Arguably, a stay selection can alter the course of any holiday. This hypothesis is one that Bali-goers are all too familiar with. Frequent flyers to the island typically oscillate between three neighbourhoods: the secluded haven of Ubud, busy indie Canggu and the standard, prime beachfront properties of Seminyak. While the former two locations have risen in popularity for an alternative taste of the island, Seminyak’s status has endured for its vicinity to the Bali mainstays like beach clubs and prime dining destinations. Choosing between different variations of milieux would mean narrowing one’s intended holiday outcomes, a task of weighing different pleasures which has proved difficult time and again.
To cope, many often select between extremes: between the island’s cultures of serenity and partying. Others attempt to cram the full spectrum through exhausting itineraries, leaving little time to be spent enjoying the facilities offered in Bali’s many luxurious accommodations. Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach offers a reprieve in the form of a well-balanced compromise. On entering its grounds — conveniently located in the heart of Seminyak — a Bali-native Pohon Pule tree greets guests. A sacred tree, the centrepiece branches toward the sky, directing gazes toward the ample sunlight let in by the lobby’s open-ceiling concept. This greeting is no gimmick. While many other neighbouring properties have emphasised an alignment with gentrified, commercialised modernity, the first Hotel Indigo in a resort location chooses to lead with a Seminyak-forward narrative.
Expertly, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach weaves elements of spirituality and heritage into its architecture, interiors and overarching hospitality ethos. Its emphasis on local influence reverberates across the hotel’s layout, informed by proportions of traditional pavilions and constructed using heritage materials and patterns. In nearly every feature within the 4.8-hectare property, guests will find some iteration of Hotel Indigo’s commitment to the Seminyak way. Beyond just the to-be-expected daybeds, all 270 rooms on the property enjoy bathrooms crafted in the image of modern spas, tiled with Balinese fabric-inspired floral motifs. On a more luxuriant note, 19 private villas are available, fashioned to include private pools and whirlpools catering to both sun-seeking travellers and parties who have touched down to decompress.
The Hotel Indigo chain operates on a philosophy of drawing inspiration from the environment it has settled in. This is immediately apparent upon laying eyes on the property. Yet, what Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach excels at is its undercurrent of environment-influenced hospitality. Brimming with intricacies that justify the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG)’s continued legacy in the industry, the hotel is rigorous in exalting the Balinese people’s signature cordiality. Complimentary stocked mini-bars pale in comparison to its 24-hour amenities: namely, an extensive in-room dining service and a Health Club fitted with wellness programmes and equipment to give even the most exclusive of gyms a run for their money. The star of Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, however, is the vast culinary and beverage ventures led by hospitality veteran Jonathan Byrne.
As any hotel aficionado would know, the finishing touch of any stay is the perfect meal to wrap it all up. Byrne spearheads eight wining and dining concepts, each offering a distinctive carte du jour. Especially notable is SugarSand, now revitalised to architecturally render a Japanese take on jukungs, or Balinese boats. The Japanese izakaya concept is contemporary, yet still maintains the intended Seminyak spirit. Local ingredients shape up an eclectic menu that comprises wagyu gyozas, katsu sandwiches and a fine selection of sushi which foreground a heavy-hitting cocktail menu crafted by what the team terms as “Balixologists”. A delightful ending note to round out any stay, the dining concepts are reflective of the careful precision with which Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach executes its own version of IHG hospitality.
A destination in its own right, Hotel Indigo Seminyak Beach functions as an all-in-one — a temptation to idly squander one’s time within the boundless estate and unending displays of Balinese cordiality. Head to Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach’s website to learn more about the exciting new resort.
This article was first published on MEN’S FOLIO Singapore.
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