical dreamland with flora and fauna at every turn and where peaceful ponds eventually give way to an immaculate private stretch of pristine sand and surf along Canggu Beach.

Romantic nuances are endless and the possibilities to be a part of this story unravel like a menu of the choicest selections. Hotel Tugu provides outstanding dining experiences such as their Aphrodisiac Picnic in Bed on a private moonlit beach complete with candlelight and magical sounds. This dinner event begins as the sun is fading away and the sky is illuminated by not only the dusky sky but also by oil lanterns that surround your 18th century antique bed. The little private gourmet picnic under the moonlight serves up delicious delectables of crab cocktails, flambéed prawns, warm baby potato salad, and the definitive dessert “Blindfolded Surprises” where guests are given a selection of four desserts to be tasted blindfolded. A Full Moon Beach BBQ allows guests to immerse themselves in these beautiful settings as well where the whole beach belongs to you only with your butler and chef standing by.

Romantically lit by the moon, stars, and bamboo torches, a collection of fresh catches from the Indian Ocean such as lobsters, king prawns, squid, and fish are grilled to perfection and served with a selection of Indonesian sauces before your very eyes. Along with these choices Hotel Tugu also offers the art of dining with their The 101 Dining Temptations of Hotel Tugu Bali menu, an exercise in bringing to life the art, culture, and romance of Bali and Java with various choices such as participating in a cooking class or dining in the same style as Balinese royalty did centuries ago.

As always the accommodations at Hotel Tugu are just as priceless as the artworks that surround them consisting of 21 suites of various styles and themes. The downstairs Dedari Suites include a private plunge pool and semi-outdoor bath with more of a modernistic twist to the furnishings while the Rejang Suites are located upstairs and have a more traditionally sleek appeal with a separate spa area, giant sunken tub, and beautiful view of the Indian Ocean.

The rest of the suites are more of a homage to the forgotten tales and stories of Java and Bali, the Kampong Suite has two connecting bedrooms spread over 150 square-meters of space with a remarkable Javanese art-deco atmosphere. The slightly larger Walter Spies Pavilion has its own private plunge pool and veranda with private garden, outdoor bath and outdoor dining while the grandiose of the Puri Le Mayeur villa is the gem of Hotel Tugu with its villa bathed in red colors including the red-canopied living room and has a romantic bedroom with long balcony, plunge pool, and sundeck for two.

The fairytale sensation of Hotel Tugu’s timeless charm is no accident, the effortless blend of culture and classics make for one of the most beautiful places to visit in all of Indonesia.

Hotel Tugu Canggu Bali
Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong
Tel: (0361) 731701
www.tuguhotels.com