Puri Santrian

Puri Santrian is the largest and most upmarket of Sanur's Santrian chain. The hotel strives for an exclusive vibe that's apparent right off the bat, as -- at the end of a long driveway -- porters stand waiting to help ferry luggage for new arrivals. Once inside, guests are constantly coming and going -- some are being whisked away on tours of southern Bali while others sip their welcome drinks during check-in. The whole property feels shrouded in greenery, as gorgeous plants and trees tower overhead and spread all around. Like most Sanur hotels, Hindu shrines are tucked in here and there, and if you time your visit right there may even be a 24-hour ceremony to honor the hotel temple's founding. That contrast of old and new is found throughout the property, albeit with different degrees of success. Some areas feel a little dated and shabby, while others are fresh and modern. That doesn't seem to bother the families and mostly mature clientele, though, who can be spotted walking the hotel's winding pathways between its many pools and the beach. At the end of the day, the oceanside seating in the restaurant makes a great spot for taking in the sunset (or moonrise), while Sanur's bustling promenade fills with locals and tourists strolling in the cooler evening weather.

This is one of the larger hotels in the strip of resorts that pack the beach in southern Sanur. Along the beach, a mix of families, couples, locals, and tourists buzzing up and down the oceanside promenade day and night. There are a number of restaurants, shops, and ATMs on the road just outside the hotel, and plenty more within a five- to 10-minute walk. It's a bit far to reach central Sanur hotspots like Three Monkeys on foot, but a cab ride to that part of town is only five to 10 minutes depending on traffic. It will take around the same amount of time to reach the Sindhu Night Market for those who want to sample authentic local food in a traditional open-air setting. Expect a 45-minute drive to Kuta and Seminyak, though that varies depending on the time of day. You should budget 30 minutes to reach the airport, though -- again -- traffic can be unpredictable. 

Unfortunately, while the grounds and common areas here are universally lovely, the rooms are a bit of a mixed bag depending on your budget. Superior Rooms are the entry-level option and the most tired of the lot. We spotted a bit of wear and tear during our recent visit, and they are a bit dark. Even so, the look is modern enough, with vibrant tropical art, marble floors, and hardwood furniture. These rooms are also suitable for families, with connecting rooms available. Otherwise, we suggest opting for one of the higher-category rooms, like the Premiere Deluxe Rooms. These are spacious and sharp, with sexy dark wood furniture, polished marble floors, and small gold details that add a little shimmer to the overall effect. The Santrian Club Rooms are for adults only and include romantic details like four-poster beds. While the club area of the property is more secluded from the rest of the resort, these rooms also looked a bit tired during our visit. Standard features include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, limited bottled water, electric kettles, and air-conditioning. It's worth noting that you may have to sign into the Wi-Fi repeatedly. All rooms also have balconies or terraces with views of the gardens or pools. Bathrooms range from basic units with shower/tub combos and large vanities to more posh and polished options with rainfall showers. 

Without a doubt, the highlight of a stay here is the beach. It's one of the nicer ones in this part of Sanur, and stretches the entire length of the resort, which is long. There are a number of loungers set up on the sand, and towels are available by turning in a card and signing them out. Tides are drastic in Sanur, and at low tide swimming isn't ideal. For those who don't want to deal with the sand, there are a number of pools as well, including two main pools (one with a shallow children's area), as well as separate exclusive pools for Club Room guests and those in Deluxe Rooms. The largest main pool has a swim-up bar and is ringed by plenty of lounge chairs. Poolside service is available.

The hotel's main restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, though we think the best spots are the tables along the beach. Live music and Balinese nights happen on select weeknights, and the breakfast buffet is extensive (though only included with certain bookings). Another restaurant, The Mezzanine, is a trendy spot along the road in front of the hotel. It has an extensive wine list and draws hotel guests as well as those staying elsewhere in town.

There is no fitness center here, but free yoga classes take place on weekdays. The hotel's spa is a lovely space where the air is perfumed with Balinese spices. Treatments and traditional massages are available. Otherwise, the hotel can arrange tours and taxi, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.