Alila Seminyak – Hotel Review

The electric energy of seaside Seminyak softens upon entry to Alila Seminyak, a sophisticated hotel on a quiet stretch of sand. Capturing the most peaceful aspects of coastal Bali, the low-rise property invites the ocean in at every turn with in-room floor-to-ceiling windows and understated eateries in chic, open pavilions. The area’s signature buzz? That’s just as accessible, too. Read on for the full review. 

The minimalist architecture of Alila doesn’t distract from its incredible oceanfront position. The two on-site eateries also celebrate the coastal environment, serving seafood or California-style snacks alongside unimpinged glimpses of the rolling sea. It’s the perfect contrast the bustling Bali that awaits guests just outside the grounds.

Where is Alila Seminyak? 

Alila rests on the water’s edge in the centre of Seminyak on Jalan Taman Ganesha, about 25 minutes’ drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

What’s near Alila Seminyak?

Alila is ringed by some of Seminyak’s most popular restaurants and bars. Potato Head Beach Club, Motel Mexicola, Ku De Ta and Ubud-esque restaurant Nook are all less than 10 minutes away by car. Canggu, now considered the “new” Seminyak, is a 40-minute drive.

Room types 

All the pared-back rooms have dark-wood panelling, sand-coloured tiles and soft furnishings in deep chocolate. In suites, faux bamboo panelling separates bedrooms from generous bathrooms, with chic living spaces offering alternative lounging spaces. To better enjoy the hotel’s oceanside position, all rooms have private balconies and daybeds, with King Bed Deluxes offering direct access to the ground-level pool. 

Restaurants and bars 

Both on-site eateries are next to the ocean, with welcome breezes whistling through. The food at Seasalt, which aims to be zero waste and serves local, sustainable Balinese produce with a Japanese slant, is as refined as its interiors. The local specialties — which include kepala ikan, a clear fish broth with pineapple and ladyfinger — are perfectly finessed, as are the more international offerings, which range from wagyu short ribs with wasabi mashed potato to snapper baked in organic, traditionally farmed Kusamba sea salt from east Bali. 

The Beach Bar, a more classic poolside snack spot, serves Western favourites with a little twist: calamari rings with Balinese-spiced mayo or fried anchovies sprinkled with kaffir lime leaves. 

Travel for work

Alila has meeting rooms (for a minimum of 20 people) that overlook the sea. If you’re working solo, the Seminyak Suites have full-size desks that look directly onto the floor-to-ceiling windows. Wi-fi is free throughout the property.

Spa, gym and pool

Spa Alila, the hotel’s wellness destination, is an indulgent, dimmed-lights kind of space. Facials use German Babor cosmetics, while body treatments incorporate more of a local approach, using lulur, a traditional skin-polishing treatment.  

Among the five beachside pools, there are retreats for both families and solo travellers with dedicated adults-only and kid-friendly pools. All are lined with umbrellas and sun loungers and one pool, overlooked by Beach Bar, turns up the vibe come cocktail time.

The very chic gym is a clean and bright space that might tempt even the most reluctant into sweating it out. There are helpful “privacy” panels for guests who like to puff in peace. 

Sustainability

Alila takes a holistic approach to its corporate responsibility programs. Not only does the resort invest in tangible environmental initiatives such as on-site hydroponic farming and farm-to-table dining concepts, it also supports two local schools.

What you need to know

Play Alila is a bright and temptingly colourful on-site kids’ club for kids under 12. There’s also an on-site babysitting service on request.

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