Bali Bliss: My relaxing stay at Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa

Who needs a plus one when you’ve got an amazing suite overlooking the picturesque beach in Bali? That was my first thought as I checked into the stunning Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa in Bali.

While I’ve been to the Island of the Gods on a numerous occasions – this was a special one. I was headed solo for weekend with only one thing in mind: relaxation.

And relaxation is what got.

From the friendly check-in staff and traditional Balinese welcome drink to the beautiful suite complete with an outdoor bathtub, it was the perfect setting to unwind overlooking the beautiful beach strip in Seminyak.

ideal location

With its prime location on the beach front and far from the hustle and bustle of the surfing crowd, I found myself admiring the peaceful atmosphere of the property with its architectural grandeur which takes privacy well into consideration. Good news for those who are not fond of bumping into groups of people at every corner.

For families, ground-level suites including private pools provide safety and more cosy environment for the kids while for singles and couples, the beach facing  suites on higher levels with a strategically-placed terrazzo hydro tubs on the balcony are unbeatable. My suite had one of those and every night, I could not resist a warm bath while listening to the crashing waves. It was just what I needed!

My stay’s highlights were many. Apart from the prime beachside location – in the quieter part of Seminyak towards the end of the beach strip – which makes it possible to walk along and enjoy the sun and water with so much convenience, I also loved the layout of the suite with a separate and spacious dressing room.

Understated luxury is what defines Anantara Seminyak Resort and Spa with its Balinese-inspired décor and furniture which combine tradition and modernity in a harmonious way. Nothing too fussy or over the top.

When I mentioned relaxation earlier, I also meant lying down by the water and taking in some sun – responsibly of course. After all, that’s what we go to Bali for right? The infinity-edged pool provided a perfect location  to do just that. The comfy sunbeds and cabanas were also ideal to sip on a cocktail while catching up on my readings.

superb service

If you ask me, bad service sometimes stands in the way of total relaxation and it happens to me more often than not. However, this certainly was not the case here where polite and attentive staff were around to help when needed. And the dreaded ‘table for two?’ question was not once asked as I made my way solo to the breakfast venue every morning.

Talking about breakfast, it is surely worth mentioning. There’s nothing I dislike more than wasteful buffets where anything and everything is present and often quality is compromised for the sake of quantity. At Anantara, the breakfast was simply divine. There was certainly no shortage of varieties from fruits to yoghurt, pastries and healthy fresh juices conveniently bottled for consumption. That is aside from the a la carte hot varieties like pancakes, omelettes, etc… which are available for ordering on the spot.

spa treat

After food and sunbathing comes the real relaxation i.e. the spa experience.

What sets apart the spa at Anantara is firstly the products which are handmade internally to ensure their freshness and a touch of traditional Balinese goodness. The oils used for the massages are made using various essences like ylang ylang, patchouli, mandarin, lemongrass and natural ingredients like spices, carrots, cucumbers and so on… and are recommended by the therapist depending on the type of massage or treatment  performed.

Closing my eyes as my therapist started performing the Anantara Signature massage, I felt my mind clear up and stress fade away with every stroke. The experience was both relaxing and invigorating and surprisingly left me with so much energy afterwards.

And that’s exactly what I was looking for. As I headed back to Singapore, the experience was something I desperately needed, and one which I would certainly repeat whenever the city and my busy work schedule get to me.

For more information on Anatara Seminyak Resort and Spa, please click here. Book your stay through Mr & Mrs Smith and you’ll also be entitled to a Smith extra of free daily canapés & Tea Tails experience at Moonlite Kitchen and Bar or at Wild Orchid Restaurant. 

Rana Wehbe

Read more:

Lone Wanderer: Why travelling solo is good for you
Eat, Spa, Shop: The discerning girl’s guide to Bali