Risata Bali Resort & Spa

Open since 1991, this resort has a traditional Balinese atmosphere, with well-maintained tropical landscaping, statues, fountains, fish ponds, and meandering stone walkways. That being said, the resort's age is showing a bit, though ultimately it's a fine enough property for unfussy travelers looking to be near the beach. Guests enter the expansive open-air lobby through a traditional pagoda-style entrance. Inside, sofas and wooden benches with colorful pillows provide places for guests to hang out, and there's a lobby lounge off to the side that looks a bit dated, with blue and red sofas and chairs. Check-in takes place seated at a long wooden desk, and fountains and potted orchids add to the Balinese vibe. Even though it's close to the airport, it's a peaceful, quiet setting. The resort draws all sorts of travelers, from couples and families to businesspeople and wedding groups. 

This resort is located in southern Kuta region, in Tuban. It's only a five-minute walk to the beach and while it's not right in the heart of Kuta's action, the resort is surrounded by other hotels and local shops. The area makes a decent base for those who want to be near the action, but not right in the notorious center of Kuta. The Lippo Mall Kuta can be reached in about a seven-minute walk, and the Discovery Shopping Mall Kuta is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. It's a bit far to walk to Kuta Square and the art markets, though the ambitious can get there in 25 minutes on foot. The same trip can be made in five minutes by taxi. Expect a 10-minute drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The resort's 139 rooms are spread across the property in clusters of buildings that are linked by a winding pathway. Decor is basic, with dark wood-veneer furniture and vivid green accent walls that the resort calls calming but some guests may consider garish. Other walls are white, and floors are done in white tile. Traditional or modern artwork hangs on the walls, perking things up just a bit more, and flat-screen TVs are mounted on a wood-grain panel. Standard amenities include electric kettles, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, safes, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are small and simple -- even a little dated -- with shower/tub combos or just showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. Superior and Deluxe Rooms can add an extra bed for families, and connecting rooms are available as well. All rooms have garden views, and some have furnished balconies or terraces. Suites are available with one or two bedrooms, and villas have four bedrooms. 

Like most mid-range resorts in the area, there are a decent number of features here, plus a few extras for those traveling with children. The main restaurant, Pandan Bali, serves all meals, including a breakfast buffet. The space is casual and open, overlooking the outdoor pool. The adjacent Jepun Bar is a laid-back space serving drinks and light fare overlooking the fish pond. Cooking classes are also available.

The blue-tiled main pool is surrounded by a wooden deck lined with blue cushioned lounge chairs and green umbrellas, and there's a swim-up pool bar for drinks and snacks. There's also a children's pool and playground -- not always common features around Kuta -- as well as table tennis and a giant chess set. A small fitness center provides decent cardio- and weight-training equipment as well as free weights. The lovely spa offers a variety of treatments, including massage, facials, body scrubs and masks, and salon services. The spa itself looks a bit strip-mall, but it serves the purpose well enough.

Three meeting rooms can handle small and medium-sized groups of up to 100 people. The spaces are lovely, with high thatched roofs and large windows for natural light. The resort also hosts weddings, and ceremonies take place be inside or out in the gardens. A free shuttle runs to the center of Kuta, and airport transfers can be arranged for a fee. While free Wi-Fi is available, speeds are slow and there's a fee for higher bandwidth.