Stephanie Mee samples the best of Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali.
Space has never been an issue at the Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali, as this stunning seaside resort is set on four hectares of tropical gardens that spill down to a swathe of golden sand on Sanur Beach, and each of the 120 suites and villas is generously proportioned with luxe sitting areas, huge bathrooms and balconies overlooking the ocean and grounds. However, if you really want to spread out in style, the Presidential Beachfront Villa is a worthy indulgence.
Your presidential experience starts under the soaring ceilings of the Fairmont’s impressive lobby, which is decked out in tropical coconut wood tiles and open on all sides to allow gentle ocean breezes to flow through the space. Here you will meet your personal butler, who will show you to the villa and around the grounds and be on call around the clock to cater to your every need.
The Presidential Beachfront Villa is set in a special villa enclave within the resort, which adds to the sense of exclusiveness and seclusion. Yet at 937 square metres, the villa actually feels like a private enclave all in itself. As you enter the property, lush gardens and fragrant frangipani trees abound and the open plan layout offers glimpses out to the Indian Ocean and all the way to Nusa Lembongan.
Designed by Genius Loci from Jakarta, the villa boasts fresh modern interiors with traditional Balinese touches like rich wooden accents, natural stone floors, and sliding doors that allow you to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. Verdant tropical plants add splashes of green that contrast nicely with the aquamarine and deep blue hues of your 130-square-metre pool.
Perfect for families and groups, this palatial abode offers two luxurious bedrooms, one with a super king-sized bed and another with twin beds. Both bedrooms have polished wooden floors, handcrafted furniture with ancient fossilized art pieces, mod cons like flat-screen LED HD televisions, and lavish bathrooms outfitted with bath and body products by Le Labo from New York.
Taking centre place at the villa is an immense living room with high ceilings, soft sofas, an iPod docking station with a BOSE sound system, and a fully equipped kitchen and pantry. There is also a separate dining area and options to dine outside under the stars. You could cook your own meals, but why would you when you can use the digital call button to have your personal butler deliver anything you might need through the separate butler’s entrance?
Another central feature at the villa is a serene private spa treatment room with a steam room that runs alongside the swimming pool. Call up the Fairmont Spa and they can send over talented therapists for a morning or afternoon of soothing massages and holistic body treatments. Afterwards you can unwind further in the private outdoor Jacuzzi or in a lounger on one of the sundecks overlooking the beach.
Of course, should you feel like getting out and exploring a bit, the resort and surrounding area provide plenty to excite and entertain travellers of all ages. Little ones can join in the many activities on offer at the kid’s club, which comes complete with a mini cinema and Sony PlayStation.
Parents can enjoy light bites and drinks on the poolside terrace at Nyala Beach Club & Grill while the kids splash in the waters of the resort’s 50-metre infinity pool, and couples can settle into one of the beachfront cabanas and watch the world unfold along the sand and in the water.
Drinking and dining options at the Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali include Layang Layang, which puts out gorgeous buffet spreads for breakfast with international delicacies like freshly baked bread and cheeses, dim sum and waffles. Come evening Layang Layang serves authentic Indonesian cuisine. The Nyala Beach Club & Grill offers a Pan Asian menu that focuses on fresh seafood, grilled meats and locally sourced produce.
For those who want to explore more of Sanur, there is a pedestrian-only walking trail that winds its way between the resort and the beach and stretches out for five kilometres along the coast. As you walk along the path you’ll encounter plenty of seafood restaurants, breezy cafes and colourful local shops.
However, if bringing the party to you is more your style, the Fairmont can arrange anything from afternoon tea to sundowner cocktails and canapés, or even an extravagant dinner party with bubbles and sit down service right in the privacy of the Presidential Beachfront Villa. Planning an event like a birthday, wedding or business meeting? Just talk to their efficient behind-the-scenes team, and they will do everything they can to make your vision a reality.
No matter whether you’re travelling with little ones in tow, looking to get your groove on for a girl’s weekend, or seeking a secluded hideaway for your honeymoon, living it up large like a president at the Fairmont definitely has its perks.
