Kamuela Villas and Suite Sanur

Past the main entrance, the Kamuela feels a world away from the busy street outside. The vibe here is zen and relaxing, thanks to uncluttered interiors with clean lines, and quiet gardens with lots of shaded areas. The sleek design -- which combines dark and golden touches with a neutral palette, geometrical patterns, and thick rugs -- may not please those dreaming of a more traditional style, but it does incorporate a few Balinese touches, such as natural wood finishes, high thatched ceilings, and a large Buddha statue placed by the pool. The compact grounds and chic interiors give the property an exclusive, intimate feel, but although the Kamuela Sanur opened in 2006 and gets yearly touch-ups, but we did see some wear and tear in rooms, including scuff marks on furniture. 

The serene atmosphere and lack of kid-friendly amenities make the Kamuela a better pick for couples than for families with young children -- and, in fact, we didn’t see any during our visit. A few couples sat around the pool during the day, while the rest of the guests stayed either in their own villa enjoying the private pool, or were out exploring the island or the beach, which is just a five-minute walk from the hotel. At night the atmosphere was a little livelier, with plenty of guests and non-guests having dinner and drinks at the on-site restaurant, known for its romantic setting in a glass-enclosed greenhouse-style building adjacent to the hotel. 

Families looking for a livelier property in the same price range may want to check out the Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites, which offers spacious multi-room suites and a wide array of kid-friendly amenities, including family-friendly movie nights, a kids’ club, and a splash pool with a waterslide. The neighboring Sudamala Suites & Villas, complete with an art gallery, a lovely yoga pavilion, and comfortable rooms, is a great alternative for those wanting something with more local charm and a few more on-site amenities. Travelers on a tighter budget may want to compare rates at the Oasis Lagoon Sanur, which features contemporary interiors, a large lagoon-style pool, and an excellent restaurant. 

The hotel is located on a somewhat busy street in southern Sanur that's lined with restaurants, shops, and hotels. The area’s thin strip of beach is only a five-minute walk away, and there are loungers and umbrellas that guests can use free of charge (vouchers are provided at front desk). The hotel has its own free shuttle service to the beach as well. The town’s main drag -- known for its many "warungs", shops, and cafes -- is also about five minutes on foot. The ancient temple of Blanjong, one of the town’s main attractions, is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Le Mayeur Museum is about a 10-minute drive away, as is the main harbor where tourist boats to islands such as Nusa Lembongan dock. Ngurah Rai International Airport is about a half-hour drive from the hotel. 

The hotel has 19 air-conditioned rooms, including 12 Suites, five One-Bedroom Villas, one Two-Bedroom Villa, and another Three-Bedroom Villa, all facing the gardens or the pool. Decor is contemporary and stylish in all, with large tufted headboards, platform beds, dark-wood furniture with clean lines, and pops of lime-green or purple. Living rooms in Suites are furnished with generic chocolate-brown couches and minimalist coffee tables and lamps, while Villas have indoor/outdoor living areas with modern Balinese decor that draws heavily on wood, and thatched roofs punctuated by large glass lanterns. 

Each suite and villa is equipped with a wide array of upscale amenities, including LCD TVs, mid-sized minibars with several beers, sodas, and two bottles of sparking water, and free Wi-Fi. Electric kettles are also provided in all rooms, and still water, instant coffee, and teabags are replenished daily free of charge. Villas feature small kitchenettes complete with fridges, sinks, microwaves, and a gas range with two or four burners, as well as private pools decorated with traditional Balinese statues, purified water dispensers, and sound systems in the living area. 

Suites have stylish indoor bathrooms with separate rainfall showers and soaking tubs, two oval sinks over marble counters, and windows overlooking the bedroom. A frosted glass door opens onto a spacious indoor/outdoor balcony with a large hot tub, plants, two wicker chairs, and a clothes rack. The only windows in suites overlook the enclosed balcony, which makes some rooms a tad dark. Bathrooms in villas have an appealing indoor/outdoor design, with large glass rainfall showers with access to a small garden, and indoor soaking tubs. 

Rooms are in good shape overall, but we did spot some worn furniture. 

The hotel is known among locals and visitors for its eye-catching Caramel Restaurant, located adjacent to the main building. It is housed in a glass greenhouse-style building decorated with chic touches such as beehive tiles in white, gray, and yellow, black metal chairs with wooden seats, and a white marble bar with mirrors. Sail shades provide a welcome respite from the sun, while floor-to-ceiling windows open onto the street, where there are a few other tables for alfresco dining. The menu is for the most part international, but it does offer a few Indonesian specialties, such as "gado-gado" and "ayam goreng". A la carte breakfast is included in all rates, and although the selection is limited, the quality is good, and food is well-prepared. 

There is also a pool bar with a drink and food menu available for lunch and dinner, and afternoon tea (also included in all rates) is served here, as well. The pool itself is big enough for a hotel this size, and features about a dozen padded loungers placed in pairs under big umbrellas. There is a shallower area for children, as well as a single cabana housed in an elevated pavilion with plenty of pillows. Waiter service is available around the pool. 

Aum Spa is tucked away behind lush greenery next to the pool, and features two double treatment rooms, each with an outdoor soaking tub. The vibe is relaxing and peaceful, with soft background music and a fresh scent throughout, and the range of massages available is extensive. The hotel, however, lacks a fitness center.