W Bali – Seminyak

The W certainly has a party ambience, and the overall vibe is young and hip, but luxurious. Travelers looking for activity, music, and cocktails at sunset are probably going to be happy here. People seeking a quiet escape where they can read a book all day long might wish to look elsewhere (or book a private villa within the resort so they can get away when desired). The entrance to the resort is a large palm-flanked circular drive that almost has a space obelisk feel to its design. It sets the stage for the modern style with touches of traditional Balinese elements that pervades the resort. The lobby is spacious and grand, with indoor and outdoor spaces, pop art mixed with minimalistic granite, and funky lighting. Here, guests are offered welcome drinks and check-in is generally efficient, but can be a little slow at times. Overall the feeling at the W Bali - Seminyak is that you've stepped into a posh scene in the midst of a tropical paradise.

Backing right onto a sprawling expanse of beach, this property is also only a five-minute drive to the shops and restaurants of downtown Petitenget. It's a seven-minute walk to the TAKSU Bali Gallery, and a 10-minute stroll down the beach to the 15th-century Hindu Petitenget Temple. Immediately surrounding the resort are other hotels, shops, and restaurants. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is about 30 minutes away by car. 

The 237 rooms at the W Retreat echo the vibe of the rest of the property through chic, modern interiors that incorporate the setting with earth-tone textiles and lots of wood. All rooms have outdoor spaces in the form of either a balcony, patio, or -- in the case of the villas -- garden areas surrounding the private pools. The beds are adorned with Egyptian cotton sheets and comfy pillows. Blackout drapes are included for those wishing to sleep late. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players (with DVDs that can be borrowed from the hotel library), iPod docking stations, BOSE sound systems, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Rooms also have minibars, free bottled water, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. 

Bathrooms are large and include both deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers -- some with indoor/outdoor access and surrounded by tropical foliage. Designer Bliss toiletries are provided, as are robes, slippers, and hairdryers. There are a variety of room styles at the W Bali - Seminyak, ranging from the more economical Wonderful Garden View Retreat to a three-bedroom private villa with its own pool. 

For those really looking to get away, a trip to the full-service AWAY spa might be in order. This posh complex is open 24/7 for pampering at anytime, in line with the hotel's "Whatever/Whenever" policy. There's even a Detox/Oxygen room where guests can literally catch their breath for a while. Also in this area is the well-equipped 24-hour FIT gym, with ellipticals, treadmills, and stationary bikes plus free weights, circuit machines, yoga mats, and various private and group exercise sessions. 

The large, multi-level WET pool is also a 24-hour affair and features fantastic beach and sunset views while also being the place to see and be seen (fashion shows and music events are not uncommon in this area). The design of the pool is inspired by Balinese rice fields and has plenty of lounge chairs and poolside spaces for guests. Away from the hustle and bustle of the main resort is the W Oasis, a meditative garden flanked by two reflection pools and a Wantilan (Balinese pavilion). This is often the site for weddings or other events where guests would like some privacy.

The WIRED & WORDS business center and library offers PC and Mac workstations that guests can use free of charge, plus printing, scanning, and audiovisual equipment, along with a DVD library. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. There's also a clinic and doctor on call.

Though the W Bali - Seminyak is close to downtown and surrounded by other luxury hotels, it's possible to be perfectly sated without ever leaving the resort thanks to the many on-site dining options plus 24-hour room service. There are two main restaurants, both of which consistently get great reviews. Fire -- helmed by internationally renowned chef Jack Yoss -- offers an eclectic menu that gathers inspiration from street vendors to five-star rated restaurants making it accessible and upscale at the same time. High ceilings and amber lighting from unique chandeliers along with warm-colored furnishings and red throw pillows give this space a decorative sense in line with its name. The newest addition to the property is the oceanic-inspired Starfish Bloo. Its turquoise colors and interesting bamboo-type architectural accents add to the calm yet happening feeling here. Seafood dishes are a highlight on the Pan-Asian menu developed by chef Matthew McCool.

Woobar is one of the trendiest places to see and be seen at this resort; people from outside the property often clamor to get in as well to watch the sunsets and experience the vibe. It offers tapas and light bites beachside, plus specialty cocktails on the rooftop deck here. The views are sublime and there are frequent DJ performances. The W Lounge is technically the lobby bar but goes so far beyond that. This funky and modern open space is light and airy during the day and vibrantly lit at night. There are many unique cocktails served here -- such as the Espresso Martini made from five different Indonesian coffees blended into a cocktail. They also host a Mad T-Party afternoon tea that includes cocktails blends of tea and spirits and lots of sweet treats. Mediterranean fare and a full bar are available for guests at all other times.

CHILL Bar is located in the spa area and offers Mediterranean food as well as a host of healthy delights including probiotic smoothies, fresh salads, and light finger foods. It has a relaxing indoor/outdoor setting and bed-like seating arrangements in areas. Cellar is a private dining room area for six lucky guests (reservations are required) in the hotel's premium wine cellar. Menus and wine pairings can be designed to taste. Similar to Cellar, 1BELOW is a private dining experience for up to 16 people in a unique minimalistic setting concealed within a neat feature of cascading water over glass-mounted windows.