The Sakala Resort Bali

Formerly part of the Mantra Hotels Group, the Sakala is a stunning property with a strong focus on design. Interiors are eye-catching but not over-the-top: elegant wood furniture with a stylish black, white, and brown color scheme can be found throughout. With its sunken seating area surrounded by a reflecting pool and tropical plants, the lobby sets the vibe for a luxurious stay. The beach club's long infinity pool, with a swim-up bar and ocean views, and the main restaurant, with decor that mixes contemporary style and traditional Balinese elements, are equally striking. The spa is the highlight when it comes to design, with a dramatic wooden staircase paneled with fine lattice screens, and illuminated with small bulbs encased in niches in the wall.

The hotel is popular with Chinese groups and Australian couples and families, and the vibe at the Sakala is relaxing during the day. The main pool was the liveliest area in the resort, with some foot traffic and a section for children, but we found the atmosphere more laid-back than loud. Young couples tended to gather around the Beach Club pool, which has a sleeker design, an even quieter vibe, and no kiddy area. 

The Sakala is a good option among the many luxury resorts in Nusa Dua, but those looking for an even more decadent property may want to compare rates at the St. Regis Bali Resort, which features luxurious rooms, personal butlers, an attractive spa, and varied dining options. The Grand Aston Bali Beach Resort is a good all-inclusive pick in the area, with a kids’ club, numerous daily activities, and a large lagoon-style pool. Travelers on a tighter budget may want to consider the hotel’s sister property, the Tanjung Benoa Beach Resort Bali, which is an affordable upper-middle-range option with two pools, a spa, and a gym. 

The Sakala feels a bit like a maze, with long, dimly lit hallways, and plenty of stairs, so travelers with mobility issues may want to look elsewhere.

The hotel is set on the beach, and located on a busy road running all along the skinny Tanjung Benoa Peninsula. The street is lined with beachfront resorts, and there are a few minimarts within walking distance, but little else of general interest can be found within a few blocks. A few restaurants, shops, spa parlors, and travel agents can be found within a 20-minute walk of the hotel, but the street isn’t well-lit at night, and the pavement is dangerously uneven in some areas. The Bali Collection shopping mall is a 15-minute drive away. The Sakala is about a half-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The hotel has a total of 237 rooms, including 223 suites and 14 two-bedroom villas. Decor is stylish and upscale in all, with a chic combination of contemporary and classic lines, and anthracite-gray floors that stand out against the neutral upholstering covering couches and chairs. Rugs with abstract patterns and accent walls in smoky gray and off-white add texture, while large sliding doors make rooms light and airy. Villas have a more classic style, with fabric sofas in white hues, dark-wood floors, veined marble kitchen bars, and wooden accents on ceilings. Most units have an outdoor space -- suites feature either balconies with a lounger and a table, or small furnished patios with direct access to the Lagoon Pool, and Villas have compact gardens with plunge pools, loungers on a wooden deck, and lots of tropical plants. But a few Family Suites lack balconies, and none of the units at the hotel have sea views.

All Suites and Villas have kitchenettes equipped with espresso machines, cooktops, microwaves, wine coolers, and mini-fridges, and pots and pans are available free of charge on request. Other top-notch amenities, including free Wi-Fi, LED TVs with international channels, Bose stereos, quality king or twin beds, and electric kettles with free tea and coffee are also standard. 

Bathrooms are luxurious and sexy, with open plans, dark wall and floor tiles combined with white-veined marble tubs, and separate rainfall showers. Two-Bedroom Villas are duplex units that feature a separate suite on each floor -- each with four-poster beds, a kitchenette, and a dining and living area. Families or groups can also book a 1,345-square-foot Two-Bedroom Suite, which features a large living area with a dining table, and two bathrooms -- one with separate shower and tub, and the other with a shower only. 

A standout feature at the Sakala Resort Bali is its sleek Beach Club, located across the street. It features a fantastic infinity pool with a big swim-up bar, lots of padded loungers, and panoramic ocean views. There is direct access to the beach, but the area is known for its water sports, and swimming is not advisable. The beach club is also home to the hotel’s extensive meeting space, which includes a large ballroom and 12 smaller boardrooms, all with full audiovisual equipment, and a wedding chapel. Opposite the meeting facilities is one of the hotel’s two restaurants, which is popular among guests and non-guests alike, especially in the evening. We had the Middle East Vegetable Tower and the Duck Salad, and both were excellent, but portions were somewhat small, and the menu was pricey. 

Located in the main building, the hotel’s other restaurant is open for all three main meals. Breakfast is included in all rates and available until late-morning. The buffet spread offers a wide array of options, ranging from made-to-order eggs, sausages, cereal, fresh fruit, and porridge, to fried rice dishes, pastries, and several types of bread. The lunch and dinner menu includes Indonesian and international options, and snacks and smaller bites are available around the pool throughout the day. Room service is available 24/7. 

The spa features 14 rooms with heated beds, private steam baths, and stone tubs. Couples’ treatment rooms have a sauna as well, and there is a relaxation area with loungers. The four-story fitness center is top-notch, with a wide array of cardio and strength-training equipment, personal trainers, and a big, sunny yoga studio with free morning classes. Private yoga sessions are available for a fee on request. The hotel also features a colorful kids’ club with separate rooms for different age groups, lots of toys, games, an arts and crafts area, video games, and a nap room with bunk beds and cribs. Food is provided for an additional fee. The hotel offers free shuttle service to The Bali Collection shopping mall and to the Legian. Wi-Fi is free throughout.