The Kayana Seminyak by Dan Phelan
Hi is that Bali? I’m a long time listener, first time caller.
I’ve been fortunate to have travelled the globe since my early teens, exploring some amazing countries and learning new cultures. For this reason alone, I find it bizarre that on my journeys I’ve not managed a visit be it a stopover or longer to Indonesia, namely Bali, which seems to be a rite of passage for any Australian traveller. Fortunately due to circumstance (my best mates 40th birthday) we found ourselves booked and confirmed for a Balinese adventure with ten our closest friends. While I’ll not regale you with tales of never-ending birthday celebrations for the first week of the trip, I will advise you how I completed the second half when we all scattered to different ends of the island for the real rest and relaxation time.
Through the recommendations of Jacinta from Senior Stays, I found myself spending my last three days in absolute secluded luxury within the The Kayana Villas, Seminyak. The central location in downtown Seminyak has you in walking distance to all the main bars, restaurants and shopping areas. While the entrance is set just back from the hustle of JL Raya Petitenget Road, security and reception staff are on hand to ensure a smooth arrival. Checking in, I was presented with a refreshment and traditional Balinese head piece called Udeng, and a thorough rundown of the various activities and packages on offer. Who knew there was such a things as floating breakfast and an in-villa Balinese BBQ (a must, be sure to bring an appetite.)
Upon entry to the grounds of The Kayana, a secluded oasis awaits. Despite being located in the middle of the bustling town, you wouldn’t know it; with all the noise of the street lost as you’re transported by buggy down the tranquil path to your own villa. After a full rundown of the room and facilities by the concierge, it’s time to have taste of the mini bar (including a fruit platter on arrival and a dip in my private plunge pool which every villa comes with). The room is regal and expensive looking, but not on the hip pocket. It’s the welcoming detail of a frangipani bath that sets the tone of the stay and what’s to come. There is ample room for you and your partner with separate basins/vanity . The villa is fully air-conditioned to whatever temperature you prefer. Outside is a comfortable Cabana to eat, drink or socialise while enjoying the serenity. The villas are fully catered with big screen TV, however with all that’s available in and around the resort, was only ever turned on once before settling into the massive king sized bed draped in a bed canopy.
The Kayana offers a floating breakfast, so why eat in your outdoor cabana when you can have breakfast eggs, bacon, pancakes, whatever you want presented on a floating tray in your pool? It’s definitely a different way to enjoy breakfast relaxing in your pool, be careful as the coffee keeps floating away!
Plenty of sunlight fills the sunlounge and pool area throughout the day so there is no need to leave the privacy of your villa for a tan. However, if you’re feeling a little more social, The Kayana will not only escort you down to the beach, they will set up beds, umbrella and pack a picnic for you to lay by the water front, a special service indeed! There is of course The Dauh restaurant, bar and pool area which is great to meet other guests be it at breakfast or happy hour between 3pm – 6pm with plenty of sunbeds to catch more sunshine.
When it’s time to pamper, The Kayana offers the AYUR Spa open all day for all your needs. I recommend the 80 minute full body massage. There is an option of 60mins, however it was rightly suggested, 60 mins just isn’t long enough. A very relaxing area and extremely considerate of my comfort, including music and room temperature.
I felt extremely secure in my room and at The Kayana in general. Any visitors I had to my villa were not permitted until they were announced by reception to me and given permission to be transported to the villa. Along with a safe, I felt like it was as secure as my home.
A highlight of my stay was experiencing the in-villa BBQ. It’s a feast, and an appetite is required. The team of chefs and staff spoil you in your own cabana which is dressed and set in traditional Balinese decorations. They tend to you from start until the dessert, when they leave you feeling full with delicious Indonesian cuisine, the satay and the local fish my personal faves. The staff headed by General Manager Ericht, are most hospitable and welcoming and their knowledge of the local area is second to none. The are always wanting to know if there is anything they could do for me to make my stay more comfortable. There truly isn’t anything more they could do, it was perfect!
I feel these Villas are most suitable to either a couple or solo traveller who enjoy the finer things in life, who enjoy the high energy vibe of Bali and Seminyak, but love to escape to their tranquil oasis without a car or scooter sound in earshot.
Must visits:
Mrs Sippy Pool Club
Motel Mexicola
La Lucciola
Ku De Tah
Shopping:
By the Sea
Blog by Dan Phelan