The Dipan Resort Petitenget

While the immediate area is all hustle and bustle, the atmosphere throughout the Dipan Resort is laid back and interiors are contemporary and elegant. Iconic photographs of Bali and Indonesia line the cafe and lobby walls, helping to remind guests where they are -- as if there was any question about this, given the vibrant green landscaping all around. Like many small boutique resorts in this part of Bali, the action centers on the hotel's pool, which is set in a tropical garden surrounded by white stone walls, thick green foliage, palms, and flowering frangipani. The calm vibe is helped by a handful of private and cozy places to unwind or socialize, including a wooden gazebo by the pool and the hotel's cafe. Despite its large, mutli-room villas, the Dipan mostly draws couples, which isn't a surprise given the romantic, exclusive vibe and the location near plenty of dining and drinking. 

The Dipan Resort is located on a small road off of the main Petitenget strip. The sign for the Dipan Resort is small and easy to miss from the main road, so keep an eye out for the sign to Alila Seminyak Hotel, which is located on the same road. The immediate area is well known for its fine dining, beach clubs, and nightlife. Petitenget Beach is a three minute walk from the hotel, and has lots great oceanfront restaurants and beach clubs along it, such as Potato Head Beach Club, The W Resort, and La Lucciola restaurant. Other popular restaurants and bars, such as Sarong, Biku, Sea Circus, and Bambu, are less than a five minute walk from the hotel. There are great restaurants, bars, and shops in either direction, and Kayu Aya street and Seminyak Square are less than a 15-minute walk away. Both Kuta Beach and the airport are about a 35-minute drive from the hotel, but it can take longer depending on traffic.

Rooms range from single-room suites to three-bedroom villa compounds containing private pools, living rooms, and kitchens. However, both suites and villas adhere to the same uniform look, which is beach-inspired and sharp. Bright and airy decor includes whitewashed teak platform beds and furniture, lots of white surfaces, and tan wicker accents. This is all highlighted by plenty of windows and doors that let in a lot of natural light. Rooms walls are hung with iconic local photographs, all of which are for sale. Standard features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs and DVD players, mini-fridges, free unlimited mineral water, and free Wi-Fi. 

A favorite features of the villas are the private pools, and villa doors open up onto the pool decks. Additionally, the villas are surrounded by tall stone walls offering plenty of privacy, while the tropical foliage around the pools add a bit of tropical flare (and welcome shade). Bathrooms are roomy and brightly lit in all categories, with large glass windows, slate tiling, free standing tubs, separate rainfall showers, and black terrazzo vanities with huge mirrors. We did notice some wear and tear during our visit, such as scratched wooden floors, peeling paint, and stained bathroom tiles. Another major complaint by guests is the noise in the rooms from nearby bars and clubs, which is especially loud on weekends.

There aren't too many features on offer here, though this boutique property does well with its limited offerings. The main pool is long enough for laps, though seating is limited, with only a few lounge chairs and a daybed in wooden gazebo. Locale Bar and Cafe serves three meals a day as well as cocktails and coffee -- the cafe adjoins the hotel lobby and has comfy couches. The cafe serves some Asian dishes, but mainly focuses on Western favorites. Prices are surprisingly reasonable and well received (though, honestly, we found better options in the neighborhood). The hotel's spa has modern treatment rooms for singles or couples, all of which contain large soaking tubs and rainfall showers. In addition to the massages and other spa treatments they also offers manicures and pedicures. Each guest receives a free 15-minute welcome massage, which is an unexpected perk. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.