Kejora Suites

Kejora Suites is a rare, stylish gem in an otherwise casual beach town. In fact, the name comes from the local word for a shiny, star-like object -- and that's an apt description. That's not to say that the hotel feels pretentious -- instead, the vibe is altogether laid back. Just take one look at the courtyard pool, where guests can be seen whiling away the afternoons with cocktails and books, barely a murmur of conversation passing between them. The style is simple, striking, and contemporary, with interiors rendered in natural stone, dark wood, and deep tones that add a dash of sex appeal. Bold local art, such as photo-mural portraits, only adds to the hotel's enticing character. This isn't the kind of place where the staff are decked in udengs and constantly bow to guests. Instead, expect to feel cared for in an less obtrusive and more genuine way. Guests here are generally couples from Australia and Europe, which isn't a surprise as the romantic atmosphere is undeniable.

The hotel is located at the northern end of Sanur's main tourist drag, Jalan Danau Tamblingan. While the street is noisy almost all day long (making the lobby a less-than-pleasant place to hang out), rooms and the pool remain blissfully quiet. There are restaurants in every direction, including popular spots like The Glass House (next door) and Warung Little Bird (essentially across the street). The hotel's seating area on the beach takes less than five minutes to reach on foot via a private access road, though the official beach club is at Segara Village, a 10-minute walk away. It's a five-minute walk to the Sindhu Night Market for those wanting to explore the local cuisine. Traffic can be intense in this part of Bali, so budget at least 30 minutes to reach the airport. 

Aside from luxury options like Maya Sanur and the Fairmont, these rooms very well could be the most attractive in town. Each has a one-room suite layout, and decor keeps with the contemporary style found elsewhere in the hotel. The same bold local art from common spaces hangs here on spotless white walls, alongside a mix of light wood-veneer furniture and pops of mauve and red. Small details like the coconut-shell paneling and dark marble end tables help these rooms stand out from the competition. While a few different categories are available, they differ only in layout, and size -- twin and king pillow-top beds are available. Amenities include air-conditioning, large flat-screen TVs, locally sourced minibars, and large terraces with handsome wooden furniture. Safes, beach bags, and bathrobes also come standard. Fruit baskets are free, as are local calls and Wi-Fi, which is generally fast due to the routers placed in each room. The espresso machines are a nice touch, as is the evening turndown service. Bathrooms are sleek and stylish as well, with lots of dark and light marble everywhere from the counter tops to the vessel sinks. All include rainfall showers, upmarket toiletries, and hairdryers. We recommend splurging on a Signature Room, all of which have chic semi-outdoor bathrooms featuring soaking tubs, separate showers, and lush miniature gardens. Despite the hotel's location on the town's busiest road, rooms are quiet. 

This hotel's small size means that features are limited. The pool is the star of the show and it's a stunner, made from stacked stone and ringed with lounge chairs. It was popular with guests during our visit, and poolside service is available by pressing buttons near the chairs. Free coffee and tea, as well as a computer and lending library, are available in the lobby, though the space is open to the street and noisy throughout the day. The Glass House, one of Sanur's most popular restaurants, is right next door. It serves amazing coffee and great fresh juices, as well as the hotel's a la carte breakfast (which includes freshly baked pastries). Lunch and dinner are also available. Beach seating is less than a five-minute walk from the hotel down a private road. Towels are available, though it's not a full-service seating area. For that, head to the Byrdhouse Beach Club, which is a 10-minute walk away at a sister property, Segara Village. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the hotel. While much of the city is essentially at the hotel's doorstep, it's still worth noting that there's no local shuttle available.