All-Suite Hotel Review: Plenty of Space and Sunshine at The Legian Seminyak Bali

PUBLISHED July 29th, 2020 07:00 am | UPDATED August 5th, 2020 10:28 am

One can always look to Bali when some daydreaming about happy days ahead – post-pandemic – is in order. As we think about properties we’d love to hit once the world bounces back, The Legian Seminyak Bali is definitely on that list. Excellent service, beautiful grounds, and a location that lends itself to plenty of glorious (and virus-destroying) sunshine – what more could we want?

Location & Space

You can’t complain about location, with the hotel occupying prime real estate right on Seminyak Beach. With neighbours such as Ku De Ta and Italian restaurant La Lucciola, you’ll find yourself in good company for dining and entertainment. Just over a half hour drive from the airport, Seminyak is also an ideal base for those looking to explore other parts of Bali such as Canggu and Ubud.

Traipse past the airy reception area dotted with tasteful locally made furniture and you’ll emerge into the area housing the cascading three-tiered infinity pool and restaurant, edging against the sandy shores beyond. We took our welcome drinks (a house blend of lemongrass and citrus) at cosy The Pool Bar – if you fancy a dip in nature’s swimming pool instead, it’s merely a flight of stairs away. Needless to say, sunsets (or sunrises, for the early birds) are spectacular here, whether you’re in the water or lounging in one of the many deck chairs arranged around the pool.

Rooms

We spent the night in a One Bedroom Superior Suite, one of 67 available in the boutique hotel. Capitalising on its beachfront location, each suite at The Legian Bali faces the sea – affording guests the sublime experience of being lulled to sleep by crashing waves at night. If you prefer listening to something else, play DJ with the room’s excellent Bose sound system and create your own vacation soundtrack.

Despite its age (the hotel was first opened in 1996), the rooms don’t appear dated and are well maintained. Look forward to stepping into spaces inspired by Javanese culture and design –  the seamless blend of local craftsmanship and luxury is evident in the high ceilings, natural materials like the rattan and tortoiseshell mosaic furniture, and wooden pillars with a lovely lacquered finish.

Amenities abound in the room, from Acqua di Parma toiletries to bath salts and candles requisite for a good, long soak in the bathroom’s largish tub. We also liked the complimentary minibar, which was well stocked with juices, snacks (jars of dried fruit and cookies- go for the chocolate), and Fever Tree beverages in addition to the standard Nespresso machine.

Facilities & Services

We found our time at The Legian peppered with small, thoughtful acts that spoke of the team’s stellar standard of service. Our room was christened with a trio of pretty canapés upon arrival and we were similarly delighted to find mosquito repellant and a flower-adorned poem on the bed after turndown service on the second night. These touches, coupled with friendly smiles and greetings from everyone we met, certainly made us feel welcome.

Great service aside, you’ll also find The Spa at The Legian on the property, featuring beachfront treatment rooms and hot and cold plunge pools. While we didn’t get the opportunity to sample the various treatments on offer, a glance at the menu of massages, manicures, and facials on offer tells us that most pampering needs will be satisfied here. Working out even on holiday? No worries; the hotel offers complimentary yoga, pilates, and spin classes in addition to optional private training sessions at the gym.

F&B

Worked up an appetite with all that physical activity? The Restaurant is helmed by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Stephane Gortina, whipping up breakfast, lunch, and dinner for guests and public alike at The Legian.

We enjoyed our Rosé Lunch, opting for the three-course option (from IDR 740,000 per person) that comes with a glass of rosé. Local ingredients are given the chance to shine with contemporary cooking techniques, and our Catch of the Day (red snapper for us) was fresh and well executed. It’s well worth the calories to order the Pina Colada Cup for dessert, as the deconstructed parfait perfectly captures the taste of summer with a heavenly combination of pineapple sorbet, chantilly cream, coconut ice cream, and crisp coconut shavings.

If you’re able to withstand the siren call of your bed, head down to The Restaurant for breakfast instead of ordering it to your room in the mornings. The sweeping view of swaying palm trees and the sea from just beyond the pool’s blue edge is a great way to start your day.

The Legian Bali is located at Jl. Kayu Aya, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia, p. +62 361 730622.