The Guide to The Oberoi Bali

Why: A Romantic Break from a Sydney Winter.

The Guide to The Oberoi Bali. Where to stay, where to stay…when Monique (aka The Urban Mum) gets an opportunity to take flight with The Husband sans teens, she makes a beeline straight for a Resort. Not just any Resort mind. Top of the list is; peace and quiet, an environment that blends seamlessly with the local scene, attentive service, excellent coffee, a swimming pool with an aspect (preferably of a beach), and a cosy night’s sleep in a bed made by someone else (thank you to the gorgeous housekeeping team for turning this dream into a reality).

Read on to get the lowdown; …which by the way ticks all her boxes.

The Place

On the first morning at The Oberoi Beach Resort Bali (‘The Oberoi’), Monique managed to get lost on her way to breakfast…it wasn’t difficult – despite the signposting being exemplary – the sprawling grounds (some 15 acres) are vast by most hotel standards. Leaving plenty of room to get ‘lost’ – and isn’t that exactly the hallmark of a perfect holiday. To lose track of time, lose yourself, then re-discover yourself all over again. Bliss.

Bali is the quintessential holiday paradise – long attracting many of the world’s most fabulous (and rich); artists, movie stars, and even royalty. Located on the best stretch of lovely Seminyak Beach, ‘The Oberoi’ was built in 1972 as an exclusive private club on the site of an ancient village. Since then it has had several reincarnations. For a few years, the resort lay dormant apart from the occasional, glamour filled full-moon party, becoming an ‘Oberoi’ in the late ’70s.

It may have simply been her overactive imagination, however, Monique swears she could feel the vibe of musicians jamming under half-finished pavilions and stunningly beautiful people from all over the world dancing in the moonlight…

Several upgrades later, ‘The Oberoi’ exudes understated tropical glam, the sort of place you long for when life at home is hectic, when the city becomes too much, when a relaxed luxury pace is what you crave.

The Location

Despite ‘The Oberoi’s’ location in the bustling hub of Seminyak; as soon as the airport transfer turns off the main thoroughfare and is through the security gates The Urban Mum’s shoulders drop as she spies the peaceful oasis that awaits. After a crappy flight from Sydney (airline to remain unnamed), she wants only a cocktail and a snooze. Yet soon perks up as she encounters the glorious Bali welcome. Behold the first waft of incense in the open-air reception – beyond which can only be described as paradise – frangipani strewn gardens meandering down to a sandy beach where the Indian Ocean rolls in.

The Vibe

‘The Oberoi’ is catnip for an overworked Mama. Two steps outside the aforementioned front entrance and there is more action than you can shake a stick at (neighbouring club Ku De Ta to name one). The neverending stretch of beautiful boutiques are but a step away (don’t miss House of Mua Mua across the street for Euro-chic gladrags). Yet as Monique discovered, it doesn’t pay to be too hasty to scurry off – cocooned within the ivy-clad walls of the resort lies all that is right with the world. Sophisticated peace and tranquillity is the overarching vibe. A place to drop your busy bee shoulders and let someone else worry about the detail. Attentive staff, with just the right amount of willingness to assist and the wherewithal to be discrete when required (staff greet guests by name, sunglasses are cleaned poolside, thirst is anticipated before she even licks her lips – next level excellence).

The resort is home to several ‘kampong’ temples, descendants of these ‘kampong’ residents are invited into the resort on auspicious days to pray at their particular temple, keeping contact with their ancestral heritage. Behold stunning floral tributes to small statues laid throughout grounds. The holiday ‘piece de resistance’ is an afternoon on the beach releasing baby turtles out to sea – the resort turtle sanctuary operates from May to October.

The Room

Pleasingly larger than most hotel rooms Monique has rested her head. Traditional furnishings leave no doubt that she is in Bali. Clever architecture means neighbours are not watching the stroll from bed to loo in her altogether – privacy truly is paramount. Then there is that sunken bath where she lolls watching nothing but clouds drift (a door opens to a private courtyard). Add efficient coffee machine, nightly turndown (too many properties have forgone this delicious treat in the name of cost-cutting – yet a little goes a long way, ‘The Oberoi’ understands this), & extra touches like the mosquito coil lit on dusk to keep nasty little biters at bay.

The Food

The Urban Mum isn’t a difficult creature (although The Husband may beg to differ), yet some might see her as a little precious when it comes to her dining. A couple of food intolerances require a variation to meals – which is a shame as Executive Chef Enrico creates cuisine right up there with the best. Freshest produce, and extensive choices mean every taste is indulged. From healthsome to good old fashioned fine dining, and those menu tweaks…absolutely no problem for this stellar team.

Breakfast is served beachside on the terrace at Frangipani Cafe, service is a la carte and civilised. Coffee is plentiful and the menu interesting.

Dinner in Kura Kura sees table side bread trolleys, complimentary amuse-bouche & petite fours – all served to the backdrop of lotus ponds and tinkling traditional musicians – a cosy bar completes the picture.

Treats are served poolside throughout the day, fresh fruit iceblocks and the like. Later, after hours of lolling under a palm with a stack of glossy’s at hand, Monique trots off for Afternoon Tea (served daily at the edge of the amphitheatre); sweet treats and savoury options change daily served on chic crockery (check out The World Traveler) – as does the entertainment. Local artists and performers indulge the guests in performance – further leaving no doubt as to the to ‘The Oberoi’s’ community commitment.

The Locale

Seminyak. the hub of all that is fabulous and modern about Bali. Interesting boutiques, shopping malls, day spas (Bodyworks still The Urban Mum fav), health food, local food, frenetic main roads, peaceful local laneways. Yet amid all the bustle traditional Bali remains. Temples anchor the neighbourhood landscape, religious offerings dot the pavement, traditional cooking smells waft from open-air Warungs (small restaurant/local cafe). Bali traffic is notoriously hectic so Monique is delighted to discover she can easily walk to all that is great in the ‘hood – or save her strength for the serious business of shopping by hopping on ‘The Oberoi’ minivan (stopping at various spots along a circuit route).

Pros

Service, Location, Food, Gracious old-world charm.

Cons

If you are in the ‘kid’ zone they will be welcome but not overly catered for (no kids club et al) – yet for many, this will be a positive. A sprinkle more evening goings-on; not in a club-like manner (plenty of those elsewhere on the island if it is your thing) – rather perhaps a little dancing muzak, under the stars, reminiscent of those full-moon parties. In a healthful 2019 fashion…just a thought, not a deterrent.

The Verdict

The Urban Mum will return, over and over again. It’s the kind of place that gets under your skin, that pervades your dreams upon return home. The Husband agrees, and he is a man who never returns to the same location, so that is a strong endorsement. So what are you waiting for – go and book that holiday to The Oberoi Beach Resort Bali!