The villas at the Samaya are vast. There are just 52 of them, some scattered along a wide curl of sandy beach, some of them in a romantic courtyard setting, all of them super-chic. Four-poster beds swathed in fine linen and immense sofas, a muted palette of sandy hues, sleek and sizeable bathrooms and an airy feel characterise the villas, which all open out into gorgeous walled gardens studded with sizeable private pools gleaming amidst tropical plants.
A butler will serve breakfast at any desired time in your villa – or anywhere else you might like to have it, the level of service here is staggeringly high. The hotel’s main restaurant sits beside the beach, and is a delightful place for lunch or dinner, when lanterns cast a soft light over the whole a la carte al fresco affair. The bar is practically on the beach, an ideal place to be, chilled drink in hand, to take in the spectacular sunsets that Seminyak is legendary for.
The food is similarly highly rated, the Wagyu burger a lunchtime favourite, but local specialities such as barbecued red snapper with chilli-soy sambal are popular too. Dinner is a more refined take on the same Indonesian/International mix, with the option of visiting the wine cellar to choose from what is an impressive international selection.
The Brasserie in the Royal Courtyard across the road specialises in Indonesian specialities for dinner. Of course, any meal can be served in your villa any time by the 24-hour butler service for complete privacy.
Just a walk away is the opposite option – the melange of upmarket, trendy bars, boutiques, restaurants sophisticated Seminyak is famous for, a contrast to the peaceful surrounds of the Samaya.
There’s a lovely spa set in gardens next to the beach, there’s horse riding along the sand and surf, there’s yoga at sunset, there’s an Olympic size main pool with lovely sea views, there’s the option of simply sunbathing in the walled garden of your own villa, until complimentary afternoon tea arrives.
