The Santai: Spacious Boutique Pool Villas in Umalas, Bali
PUBLISHED December 1st, 2016 02:21 pm | UPDATED July 28th, 2024 01:39 am
An exclusive retreat nestled in the quiet neighbourhood of Umalas, The Santai is close to picturesque rice fields and local village temples but is also just a short 15-minute drive from the shops, restaurants and buzzing nightlife of Seminyak. Here, they offer something very different from the big hotels and resorts – a truly peaceful and individual Balinese experience in their very own villa.
Upon check-in, the service team was nothing short of flawless. The walk to my 2-bedroom pool villa felt like a stroll in the garden, exploring unfamiliar territories. With a light swing at the door, I was impressed with the unusual large pool (5m x 10m) in the middle of the villa, dividing the master bedroom and the second bedroom. Inflatable pool floats were also laid out, enticing guests to jump into the pool as soon as you walk in. The outdoor sun deck with day bed is perfect for languid suntanning sessions.
The two-bedroom villa is about 350 square metres (3767 square feet) and has a fully equipped kitchen, should you decide to whip up a meal for your friends and family. For the extra indulgent days – you’re on holiday after all – breakfast can be delivered to your villa at a specific time if you just can’t manage the walk to the restaurant.
Amenities aside, you can also enjoy in-room spa treatments and in-room cooking classes (which we had the opportunity to try). The use of bicycles are complimentary too.
Guided by Chef Gede Artawan, the cooking class took us through three Balinese dishes; Lawar Kacang Panjang aka Balinese green bean salad, Tum Be Pasih – steamed fish in Balinese spice and tomato wrapped in banana leaf -, and Pisang Goreng Gulung, the Balinese fried banana spring roll. Luckily (and most importantly), they turned out to be really tasty and easy to prepare!
With only 11 pool villas – five two-bedroom villas and six three-bedroom villas – guests can experience highly personalised service from the moment they check in; a familiar motto they abide, “hospitality from the heart“, developed and perfected by Lifestyle Retreats over the years and practiced at all their properties.
The Santai Umalas is located at Jalan Bumbak No.88A Banjar Kelod Anyar, Kerobokan – Umalas, Bali – Indonesia. For more information on accommodations, please visit their website or email them at [email protected].
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For more gorgeous stays in Bali, also see our review of The Amala Seminyak by Lifestyle Retreats.
