The Samata, Sanur Villa, Bali Review

If you’ve hit the tourist trails of bustling Kuta and Seminyak and you are looking for a quieter contrast then you won’t be disappointed with The Samata, a luxury Sanur villa resort on the south east coast of Bali. This fine resort has the on-site Zenso restaurant, a well-equipped gym and boxing ring, tennis courts, the spa and three main pools (Chill, Lap and Energy) giving you the choice to relax, workout or revitalise. During our stay we discovered that the hotel is quite unique in that it has a real focus on health and fitness. On our next visit we would love to sign up for the stunning sunrise walk along their local beach or indulge in a Balinese cooking class, which can also be catered for children should they want to experience making some traditional and authentic dishes.

Situated a little off the beaten track and only ten minutes by taxi from Sanur’s main coastline, The Samata offers guests a range of accommodation including private spa and ocean view suites to one and two bedroom villas. The real appeal of this beautiful resort is the serene environment and unique view overlooking paddy fields in the distance and the sea beyond. This peaceful haven is for couples and families alike with one thing in common – ultimate wellbeing. It is the perfect location to either kick back with the finest Balinese hospitality on tap or perhaps explore the rest of the island from. For us, our two-night stay was a chance to both chill out on day one and explore the next. Our chill day was taken up with a massage from Tini, the very talented resident masseur, followed by a gentle walk through the neighbouring village then ending up at the beach where the locals flocked to enjoy their weekend. We experienced so much culture within just 1km of walking out from The Samata, not to mention seeing more of those memorable and beaming Balinese smiles.

The food is nothing short of exceptional should you choose to dine in, which we did. Whether you fancy soaking up the atmosphere in the restaurant or opt for the more relaxed room service, you’ll not be disappointed with the menu choices or lack of attention from the extremely hard-working team.

If however, you fancy getting out and about, the hotel provides a complimentary one-way shuttle to the Sanur area. The staff will also help ensure you find exactly what you need and can make recommendations, bookings and manage your logistics with ease.

The villas themselves are absolutely worthy of a mention too. Their traditional thatched roofs provide a unique sense of traditional living but with all the luxuries you could ever want, such as cooking stations, private infinity pools, private gardens, outdoor bathrooms, central outdoor eating areas and extremely comfortable furnishings.

The wildlife is also a standout feature with so many species of animal on show including birds, bats, frogs, insects and lizards. The Samata feels like an oasis abundant in life, but within just ten minutes of the bustling scene that Sanur has to offer you can be transported back into a peaceful haven where you can focus on your mind, body and soul. Perhaps it’s the unique backdrop of paddy fields that sets The Samata apart and draws in the unique wildlife! Whatever it is, it works and adds an exciting, rustic dimension to your stay.

To sum up, The Samata is a fantastic location for some rest bite as well as making a base for exploring the rest of Bali, or both. The attentiveness of the staff, much like the rest of the luxury villa resorts looked after by this luxury lifestyle management company are arguably the best you will find in Bali. Their determination, enthusiasm and commitment to ensure you have the most incredible holiday is absolutely commendable.