Celebrating Balinese Elegance: A Relaxing Retreat at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak

Initial Impressions

In contrast to many resorts in this part of Bali, which often appear to have been carelessly placed without regard for the island's rich heritage, Hotel Indigo has devoted considerable effort to creating an experience that resonates with the local culture. Dominated by a substantial water feature at its core and enclosed by walls on all four sides, the entrance evokes the aura of a temple rather than a typical hotel. As is customary in premium establishments in this region, the hotel boasts a dedicated team of staff who warmly welcome guests upon every arrival and departure.

The lobby area is equally striking but exudes a more contemporary ambiance. With a diverse array of lighting fixtures on the ceiling and an assortment of curios adorning the walls, the space is vibrant yet tastefully designed, effectively accommodating its substantial size.

Upon our arrival on a rather overcast day, the floor-to-ceiling doors at the rear of the lobby were closed, but they opened up on the following sunny day. The openness of the space and its seamless transition from indoors to outdoors offer an excellent vantage point overlooking the pools and the beach, creating an inviting space for relaxation.

We proceeded to the reception area, situated to the left of the lobby. Our early arrival, owing to a 03:45 departure from Manila on Cebu Pacific (which, to our surprise, was not that bad!), led us to the hotel at around 09:30, a fact we had communicated in advance. During the check-in process, we were greeted with a refreshing glass of orange juice and a cold towel, both of which were much appreciated due to our lack of sleep.

The courteous receptionist informed us that our room would be ready in approximately 20-30 minutes, a reasonable wait considering the high occupancy rates, which consistently hovered in the high nineties during our stay, and our early arrival, well before the official check-in time.

Our accommodation was a King Bed Standard Room located on the ground floor of the expansive resort. Given the resort's considerable size, finding one's way around can be a bit challenging initially.

The Room

Remarkably, this entry-level room offers an impressive array of amenities. The space can be divided into four distinct zones. The entrance features a comprehensive selection of food and beverage options, including chargeable minibar items and complimentary glass-bottled water, replenished daily, along with tea and coffee pods.

A unique feature, and one I have not encountered before in a hotel, is the in-room juicer. By dialing zero on the in-room telephone, guests can request oranges and lemons at no extra cost to use in the juicer. While this may seem niche, freshly squeezed juice is always a delightful treat, even if it does create a bit of a mess. For those seeking alcoholic beverages, a cocktail shaker is also provided.

Beneath the juicer, there is a fridge that does not include weight sensors, allowing guests to store their own items without incurring additional charges.

Adjacent to this area is a spacious walk-in wardrobe, which happened to be my favourite feature of the room. Not having such a feature at home probably contributed to my appreciation, but it's evident that this amenity is designed with couples or families on extended stays in mind, as it provides ample space for hanging clothes. Ironing facilities and an integrated safe are also conveniently located in this area.

Moving back into the combined sleeping and lounging area, a large queen-size bed occupies the central space. I enjoyed a restful sleep in this hotel, thanks to effective air conditioning and comfortable bedding. The menu offers seven different pillow options, including memory foam and Indonesian Kapok pillows, to cater to individual preferences and allergenic requirements.

While I did not spend much time on the sofa, and merely skimmed through the TV channels, both seemed more than adequate for extended stays at the hotel. Similarly, the internet connectivity was consistently fast throughout the property, extending reliably to the communal areas outside. USB charging ports and a multitude of international power outlets, including native three-pin UK plugs, are thoughtfully provided in logical locations, such as next to the bedside tables and the table beneath the television. While seemingly minor, it's surprising how many hotels overlook the importance of such details.

The bathroom extends the length of the bedroom area, offering ample room for maneuvering. Directly opposite the bed, there is a sink with a large mirror, while a toilet is situated to the left and a waterfall-style shower to the right. The layout allows for simultaneous use by two individuals without compromising privacy, and it can be completely closed off from the bedroom with two sliding doors.

Here's a potentially divisive element: the shower is positioned directly next to a window. While a blind ensures privacy during use, it can still feel somewhat uncomfortable, even though no one can see in. Perhaps frosted glass or a similar solution for enhanced privacy might be a consideration for future room designs.

Interestingly, the aforementioned glass doors in the shower open onto the veranda outside, a feature also shared by the patio doors in the sleeping/lounging area. This veranda overlooks a green space that appeared underutilized during our stay and was most enjoyable in the morning hours when the sun was at its gentlest.

The hotel's architects have made efficient use of the space, aligning the outdoor seating with the shower window. While this arrangement may obstruct the view when two people are seated, it was likely the only way to accommodate a double seater without compromising the indoor space. Given that I spent most of my outdoor time in the communal areas rather than on the room's veranda, I found this trade-off acceptable.

Similar to the reception, the room's aesthetic seamlessly blends modern and Balinese-inspired elements. While it may not be as bustling as the reception, it still creates an inviting and warm atmosphere.

Facilities and Amenities

As a large resort, Hotel Indigo offers a plethora of activities and amenities. Notably, there are three outdoor pools, including one curiously named the 'secret pool,' all of which are spacious and thoughtfully designed. Since it was Southern Hemisphere winter and the hotel attracted numerous Australian families, sunbeds were in high demand, particularly during the early afternoon. However, it's worth noting that the crowds began to thin around 14:00, a useful piece of information for those traveling to family-friendly resorts in Bali at this time of year.

We managed to secure a covered spot featuring a double-sized mattress, an incredibly relaxing spot by the pool. Guests can conveniently order drinks and food by simply pressing a button on a faux stone to summon a staff member.

While the adjacent beach is public, the hotel sits right next to Seminyak Beach, requiring just a short walk across a minor road. The beach itself is stunning and didn't feel excessively crowded, although red flags indicating no swimming were displayed along the several-kilometer-long beach due to the presence of large waves. During our visit, we had the unique opportunity to witness a traditional Balinese wedding taking place on the hotel's beach steps, providing a fascinating glimpse into local culture.

For those seeking a more active experience or aiming to burn off some of the buffet breakfast indulgence, the on-site fitness center is well-equipped. Although it may not rival your local gym in terms of size, it offers all the essentials for a satisfying workout, including three running machines, a cross-trainer, rowing machines, a Kinesis machine, and dumbbells up to 20kg.

The hotel also provides a mapped 10km trail for joggers and offers bicycles for use, included in the cost of your stay.

During our stay, Hotel Indigo treated me to a sixty-minute Balinese massage, an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. As with most hotels, prices for spa services are higher than those outside the hotel, but the superior quality and cleanliness of the facility make it a worthwhile indulgence.

Dining

The standout feature of this hotel undoubtedly lies in its dining experience. Although we only had breakfast during our stay, it was more than sufficient to sustain us throughout the day.

The main Makasé restaurant, located below the lobby area, boasts an extensive buffet area showcasing a wide variety of cuisines. From Indonesian to Western, Chinese, and Indian options, the buffet is truly comprehensive, ensuring that guests will find something to satisfy their cravings. Despite the sheer quantity of choices, the quality of all the dishes we sampled remained consistently high. Furthermore, the hotel offers made-to-order items, including barista-made coffee with non-dairy alternatives like soy milk and the delightful Ayam Bakar, a grilled chicken dish.

In the evenings, it transforms into a laid-back bar that connects to Makasé, offering live music, including the soothing sounds of the saxophone on Saxy Sunday.

The hotel also features a beachside restobar named Sugarsand, open to both staying guests and visitors. With a relaxed, Ibiza-like atmosphere, this spot is perfect for escaping the midday sun while at the beach or for winding down in the evening while enjoying cocktails and watching the sunset. For those seeking a purely à la carte breakfast experience, hotel guests can opt to have breakfast at Sugarsand.

Conclusion

For the first time in a while, I decided to take a step back and truly relax during a holiday, rather than rushing to see all the sights. Hotel Indigo provided an ideal setting for this, offering easy access to nightlife and a plethora of dining options, all while being just a short thirty-minute drive from the airport.

Despite the hotel's busy period, its sheer size prevented it from ever feeling overcrowded, even as I roamed the hallways of the buildings. Although the pool area did experience some congestion due to high occupancy during peak hours, it never felt uncomfortably cramped or chaotic.

The room, considered an entry-level category, impressed with its generous size and quality fixtures and fittings. Added amenities such as the in-room coffee pod machine made the stay exceptionally comfortable. I must also commend the staff for their efficient and exceptionally personable interactions, striking a perfect balance without being overly intrusive.

While the hotel's proximity to nightlife might be a concern for some, its design ensures it is set back from the bustling areas, resulting in minimal external noise disturbances. While it wasn't a concern for me, I would likely not recommend this hotel to those who prefer a more adult-oriented environment. As you might have gathered, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak, as it offers an enticing blend of location, facilities, and room amenities. If I were in the area again, seeking a relaxing break, I would certainly consider returning.