The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali

The Oberoi Bali is a luxurious beachfront resort with a calming, traditional, and almost spiritual aesthetic. While close to town, the expansive 15-acre grounds evoke a nature preserve, with traditional Balinese thatched-roof buildings scattered among verdant gardens and lily-filled ponds. There are a number of Balinese sculptures and temples on the grounds, and the Oberoi presents daily offerings, as per tradition. The hotel also has an amphitheater where it hosts bi-weekly performances of traditional Balinese dance. Maintaining tradition, the design and decor around the property is simple and understated, relying on natural wood and stone, with lots of open-air structures that allow the lush surroundings to take center stage. There are many common gathering spaces, such as the Kura restaurant and Kayu bar, located under covered patios with views of the gardens surrounding. The hotel has a large pool with small turtle fountains along one side, though most of its cushioned lounge chairs are pointed toward the beachfront beyond. The pool area, with its weathered sculptures and hexagonal patio stones with grass creeping along its grooves, doesn't have the flash of a newer property and may look downtrodden to some, but fits with the low-key, nature-infused culture of the hotel. Though near the road (sometimes audible on parts of the property), the Oberoi strives to create a pampered, monastic experience. 

The Oberoi Bali is located right on Seminyak Beach. Despite its cloistered vibe, there are many shops, restaurants, and nightlife a short walk from the hotel, including Seminyak Square, which is a six-minute walk. Neighboring villages of Kuta or Nusa Dua are not too far either, about 20 to 30 minutes by car. The Ngurah Rai International Airport can be reached in about 30 minutes. 

The Oberoi Bali offers a mix of rooms and villas designed in natural colors and decorated in simple, Balinese-style decor. The Luxury Lanai rooms include king-size beds, wicker couches accompanied by small coffee tables, and marble-topped wicker desks. LCD flat-screen TVs are tucked behind shuttered wooden doors, as are the spacious, marble stone bathrooms, which are open to the outdoors. The sunken marble tubs are beautiful, but lack length and may feel cramped for some. Lanai Rooms have their own private terraces overlooking garden greenery. 

While the Luxury Lanai rooms are pleasantly plain, the Villas are more stylized with beautiful four-poster beds featuring headboards with intricate wood carvings. Wicker couches and chairs create pleasant seating areas in front of flat-screen TVs, with natural light and breezes pouring in from large private patios. The floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air spaces are a signature of the Oberoi, which might not suit all tastes, but black-out curtains and a pillow menu help provide a good night's sleep. In some villas, the patio space includes a large private pool. All villas have an outdoor dining area under a thatched roof in addition to padded lounge chairs and parasols. Villa bathrooms are expansive, with large walk-in showers and sunken marble tubs. Travelers should note that Wi-Fi is available in rooms, but for a fee. 

The Oberoi's location is ideal for swimmers, as it's situated right on Seminyak Beach. There is also a simple, large outdoor pool for those looking for a sand-less dip. Guests seeking greater relaxation can indulge in an array of treatments offered at the on-site spa, which has lovely, open-air treatment rooms overlooking gardens and lily ponds. There's a large fitness center equipped with modern cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights, and guests can also book aqua pilates or beachfront yoga classes. For those looking for outdoor sports, there is a tennis court as well. The hotel has two restaurants -- the Kura Kura restaurant situated in a lovely thatched, open-air space, as well as the outdoor Frangipani cafe that overlooks the beach. There's also the Kayu bar, another open-air pavilion with vibrant blue seating and views of the garden. Traditional Balinese dance performances are presented bi-weekly in the hotel's stone amphitheater and there are several other activities on offer like full moon celebrations and turtle releases in the turtle sanctuary.