The atmosphere in Seminyak is much more laid back and sophisticated than Kuta. Located north of Legian, Seminyak is an upmarket beach town filled with fashionable high-end restaurants and bars. There’re also many luxury villas that dot the coast and fill the town. Although Seminyak is a suburb of Kuta, it is fondly known as Kuta's trendy neighbor.
Seminyak is popular with Bali's expatriate community, most of whom reside there. Thus, land and accommodation prices are amongst the highest. The reason Seminyak resort is well liked by expats is that it provides the perfect balance of seclusion - the beach is quieter in the day and it's not exactly a backpacker's playground, and exhibition - Ku De Ta is the place to be if you want to be seen.
Getting Around
The small streets of Seminyak can get pretty congested and there are only two main routes into town. The best way to get around Seminyak is to rent a motorcycle or bicycle or to go on foot. It can get a tad confusing because a number of roads have alternate names. For instance, Jalan Arjuna (Jalan is road in Bahasa) is also known as Jalan Double 6 or Jalan 66.
Where to Stay
If you're planning a trip to Seminyak, chances are you are willing to blow some cash. A fine selection of hotels awaits you. One such hotel is The Elysian. It is one of Bali's first luxury hotels and it resembles a traditional Bali village. Seminyak villas are popular amongst tourists as they are a short distance away from the action. Resorts worth considering include Aman Resorts and Bulgari Resort Bali.
What to See
Located on the west coast of the southern region of Bali, Seminyak beach is relatively quiet during the day. Regular beach activities like surfing, sunbathing and swimming can all be done here but Seminyak beach is famous for two things - high-end beachfront establishments such as Ku De Ta and its sunsets.
This beachfront location features modern architecture and interior design. Practically everyone in Bali's expatriate community shows up for sunset and cocktails at Ku De Ta. It goes without saying that Ku De Ta is the place to see and to be seen.
Tourists rarely visit Petitenget because it's fairly secluded. However, it's worth visiting the beach for its continuous expanse of grey sand. You will also find a pretty Balinese temple off Petitenget. Pura Petitenget was built by Bali's most important priest, Nirartha and has been around since the 16th century. Although it is not one of the key nine directional temples of Bali, it is known for its spectacular beachside ceremonies and is one of the important sea temples in Bali.
Berawa beach is five kilometers from Seminyak. Many go to Berawa to meditate and do yoga. Here, you will witness the daily life of typical fishermen who catch their fish from traditional boats.
1.Seminyak Beach
2.Ku De Ta
3.Petitenget Beach
4.Berawa Beach
What to Do
Seminyak is the high-end spa capital of Bali SPA. Your spa experience will be one of great luxury and sophistication. Needless to say, you get what you pay for but prices are still at least 50% cheaper than you would pay in a western country. Most high-end hotels come with an in-house spa service, otherwise, you can check out Amo Beauty and Spa, Amoaras Spa and Glo.
Once you're completely relaxed and refreshed, it's time to hit the shops. Seminyak is the center for hip and inventive fashion boutiques and second most preferred place for art lovers in Bali. Seminyak is home to a number of unique art galleries showcasing contemporary and classic styles of painting, drawing and photography, to name a few. If fashion is more your thing, head down to Jalan Laksmana, which has a legion of small boutique and designer stores.
Last but certainly not least, take a trip to Tanah Lot. This sea temple is one of the most famous temples in Bali and it is also one of the busiest. It is set on a remarkable location - on a rocky islet only accessible during low tide.
Choosing a Boutique Villa in Seminyak - Bali
Seminyak is a tiny beach town in South Bali. It is the most popular Australian tourist attraction in the region. The town is very well known as a high-end tourist spot. There, you can expect to find luxurious spas, hotels, and villas. When it comes to accommodation, you are really spoilt for choice. Here are some quick tips on how to choose the right villa.
Location of the villa.
The location of the villa should be your number one concern. Think about what you are going to do when you arrive. Do you enjoy shopping? Or do you enjoy water sports? Knowing your goals will help you make better decisions about your accommodation. You may then choose a location that is convenient for what you want to do there. Check out the facilities and activities that surround the villa. Is there anything that excites you? Some popular activities include horse riding, golf, and tennis. Of course, most villas are conveniently located near the beach.
Restaurants and food.
Being a luxury holiday accommodation, you can expect to be served gourmet breakfast every morning in your villa. But you may wish to spice up your stay by dining at some of the posh restaurants in the area. Some people are especially picky about what they eat. Fortunately, there is no lack of fine dining restaurants in Seminyak.
Level of service.
When we are on vacation, we always want the experience to be enjoyable. An enjoyable experience gives you pleasant and unforgettable memories. That is one of the main reasons why many tourists choose to stay in villas for their annual holidays. The level of service is simply impeccable. For sure, you don't want your holidays to be spoiled just because you are served by a few rude employees. All staff working in or near the villas are properly trained to ensure that you have the most enjoyable trip.
Relaxation facilities.
Plan your trip carefully so that you can spend your time wisely when you are staying in the villa. You don't want to wake up not knowing what to do. Time just flies when you are on vacation, so treasure it! For instance, you may wish to go for some sports activities early in the morning, right before breakfast is served.
After your exercise, you can sit down and enjoy a sumptuous meal, and then relax for the rest of the day. Have your sore muscles massaged by highly trained masseurs? If you don't enjoy full body massages, you can always go for a foot reflexology session. You will most certainly enjoy having your tired feet muscles massaged with sweet smelling fragrant oils.
Usually, spas and massage sessions are fully booked during the weekends. So be sure to pick up the phone and make a reservation so that nothing spoils your day while you are at the villa. The friendly staff should be happy to confirm a reservation for you.
