Padma Resort Legian

A huge lily pond and koi ponds line both sides of the Padma Resort's grand entrance that sits at the end of a gray brick road. The lobby is ornate and open-air at the same time, with high wooden ceilings under an Indonesian-style thatched roof. White pillars and gilded wall coverings give the space -- which has several seating areas -- an authentic feel. Art factors into the overall theme, as there are many original paintings and sculptures hanging everywhere; the property even calls itself an "art sanctuary". The grounds are lush and well-manicured, with lots of indigenous greenery, and rooms are reached via outdoor paths.

While the Padma Resort Legian caters mostly to families, there are enough amenities to suit a range of travelers.  

Though this property is located in the heart of the bustling Legian area, once inside the resort, the traffic and city noise subside. The property is expansive but is within walking distance of a little strip of beach -- where the multitude of vendors makes it hard to relax without interruption, though -- and to Legian Beach, which takes about 15 minutes. Many area shops and restaurants are within a five-minute walk. Kuta Beach and Seminyak Square are about three miles away, and Ngurah Rai International Airport is about four miles away.

Rooms range from Deluxe to Family to Two-Bedroom Suites. All are clean and comfortable with furnished balconies (beware the mosquitoes), flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, minibars, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Most have wood or tile floors and simple decor; picture minimal wall art/mirrors, and wood furnishings, headboards, and desks. 

Beds have high-quality linens, and bathrooms are spacious with bathtubs and showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and toiletries. Environmentally-conscious practices are encouraged, and while there's daily housekeeping and nightly turndown service, guests can opt to use the same sheets and towels for several days.

The three swimming pools are stand-outs. The main pool is expansive, with a large deck area and plentiful sun loungers and umbrellas; this pool gets the most intense sun in the afternoons. A little separate side pool here is set up for water basketball matches. The lagoon pool is quieter and offers more shade. It is bi-level with interesting fountains, bubbling jets, and wooden bridges, making it feel like a hidden paradise. Several swim-out hotel rooms connect to this pool. The shallow family pool -- a big hit with kids -- has two waterslides (coming out of "hidden" caves), shooting jets, and water umbrellas for more splashy fun. Poolside towels are available under a giant elephant structure.

There's more for the young set, including a colorful playground, trampoline, and supervised kids' club activities, which include feeding the fish in the koi ponds, and water-game competitions in the pool area -- with ice cream as the prize.

The full-service Padma Spa by Mandara is located near the lobby, and overlooks a tranquil pond. Multiple treatment rooms are available for guests along with a sauna and steam room. A wide variety of top-notch services can be booked in single or double spa rooms, including Elemis facials, massages, and reflexology; manicures/pedicures are also available. A relaxation area and library with refreshments and a spa boutique allow guests to extend their relaxation time here.

The fitness center has weights and free yoga classes, and there are tennis courts; racquets are available gratis, but a can of balls comes with a fee.  

Finding food at this resort is not difficult. There are multiple restaurants and bars, and though the prices might be slightly higher than at other restaurants in the area, they're still on the side of reasonable. The included breakfast buffet packs a wow factor -- it not only offers a wide range of choices (and the fresh juices like beet root and ginger are exceptional), but also takes into account food sensitivities with clearly marked gluten-free options and alerts about items that contain nuts. 

The open-air Don Biu restaurant offers breakfast and dinner, and specializes in Indonesian and continental cuisine served in a casual, al fresco environment with nightly live music, and occasional themed nights, such as Italian.

The Tenkai Japanese restaurant, open for dinner only, is a favorite. With a garden setting, it's a little more formal than Don Biu, with a varied a la carte menu; a Japanese buffet theme night is available on certain evenings. 

For lunch, the Barong Pool Bar and Cafe serves a wide range of foods from burgers and fries to Asian specialties in a casual poolside atmosphere. The Seruni Sunken Pool Bar also offers great snacks and sandwiches, and has a swim-up bar, while quick bites or late-night snacks are available at The Deli, whwew offerings include paninis and quesadillas, as well as interesting Asian-and-Western hybrid dessert selections.   

The S.K.A.I. Beach Club -- open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner --  overlooks the ocean. Salads, pizza, and seafood are the highlight of its menu, and it's a solid spot for watching the Balinese sunsets with a drink in hand. The colorful (picture lots of turquoise) take-away juice and gelato bar offers fresh juices and yummy frozen treats during the day. Round-the-clock room service is also available.