Jl. Drupadi no. 8, Seminyak, Indonesia
Private villas in a quiet location off a side street
Within walking distance to downtown Seminyak
Serene, Japanese-inspired decor
Villas feature inviting plunge pools and fully equipped kitchens
Room amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks
Kitchens have cooktops, full-sized refrigerators, kettles, and microwaves
Stylish bathrooms feature walk-in showers and deep soaking tubs
Free breakfast and room service
Free parking and shuttle service downtown
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Villas don't feel cozy and show some wear
The property isn't within walking distance to the beach
Limited on-site facilities, with no restaurant or gym
The Sieryu Villas is a three-and-a-half-pearl boutique property that's within walking distance of downtown Seminyak, and a short drive to the beach. The few common areas have serene, Japanese-inspired decor, with rock gardens and jade statues. Its hotel's eight villas are elegant, but they aren't lavish. Jute couches in living rooms don't have plush cushions, beds aren't luxuriously dressed, and kitchens, while fully equipped, need to be updated. The villas' best features are their long plunge pools and attractive bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. On-site facilities are limited -- there's no restaurant or gym -- but there's free breakfast, Wi-Fi throughout, and shuttle service to town. Those looking for a similar property with better amenities may wish to consider The Amala Hotel, though rates are slightly higher.
Scene
Ultra-private, with a calm ambiance for couples and guests celebrating special occasions
Although The Seiryu Villas aren't far from busy downtown Seminyak, the property feels far removed from the hustle and bustle nearby. It's completely walled-off from the main road, which lends a secluded atmosphere. The aesthetic is heavily influenced by Japanese design, and common spaces features a Zen rock garden, a jade Buddha statue sitting under cherry blossoms, and intricate floral paintings. The high level of privacy and intimate setting make this property popular with couples -- especially those celebrating special occasions, like honeymoons and anniversaries.
Location
A short drive to the beach, and walking distance to restaurants, bars, and shopping
The Seiryu Villas are located on Drupadi Street, a quiet side street that's about a 15-minute walk from downtown Seminyak. There are a few decent dining options just down the road from the hotel on Camplung Tanduk Road (also known as Dhyana Pura Road), but the area is most well-known for its late-night gay bars. There are far more restaurants, bars, and shops downtown.
It's about a six-minute drive to the long, white-sand Seminyak Beach, which has a laid-back vibe and is great for swimming, surfing, or just lounging. The waves here are well-suited for novice surfers, as they break over a soft-sand bottom. This stretch of coast has popular beachside bars and restaurants, including the boho-chic La Plancha Beach Bar, and the relaxed Chez Gado Gado. Laksmana Street, known as "Eat Street," is around a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and offers a great selection of upscale dining options, boutique shops, and a sophisticated nightlife scene.
It takes about 17 minutes by car to reach Kuta Beach and Waberbom Bali, and 30 minutes to reach the airport, but due to the frequent heavy traffic in the area, driving times may vary.
Rooms
Spacious with plunge pools and sleek bathrooms, but units don't feel lavish
This boutique hotel's villas are spacious and have elegant decor, but they're sparsely furnished and lack cozy details. White walls look a little bare, though they are dotted with colorful, Asian-inspired floral prints, and there's dark hardwood floors and furniture throughout. Despite these adornments, units show some early signs of wear and tear.
Villa plunge pools are a highlight -- they're long enough for swimming laps -- and there are decks with loungers and covered daybed gazebos. Small Japanese rock gardens with yellow bamboo and tropical plants add some nice greenery to spaces. Bathrooms are also attractive, with black stone tile, large vanities with porcelain sinks, deep soaking tubs, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and doors that open to pools.
Kitchens are fully stocked, with full-size refrigerators, cooktops, microwaves, kettles, toasters, coffeemakers, and water coolers, but appliances and fixtures could use an update. All units have air-conditioning, two flat-screen TVs with DVD players, iPod docks, safes, and hairdryers.
Two types of villas are available: The Deluxe Pool villas are a generous 1,765 square feet, and the expansive Royal Pool Villas cap off at 2,088 square feet.
Features
Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and shuttle service downtown, but no on-site restaurant or gym
The Seiryu Villas is a small property with limited features. There's no on-site restaurant, but an a la carte breakfast with Japanese, Indonesian, and Western options is free and served in rooms at no extra charge. The hotel lacks a gym, but in-room spa treatments can be arranged by the front desk, as can car, bike, and mopeds rental, and tours of the area. The hotel provides free shuttle service into downtown Seminyak, and on-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout are also free.