We were here recently and the hotel is really beautiful. I loved the natural feel, the indoors-outdoors vibe with our bathroom being outside and the fact that it didn’t feel at all corporate. The cliff top location is stunning with an infinity pool, the sea beyond and fabulous views out from the central building which functions as a restaurant and bar, as well as a meeting point for sunset drinks.
We had a Muso Penthouse which we really liked. Other people have moaned about smells and ants. We had neither of these things. The air con worked amazing. The shower was hot (not that we needed it hot) and we’re not going to join the whingers who didn’t like not having tea and coffee making facilities in the room as who needs tea and coffee in the room when you are in Bali? We found the wifi to be good enough to support us watching 2 Rugby World Cup finals on the iPad so no complaints there either. Our only complaints about the room were firstly we only had one key. We like to do things independently so trekking to the room, finding the other was still out, having to look for them at the pools (the 2 of them are quite far apart), then trekking back to reception to see if the key was there was all a bit painful. Why not have two? And why is there no door handle? So you have to try and slide these big heavy glass entry doors not knowing if your partner has locked the door or not, and the same for the doors to the outside area. Our biggest problem was we had a baby in the room next to us who literally screamed all day and night. Now we like babies, in the right setting. This hotel is not the right setting. It is not exactly family friendly, and definitely not baby friendly. There are steps everywhere, no pool for babies, and I didn’t see any high chairs in the restaurant. I asked if we could change room. No, they were all full. The Muso rooms are joined to each other so the worst possible setting for a baby, and the rooms are also small so not exactly suitable for a cot and other paraphernalia. Why not ask people who babies to book the larger, detached rooms?
Next, service. All of the staff were unfailingly polite and kind, but not exactly efficient. Food and drink took forever, or didn’t arrive. It was also expensive, but that is to be expected in a hotel. There were call buttons on the tables which were fab, and promptly answered, but, bringing drinks seemed to take an age. Reception was, again, lovely but feckless. Can we book a ticket for the Kecak dance in advance. No. Actually, yes, you can. Do you have any trips available? No. Blank looks. Where is the other pool? Get someone to show you. I’m not even joking.
Then there is the “spa”. I booked a pedicure. It took place in an empty room in an unbooked house. I’m not complaining as the vista was beautiful but had I booked a massage, they would have done it in my room which didn’t have the ambience of a spa with the suitcases and, or course, the screaming baby.
Lastly, one day they had a large group of rowdy Australians descend for drinks. This event lasted all afternoon, into the evening with people monopolising the pool, kids running round, people smoking and vaping. They then sloped off before spending money on dinner. This is fine, but it just felt like profiteering at the expense of in-house guests who were there for some rest and relaxation.
Would I come back? Definitely. Most of the things I mention are minor grumbles. We loved the ambience, the setting, the location and the staff. Thank you so much.
