The Bali Hotel You Need to Know About
On Bali’s beautiful east coast, Komune is a world away from Kuta’s chaotic sprawl. The relaxed resort is the perfect gateway to a less-spoilt Bali: sandy paths wind their way through lush gardens and traditional Javanese buildings to the beach, where the mighty Keramas surf breaks.
THE ROOMS Understated beach-chic is the theme in all the rooms, with cool ceramic tiles, lots of timber, mirrors and blooming orchids. New beachfront suites step it up further with an enormous bathtub, stocked bookshelves, a desk, essential oil burner and minibar complete with cocktail shaker and martini glasses – and that’s just inside. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, you’ll find a small deck with adjustable daybeds and other seating – all the better to enjoy your own private roped-off patch of the swimming pool.
THE LOCATION Less than an hour’s drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, Komune is at Keramas village with views of Nusa Lembongan island. Nearby are the white-sand Virgin Beach; the markets, eateries and galleries of Ubud; and the bat-filled Goa Lawah Temple.
THE RESTAURANTS Choose from pizzas, pastas and the like – accompanied by beer, wine or excellent cocktails – at The Beach Club, and eat by the sea at tables, couches or poolside daybeds. Also by the sea is the Komune Warung, which offers favourites like noodles, nasi goreng, jaffles and banana pancakes – and Bintang, of course. But Komune's best food is at the Health Hub, with its vast range of macro bowls, salads and similar dishes. All the restaurants use local produce where possible, much of it grown on site. And, because Komune is owned by two enterprising Australians, it has great coffee.
SEE ALSO: First-Timer’s Guide to Bali
THE FACILITIES The Beach Club swimming pool looks out over the black sand to sea; the Health Hub pool, surrounded by gardens, is perfect for laps. It adjoins a breezy yoga space and enormous well-equipped gym. There’s also a massage centre, hair and beauty salon and boutique – and the recently opened Free Range Kids Club, centring on a skate park and other screen-free activities. A meeting room is also available in the reception building.
THE CONCIERGE Concierge Budiarta, born and raised in Keramas village, now delights in sharing the region’s secrets with guests: “They get to see a different part of Bali,” he says. He recommends a trip to nearby Tegenungan Waterfall, perhaps followed by a meal in Ubud, about 25 minutes from the hotel. Budiarta’s pick is the produce-driven Hujan Locale, created by Will Meyrick, the man behind Mama San and Sarong restaurants. “I have not been but my GM says it is the best so I pass this on.”
THE FAB FACTOR See if the surf’s up without even leaving your bed. Keep the curtains open to be woken by the sunrise – and if the sea is a little flat, rest easy; there are plenty of other ways to get wet, active, chilled out, or all three.
Location: Jalan Pantai Keramas, Gianyar, Bali
Phone: +62 361 3018 888
Style: Laid-back luxury
Perfect for: Surfers and health-conscious leisure travellers, families
Number of rooms: 22 beachfront suites, 56 resort rooms, 10 family suites and 2 villas
SEE ALSO: Taste-Testing Bali’s Best Restaurants
