‘W’, could this be the most photographed single letter of the alphabet? It’s just a letter, but it has garnered a whole lot of attention. Why? It is not a celebrity, a sunset or even a monument… but it is the ‘W’ from W resorts – worldwide.
The ‘W’ brand (1998) was originally created as a brand for business hotels within big metropoles. That ‘W’ then made its move beachside… Beachside to Thailand, Ibiza, Koh Samui and our favorite – Bali! Uber-modern design, flashes of strong colour, creative food and curated music came to give a breath of fresh air to the shores of Bali.
Pioneers of this new “tailor-made for the younger traveller”, W Bali – Seminyak parted the waters of convention and splashed down with a force to be reckoned with; that was back in 2011. International DJs, mixologists and celebrities all came to that head-spinning, three-day opening event.
Since then the International Dj’s, mixologists and celebrities are par for this luxurious course – W is the resort to see and be seen in, surrounded by a riot of fashion forward people and perfect soundtracks to the ‘W’ way of life.
Each of the following design-led public areas transports you directly into a Hollywood stage set:
W Lounge (lobby) with its breezy spaciousness, centres around a New York style bar, unique columns decorated with art, comfortable seating with bright pink accents, and a very Instagrammable nest of “eggs”… Art, surfboards and coffee-table books, even a back-gammon board, encircle the bartenders as they whip up a Cosmo or Espresso Martini.
Woobar
Woobar, whose backdrop is the Indian Ocean, sports some of the best sunsets the world can ever see, some of the best DJ’s one can ever hear and of course, that famed oft-photographed letter ‘W’! Go any day as there is are ‘everyday at Woobar’ specials!
FIRE Restaurant
Fire, the indoor/outdoor “grill’ dining option with its red hues, serves up a great breakfast, a fabulous lunch and, luckily for me, an outstanding dinner as it seems that I’m not really a breakfast or lunch person. So the dinner that was enjoyed just the other day was superlative, the best steaks I have possibly had in many a while. Top quality meat divinely cooked on the grill – to perfection, great sides and atmosphere accompanied amazing service. We also got to choose a unique steak knife each beautifully presented in a velvet box-tray! These babies can boast the best blades in the world. So good was the experience that I’ll have to do it all over again, next week – yes, it was that memorable and compelling (if I can use that word when talking food?)
Starfish Bloo
Starfish Bloo, the West coast’s favourite long and boozy brunches happen here. Unique birdcage-style seating along with long, fun tables on the terrace, create a lofty, open-air feeling to this blue and green-hued, mainly fish and seafood dining venue. As with everything W, the menus are creative, the quality is top notch and the service totally spoiling! Let’s not forget the view, the view, the view! Did I forget to mention that anyone can also enjoy their luscious brunch in their own home? Definitely give them a buzz them for more information.
AWAY Spa
AWAY Spa is the 24-hour pampering option. Having lived in Bali for 25 years, I did not expect AWAY to impress me that much to be honest. Oops, well I was definitely proved wrong within moments of arriving … in fact just the walkway into the spa had my mobile ‘click clicking’ for future IG posts and the like! SPACIOUS is what AWAY is. Luscious colours and comforts abound. Whether high-backed velvet chairs in a mood lighting alcove, the expansive central area that is exclusive for salon treatments, manicures and pedicures – and cocktails; each spa room has an outdoor stretching area (think yoga for two with water feature) and an oval massage table bang in the centre of a room that could be the size of a generous bedroom. Additionals are: the His & Hers Steam, shower and Jacuzzi areas with lockers and AWAY’s own health ‘café’ called Chill Bar, with a gorgeous, open garden terrace overlooking the ‘forest’. (I can feel a healthy cocktail event coming on soon). Astoundingly, the ‘Whatever / Whenever’ (first of its kind) means just that, as it’s a 24hour spa! I’m tempted to say to the girls, “birthday celebration at midnight” at AWAY Spa on the 26th of March! Now there’s a thought!
* Day Passes to AWAY Spa are available and have to be the best value for money this February!!
Alternatively, just book a massage or a treatment and you get to use all the facilities in the Spa.
* W Bali – Seminyak also boasts its very own music studio “Soundsuite”, so if you feel a single coming on, or want to remix someone else’s track, just chat to W’s Music Director, Damian Saint!
Stay tuned for the upcoming new look and new programming from the Soundsuite!
The property, which is located on the beach in Seminyak, features a total of 229 rooms; 157 are either Ocean or Garden facing plus 72 Villas, several signature food and beverage outlets (including Woobar, Fire, Starfish Bloo and W Lounge), Bali’s only 24-hour spa, a 150-sqm state-of-the-art gym and poolside cabanas.
www.wbaliseminyak.com or https://id.wbaliseminyak.com/
IG: @wbaliseminyak
FB: wbaliseminyak
