Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Seminyak

A long, white rectangular building set amid two rice fields, the exterior of the Vasanti Seminyak Resort gives little hint of the rich and varied textures that lie beyond its unassuming entrance. The lobby, however,is filled with textured wood, marble, and stone. Arriving guests are offered a welcome drink at the rooftop bar, which offers terrific views of the surrounding area, not to mention spectacular sunsets. 

Most of the guests are leisure travelers, but with a business center and two meeting rooms, the resort caters to business travelers and conference-goers too. While close to the energy of raucous Seminyak, the resort's overall vibe is more tranquil and relaxed. 

About 25 minutes from Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, five minutes from Seminyak, and 15 minutes from Kuta, this hotel is conveniently located for taking in the local sights. Though the resort is down a quiet, sleepy lane (there are rice fields on either side of the property), the Vasanti is within a mile of Batu Belig Beach, Seminyak Square, TAKSU Bali Gallery, and Petitenget Temple. The hotel offers free buggy/golf cart rides to the main road 24/7 (though it's an easy walk, it's best to get a ride at night as it's quite dark and secluded on the side road), and scheduled, daily shuttle service takes guests to some of the bigger attractions in the Seminyak area.

Rooms range from Deluxe to the Vasanti Suite, which has defined living and sleeping areas, and a hot tub on the terrace. All rooms have balconies of varying size, and the ground floor Deluxe Pool Access Rooms have private sundecks and direct access to the swimming pool. All rooms, which have private balconies or patios with outdoor seating, are cleaned twice daily, come with minibars, large 40-inch flat-screen TVs, DVD players and DVD collections, iPod docking stations, free Wi-Fi,  and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Higher-end suites come with espresso machines.

Marble floors are offset by colorful tapestry accent walls, with wood furnishings and plush beds (both the mattresses and linens are of high quality). The use of earth tones is consistent with the resort's effort to blend in with its surroundings. The bathrooms are spacious and include both separate rainfall showers and deep bathtubs. Toiletries, hairdryers, and slippers are provided. 

Families traveling with children should be aware that only children younger than five -- and only one child per family -- can stay for free. Adjoining rooms are available for those who wish to book a family- or group-friendly setup. Bear in mind that Deluxe Pool Access Rooms have less privacy, since everyone sunbathing around the pool can see into them unless the curtains are drawn. Although the resort is generally quiet, these rooms get more noise from the pool area.

The long, rectangular outdoor pool is a focal point for guests. Lots of sun and plentiful loungers -- as well as a tropical plant-draped poolside bar -- make this a popular hangout. The on-site Devali Restaurant is located at the far end of the pool just beyond the lobby on an elevated platform. The rich wood floors and ceilings coupled with the open-air configuration, natural-looking green-and-white furnishings, and simple decor have this space blending effortlessly into the tropical environment. The free breakfast buffet offers ample hot and cold food choices, including a station preparing made-to-order waffles and eggs. Also open for lunch and dinner, the Devali serves both international and classic Indonesian dishes cooked by chefs in the open-view kitchen.

There is a Garden Lounge, but the rooftop Above Lounge and Bar is the place to go for the views. It has cushy couches and chairs, and stools at the bar. Outside seating consists of large purple day beds with throw pillows.

The on-site fitness center, while not super posh, has two treadmills, a squat rack, varied free weights, and pulley-strength machines. The full-service AUM Spa offers a variety of nurturing treatments, including massages and hydrotherapy, using traditional Indonesian techniques and oils. 

Two meeting rooms can accommodate corporate functions and conferences of up to 100 people, and include audiovisual equipment and free Wi-Fi. There is also a gift shop and a business center on the property.