Singapore-based SCDA Architects were responsible for the original architecture of W Bali – Seminyak over a decade ago, alongside AB Concept and Poole Associates as interior designers. The resort stands out as W Hotels’ sole presence in Indonesia, and it occupies a significant place in Bali’s bustling Seminyak.
Perhaps the first thing to note about W Bali is indeed its Seminyak context. It’s hard to overstate just how refreshing it is to transition from the busy street filled with traffic, noise, shops, cafes and bars to the exceedingly, lavishly, luxuriously long entryway to the hotel. The processional entry – a solid 500 metres from main street to reception that starts with the Bamboo Tunnel – thoroughly transports the visitor from one sphere to the next, from sensory overload to peaceful oceanside sanctuary. The fact that the transition takes place aboard a hotel golf buggy only adds to the charm, while the W signage at the front gate releases smoke by night for an early hint of mystery.
W Bali – Seminyak occupies a generously large beachfront site, as well as a village-like grid of private villas set back away from the ocean. Visitors’ first port of call is the main bar and reception area, W Lounge. Designed to open up almost completely, it’s totally in sync with its tropical setting, maximising ventilation, shade and views of the water. The design intelligently layers the various hospitality facilities, with seating areas staggered all the way down to the pool and Starfish Bloo restaurant overlooking the sea. Ceilings are maintained at generous heights, while various smaller nooks allow for almost anyone to find a spot that suits them.
The hotel contains 233 rooms, suites and villas, with many of the former boasting ocean views. However, it’s really in the private villas that W Bali stakes its claim as a uniquely memorable place to stay in Seminyak. Ranging from 225 to 625 square metres, there are 75 villa retreats tucked away amidst a private mini urban grid, including Marvelous one-bedroom pool villas, WOW two-bedroom pool villas, and even Extreme Wow three-bedroom pool villas. Each has a private entrance and feels utterly secluded. Elsewhere, 158 Wonderful and Spectacular escapes and suites are notable for their high-energy interiors and vivid design, featuring BOSE® in-room entertainment system and Bliss® Spa bathroom necessities.
SCDA Architects sought to capture something of Bali’s distinctive culture in the overall design, especially its bountiful natural beauty. The resort as a whole feels playful yet peaceful, and it’s easy to see how the concept of ‘conceal and reveal’ evokes a sense of the mysticism of Bali.
Away from the peaceful, unseen private settings, the other distinctive feature of W Bali is to be found in its wide-ranging hospitality offerings. As mentioned, Starfish Bloo occupies an enviable spot with ocean views and specialises in seafood. The most arrestingly designed space for food and drink, however, is at FIRE, a grill restaurant inspired by the energy and magic of Kecak, Bali’s famed traditional dance. The remarkable fireball chandelier steals the show in a space whose high ceilings again create a sense of grandeur and luxury, with passersby on the upper lobby level catching glimpses from above. The space then spills out towards the open areas and the ocean, achieving a sense of being both underground and open to the beach. Woobar is another standout, a beachside bar with WET Deck pool and international DJs on offer.
A wide range of treatments are also available at the peaceful AWAY spa, an example of facilities that have certainly not aged in the hotel’s years of operation. Understated, finely detailed design touches abound throughout the resort, such as the striking black ceiling that covers the transition space between the villa area and its bespoke reception point.
W Bali – Seminyak remains one of the island’s most sought-after destinations. Alongside the hospitality options, it’s the balance between blissful, quiet privacy and playful social areas that makes the resort distinctive. It’s testament to the quality of the design that continues to maintain its playful, refined elegance.
