A long vacation on a tropical island, Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa
Because of the wonderful memories left at Alila Villas Uluwatu last year, I revisited Bali this time and arranged the entire trip in this area. The first stop is planned to check in at the Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa.
Driving from the fashionable Jimbaran to the southern mountains, although the distance is not far, it feels like two different worlds. The trouble is still the traffic, having to traverse mountains and ridges, with narrow roads and many motorcycles. Just when patience was about to run out, we finally arrived at the hotel lobby located at the top of the mountain.
The Renaissance Hotel is located at what seems to be the highest point of this mountainous area. The entire complex is large, facing southwest, and sits atop the mountain like a tilted hat. The highest point is the hotel lobby and public area, with a vast view and a magnificent horizon. The guest rooms are arranged like cascading waterfalls below the public area. Therefore, except for a few high-floor rooms that can vaguely see the sea view, the view in other areas is generally obstructed.
Another drawback of such a design is that the paths are hard to find. There are two outdoor infinity pools on the top and bottom floors of the public area. At sunset, there is a beautiful scene of red clouds reflecting on the blue waves. But if you want to go back and forth, you need to take the elevator multiple times and walk through the buildings. I don't know how many ineffective paths I walked before figuring out the way, and by then it was already dark.
The design team knows how to play to their strengths, so they put a lot of effort into the rooms. The guest rooms are generally spacious and have a strong vacation feel, surrounded by greenery or with terraces offering distant views. Especially after I used a suite voucher to upgrade, I directly moved into a 130-square-meter duplex loft with an outdoor jacuzzi, where I could play and sing as I wished. The second-floor bathtub and terrace also offer a side sea view. I recommend Marriott members to follow suit.
According to the front desk, the hotel has a daily schedule from early morning to late night, with many free activities, but I just wanted to relax. Also, because it is too far from the sea and the beach, there are several shuttle buses to and from the partner restaurants by the sea, but due to a lack of confidence in the road conditions, I didn't go. In the evening, the lobby bar organizes a noisy music cocktail party, but it was full of young boys and girls, which was not suitable for me. Only the restaurant by the pool, with its cool night breeze and delicious dinner of tacos and meat buns, was not to be missed.
The next day's breakfast was also arranged in this restaurant, super rich, especially in Western style. Various freshly squeezed juices and bread. Halfway through eating, the staff came over singing a birthday song and brought a small cake, a socially awkward moment, completely understanding the embarrassment of celebrating a birthday at Haidilao.
In the end, this place is most suitable for old Bali slackers. The clouds roll by, unrelated to me. Just go with the flow, eat and sleep, and then eat again after waking up.
Room details:
Room number: 4125
Official name: Loft with Whirlpool Loft Suite
Area: 130 square meters
Mattress: King Koil
Bedding, fabrics, and bathrobes: King Koil
Bedroom TV: LG
Living room TV: LG
Bluetooth speaker: JBL
Shower and metal fittings: TOTO
Bathtub: Victoria Albert
Bedroom toilet: Manual TOTO
Living room toilet: Manual TOTO
Amenities: Large bottles of Margot Elena Argus series
Electric kettle: Kenwood
Coffee machine: Richard
Capsule coffee: Excelso 4 capsules
Drip coffee: Javanegra
Tea bags: Tea Selection
Teacups: Revol
Bottled water: Halal
Mini bar: Chargeable