“The Santai provides a tranquil and exclusive oasis nestled in the quite neighbourhood of Bali’s up-and-coming area of Umalas”
One of Lifestyle Retreats newest members to their hotel family is the Santai (meaning “relax” or ‘lazy one’ in Indonesian) and boy does it truly live up to its name. The Santai provides a tranquil and exclusive oasis nestled in the quite Bali neighbourhood of the ‘up and coming’ area of Umalas.
The Santai (click here) is located halfway between Seminyak and Canguu. It is approximately 15 minutes either way by cab to Canguu or Seminyak (be careful, as when in peak hour these trips can take up to 45 minutes!) Umalas is renowned for beautiful villas, air bnb’s and homestays.
Check’n In
As we entered into the hotel from the road and on to the ‘cobble stone’ driveway I was truly surprised. From the road you can’t directly see how big and luxurious these clusters of villas actually are.
Walking up a large two-toned staircase to the raised lobby, The Santai had a mixture of Japanese and Balinese feel to it. Adorned with a soaring pitched roof and remarkable dark wooden features, the buildings simple yet intricate design of criss crossing timber lattice formed a dramatic three-dimensional effect.
With only 11 private villas in the complex, there is a level of personalisation that you don’t normally get in a big resort. As we walked to our villa it was like we were the only guests here.
The Room
Our villa was exceptionally large with 3 separate living areas, pool garden and pool. As you enter the villa you have to walk through two double-breasted ornate wooden doors which leads into the pool area and sundeck.
From this outdoor area you get to the first (of three) glass sliding doors. From here you enter into the living and dining area which has a wall mounted plasma, fully functional kitchen and wooden furnishings.
Leading from the living room, you go through another set of sliding doors into the bedroom. The sizeable bedroom was filled with a very comfortable king bed, sun lounge and another wall-mounted plasma. From the bedroom you can walk straight into the private pool and water garden area.
Through yet another set of sliding doors you enter what would be one of the largest bathrooms I have seen in a villa. Boasting both an ‘outdoor and indoor’ rain shower, extra large concrete bath and a hanging double vanity in the middle.
Food & Beverage
The villa’s restaurant ‘Gong’ offers a variety of South East Asian signature dishes.
There are also cooking classes that can be done in room. This was a great experience.
Pool & Gym
Each villa has its own huge pool. So there isn’t really the need for a general space one.
The Santai also doesn’t have a gym but bikes and yoga mats are provided to each guest.
Pros:
Large private pool
Spacious living area with kitchen
Butler service
Complimentary car transfers into local areas
Cons:
No gym (however, bikes and yoga are matts provided)
No room service after breakfast
Overall:
We found it very hard to fault our stay at The Santai. If you are looking for an exclusive and relaxing stay, a little out of the hustle and bustle of Seminyak, but close enough to enjoy it at the same time, The Santai is a must.
The Santai
Jalan Bumbak No.88A, Banjar Kelod Anyar,
Kerobokan, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung,
Bali 80361, Indonesia
+623619002699