Where are we – Bali, Indonesia
Destination – Bali, and more specifically the somewhat undiscovered gem that is Sanur, for the Labour Day Long Weekend
Duration – Literally just the long weekend, flying in after work on Friday and back in the office first thing Tuesday.
Suitable for – our team trip, but also anyone that has a little time up their sleeve but doesn’t want to venture that far. It was certainly achievable to be there for such a short time frame - we packed a lot in, whilst still having a lot of opportunities for lovely r&r (and one of two indulgent spa treatments!)
The Journey – by Sian
Long weekends call for a getaway, and while we often consider regional or interstate travel, the BRT team jetted off to Bali and it was bliss.
The adventure began with a Friday evening Qantas flight out of Melbourne. Shortly after take-off the friendly cabin crew served us dinner (gotta love full service!) and the flight zipped by as we enjoyed access to the inflight entertainment. Landing into Denpasar at around 9pm the customs process was seamless, having completed all our arrival requirements in advance. We were then greeted by private transfer straight to our hotel. There is something special about an arrival by night, with time to settle in before waking in paradise the following morning and nothing but three full days of ‘Bali time’ ahead of us!
The Andaz – by Katrina
The Andaz Sanur opened in 2021 and is the first Andaz property in Asia. This hotel offers a traditional Balinese interior with the reception area reflecting a Balinese hut. The hotel itself features 149 rooms (standard & deluxe rooms, suites & villas). The rooms reflect Balinese aesthetics while also incorporating modern luxury. The colour palette focuses on natural tones and earthy shades of brown and beige which are inspired by the Balinese culture and environment, as well as reflecting natural materials you can find all over the property. We noticed touches of green in the rooms (such as the tea pot) which are complimented by the lush greenery just outside your window.
The Andaz Sanur is family friendly and their kids club (called ‘Kemu Mai’ which translates to ‘roaming freely’) resembles a traditional Balinese house with both indoor and outdoor play areas. Various activities such as kite making, Balinese dance lessons and treasure hunts are available which is a great opportunity for children to socialise and make friends.
The property also features many amenities such as three swimming pools (one main pool, one lagoon pool & one adults only pool) which all provide pool lounge chairs to relax. We visited the main pool the most which is right on the beachfront (which provides great views and access to beachfront shopping). The pool is large and quite deep (however, a little too warm!) and is surrounded by beautiful greenery. While lounging at the pool, you can order food and drinks easily through a QR code on the table so you don’t have to leave the pool area which is very convenient.
The property spa (the Shankha Spa) offers a range of luxurious treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate. The spa is located next door to the Andaz, in their sister property The Hyatt Sanur. It is very easy to get to, signs lead the way and you can enjoy a relaxing stroll to the spa. There are a range of spa treatments to choose from, whether you want to focus on pure relaxation or focusing on one particular area.
The onsite restaurants are fabulous. The Village Square is at the core of the property and is a lively foodie area which has four interconnected restaurants which is set in a village-like setting. We enjoyed our breakfast in this area which is in an A La Carte form. They have a diverse selection – from Indonesian, Korean and western cuisine to cater for all guests. You can also enjoy sweet treats from the Deli & Bakery and try a wide range of pastries. One night, we enjoyed dinner all together at the restaurant Wok Wok which serves Indonesian style dishes so you can enjoy authentic food. There is also a coffee bar which is situated in the Village Square and across from the four interconnected restaurants. Free coffee, juices & water and light snacks are available and complimentary so you can wind down here after a day of sightseeing before heading back to your room.
Sanur – by Xav
Sanur is a fabulous coastal area located east of Denpasar in Southeast Bali. This area is known for its laid-back atmosphere and great stretch of waterfront, offering a plethora of dining options, casual restaurants, bars and cafes. We loved strolling along the waterfront promenade which was a great long stretch of boardwalk along the beach, overlooking the lovely Nusa Archipelago. You can find lots of people cycling, walking and jogging here. Sanur is also a great family-friendly destination if you are looking for a nice quiet spot in Bali, whilst still having plenty of sightseeing options nearby. We particularly liked that Sanur is well interconnected with the rest of the Bali, yet the area has a feeling of tranquillity without the hustle and bustle of places like Seminyak & Legian.
Another one of our highlights located in the heart of Sanur, only a short walk from the Andaz, was the Koa Boutique Spa. This was such a great option for an affordable massage and most of our team visited here (some even twice!) where we enjoyed full body and facial massages. The massage and spa options in Sanur are great, so definitely make sure to visit these when in the area. The Koa Boutique is a particularly popular spot amongst travellers, so make sure to send them a WhatsApp message to book in advance. Nearby the Koa Spa is a plethora of charming boutique and homeware stores along the main shopping strip. These are great to browse when strolling through Sanur, with local shops offering a selection of jewellery, home decor and boutique clothing options.
Cooking Experience & Market Tour – by Olivia
On our last morning, we were collected from the hotel for our drive to Ubud for our cooking class.
On arrival, we met our local guide who took us through the local market where they buy their food. He explained to us what the spices, fruits and vegetables were, and also told us that there are market holders there who specialise in floral religious offerings. He mentioned that this saved his wife a lot of time by being able to buy the instead of making them herself.
After our walk through the market, we headed to the family compound, where they already had bowls filled with spices, along with vegetables such as snake beans, garlic and onions to be cut up by us. These were to be used in the salad which Jackie then got her hands into to mix up.
I ended up getting my hands into a bowl of flour and water to make a batter for our dessert, banana fritters. It was also to be used for some corn fritters. It was definitely a dirty job. I stood in the kitchen making batches of corn fritters and then headed off to join the rest of the team.
As the ladies began cooking our creations, we explored the rice paddy fields at the back of the village, and some of our team tried their hand at the Balinese Gamelan instrument, a noise synonymous with being in Bali.
A short time later, we arrived back at the table to a feast. Chicken skewers, chicken soup, Jackie’s amazing salad. It was all so delicious and created by us!
Site visit to Club Med – by Jackie
One afternoon we were lucky to enjoy a tour of Club Med Nusa Dua with Sarah, who gave us a great insight into what makes this resort so unique. Known for its fun, all-inclusive, family-friendly vibe, it’s safe to say we got our steps in exploring the expansive grounds—surrounded by lush gardens, traditional Balinese-style accommodation, set right on the beach of Nusa Dua.
The laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and warm welcome from General Manager Adrian made it easy to slip into holiday mode. The heart of the resort is the main pool, which greets you as soon as you walk through reception - this is where the action happens.
We caught a glimpse of preparations for one of Club Med’s famous themed dinners, known to turn into lively evening parties with live shows each night.
The Kids Clubs cater for ages 4 months to 17 years, offering everything from creative play to sports and performances. Meanwhile, parents can unwind with a yoga class by the beach, try the flying trapeze, or relax at the adults-only Zen Pool or on-site spa.
Dining options include Agung Restaurant, with an ever-changing international buffet, and The Deck, a more intimate à la carte venue by the sea (bookings required). Two bars—one vibrant and central, the other peaceful by the Zen Pool—offer all-inclusive drinks from cocktails to coffee.
We viewed both the superior and deluxe rooms. The rooms were clean and comfortable in a Balinese style, though some are showing their age and could do with a refresh. It's worth noting there are no lifts across the resort.
All in all, while parts of the resort are feeling a bit tired, the positive energy and smiles from guests spoke volumes. People love the Club Med experience—everything included, something for everyone, and the perfect chance to switch off and enjoy a slice of paradise in Nusa Dua.
Site visit to Ayana incl Rock Bar – by Kate
Next, we drove on to Ayana Resort & Spa (prev. Ritz Carlton) on the Jimbaran coast, and from the moment we passed through the gates of the lush 90-hectare cliff-top property, we were impressed with the resorts elegance, styling and natural beauty.
With four distinct 5-star properties onsite we spent the afternoon exploring the grounds and visiting a number of rooms, all of which impressed. From the traditional Balinese styling of Ayana (the feature property), to the sleek and modern more family-friendly Rimba (offering pool with water slide, kids club and interconnecting room options), then on to the hill-perched Segara, with its more modern minimalist styling and stunning outlook from the ocean-view rooms. We finished off our tour with a visit to the Private Villas - there are over 70 in total including 1, 2 and 3 bedroom options, all spacious and blending traditional, classic design elements with contemporary features.
If you’re after flop and drop escapism in stunning surrounds, then the only choice is which of the four properties to choose from - remembering you can always split your stay between a couple (or more!). Or simply take a quick ‘tram trip’ between the properties to enjoy all the resort has to offer, including 30 dining options, private beach, award-winning spa, onsite night club and even its very own Balinese museum.
After our exploration of the property it was time to journey down the cliff face to the famous Rock Bar. The entire experience was really special - commencing with the funicular ride down the cliff, and the walk through cliff-side caves to our table perched above the sea to watch the sunset (what a view!). The food was yummy, the service friendly and attentive and there was a general ‘good vibes’ feeling courtesy of the DJ tunes and the four wedding proposals we witnessed! You don’t need to be staying at Ayana Resort to visit Rock Bar but you must book ahead. Just a word of warning that Instagram loves Rock Bar too…you can choose to join in for ‘likes’ or ignore the snap happy posers taking their positions (and hundreds of photos); or like us just embrace it and enjoy the people/influencer watching, whilst also throughly enjoying each other’s company ‘in real life.’ This was a definite Bali highlight for the team!
& Surrounds – by Hugh
Sanur has seen a lot of development over recent years, but unlike other parts of Bali - a considerable degree of charm remains, and the majority of changes have been positive. Along the recently refreshed Sanur promenade, you'll find a host of small independent hotels, boutique chain properties and a smattering of villas too. Something for everyone!
At the end of the strip sits the Intercontinental - a major highlight of this property (and the Intercom brand in general) are the very generously proportioned rooms. For larger families and groups of friends, they also have a collection of villas. Everything centred around the beachside pool and restaurant complex - nice that this is situated to face the beach, and a fabulous spot to sit poolside for then sunset. But somewhat exposed to the heat of the day without the charming lush greenery of the Andaz and Hyatt.
Speaking of, the Hyatt Regency sits just next door on very expansive grounds just between the Intercon and its sibling Hyatt Group property (Andaz.) Another fantastic option for families, who would love the perfectly tranquil, jungle-like landscaping the massive resort pool. The tranquil spa complex (which is shared with Andaz) another major highlight.
For couples, we would always look at either the Andaz or its adjacent neighbour the Maya Sanur: which is certainly tailored more toward the adult / couple market. A contemporary lux beauty, the pool access (and for a real spoil, the private pool) rooms are a lovely point of difference. Maya's "Tree Bar" on the beach is a fab spot for an evening cocktail.
And for a bit of local flavour, we've always really loved the 4* Tandjung Sari Hotel. Very Indonesian decor (gorgeous) and an institution, family run for nearly 60yrs! They have perhaps the best beachfront location, and a wonderful laid back welcoming atmosphere that is great for a longer stay.
All good things must come to an end - by Sian
The red-eye flight home was a little rough, not going to lie… But that’s the price you pay to maximise the full three-day weekend and it was so worth it for the Bali escape. So next time you’re planning a long weekend getaway, we 100% recommend considering the option to go a little further afield.
