The Bale?
Jun 15th, 2011, 03:18 PM
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The Bale?
Hello friends, I'm looking ahead to a trip to Bali - my first to Indonesia - at the end of the year. With limited time to travel, my plan is for a couple of days in Ubud and a couple of days in the south for ocean views and relaxation. I'm thinking a moderate/less expensive but nice hotel in Ubud will be fine, but might like to stay somewhere slightly more posh (but within my budget, which has yet to be determined...but it's not crazy high) in the south.
I've been reading reviews of different areas/hotels/resorts for a while now and I think, especially with a lot of marmot's thorough explanations, that Seminyak is where I might like to be for the south. However, the pictures of The Bale are very compelling for me. My partner likes a modern/sleek ambiance - and I do, too - and we swoon a bit over pictures of The Bale. I haven't really found comments about it here, though.
Has anyone stayed? Are there somewhat comparable places in Seminyak (or maybe Sanur or Jimbaran)? Ideally I'm not somewhere that feels like a stripmall of resorts, that has some local charm...
Would love any input. Thank you in advance!
I've been reading reviews of different areas/hotels/resorts for a while now and I think, especially with a lot of marmot's thorough explanations, that Seminyak is where I might like to be for the south. However, the pictures of The Bale are very compelling for me. My partner likes a modern/sleek ambiance - and I do, too - and we swoon a bit over pictures of The Bale. I haven't really found comments about it here, though.
Has anyone stayed? Are there somewhat comparable places in Seminyak (or maybe Sanur or Jimbaran)? Ideally I'm not somewhere that feels like a stripmall of resorts, that has some local charm...
Would love any input. Thank you in advance!
Jun 15th, 2011, 06:50 PM
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cjw, I haven't visited the Bale so can't give you first hand impressions, though, I'm with you in admiring the architecture.
I think the questions that you need to ask yourselves are: Do you want to be on the cliff overlooking the sea or at sea-level? Do you want seclusion/isolation or a balance of serenity and access to restaurants, shops, nightlife etc?
I'm never disappointed by the Legian (in Seminyak) for a combination of good design -- contemporary with Balinese overtones -- and beautiful grounds right on the beach. The studio suites are spacious and all have balconies overlooking the sea.
There are zillions of Bale-like villas and villa complexes in the Seminyak area too, but they don't offer sea views.
I think the questions that you need to ask yourselves are: Do you want to be on the cliff overlooking the sea or at sea-level? Do you want seclusion/isolation or a balance of serenity and access to restaurants, shops, nightlife etc?
I'm never disappointed by the Legian (in Seminyak) for a combination of good design -- contemporary with Balinese overtones -- and beautiful grounds right on the beach. The studio suites are spacious and all have balconies overlooking the sea.
There are zillions of Bale-like villas and villa complexes in the Seminyak area too, but they don't offer sea views.
Jun 21st, 2011, 03:52 AM
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thanks, marmot. i've gotta think about the cliff vs sea level questions. (i'm leaning towards latter.) in terms of seclusion and access, like many, i want something in between 
i'll check the legian again...though iirc, the better rooms might have been more than i as hoping to spend. i could be mis-remembering or confusing with another property, though.
good to know there are lots of options in seminyak. i was looking primarily at TA, but see on agoda lots more possibilities. thank you again!
i'll check the legian again...though iirc, the better rooms might have been more than i as hoping to spend. i could be mis-remembering or confusing with another property, though.
good to know there are lots of options in seminyak. i was looking primarily at TA, but see on agoda lots more possibilities. thank you again!
Jun 21st, 2011, 07:06 AM
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we love the alam shanti, but it is more traditional balinese..
i don't really consider seminyak to be southern, it is more west... for a big resort with full ocean views in the west i loved our time at the pan pacific...
i don't really consider seminyak to be southern, it is more west... for a big resort with full ocean views in the west i loved our time at the pan pacific...
Jun 21st, 2011, 04:42 PM
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You might also look at the Samaya in Seminyak. The last time I was there they had demolished their beach villas and were rebuilding. They may be ready by the end of the year.
Another less pricy option in Seminyak is the Sofitel. I wouldn't put it in the same class of ambience and design as the Bale or Legian, but it's well located and has nice spacious grounds.
Traffic in Bali is at a particularly low point. They're working on road improvements making things even worse. The net result is that whatever beach you choose -- Sanur, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Kuta, Seminyak -- plan to stay put. Getting from place to place can lead to a high level of frustration. Not what you want on vacation.
Another less pricy option in Seminyak is the Sofitel. I wouldn't put it in the same class of ambience and design as the Bale or Legian, but it's well located and has nice spacious grounds.
Traffic in Bali is at a particularly low point. They're working on road improvements making things even worse. The net result is that whatever beach you choose -- Sanur, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Kuta, Seminyak -- plan to stay put. Getting from place to place can lead to a high level of frustration. Not what you want on vacation.
