If there was one thing we wanted from our Bali trip, it was a holiday. By a holiday, I mean relaxation, rest and just a chance to stop and recover after the crazy months leading up to our departure from Australia. Thankfully, that is exactly what we got when we checked into the Samabe Bali Suites and Villas. We really couldn’t have picked a better spot to unwind and de-stress.
The Samabe Bali Suites and Villas is a luxury, smaller resort located in Southern Nusa Dua. With only 81 suites and villas over 8 hectares, we felt we were somewhere special far away from the crowds. Despite the resort being full during our visit, we really did not see many other guests and had complete privacy in our suite.
Contents
Our suite
We stayed in an ocean front family suite which was just perfect for us. It was large at 135m2 and was more like a big apartment than a hotel room. We had an entry area, toilet, dining area, living area and a balcony on one side of the suite, then a bedroom and massive bathroom on the other. It was all just beautiful.
The bedroom had two queen size beds and a big cot set up for us as well as a comfy day bed by the big windows which had uninterrupted views of the ocean. The bathroom had a massive walk in shower, the biggest bath tub I have ever seen, twin vanities, a second toilet in a separate room and a big cupboard and luggage space.
The living and dining areas were also superb with a big chunky table, couch and of course great views out to the ocean. There was even a telescope set up.
The balcony was also a good size with a big comfy day bed. We often saw monkeys running along the balcony railing much to the kids’ delight.
There were just so many extras in this room that I could never write them all. There was an included full mini bar, stationery, mosquito coils, sewing kit, daily fruit and the most toiletries I have ever seen. The extras for the bath, such as the milk bath powder and sea salt was enough to get me to take a bath for the first time in years.
We also had a great bag and hats in the room that we were able to keep. However, my personal favourite was the laundry bag – that we were able to fill and have washed for free as part of the all inclusive deal. Laundry is something that really annoys me when travelling with kids, so this was perfect.
There are also many other styles of suites and villas at the Samabe. They are all at least the same size of our suite and many come with private pools. Some are set up for families (such as ours) whereas others are perfect for couples. The villas are sprinkled across the resort, the vast majority also having ocean views and they all have their own pools and outdoor area. There are also two bedroom villas for families that want more space.
Facilities
The Samabe has a private beach. The beach is one of the nicest beaches I have seen in Bali and comes with the extra benefit of no hassle. When we used the beach, there was only one other guest as well as the beach butler. It was fantastic. At the beach, there are kayaks, a catamaran, wind surfers or the option to snorkel.
There is also a large infinity pool with a pool bar, two beautiful restaurants, room service, an additional bar, gym, spa and shop. The kids particularly liked the kids club and the fact that one of the restaurants has a floor made up of fish ponds! They could watch the fish and feed them while they waited. There are also many daily activities such as yoga, cooking classes, painting and cultural lessons.
The grounds are gorgeous with a small temple, many statues, plants and wildlife. There is a lake by reception and the main restaurant with many great places to sit and enjoy. The internet is the best I experienced in Bali.
There is also a 24 hour personalised butler service. Basically, whatever you need help with is provided. They will help you get settled in to your suite or villa, they will even unpack for you, can iron clothes, shine your shoes, collect your laundry, arrange anything you need and ensure everything is how you like it. It is unreal.
Location
The resort is located on top of cliffs with a picture perfect, private beach of white sand and turquoise water. Although the walk back from the beach was a bit of a work out, the pay off was stunning views from many areas of the resort.
There is not much around this resort – you will need to get in a car to explore more of Bali. However for us this was part of the appeal. We had everything we needed for a special break right at the resort. The all inclusive package that we had also entitled us to daily excursions, so it is very easy to leave as well.
All inclusive packages
There are two options at the Samabe, a standard package which includes breakfast (taken anywhere at any time of day), high tea, non alcoholic drinks and mini bar or an “unlimited privileges” package.
We had the “unlimited privileges” package which means that we basically had all our food and drinks covered, a late check out and a special activity every day. There are many different activities some inside the resort and some outside, such as a shopping trip to Kuta or going to a cultural show. We chose to have in room massages and do a cooking class during our stay.
The kids?
The kids loved it here. They are always happier when they have extra space in our room, they loved the kids club and the pool. The staff went out of their way to remember their preferences and their names and to make them feel welcome. They also loved the golf buggy’s that drove us around the resort.
If you are travelling with a baby, Samabe can supply cots, high chairs, bottle warmers, sterilisers, carriers, baby baths, pretty much anything.
Our verdict
We just loved our stay here. Everything was just perfect from the details in the room, our surrounds, the food and the service. The attention to detail at this resort made it just stand out from everywhere else we have stayed. But the best part was that we had the break we had been hoping for.
It was just so easy to stay here. The staff were amazing. They were all incredibly friendly, had excellent English and went to every effort to make us feel welcome. They obviously communicated well about guest preferences – they knew what the kids liked to drink after our first meal and they came and checked on J after he told one of them he wasn’t feeling well one morning. It was these little things which really made our time here a delight.
The food was also fantastic. A lot of care obviously goes into the preparation and presentation of dishes. There are lots of vegetarian options. The cocktails are not bad either.
It was also awesome to finally have access to a kids club that Z was not too young to attend. It is the first time we have been able to drop off both kids which was great for all of us, since they are happier together and we really appreciated some time to ourselves.
Everything was taken care of for us. Along with the cruise we took last year, it was the best break we have had since becoming parents. We didn’t have to worry about the usual twenty million things we have to worry about when travelling with the kids, such as where we will eat next, carrying water around, where to take them, what to do, and we were able to enjoy some kid free time. It was also easy for us too with no language barrier, no worries about finding anything or carrying around money.
All in all, we had a fabulous time. We were sad to leave and hope to stay here again sometime.
Practical Information
Find out more about the Samabe Bali Suites and Villas on their site or click here for the latest prices.
Read our complete guide to planning your Bali family holiday.
We were guests of Samabe. As always, my views are my own.
Where was your most relaxing break?
Disclaimer: This article contains an affiliate link. This means that if you make a booking after clicking on this link, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
Tags: Accommodation Indonesia Travel Blog