Lounging at the edge of an infinity pool with front-seat views of the ocean, a drink in hand, and peaceful ambiance to indulge in pampered bliss. This is the image that stuck in my mind when I think about spending a holiday in Bali.

I was very happy that I got to complete my dream Bali experience during my stay at Alila Seminyak, a 5-star resort found on the scenic southwest coast of Bali, near Bali-Denpasar airport and Kuta Beach. It was the perfect place to cap off our 12-day #TripofWonders in Indonesia, and the perfect intro to my future adventures around Bali.

If you are seeking an unforgettable experience on your next holiday, read on and discover these top reasons why I loved my stay at Alila Seminyak:

1. Stylish & eco-friendly vibe

Reception hall & lobby at Alila Seminyak in Bali, Indonesia

Reception hall & lobby at Alila Seminyak

A massive open-air reception hall “WOWed” us on arrival. The resort fused ultra-modern minimalist aesthetics with soothing natural highlights. You won’t run out of Instagram-able angles here as you wander around the property and discover the stunning vertical greens, wall-hugging plants, green roofs & landscaped terraces.

Staying true to its eco-friendly principles, all common areas at Alila Seminyak hall are naturally cooled (i.e. no air-conditioning). The temperature was still very comfy all-around as the architectural design of the buildings maximized the natural ventilation from the cool ocean breeze.

2. Warm welcome

We were served moist towels and refreshing drinks thereafter. The warm smiles from the staff and refreshing welcome were just the right ingredients to put me to beach bum mode. I sat down on the lounge and helped myself to the complimentary body care products. This is the first hotel/resort that I’ve encountered offering free sunblock, after cooling gel and mosquito repellant for all guests. How thoughtful! As far as first impressions go, I was really impressed.

3. Infinity pools to-die-for

Infinity and beachfront pools at Alila Seminyak in Bali, Indonesia.

Overlooking the pools at Alila Seminyak beachfront. Can you find all three in this photo?

The staff informed us that some of our rooms were not ready yet. Understandable since we arrived at checkout time, and in a big group no less. While waiting, we were offered a tour of Alila’s property.

I couldn’t help but gasp in surprise after seeing Alila’s infinity pools for the first time. Alila was such a fitting name for this gorgeous resort because the word “alila” in Sanskrit means “surprise.” At the beachfront, you can choose to take a dip in either of the two rooftop infinity pools, the beachfront pool found beside the bar, or all three!

The staff also guided us on a tour of the Penthouse Suite. It was very lavish!

After entering the door, all I wanted to do was to go out to the balcony and check out the view. The sun deck was so big, it could easily host an intimate party of 10 to 20 people. The Penthouse even had its own private infinity pool. Of course, the pièce de ré·sis·tance was the luxurious view overlooking the resort’s entire beachfront.

At the edge of the private rooftop infinity pool at Alila Seminyak Penthouse Suite

At the edge of the private rooftop infinity pool at Alila Seminyak Penthouse Suite

4. Seminyak Beachfront

The resort had its own beachfront at Seminyak, which is located past the northern end of Kuta and Legian, two of Bali’s most famous tourist areas and surfing spots. Seminyak Beach was a lot less crowded than its famous neighbors and more upscale. The sand was a pale yellow and the big waves didn’t make swimming ideal, but it was okay because the pools were amazing.

5. Sophisticated Rooms with a Balinese heart

Alila Seminyak Garden Suite at Alila Seminyak in Bali, Indonesia

My Garden Suite room at Alila Seminyak

I was in awe the moment I stepped into my room. I loved the thoughtfully designed interiors that fused an ultra modern minimalist vibe with homey wood accents and locally-sourced Balinese artisanal pieces. I stayed in a Garden Suite, which had more than enough space for a comfortable holiday (72 square meters) & amenities that are up to standards. The only thing missing was having a special someone to share the gorgeous room with.

In case you are wondering, here are some of the room features that you can expect:

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access
  • LCD TV 40″ with satellite channels
  • Air conditioning
  • Mini bar
  • Coffee/tea-making facilities
  • Hair dryer & bath amenities
  • In-room safe

6. Extraordinary Stay with a Personal Touch

Thoughtful message from Alila Seminyak in Bali, Indonesia

Thoughtful message from Alila Seminyak

More than the sophisticated interiors & well-appointed rooms, what really made my stay at Alila extra special was the attention to detail and personal touch that they extend to each guest. All hotel staff I had approached were very friendly and very helpful when I needed them.

After getting settled, I enjoyed hanging out at the balcony that had a refreshing view of tree tops. Then, indulged in a warm bubble bath before heading out to enjoy the sunset view at the beach bar. Bath & body care kits included in the room were sourced from the property’s own product line called Alila Living. These specially designed products made from natural ingredients stood out as the best hotel brand amenities I had ever tried. They were even better than most name-brand products. I especially loved the non-greasy sunblock lotion & fragrant bath products.

7. Superb Accommodation Choices

Alila Seminyak offered many types of rooms and suites for individual tastes and budget, including a luxurious penthouse. Book an Ocean Suite for unparalleled views overlooking the sea. There are spacious Beach Suite or Club Suite if you want to enjoy the best access to the beachfront & the resort’s lifestyle amenities. Deluxe Rooms are housed in its separate building with its own pool. Meanwhile, the Superior rooms are located nearer to the main road, providing convenient access to shopping options, nightlife & local buzz in Bali. Stay in the Penthouse for the ultimate luxury experience.

8. Romantic Sunsets

Sunset view at Alila Seminyak beachfront in Bali, Indonesia

Sunset view at Alila Seminyak beachfront

The sunset view in Bali is one of the best. It was not just beautiful to look at, the island also has a spiritual magnetism to it that comes to life during this magical moment. Alila had the perfect west-facing beachfront property along Seminyak Beach, the best sandy stretch on this side of the island.

A great spot to see the sunset is at the edge of the rooftop infinity pool or at the beachfront bar with the resort’s signature cocktail in hand.

9. Dining Worth the Splurge

You can’t go wrong with spending a meal in Alila. There was a wide array of authentic Indonesian and international dishes to choose from, at the resort’s multiple dining venues.

Their food was one of the best I’ve ever tasted in a hotel/resort restaurant. Our group had the pleasure of sampling many of their dishes during a dinner program hosted at the poolside function hall. The soft shell crab and king prawns were divine. Definite must-tries!

Soft Shell Crab

Soft Shell Crab

10. Beachside Breakfast Buffet

Poached eggs & bacon for breakfast

The next day, we indulged on Alila Seminyak’s breakfast by the beach. They didn’t have the usual buffet spread, laid out on tables/stations & instead handed out the breakfast menu. Since our package included the buffet, we could order as many dishes as we wanted! Dishes are served on a per order basis to make sure guests enjoy freshly cooked and perfectly presented meals. Everything tasted really good. The food and the beachside ambiance was one of my best breakfast experiences in a hotel or resort.

11. Stay close to a Balinese temple

Traditional Balinese temple on the beachfront at Alila Seminyak Villa in Bali, Indonesia

Traditional Balinese temple on the beachfront

The property is home to an authentic Balinese family temple that provides guests a peek into the religious traditions of the locals. Regular offerings & religious rites are still maintained by landowner & his family. This structure is a focal point of the beachfront. The resort’s master plan was conceptualized to follow the traditional Balinese residential compounds, which are a cluster of buildings built around a courtyard or family temple.

12. Convenient Base to Explore Seminyak & the rest of Bali

View of Potato Head beach bar from Alila Seminyak

View of Potato Head beach bar from Alila Seminyak

Seminyak area in Bali is famous for its chic nightlife, stylish boutique shops, and high-end spas. Alila Seminyak is located right next door to Potato Head and near Ku De Ta. It’s a short walk to two of the most happening beach bars on the island. The resort is also a good jump-off point to explore Ubud & other cultural places in Bali, especially the northern parts of the island.

Need more inspiration? Visit Alila Moments to discover special moments that guests have shared during their stay at Alila Seminyak.

Book your stay

Ready to enjoy your own Alila Seminyak experience? You can send your reservation through their official website or connect with the resort through these channels:

Don’t forget to check rates, discounts & enjoy easy online bookings on Agoda or Booking.com.

This post is part of a travel blog series inspired by my 12-day journey in Indonesia. The trip brought me, along with other top digital influencers to some of the country’s top & up-and-coming destinations including Bandung, Yogyakarta, Lombok, Komodo Islands & Bali.

Special thanks to Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia for making this trip possible. For more inspiration, you can reach & follow them through these channels: