The Amala, Seminyak, Bali.
As a keen traveller and an Australian, I have always dreamed of living in Bali, with its mélange of ruggedness and exotic chic it presents itself as a haven for artists, writers and all those that enjoy an occupation that doesn’t require a suit and tie.
While I’m not living the dream yet, I still dip my toe into it once every couple of months by jumping on a quick flight from Singapore and arriving into Seminyak, Bali for a much needed escape.
Because of the frequency of my visits to Bali, I have had the opportunity to experience countless villas, hotels, resorts and once or twice staying in a home-stay temple and like any explorer will tell you there has been a myriad of hits and misses, which stirs the homebody in me to want to literally airlift the comforts of my own home smack bang into the centre of Jalan Seminyak…or better Jalan Oberoi.
But dear Elite Readers, let me share with you a little discovery…There is a home with all the comforts, and in fact more than your own home, in Bali and this sanctuary has a family, without the baggage of your own, that will take care of you and ensure all the residence’s luxurious features are tailored to your desires.
Located just behind the buzz of Seminyak, Bali’s most stylish and trendy stretch, The Amala is a retreat. The name derived from an ancient Sanskrit language, means pure and unspoiled, and each of their villas embodies this and makes their guests feel the same.
With close proximity to the countless incredible stores, boutiques and sumptuous restaurants, The Amala allows guests to enjoy all that Bali has to offer, with the comfort of knowing you have a retreat to return to at the end of a long day or late evening. From talking with my new Amala family, it appears that often guests choose to skip the outside excitement and simply enjoy the privacy of their villas, which reflects how splendid each of the spa and pool villas really are.
The first indication of the personal care I was about to received when staying with The Amala, was in the form of an email from The Amala Resort Manager, Lisa, asking me for my preferred music, movies, activities and even type of cookies.
What I didn’t expect was for each of my indicated preferences to be accounted for in my spa villa, which they were, from the complimentary cookies in the fridge to the DVD’s available to watch, the scented soap for the treatments within their outstanding spa and so much more.
Each spa villa features a spacious bedroom with four poster bed stretching out to an outdoor Jacuzzi plunge pool, bath tub, steam shower, and two deck chairs. While the pool villas contain a bedroom opening up to a large private pool, kitchenette, living room and pool deck.
With only 5 pool villas, 6 spa villas and The Amala Residence (a 3 bedroom pool villa) the architects of this retreat have done what so many have neglected and respected the concept of space. The Amala is small enough that you never really see another guest, even when fully booked, yet it feels large, open and spacious. With a private driveway from Jln. Kunti, near the well known Bali Deli, you literally feel like you’re walking into another world, where you simply don’t have to watch where you step and everyone knows your name.
The Amala is ultimately a refuge for the modern traveller, who does want to feast of the culture and action that Bali has to offer, but also desires a level of personalization and attentiveness during their stay. With around the clock butler service and a small dedicated family of staff, The Amala is definitely a lavish home I look forward to returning to again.
Candice.
