Segara Village Hotel

Among the limited supply of big beachfront resorts in Sanur, Segara Village is in its own category. The vibe here is unpretentious, and while there are plenty of calm corners throughout the property, travelers can also find just the right lively spot to fuel their Bali beach-break fantasies. That mix of atmospheres is in part due to the vast amount of space here. Buildings are arranged like villages, meaning that wide lawns, lovely flowering gardens, and meandering pathways wind between massive banyan trees and shrines. Amid this, families with kids splash in the pools, while twenty- and thirtysomething couples throw back cocktails at the beach club or the lively hot tub bar. Much of the resort is open to the elements, giving it a real away-in-the-tropics vibe. Even so, the few interiors that do exist are pleasantly modern, with the requisite touches of Balinese style in architectural flourishes, carved wood, and artwork. Expect to see a wide spread of travelers here, including families, younger couples, and mature groups of friends.

While Sanur's beachfront promenade bustles with travelers and locals day and night, the area around Segara Village is particularly lively and serves as a bit of a beachside hub in this northern part of town. Of course, the beach is right at the resort's doorstep, and all manner of hotels, restaurants, beach bars, massage huts, and tourist shops can be found within a one- to 10-minute walk along the promenade. It's a five-minute stroll to the main road, where you'll find plenty of casual warungs and more formal restaurants, but most of the town's main-drag bars, boutiques, and restaurants are at least a 10-minute walk away. The Sindhu Night Market -- a great spot for authentic Indonesian fare -- is 10 minutes away on foot as well. You'll likely need a cab to reach Hardy's -- a local department store -- and high-end restaurants like Three Monkeys (expect a five-minute ride). Budget at least 30 minutes to reach the airport by taxi, as traffic in this part of Bali is often terrible.

Though the hotel only has 120 rooms, they're arranged in villages so that everything feels spread out and private, with clusters of buildings tucked away in the hotel's expansive gardens. Deluxe Rooms are the hotel's entry-level category and are found across three of the hotel's villages. The look in these is pleasantly modern, with sharp hardwood furniture plus more ornate details like carved feature walls. Bungalows range from slightly tired to more contemporary. The older rooms have granite details alongside dark hardwood furniture and stone accents, while the more modern rooms have sharp artsy photography that complements hardwood paneling. Club Rooms are the least fresh, but still pleasant enough, and as of 2017 were scheduled for an overhaul (so check ahead). 

Standard features include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and balconies or terraces. Keep in mind that there are no ocean or beach views from any rooms. Turndown service is offered, and includes a sweet snack. Bathrooms are a mixed bag, and many units have toilets and showers that are only separated from the room by frosted glass panels. Others -- like the bungalows -- have fully separate bathrooms. Bungalows can also be booked so that the top and bottom floors -- normally two separate units -- serve as a connected unit for families. Keep in mind that you'll have to traverse exterior stairs to get between rooms in this case.

As a self-described village, the property has more than its share of features and amenities. And while many guests do make their way into town to hang out and socialize, plenty seemed more than content to lounge about on this resort's grounds during our visit. The centerpiece is, of course, Byrdhouse, which is the hotel's popular beach club. Wooden decks and terraces flank the Sanur promenade, while three restaurants and two bars keep everyone fed and hydrated. Everything from international to Indonesian and Japanese fare is on offer. The hotel also serves a breakfast buffet, but it's not included in standard rates. 

The beach has plenty of lounge chairs and beachside service is available. A pool with in-water lounge chairs sits next to the beach club, and is popular with families. In fact, no matter where you are in the resort, you'll be near water, as there are two other pools -- one reserved only for those staying in Club Room -- as well as a hot tub bar, which essentially looks like another pool (guests sit in the hot tub, with the sunken bar at the center). A kids' area is also available. There is no fitness center, but free yoga classes are offered twice weekly, and the hotel has a nice spa with a boutique as well. Tennis courts and rental bikes round out the other wellness amenities.

Like most resorts and hotels in the area, traditional performances are offered on select nights, along with local grilled-fare nights along the Sanur promenade. Cooking classes can be arranged and were popular during our visit, and guests can learn Balinese rituals and offerings. Fees may apply for these activities. The hotel has a playground for travelers with kids, though no kids' club. There are no business services or meeting rooms, but Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort.