Alila Seminyak: Beachfront Eco-Luxury in Bali

With our tummies still full from Bebek Goreng, we were dropped off in front of Alila Seminyak’s open lobby and greeted with smiles by the hotel’s Director of Operations and Rooms Division Manager. Welcome drinks, chilled towels, and facial mist soon followed. It was a welcome respite from our long journey all the way from Labuan Bajo.




Sipping the lemongrass, honey, and ginger concoction, I relaxed in the plush seating area and looked around. The combination of white, clean lines and dark wood screamed of minimalist luxury. Walking towards the sound of waves hitting the shore, I was pleased with what I saw – infinity pools with an ocean view. Plus a Balinese temple in the center!

Alila Seminyak: Property Tour

After we have rested for a bit, we were given a tour of the property by the Rooms Division Manager. Alila Seminyak opened last year and will offer a total of 240 rooms and suites in four separate buildings. This includes 96 rooms, 140 suites, and one penthouse.

As we were walking around the communal spaces, one will notice that the property is open, bright and airy all throughout. The vertical gardens are also a nice touch and a good use of space. Good thing that Guarang Khemka and Alila Hotels and Resorts have the same sustainable ethos. Guarang Khemka, from the Singapore-based agency URBNarc, is responsible for the architecture and interior design of Alila Seminyak.

Aside from using local materials and suppliers, Alila also prides itself in employing a local workforce. When I asked the manager how they manage to maintain all that wood on the property, he told us that they have in fact dedicated staff just to maintain them on a daily basis.




The Penthouse is the height of luxury retreat. With three bedrooms, sundeck, and a private infinity lap pool overlooking the property and the Indian Ocean, you’re certainly getting the bang out of your buck. It also has a kitchen, dining room, and living room. Perfect for a family getaway!

The hotel is also in a prime location in Seminyak, with Potato Head Beach Club and trendy restaurants for its neighbors along the beachfront. It’s also conveniently close to the main street and the boutique shops.

The tour also took us to the other infinity pools on the property as well as the family pool and the beach bar. We also passed the Temple by the Beach (Pura Dalem Segara) which was built in 1980 as fisherman’s shrine. It is amazing how they manage to wrap the property around this temple. A reflection of how Alila gives importance to Balinese customs and traditions.

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The complex of @AlilaSeminyak in #Bali! How big, how blue, how beautiful. ❤️ #TripOfWonders #AlilaSeminyak #WonderfulIndonesia #TOWondersAtALS

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By the end of the tour, I was certainly pleasantly surprised. And indeed Alila Seminyak managed not just to live up to its name (Alila means “surprise” in Sanskrit). But how it also stayed true to what the Alila group has been known for – eco-friendly properties offering artisanal luxury and cultural immersion.

Alila Seminyak: Deluxe Room

After a short buggy ride from the resort building, I finally got to see my room. Located on the third floor, it had a balcony overlooking the private pool and the other building. The king bed looked enticing, but it would have to wait. Upon opening the 40” LCD TV, I was once again surprised to see my whole name and the welcome letter flashing on the screen.

Having worked for a hotel group in the Philippines, I tried to find if there was anything lacking in my room. But it was flawless. Every nook and cranny were clean and organized. There were his and hers wardrobe and vanity, separate rooms for toilet and shower, a well-stocked minibar and a Nespresso machine. An array of Alila’s Essence Collection toiletries can also be found in the bathroom.

The room’s interiors do not differ from the rest of the property. Bright, clean lines, airy, earthy hues, Balinese accents, and dark wood blending to give that minimalist and eco-friendly design.

Sunset drinks and Breakfast at The Restaurant

Before the #TripofWonders farewell dinner, we were treated to one of Alila’s signature cocktails – the Spicy Cha Margarita. It was a combination of Don Julio Reposado, Passion Fruit Puree, Agave Syrup, Lime Juice and Muddled Chili served in Sweet Togarashi Salt-rimmed glass. It was the perfect drink as we watched the sun setting on the horizon as the Indian Ocean waves splashed the shore. The sweet and spicy combination mimicking the 12 days of adventure we had all over Wonderful Indonesia.

The bistro-style restaurant boasts an open kitchen and an outdoor seating with ocean views. The open kitchen has an Asian Noodle Bar, Grill, and a Rotisserie. The restaurant serves breakfast to dinner with an array of Western and Asian culinary options.

After an early night in, a heavy breakfast is just what we needed before trying out the four pools. Aside from the buffet selections, one can also order from their Western, Asian, Pastry and Healthy menu. Food quality is very good and there was a wide variety of food to choose from. Of course, my breakfast wouldn’t be complete without the bacon! Thank goodness that the Alila chefs sure know how to make them the right kind of crispy!

Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Alila Seminyak: Pool-hopping

Starting from our building’s private pool, Vindhya and I set off to try out all of the pools on the property. Next pool stop after breakfast was the one on top of The Restaurant. Indeed, an infinity pool with ocean view certainly makes the difference!

Third pool was the one closest to the main lobby and identical to the other infinity pool. Meanwhile, being attached to the Beach Bar was the family pool’s advantage. There were also bean bags facing the ocean if you just want to chill. All pools are wood-decked and include complimentary bottled water, use of towels and Alila toiletries.

Alila Seminyak: Service

All of the staff I passed by were courteous and had a smile on their faces. Front office staff was also helpful with my queries. Service was also very good at The Restaurant especially with my bacon and special requests. The free WIFI all throughout the property was quite fast too!




My one night stay at Alila Seminyak was certainly a surprise! I would definitely like to try out other properties from the group. And Alila Seminyak would certainly hold a special place in my travel memories for it being the place where our #TripofWonders ended.

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Alila Seminyak

Address: Jl. Taman Ganesha No 9 Petitenget, Kerobokan, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Other Facilities and Amenities:

Spa Alila

Gym

Alila Living

Use of VW Kombi

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Have you stayed at any Alila property? How was your experience?

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Read more of the Wonderful Indonesia series here!

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Disclosure: I was invited to the Trip of Wonders by the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia for Wonderful Indonesia. However, all opinions and biases are my own.

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