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The Amala Boutique Retreat – A Private Wellness Sanctuary in the Heart of Seminyak

During our recent visit to Bali, we spent two nights at The Amala Boutique Retreat, staying in a 2-bedroom Pool Estate with three friends. From the moment we arrived, everything felt comfortable and serene, with attentive, thoughtful service at every turn— making The Amala a standout boutique retreat in a prime Seminyak location.

The villa itself was beautifully designed and offered complete privacy, creating a peaceful escape from the bustle of Seminyak. Our private pool quickly became the heart of our stay, providing the perfect setting to relax during the day. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a stunning welcome display on our bed—an elephant crafted from towels with cut-out hearts—which was such a thoughtful touch.

The villa included a semi-outdoor bathroom, giving the feeling of being close to nature while showering. It was equipped with all the necessary amenities, and the addition of a black towel for makeup removal was a small but thoughtful touch that showed attention to detail. The lounge area in our villa was incredibly comfortable, and with the rainy weather during our stay, it became the perfect spot to relax undercover, read a book, or simply listen to the rain while staying dry and cozy.

The resort’s lush gardens and bamboo-lined paths add to its serene atmosphere, giving the property a calm, private feel despite being centrally located. Eka, the resort manager, personally showed us around the property, ensuring we felt welcome and familiar with all the amenities. Being in Bali, there were quite a few mosquitoes, but the villa was well-prepared. Our bed had a mosquito net, mosquito repellent was provided, and each evening the staff placed a burner to ward off mosquitoes, making our stay comfortable and uninterrupted.

Daily a la carte breakfast was included and served either at Bamboo Restaurant or in the privacy of the villa at no additional charge. We particularly enjoyed the strawberry pancakes, fresh melon juice, and lattes, while the avocado toast was both delicious and healthy. A charming touch each morning was the “word of the day” on our place setting—a different Indonesian word with its meaning—which added a sweet and thoughtful cultural element to our breakfasts.

The Amala also offers a complimentary shuttle service within Seminyak, allowing easy access to nearby beaches, shops, and restaurants. In addition, they also arranged a complimentary airport transfer for us which made our arrival and departure stress-free.

If you’re after some relaxation, TULA Wellness at The Amala is a little slice of heaven. From soothing spa treatments—including sound healing—to daily yoga classes and a gym, there’s something to refresh both body and mind. I also loved the cooking classes and private dining options, which added a thoughtful, immersive touch to the stay.

The resort also features a gift shop, offering a wide selection of soaps, scents, and jewellery—perfect for picking up something thoughtful for a loved one or a special keepsake to take home.

The service at The Amala was exceptional and genuinely attentive. When one of my friends became unwell, the staff went out of their way to provide comfort, delivering ginger tea and light snacks daily. This level of personal care made a lasting impression. A special mention to Egi from Front Office, who was professional, friendly, and always willing to assist with information and recommendations. Upon departure, we were presented with a lovely gift, a thoughtful way to conclude our stay.

The Amala Boutique Retreat is a perfect pick for travellers looking for a peaceful, wellness-focused getaway that combines luxury with comfort and convenience.

Our stay at The Amala was relaxing, private, and restorative, and it’s a property I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a boutique wellness retreat in Bali.

Reviewed by World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative, Kayla Robertson

To book your stay at The Amala, visit their website: www.theamala.com

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Villa Air Bali Boutique Resort & Spa – A Private Sanctuary of Serenity in the Heart of Seminyak

Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Seminyak, Villa Air Bali offers a serene escape where contemporary comfort meets traditional Balinese warmth. My friends and I had the pleasure of spending two nights in their 2-Bedroom Bamboo Pool Villa, an elegant haven that felt worlds away from the bustle outside.

From the moment we stepped inside, we were welcomed with genuine hospitality, including a handwritten welcome letter—a small but thoughtful touch that instantly made our stay feel personal. The villa’s design blends natural bamboo elements, soft neutral tones, and lush garden views, creating an atmosphere that is both luxurious and grounding. Beautiful white orchids bloomed throughout the villa’s gardens, adding a delicate and serene touch to the tropical surroundings. Next to the restaurant, the resort includes a garden deck where guests can appreciate the lush tropical setting.

The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly our private villa pool. Surrounded by greenery and complete privacy, it became the heart of our villa life—we spent countless hours relaxing, swimming, and simply taking in the peaceful ambience. The villa’s layout flowed perfectly between the bedrooms, lounge with TV, dining table, kitchenette, and pool, creating a seamless space for relaxation and togetherness.

Breakfast was another memorable part of our stay. We enjoyed both of our breakfasts in the comfort of our villa—one morning with a beautifully presented floating breakfast in our private pool, and the next with a relaxed in-villa breakfast served at our dining table. The food was delicious on both occasions; the eggs benedict and Indonesian fried banana were especially enjoyable, and accompanying fresh juices made each breakfast feel refreshing and indulgent.

The villa’s location is ideal—within walking distance of shops, cafés, and restaurants in Seminyak—while the complimentary private shuttle and guest bicycles made exploring the area effortless and enjoyable.

The staff were wonderful throughout our stay. Ari from the front office was especially helpful and knowledgeable, and Kadek assisted us with bookings and information, ensuring everything was seamless and easy. On departure, we were surprised with a thoughtful farewell gift, a charming gesture that left a lasting impression.

Villa Air Bali is also a popular choice for weddings and special events, offering a romantic and intimate setting that showcases its lush gardens, private pools, and tranquil ambiance.

What truly sets Villa Air Bali apart is its ability to balance privacy, comfort, and genuine warmth. Despite being just minutes from the lively streets of Seminyak, the villa feels like a secluded sanctuary where you can fully unwind.

Our time in the 2-Bedroom Bamboo Pool Villa was peaceful, private, and restorative. Whether visiting with friends, family, or a loved one, Villa Air Bali offers a luxurious Balinese retreat that feels both intimate and unforgettable.

Reviewed by World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative, Kayla Robertson

To book your stay at Villa Air Bali, visit their website: www.villa-airbali.com

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Jannata Resort & Spa – A Serene Jungle Escape in Ubud

From the moment we arrived at Jannata Resort & Spa, it was clear this was more than just a place to stay—it’s a tranquil sanctuary designed for relaxation, connection, and unforgettable moments. Nestled in the rural village of Sebali, just 15 minutes from Ubud center, the resort offers stunning valley and jungle views while remaining wonderfully secluded from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Our home for three nights was the 2-bedroom pool villa, shared with three friends. The villa is beautifully designed, spacious, and perfectly appointed for a group stay. The bedrooms were upstairs, with a comfortable lounger bed area, and we accessed our private pool and chill area via stairs—a lovely spot to relax, enjoy drinks, or soak in the lush valley views. The villa also featured an air-conditioned lounge and bar room stocked with drinks, plus a guest bathroom, which made it ideal for four adults. The layout provided privacy while offering shared spaces to hang out, making it perfect for a friends’ getaway.

Despite the rain, we made the most of our stay. One of my favorite experiences was a Balinese massage in the couples’ spa room, where my therapist, Ketut, was incredibly sweet and attentive. It was the perfect indulgence, and the serene ambiance of the spa made it even more relaxing. We also loved the yoga shala, where guests can enjoy morning sessions amidst the lush surroundings—a calming way to start the day.

The resort itself is designed to harmonize with Bali’s rich cultural heritage and is inherently romantic. From the infinity swimming pool to the infinity pond, it’s no surprise that Jannata is a popular choice for engagements, romantic dinners, and weddings. Every corner feels intimate, making it a perfect escape for couples or groups looking to create lasting memories. Even in the rain, the resort’s ambiance and views are magical.

Meals at Amateras were enjoyable and added a lovely touch to our stay. Breakfast was a la carte, with French toast and omelettes standing out, alongside freshly made watermelon juice and lattes, which were divine. For dinner, we tried samosas and spring rolls, the chicken Pad Thai (my favorite), and the chocolate lava cake, which was a perfect indulgence to end the evening. We also enjoyed a strawberry daiquiri and a mojito, both absolutely delicious. Another thoughtful touch was the daily afternoon tea, served with snacks and your choice of tea or coffee at Amateras—perfect for a mid-afternoon break.

The staff made our stay even more special. Krisna, our waitress, was so friendly and attentive; Tri, the receptionist, was informative and helpful, assisting us with bookings and local recommendations. Their warmth and professionalism added a personal touch that made our stay feel truly welcoming.

Jannata Resort & Spa is ideal for friends, couples, honeymooners, or anyone seeking a peaceful, romantic, and luxurious escape in Ubud. Between the private villa, stunning jungle views, spa indulgence, yoga, exceptional dining at Amateras, and the thoughtful, attentive staff, our stay was relaxing, memorable, and perfectly balanced. Even a little rain couldn’t dampen the magic of this secluded paradise.

Reviewed by World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative, Kayla Robertson

To book your stay at Jannata Resort & Spa, visit their website: jannataresort.com