The ultra-cool W Bali – Seminyak is a hotel experience that never disappoints.  As part of the Marriott’s high-class lifestyle brand – W Bali is one of the most successful W properties in the portfolio. With hospitality heavy weight General Manager Craig Seaward at the helm, W Bali – Seminyak ticks all the boxes and the experience gets better every time I stay.

W Bali’s facilities are basically infinite and include a well-staffed day spa and wellness centre including a brilliant gym and weights room with state of the art facilities packed with HD screens and an endless choice of entertainment or the option to plug-in your own iPod!  Large windows with views and well-trained friendly staff ready to help you with your fitness goals allow for a premium fitness set up for those of us looking to take a break from sipping cocktails by the pool and get the heart pumping.

The use of the gym and thermal spa room (men and women have separate rooms) is complimentary for hotel guests and include full access the thermal spa inside the gym’s men’s and women’s change rooms.

The Fitness Centre

Just behind the welcome desks – is Wired and Words library and business centre, which is jam-packed with plenty of great books plus four new iMacs and printers for complimentary Internet use.  It’s a little haven of relaxation for those needing some time out located above the resort’s seafood restaurant ‘Starfish Bloo’.

Wired and Words

I never get tired of arriving at W Bali and walking into the luxurious open-air lobby and lounge – it instantly gets me into the holiday mode! Being whisked from the hotel’s front entrance (only a couple of steps from legendary from legendary beach club Potato Head) in one of the hotel golf buggies, the chilled Bali feeling instantly kicks in and my holiday and blogging trip starts off with an awesome check-in experience from the welcome team! Thanks Mena.

Open air Welcome section

My Starwood Preferred Guestrecognition allowed for excellent staff to guest rapport around the hotel, with the W Bali staff making a point to remember my name and specific preferences throughout my stay. The level of awareness of my personal preferences was the icing on the cake for my stay, and I was super impressed by this level of awareness and attention given to my room position preference (high with city or pool views) & the pillows I requested were in the room on arrival.

W Bali – Seminyak

After checking in with the welcome team, Mum and I were off to a great start.  We received an upgrade on arrival to a wonderful ocean-facing escape suite on the 5th floor (top floor) facing the pool area, from our usual garden-view escape.

There are three elevators in the property and while they are quick – they need to buzz louder when they arrive (or light up more), as it’s a common problem when walking past or using the elevators that people don’t notice the elevator has already come and gone!  The elevators are also very hot inside, not a particularly comfortable feeling with the humid Bali weather that’s for sure and something I hope the management attend to for my future visits.

Our room was twin share with two delightfully comfortable floating queen beds, a massive desk with plenty of power points and Ethernet hardwire plus the hard to resist munchies box which has now grown significantly since my last stay!

The mini bar cabinet features a coffee plunger and kettle, all the essential glassware for a balcony beverage to watch the sunset and a metal ice bucket (filled on request).  There is a nice selection of tea available however not so much in the coffee department for the coffee-lovers among us! While it’s easy to head down to the restaurant for your caffeine hit, I think every 5-star hotel should have a decent selection of coffees and teas with fresh milk available for free in their mini bars.

The Electrolux mini bar fridge had the essentials – but only just. Not a huge selection really for a high-end hotel – just a couple of soft drinks including Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite, one juice and some mixers – no champagne this time or white wine which was a shame.  The minibar seemed a bit hit and miss to be honest, on the desk was a 1/2 bottle of Grey Goose vodka (FRA) a bottle of red wine (ITA) – and that was it.

The free bottled still water for Starwood Preferred guests was replenished daily (in the room and in the bathroom for brushing your teeth) and never had to be ordered – loads of water is always very welcome in the steamy Bali heat!

The awesome ‘open’ bathroom (retractable roof blind with remote – see pics below) was a big hit and the bathroom also features a full stone soak tub/bath (above ground) with double vanity, twin illuminated mirrors, rain/wall shower and a full kit of amenities from BLISS including a  foaming face wash, bubbles and shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, hand cream, etc. all from their signature lemon and sage scented range which is quite nice, fresh and fun plus a little bottle of Listerine mouth wash.

Whatever/Whenever^® will help you replenish as much as you want during your stay, – (Its W hotels concierge!)  here’s a snippet from the W Hotels website:

W Hotel’s signature service. Whatever you wish for, we’ll wave our magic wand. W’ legendary Whatever/Whenever^® service featuring a 24-hour concierge that grants your every wish is part and parcel of what makes the W Hotel the best hotel Seminyak has to offer.

A pair of tickets to the latest nightclub? Yours in the blink of an eye. That must have Miu Miu accessory? The secret shopper has it covered.  Dine under the stars? Rest assured it will be an unforgettable experience!

Whatever you want, whenever you want.  Your wish is our command, with our Whatever/Whenever^® service.  Nothing is too big or too small, just make it legal!

Fees vary by service requested.

For more information please contact whotels.bali@whotels.com

Our room also had a large balcony with comfy chaise sofa and another single chair and table for those who like to have breakfast in their own room.

There was also a massive screen that closes the bathroom and main room areas for total privacy.

 

Night lights feature softly throughout the room (hidden at low-level), which is a nice touch (well, my mum raved about them!) that is activated by your bedside (with the reading lights and a master switch for the room).

 

The Bose DVD lifestyle system with full DVD library on hand & Whatever/Whenever® will provide you with the DVD’s of your choice from the catalogue provided in your room. This concept is a great idea – I think $15-$20 for an in-house movie is ridiculous at most hotels and it’s great to see the DVD’s are complimentary for in-house guests.  DVD’s will arrive in approximately 10 minutes from when you order them, so you can chill out in your room after a big day by the pool.

 

There is a JBL alarm clock in the corner of the room if you prefer to set your own reminders and a long shaped sofa in the room with large coffee table – which was also very comfortable.

 

Both the blackout curtain and the day blind ensure a dark space when you’re ready to have a rest  (that’s when the night lights come in handy).

 

The pool area at the W Bali is the stand out feature at this ‘open air’ modern property.  The access points are limitless and there is plenty of deck lounges to choose from around the pool area.  They also have cabana’s with luxurious cushions, plenty of shady umbrellas and double canopy hooded loungers for your poolside enjoyment.

As you are right on the beach at W Bali and it’s an easy walking distance from Potato Head and Ku de ta, there are lots of non-resort guests coming in from the beach entrance trying to use the pool facilities! These people are quickly ushered away by unsuspecting security – yet it happens all day long!

As soon as you find a lounger or chair to your liking, the pool butlers are quick to get you set up with towels, cushions, menus, water, sunscreen etc. and are dedicated to meeting all your needs while you’re poolside. We liked the lip pillows, which were a bit of fun!

The Woobar is the beach bar near the pool and had the best lantern-lit beer garden beside the beach, it’s a perfect spot for sun downers and expertly crafted mixes & drinks plus live DJ’s.  Food is also available here and throughout the wet areas of the hotel.  It’s always happening at the Woobar.  The bar regularly holds DJ nights with all the latest lounge tracks and a themed menu if you prefer to eat there.

Go in inside and check out the fan above the bar – it’s massive and quite unique – intriguing layout for this bar, amazing triple layered decks with an observation ‘hole’ exposing all levels through to the rooftop terrace. (new)

Breakfast (held between 07:00 and 10:30) was included in our rate which was served at either Fire Restaurant (accessed via the lounge) or Starfish Bloo, which is beach side and a more resort style venue with ocean views. Both venues had buffet stations with a big focus on local individual dishes, international cuisine, donuts, croissants, muffins, pastries etc. – all the breakfast favourites!

image courtesy of W Bali – Seminyak

 

A la Carte breakfast dishes were available from both venues with a huge selection and at no additional cost – so you can order ten courses of brekky if you so wish!  Think blueberry or strawberry pancakes with real maple syrup and fresh cream, waffles with caramel and banana, eggs Benedict, Florentine & salmon.

Here is the list for you..

Breakfast Menu

New and Old Cravings
Classic Egg Benedict
Smoked country ham, English muffin, poached egg, hollandaise
Smoked Salmon Benedict
Smoked tassie salmon, English muffin, chive hollandaise, tobiko
Warm Poached Asparagus & Poached Egg
Bedugul farms asparagus, shaved parmesan, hollandaise
Poached Prawn & Mascarpone Scrambled Egg
Butter poached prawn, chives, mascarpone, organic eggs
House Buttermilk Pancakes
Stewed berries, maple syrup, whipped cream
Cinnamon Brioche French Toast
Stewed berries, maple syrup, whipped cream
Seared Foie Gras
Caramelized onion, sunny side up, natural jus, mini croissant
Grilled New York Steak & Eggs
Grilled beef steak, almond romesco, eggs as you prefer
Bibimbap
A traditional Korean rice dish with vegetables, sunny egg kimchi, beef & chilli paste

Healthy & Vegetarian Alternatives
Organic Vegetable Egg White Omelet
local spinach, mushrooms, onions, asparagus, chives
Poached Prawn & Mascarpone Scrambled Egg White
Butter poached prawn, chives, mascarpone, organic eggs
Assorted Sashimi & Maki Rolls
Sushi, sashimi, maki rolls, wasabi, soy sauce, pickled ginger

House Made Honey Granola Parfait
Local berry compote, strawberry yoghurt, dried fruits
Mixed Asian Greens Salad
Green apple, soy-lime vinaigrette, jicama, crispy shallots
Seasonal Balinese Fruit Platter
Local tropical fruits, organic bedugul honey

On the Side
Toast-White or Wheat
Balinese Pork or Chicken Sausages
Roasted Organic Tomatoes
Two Organic Eggs-Any Style
Fragrant Jasmine Rice, Shallot-Garlic Oil
Basket of House made Pastries

Sip
Juice
Apple Papaya Orange Pineapple Mango Young Coconut Watermelon
Probiotic Smoothies
Banana, date,cinnamon,honey, yakult & ice; Mango, passion fruit, honey, yakult & ice; Papaya, tamarello, honey, yakult & ice Blueberries, strawberries, honey, yakult & ice

Coffee Selection
HOT Espresso Black Coffee Cappuccino Flat White Latte Hot Chocolate Machiato COLD Black Over Ice Coffee Frappe Iced Chocolate
Tea Selection
English Breakfast Berry Bliss Earl Grey Exotic Paradise Golden Chamomile Green Tea Peppermint Tea
Retox, Detox, Recovery
Berroca Booster
Served with fiji water

B-B-Bloody Mary
Tomato and vodka and everything nice; served a bit spicy
Vanilla Bellini
Crushed peaches, W-made vanilla vodka, lemon, sugarcane and fresh vanilla
Mint Lychee Royale
Crushed lychees & mint, with vodka and drowned in champagne
Louis Roederer Brut

 

We ate out most nights when we stayed here, as that’s what you come to Bali for – the amazing nosh available at a surprisingly low price – and the venues at the W Bali are more ‘sunlight’ themed/orientated.

Don’t get me wrong, Fire and Starfish Bloo are two consistently top-ranked restaurants on TripAdvisor and the vibe around the hotel in the evening is electric, we just usually explore other venues around the Seminyak area.

Amazing W villa host Imam whisked me away to show me around W’s luxurious villas – which are behind the property and secluded behind the scenes for privacy.

 

They have a network of convenient golf buggies who drop off and pick up guests arriving and departing this hidden/secluded villa area (it even has its own private temple with offering available) which is located near the amazing 3 bedroom villas (which are massive and are located in their own section).

The villas are lovely.  The lead-in or standard one bedroom villa has all the facilities and features the hotel rooms have, but are a step up and more luxurious – plus far more relaxed in colour their palate.

Be aware – if you’re the type of person who needs to be closer to the action & the main pool area – these villas may not be for you. They are more secluded and are serviced by buggies to and from the main reception area at W so if you want to be in the thick of it, you might want to stay in a hotel room rather than a villa.

I inspected a 1-bedroom villa, which was just being finalised for a honeymoon couple arriving at 4pm.  The room presented like this!

The stunning bathroom is totally different to the garden & ocean escape rooms and the villa included a private pool area with loungers & cabana – very secluded and tranquil. (1-bedroom Wow Villa).

Improvements to the front area of the hotel (the beach entrance) would probably make a lot of guests happier.  I would really like to see some clean white sand or grass here instead of the brown-grey sand.  It’s just an eyesore for guests and easily fixed by management.  We also noticed the furniture is always stained around this area and guests never seem to be using this section – maybe it’s because they don’t like the sand!

The beach area in front of the W Bali is quite wild.  There is always a strong current and you swim at your own risk.  Beware of the strong rip that tends to present itself in front of the property at times for less than strong swimmers; it’s probably a safer idea to stay in the pool!

Staff at the property are all 5 star!  Most of them know us by first and last name and welcomed us with smiles and advice every day of our stay and liked to joke around with you and ‘have a chat’ whenever they could.  A big mention must go out to the welcome team and the lounge steward Melah who has been at the property since early days – a genuinely sincere and funny person who remembers us each and every visit!

We didn’t see Craig from the executive offices this time around, but will definitely catch up next time mate!  You have crafted an exceptional team and maintained this property and its facilities to a very high standard! Kudo’s mate!

W Bali – Seminyak is a polished and on-trend lifestyle hotel which oozes excitement, luxury, opulence and fun in every way.  It really is a delight for the senses.  The level of service I receive at this property always amazes me and most of the little creases that were evident last stay have been ironed out flat!  W Bali is definitely a favourite hotel of mine.

A few extra quirky facts about the W Bali – Seminyak. The hotel has its own sound recording studio, W Sound Suite, with a sound engineer on hand to help you make a few tracks or explore the equipment with ease! After all, it’s all about lifestyle! The hotel teams up with acclaimed international DJ’s to create the sounds you hear throughout the property, which is also available for via purchase in Symmetry – see below.  It’s getting a bit old now (about 7 years) – but the music remixes always bring back memories.

I’ll be back – next time I would love to review the more secluded villas for all the solo’s, couples, families and honeymooners wanting more seclusion and intimacy.  Keep tuned and enjoy the pics!

Overall, I rate the W Bali – Seminyak a total of 5.5 out of 6 possible stars