Alila Seminyak – Bali, Indonesia

After twelve days of being surrounded by a fun group of travelers, me and my buddy were left alone at Alila Seminyak Bali. The deafening silence felt odd as we’re back to being strangers with everyone that passes by. Overlooking Seminyak Beach, it was a bittersweet day as my buddy turned a year older the same day as everyone left. We had one full day of lounging and chillin’, just what we needed after almost two weeks of fun adventures around Indonesia.

"There is no such thing as complete when it comes to stories. Stories are infinite. They are as infinite as worlds." - Kelly Barnhill #WonderfulIndonesia #TripofWonders #AlilaSeminyak Photo by @lakadpilipinas

A photo posted by blissfulguro (@blissfulguro) on Sep 19, 2016 at 3:20am PDT

It was the last part of Trip of Wonders 2016, a twelve-day exploration on different key destinations in Indonesia by the Ministry of Tourism with 40+ souls from different Southeast Asian countries. We had a great time discovering the gems of Jakarta (for a quick overnight stop), Bandung, Yogyakarta, Lombok and Komodo National Park for almost two weeks and now we’re in Bali for the last leg of the trip.

Beach Bar

Bali holds a special place in my heart as me and my buddies had a great time exploring it a year ago. I could still remember our delight on touring its temples, beaches, food (babi guling!) and most importantly, the wonderful people we met.

Private terraces

We arrived in Bali around lunchtime and went straight to a cool restaurant that serves really good Balinese meals (I will dedicate a separate post for our great Indonesian food trippin’). We went straight to Alila Seminyak Bali after the sumptuous meal and with no activities left on our itinerary cards, we’re off to a nice beach chill time.

Alila Seminyak Bali lobby

The resort itself is unique, with its modern minimalist theme echoing throughout its spacious and airy lobby. Lush greens were everywhere, fresh plants dangling all over the receiving area. Touches of Balinese art and culture were also evident on the little details such as a Hindu door placed on a wall and a temple right off the shore.

Hindu temple

I was not assigned on the main structure, but on a different cluster. The one-minute buggy ride to my room was smooth and I was at first confused if I was brought to another resort because it seemed like my building, with its own swimming pool, can pass as a separate one from the main. But no, I was still in Alila Seminyak Bali.

Deluxe Room

My Deluxe Room (check here for discounted rates) on the ground level had this homey vibe. Earth tones of brown, flesh and white dominated the whole space. A mini-bar with espresso coffee machine and mini fridge sat along the hallway.

Minimalist design was also employed on the furniture and furnishings; a sole lounge chair with table on one corner, a flat screen TV that rested on a wall, and a queen-sized bed with end tables and lamps. It was tastefully designed with no fussy adornments.

The en suite toilet and bath was spacious with his & hers vanities, his & hers wardrobe closets, separate stalls for the toilet and shower, plus premium bathroom amenities that were all provided for.

His & Hers Vanities

I went to the sliding glass doors which opened up to a private terrace with lounge seat, table and a daybed. It was just a few meters away from the pool and situated on a corner, I’ve got the seclusion I wanted.

I've got a private terrace!

We had a sunset cocktail party at the Beach Bar. Everyone was starting to get emotional as selfies and groupies captured the golden hour. Some of the group will be leaving in a few hours and separation anxiety was starting to kick in.

Seminyak Beach Sunset

A closing dinner party followed after. The gang feasted on Balinese dishes that were all so good. We reminisced on the greatest moments during the trip and had given our impressions on the Trip Of Wonders adventure and traveling around Indonesia.

Larb Nue
roast beef, glass noodles, pomelo, mint, young mango, coconut milk dressing

Black Pepper Beef
onions, capsicums, pepper sauce

Soft Shell Crab
salted duck egg, cream sauce

King Prawn
Tiger prawn, red curry, onion, chili

Hugs. Kisses. More hugs. Selfies. And then it’s time to leave.

12/40 souls from Trip of Wonders 2016 group

Coincidentally, it was my buddy’s birthday eve that night. I asked Guteri, a friend I met in Bali a year ago, to set up a surprise for him with the help of the staff. My supposedly toilet break became a surprise party for my buddy at the lobby, with party hats and cake, that was happily participated in by some of the staff. It was so cute because they were all so game for our little surprise which made my buddy speechless for a moment (thanks to Guteri and the front desk guys that night).

Romantic

The party went on until the wee hours of morning on a roadside convenience store that sells beer. It was a fun night as we talk about our travels, dreams, aspirations and everything in between (with friends from the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Bali).

That mornight, I had the best sleep in twelve days, with no call time or any organized activity the next day.

Breakfast was served at the all-day dining restaurant of Alila Seminyak Bali. The resort had a modified way of serving their buffet breakfast. Soups, fruits, cereals, breads and other breakie favorites were spread out while the main course (Western and Asian dishes) was freshly cooked every time we ordered it.

Breakfast view

I super loved the meatloaf, it’s the first time I really liked one. It was perfectly seasoned and the consistency was just perfect, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

The meatloaf on the background is so delicious!

Egg quiche

We had so much time in the morning and afternoon that we lazed around on one of the five swimming pools at the resort. The infinity effect was lovely and the water was refreshing. We wanted to do some shopping on a nearby mall but were too tired and lazy to make an effort so we just did what we do best; do nothing.

At five in the afternoon, we’re waiting for our car to pick us up at the resort. Sudden gush of emotions filled me as I see my bags all scattered on the floor. It was becoming a sad reality that we are leaving Alila Seminyak Bali after almost two weeks of our Indonesian adventure. I will miss the people we met, Bintang beer and the wonders of Indonesia. But I’m too sure that we’re coming back, hopefully soon.

Alila Seminyak Bali (check here for discounted rates)

Jalan Taman Ganesha No.9, Petitenget,

Kerobokan, Bali, Indonesia

Contact Number: (+62) 361.3021.888

Email Address: seminyak@alilahotels.com

(check here for discounted tours, transportation and activities in Bali)

Special thanks to Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism for making this trip possible.

As always, opinions and opinions are all mine.