5 Reasons You Must Stay at W Retreat & Spa Bali
This Willy Wonka-esque resort boasts playful twists at every turn and is quickly becoming the party central in Bali. Here are five reasons it’s the hottest place to stay right now.
The lowdown
With a spot-on location at the trendy end of Seminyak Beach, the W is within walking distance of many of the island’s top restaurants and cafes. That said, there is also a great choice of restaurants and bars on site, as well as plenty of facilities to keep you occupied within the resort, including a library and excellent fitness centre. Meander through the grounds to discover a tranquil oasis with traditional reflective pools or splurge on W’s flamboyant Global Glam fashion collection. Nothing here is understated.
The accommodation
In keeping with the W brand, its Seminyak outpost spares no luxury. Rooms and suites are kitted out with state-of-the-art facilities, including iPod docking stations and BOSE surround-sound systems. In the bathrooms there are deep bathtubs, rain showers and Bliss spa amenities – and is that a rubber duck we see? The best of the bunch come with private balconies and full ocean views. Creatures of habit will enjoy a 40-inch flat screen TV and high-speed internet, but we’re more likely to be found lolling on one of pool’s floating beanbags. In fact, the pool is one of the W’s major drawcards. Its tiered design – modelled on Balinese rice paddies – covers an area of 1790 square metres, which is pretty enormous.
The party
With the rise of Bali’s beach clubs, Woobar has quickly become one of the coolest destinations in Seminyak, renowned for its sunset sessions and host of international DJs. The cocktail menu is filled with quirks – like the signature W 2-tini of Belvedere vodka, W-made ginger beer and cotton candy on top. A selection of tapas, burgers and thin-crust pizzas will keep those hunger pangs at bay, and you’d do well to order the caramelised pork ribs and crispy soft-shell crab. Budding mixologists can test their skills at a private cocktail class, while wine connoisseurs can book the secret dining room tucked within the W’s cellar.
The food
Fire is the W’s world-class restaurant, run by chef Jack Yoss. His seven-course tasting menu (with matching wines) showcases dishes such as sweet corn and blue crab tortellini and crispy braised pork cheeks. The best bit? His “Pod 64% Chocolate Melting Sphere”, which dissolves in front of you to reveal white chocolate mousse, passionfruit jelly, lemon popping candy and pandan streusel.
Make reservations for the mother of all Sunday brunches at Starfish Bloo. Think fresh seafood, free-flow Prosecco and a DIY sundae bar. Still hungry? A Mad Hatter-themed high tea is served daily in the lobby with a wonderful spread of cakes, sweets and, yes, Champagne.
The day spa
Open 24/7 Away Spa offers glamorous single- and double-treatment rooms, as well as a hair salon and chill-out zone, serving probiotic smoothies. The signature Morning After Massage – designed for those who partied too hard last night – is 90 minutes of utter bliss. Arrive early to experience the spa’s hot-stone bath and oxygen room. The massage begins with a five-minute stretching exercise, using techniques from Chinese Wushu martial arts. Your body is then rubbed down with herbal oils infused with fresh lime, basil, rosemary and mint, until each muscle is more relaxed than a sloth sipping sangria by a swimming pool.