Live anywhere in the world full time and, after a while, it stops being special. Perhaps it’s the mundane nature of routine, but the magic slowly fizzles out. I was recently in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and for the first time in a long time, I saw it with fresh eyes. The architecture, the interiors, the plazas, the streetlights, even the beautiful trees.
Walking around, I couldn’t help but stop and gaze up at each unique home and building. Everything was interesting and beautiful, and for the first time in a long time I appreciated it. I saw the charm and beauty that it has always had but I had lost touch with it.
This brings me to the Bali Mandira Hotel. As I had become blind to the beauty in Argentina, I think I have also grown accustomed to the beauty of Balinese architecture. Taking photos of this Legian hotel, I realised that I have forgotten to really look and admire the beauty and intricate work that Balinese do so well.
The hotel is expansive and features 191 rooms in 7 different categories, 2 huge swimming pools (one just for adults!), 2 restaurants and also a beach front eco-friendly Beach Club. 75% of the 3 level treehouse like structure is made of locally-sourced bamboo. And the great news is that Azul Beach Club provides free-entry and complimentary access to its infinity pool with purchase of F&B.
The spa at Bali Mandira is simply spectacular. The traditional elements continue throughout. With brickwork and even bale bales in some of the rooms, it doesn’t get more Balinese than this. Some of the rooms even have vines winding through them, making going to the spa an incredible experience in itself.
But tradition is sometimes more appreciated when there is juxtaposition. Bali Mandira Resort and Spa have renovated a whole new section of the hotel and it looks absolutely gorgeous.
The new Mandira Club Suite rooms are stylish chic suites, elevating Bali’s bohemian living to a new level of modern luxury and leisure. They combine sleek, rustic, and sophisticated design. Inspired by the relaxed beach life of Bali, the contemporary interiors of the newly renovated rooms feature a natural color palette, teak shutters, hand-carved teak wood canopy bed, indigo dyed lounges, Balinese hand-woven rugs, oversized lavish daybed, and a luxurious king-size bed. The 16 Mandira Club Suites are located on the ground floor of the main building. They can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children, or 3 adults utilizing the existing bed and on the spacious plush daybed.
And I haven’t mentioned one of my favorite parts of this hotel yet – the swimming pools!
The main pool is absolutely beautiful. It’s like a private beach and is perfect for kids. Entering the pool via the sand on the beach makes it perfect for little ones to be safe and even play in the sand without having to worry about waves. Older kids or adults can enjoy the two huge slides that lead to another part of the enormous pool. And if you do not want to be disturbed by any children, then you can use the huge upstairs adults-only pool. Win-win!
Bali Mandira is a brilliant destination for people who still love and appreciate the old Bali. If you want to be right next to the beach, but also have the comforts of a brand-new hotel without sacrificing style and sophistication, this is the place for you.
