The Amala Seminyak
Monica Tindall
Offering the best of both worlds, The Amala Seminyak is a peaceful wellness retreat hidden within the fashionable district of Seminyak. Guests can experience the calm, natural landscape of the property, and moments later be surrounded by entertainment, shopping and dining options.
The Amala Seminyak – Location
In the heart of the happening suburb of Seminyak, The Amala is literally steps away from restaurants, boutiques, nightlife, spas and beach clubs. A complimentary airport transfer has us in the hotel in around 20-minutes (could be longer depending on traffic). Once inside, we don’t retake transport until our departure. Everything we desire is either already on the grounds or a short walk away.
The estate is a beautiful haven weaving nature, art and architecture into one blissful landscape. Sculptures by renowned Singaporean artist, Sun Yu-li dot the gardens and walls. Luxuriant tropical flora grows in abundance, and distinctive Balinese aesthetics of thatched rooves, bamboo poles and teak wood blend harmoniously with one another. We note that it is even more peaceful without children. (The resort is not suitable for youngsters below 12 years old.)
Rooms
Different rooms cater to a range of needs at The Amala Seminyak; from compact deluxe rooms to generously-sized spa and pool villas, and residences housing the whole family or a group of friends. All sport open-design plans encouraging the inside to blur with the out.
Our stay is in a two-bedroom pool villa, and we love, love, love having our own private pool. We make good use of the facilities with a morning wake-me-up dip, afternoon cool-offs and a float, relaxing us just before bedtime. Skinny dips, breakfast, and spa treatments all within the villa itself, truly make for a luxurious stay. It’s the ultimate pampering experience to never have to leave with all services coming directly to us.
With the abundance of restaurants just metres from The Amala we have no plans on cooking in. If you did though, there’s a fully equipped kitchen that begs to entertain. A covered, open-wall dining and lounge area side the pool; the perfect spot for enjoying Bali’s beautiful climate.
A mini-bar is refreshed daily with complimentary soft drinks, and so too is a tropical fruit bowl. Of course, there are facilities for coffee and tea making as well as all of the other expected comforts as well (TV, Wi-Fi, robes and so on).
Dining
Bamboo Restaurant is The Amala’s all-day-dining facility. The intimate space is shaded but open-walled and cooled by ceiling fans and a light breeze coming off the pool that sides it. Serving a healthy menu of local, organic ingredients with international flavours, it contributes to the overall spirit of wellness that envelopes the resort. Meals from this kitchen can be enjoyed in the pavilion or taken in-villa.
A must-try is the signature dish, Poached Mahi-Mahi Fillet. The firm and mildly-sweet fish is accompanied by sautéed baby spinach, fried sweet potato, and ginger, orange and carrot sauce. Locally sourced, it’s a popular seafood in Bali; here, its light cooking preparation and vegetable companions make a highly nutritious recipe.
Breakfast can be ordered from a long list of international and local favourites. Hubby is delighted to find an abundance of gluten-free options, and I’m all over the vegan recipes. For hubby, it’s gluten-free pancakes, eggs and porridge. While I’m grateful for smoothie bowls, fresh fruit and Bircher muesli. Coffee also comes in local and western blends; espresso plus several regional Balinese beans.
Facilities
The 25-room resort has a small central swimming pool, but we rarely find guests in it. The spa and pool villas at The Amala include their own dipping pond, so I guess most enjoy the privacy of their private retreat.
A wellness studio provides a dedicated space for yoga and relaxation. And, on alternative days, complimentary classes of each are offered. Below the studio is a boutique gift shop, and there’s also a small library by the pool.
For those wanting to get in a gym workout, The Amala works with a sister resort (about a 10-minute) drive away to furnish guests with comprehensive fitness facilities.
Additionally, Spa by The Amala services guests with a thorough menu of massages, facials, body treatments and classes (yes, you can even learn the art of touch here). We try one of their signature sessions, a Jade Stone Body Massage (60 minutes, 850K). This full-body massage utilizes smooth jade stones along with ancient Chinese techniques to improve circulation, release toxins and relax deep tissue. Guests can choose to visit the spa or take treatments in the privacy of their own room.
The Amala Seminyak Review
The Amala Seminyak strikes an excellent balance between wellness and relaxation, and the exciting fun that the suburb offers. Beautiful rooms, lush landscaping, nutritious food, excellent spa and gracious, smiley Balinese staff make this luxury villa resort a highly-recommended choice of stay.
Reasons to stay at The Amala Seminyak: an ideal balance between in-resort relaxation and proximity to the excitement of the fashionable suburb of Seminyak; in-room services such as spa treatments, meals and your own private pool.
The Amala Seminyak
Jalan Kunti 108, Seminyak 80361
Bali, Indonesia
www.theamala.com
+62 361 738 866
+62 361 300 1013
+62 81 2383 3696
[email protected]
Find more on luxury travel to Bali here.
If you like The Amala in Seminyak, you might also enjoy The Samata, a quieter boutique resort in Sanur, also managed by Lifestyle Retreats.
Another stunning place, breakfast looks great!
What a beautiful oasis to escape to! I don’t think I would make it out of the villa. 🙂
The bamboo walkway is rather surreal.