The Legian Bali

One of the most upscale resorts in the area (and the priciest), The Legian Bali is geared toward couples, and is not exactly child-friendly (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and one pool prohibits children entirely). Located right on the beach with plenty of sun loungers on a private grassy area or wooden deck overlooking the gentle waves, this hotel is prime for relaxation in a luxury setting.

Customer service is a priority, and is one of the main attributes of this property. Though there are just 67 sea-facing suites, the Beach House, and 11 villas, the staff numbers about 350 people; guests' names are learned, and great attention is paid to meeting and anticipating guests' needs. The royal treatment begins the moment guests pull up to the fountain-flanked entrance. 

The lobby looks rich, with lots of stonework and granite columns, as well as teakwood panels. Interesting, authentic Balinese accents and art pieces, along with candles and vases with indigenous flowers, give the lobby an elegant yet slightly dark feel (as if in a romantically lit sitting room). There is also an expansive international library with loaner books in the lobby's bar area. 

The open-air "hallways" that run throughout the resort are actually stone-lined paths, and many of the stairways look as if they're leading to a temple. The grounds are beautifully manicured with lots of tropical greenery, palm trees, and expansive lawns. Intricate sculptures and fountains also add a touch of local culture to the surroundings.  

Situated on Petitenget's beachfront, the Legian Bali is also right in the entertainment district, giving guests easy access to area attractions as well as prime ocean real estate. Though the hotel has its own restaurants and bars, there are also many well-known, high-quality places to eat within easy walking distance of the property. The hotel is also within one mile of Petitenget Temple and Seminyak Square, and there's shuttle service to nearby attractions. The resort is about 30 minutes from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, depending on traffic, and airport transfers are available for a fee. 

All 67 suites in the main hotel portion of The Legian Bali have furnished balconies with ocean views. 

Simply decorated, airy, and comfortable, suites are outfitted with rattan chairs and couches, granite-topped wooden tables, bureaus, entertainment centers, and wooden bed frames, some of which have classic canopies; all have luxury bedding and linens. Rooms range from Studios to Two-Bedroom Suites and have separate living areas and spectacular bathrooms, with deep soaking tubs, separate rainfall showers, and double sinks. Robes and high-quality toiletries are provided.

Rooms come with large flat-screen TVs, DVD players (with a wide selection of DVDs in the lobby), iPod docking stations, and free Wi-Fi. Other amenities include stocked minibars (some of the items are free), Nespresso coffeemakers, and electric kettles. Individual climate control allows guests to keep their rooms as cool or as balmy as they'd like.

The Beach House -- a  three-bedroom villa that can also be set up for intimate events like weddings (up to 60 people can be comfortably seated between indoor and outdoor spaces) -- is located in the main hotel area and has all the amenities of the other suites, plus a private infinity pool, personal butler service, and daily tea included with the room rate.

For those wanting more seclusion, The Club, which includes 11 private villas, is across the street. These villas do not have ocean views but have private infinity pools, thatched-roof outdoor relaxation spaces, and teakwood-heavy decor, which gives a strong Balinese feel. The Club also includes private butler service and exclusive access to The Club's private pool, restaurant, and lounge. 

The three infinity pools on the main property at The Legian Bali slope downward in a tiered configuration toward the sea that maximizes ocean views at all levels and makes this a highlight of the common spaces. Surrounded by plentiful sun loungers and umbrellas, it's easy to spend hours in this heavenly locale watching the waves roll in with a cocktail in hand. At The Club section of the resort, there is an additional tear-shaped lap pool for adults as well. 

The Restaurant is the main dining facility, and serves a melange of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, all with a beachfront view. Lunch is also available at the seaside Pool Bar as well as the Ocean Bar -- both serve a casual menu as well as afternoon tea and cocktails in the evenings. 

Guests can also grab a drink indoors at The Lobby Lounge -- which encourages people to mingle or sit quietly and read selections from the extensive library -- while enjoying the Indonesian art that decorates the area. The Club Lounge located across the street from the main complex serves traditional Indonesian dishes. 

A major culinary highlight is the "Seafood Indulgence" event held once a week on the Sun Deck by the Ocean Bar; featuring all types of fresh seafood and sashimi with live, interactive cooking stations helmed by the executive chef and staff.

There is also a stand-alone pavilion with audio-visual and tech equipment available. A business center located near the lobby that offers iPads on loan as well as broadband Internet access (though the free Wi-Fi throughout the resort and in rooms also works very well).  

The full-service spa is posh and provides a variety of healing and restorative treatments in the four single and two couples spa suites. Garden views and rich teakwood accents further heighten the tranquility; hydrotherapy tubs are also available.

The fitness center -- which makes prolific use of dark teakwood and views of the landscaped gardens outside -- has circuit machines, a complete set of free weights and dumbbells, and multiple cardio machines, including treadmills, an elliptical, and a recumbent bike. Yoga classes are also offered daily.