The Kayangan Sanur: an oasis by the ocean… if you can imagine such a blissful thing
Sanur is a region in Bali that sounds as though it’s further away than it really is. Where most locals were telling me not to forget to pack a couple of large bottles of water for the trip, the actual proximity of the place from Seminyak made the recommendation almost laughable. The fact of the matter is that Sanur is just 15 kilometres from Seminyak – a 35 minute drive with average traffic, and with plenty of mini mart stops available on the way.
After that relatively brief journey, checking into the Kayangan Sanur hotel is a breeze. Bursts of marigold and comfy wicca chairs in orange and white greet you in the foyer, with your room key handed over within a couple of minutes. And the staff are lovely – not too imposing or patronising, just keen to get the job done. Also, no time-wasting ‘tour’ of the room, letting you get on with your holiday. We can see the air-con remote and the safety deposit box, so thank you.
My partner and I stayed in a room on the ‘Nirwana’ floor on ground (translation: Nirvana) which is close to reception, so security was never a concern, and the walls are relatively soundproof so outside noise was never an issue. As for room to move, the suite is more of a mini villa with plenty of space. Spacious living area, spacious bedroom, spacious bathroom, complete with spacious shower recess. So, yes, plenty of room to sit back / lay back / relax / scroll / game.
The bathroom is stocked with quality amenities including Savonnier body wash, shampoo and conditioner, and there’s plenty of room around the basin to store your own beauty and hygiene products brought from home.
There are two relatively large size TV sets – in the bedroom, and in the living area, which is great news for when one of you just wants to catch up on the news, and the other is hooked on his gaming. Ben brought his PS5 along, as he usually does on our trips abroad and he would have been content if gaming was all he got to do while away from the big city. Me, I’m constantly in and out so there may as well be a turnstile at the door.
There are also two air-cons – one in the living area, one in the bedroom; plus a full kitchenette with gas stove-top (simply request to have your gas plugged in and switched on), electric kettle, sachets of coffee and artisan tea. In fact, your room is equipped with just about everything you need, and nothing wasteful – like, say, the W Hotel might pack their rooms with.
Traditional Indonesian design is also a unique selling point of the Kayangan. Dense, dark wooden doors, hard wicca on tough wood panelling for the bed head, and handsome, handcrafted art pieces hanging on the walls.
Breakfast is beaut, especially the very satisfying big breakfast (served American or English style). The produce is fresh, the fruit delicious, the juices thirst-quenching, and the coffee spot-on.
The only qualm I’d say I had about this place is the slow internet, particularly when you just want to scroll while relaxing in bed… but move about the roomy space with your mobile phone in hand and eventually you’ll find a sweet spot for better speed.
Fast-track your own accommodation scrolling when you’re next organising a holiday to Bali, and key in Kayangan Sanur. You won’t be disappointed.
The Kayagan Sanur is situated at number 10 Jalan Pantai Sindhu, Sanur. For rates and further information visit thekayangansanur.id.
FINE DINING AT THE KAYANGAN SAUR
For in-house dining, there’s something about the Semesta Bistro & Bar that you don’t often sense at a resort hotel; an airiness and certain casualness where musos drop in to sing chillout tunes, as do coolly dressed passersby wanting somewhere laidback to enjoy dinner and a cocktail or two. But for all its relaxed vibes, the quality of cuisine at Semesta is certainly not sacrificed.
We ordered a couple of share dishes for entrees – moreish croquettes and garlic parmesan-coated chicken wings – but it is the mains that truly deserve to be highlighted here. The babi goreng (crispy pork, pictured above) is simply delicious, served with a chili and shallot – or sambal matah – relish, while the bebek goreng madura could well be the best duck I’ve tasted. The duck is slow-cooked and served in a confit broth, finished until perfectly crisp, and served with a black spice paste and burnt lime for a bright citrus finish.
The menu at Semesta draws inspiration from Jakarta and Javanese cooking, taking traditional dishes and presenting them in a lighter way so as more can be enjoyed without feeling too full after the meal.
If just dropping in for a cocktail, try the signature ‘Lady Semesta’ with its hints or rosewater and watermelon, making it the perfect drop to round off a long sunny day.
In fact, even if you’re staying elsewhere in Sanur during your next holiday to Indonesia, it is well worth checking into this fine dining establishment. Just be sure to bring a big appetite with you as the serves are farily generous. AT
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