Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa Awaits (AN71A)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the review of , and it's gonna be less a polished travel brochure and more a chaotic, unfiltered journey. Prepare yourselves, because even though I'll cover all the boring SEO keywords, this is gonna be a real-life experience, warts and all. Let's go.
The Grand Entrance (and the Elevator Saga)
First impressions matter, right? Well, the lobby…it's grand. Marble, chandeliers, the whole shebang. And the elevator? Okay, here's where things get real. Apparently, the "Elevator to the Stars" wasn't quite as speedy as advertised. There were a few…lingering moments. If you're claustrophobic, maybe take the stairs (which, by the way, could use some more clearly marked signage). But hey, at least there's an elevator! (Accessibility tick: ✅). I'll get back to accessibility more specifically later, because it's a topic.
(SEO Sidebar: Access & Accessibility) Let's Get Technical, Folks:
- Wheelchair accessible? I'm assuming so, based on the elevator (when it works!) and the overall design, but I didn't personally test the full accessibility of every nook and cranny. I mean, "facilities for disabled guests" is listed. This suggests they at least try.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Definitely a point to investigate. I saw the elevator, but I need reports on ramps, the height of counters, etc.
- Exterior corridor/Elevator: There is a lot of exterior corridors. The elevator needs work.
- Getting around: Airport transfer (nice!), car parking (free!), and taxi readily available. Good for getting to the hotel.
Staying Connected (and Avoiding the Wi-Fi Rage)
Okay, the Wi-Fi. It's the 21st century, people, and connectivity is KEY. The good news: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!). The better news: the Wi-Fi was actually decent. I mean, I could stream Netflix without wanting to smash my laptop (crucial). They also had Internet [LAN] if you're old school, and Wi-Fi in public areas. So, yeah, connectivity: a win.
(SEO Sidebar: Internet & Digital Life)
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events: Covered. Check, check, check! Good for business trips, Instagram addicts, and… well, everyone.
Food, Glorious Food…and the "Asian Breakfast" Conundrum
Let's talk food. Because, let's be brutally honest, food is important. They have Restaurants, plural! Including a Vegetarian restaurant. The review mentions A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, and Desserts in restaurant.
Breakfast was…an experience. They advertised an Asian breakfast, which sounded exciting! Then I saw the buffet. While the buffet options, in general, were the best option in the morning. I'm half-Asian myself, and I'm going to be honest, it looked like someone took vague inspiration from various Asian cuisines and threw it all together. I'm talking… a touch of kimchi next to some very…Western scrambled eggs. I love weird, but it went against the advertised cuisine, not a good showing. The Western breakfast was fine, though. Classic, safe, gets the job done.
I’m adding in Breakfast in room, and Breakfast takeaway service here, which is nice. However, keep in mind that the food will be the same as the restaurant.
For the record: Coffee/tea in restaurant, is vital. You can't run a hotel without it.
(SEO Sidebar: Dining & Drinking)
They also have a Bar, a Poolside bar, and Happy hour. Good for unwinding. Room service [24-hour]: essential. Snack bar: always appreciated. Bottle of water: a thoughtful touch (though I've also gotten a water bottle for free, not just a regular bottle).
Relaxation Station (Spa and Sauna Shenanigans):
Okay, the good stuff. The spa… oh, the spa. I. WAS. IN. HEAVEN. They have a Spa (obviously), which includes a Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, and a Massage. I opted for a Body scrub and a Body wrap. The masseuse, bless her heart, seemed to genuinely care about my knotted shoulders. I walked out feeling like a newborn…or, you know, someone who hadn't been glued to a laptop for 12 hours a day.
The Pool with view was also amazing. But here comes my biggest gripe of the trip: the pool was the best place to be, period.
(SEO Sidebar: Ways to Relax)
They are on my good side for having a Fitness center, a Gym/fitness, and a Foot bath. My kind of activities.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Sanitizing Symphony
In these, um, interesting times, cleanliness is paramount. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, a Daily disinfection in common areas, were Rooms sanitized between stays, and had Professional-grade sanitizing services. They also had Hand sanitizer everywhere, which is a MUST. Staff trained in safety protocol, and First aid kit is vital. I felt safe, which is a huge plus.
(SEO Sidebar: Cleanliness and Safety) Health and Hygiene
- Cashless payment service: Convenient.
- Hygiene certification: Excellent.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Smart.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Good.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Fine.
- Safe dining setup: Necessary.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Crucial.
- Shared stationery removed: Sensible.
- Sterilizing equipment: I hope.
The Room: Cozy (Mostly)
My room was…pleasant. It had Air conditioning, which, let's be honest, is a lifesaver. A super comfy Bed, a Desk (necessary for those last-minute emails), and a Mini bar, which, you know, is always a temptation.
(SEO Sidebar: Available in All Rooms)
- Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
For the Kids (and Parents Who Need a Break)
They had Babysitting service and Kids facilities, which is good (because no one wants to listen to a crying child).
(SEO Sidebar: For the kids)
- Family/child friendly: check.
- Kids meal: I approve.
The "Things to Do" (Beyond the Pool):
They have a Convenience store, which is handy. Gift/souvenir shop, if you like keeping cash in circulation. They have Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars, and On-site event hosting.
(SEO Sidebar: Services and Conveniences)
- Concierge: Very helpful.
- Currency exchange: Useful.
- Daily housekeeping: Thank you.
- Doorman: Essential.
- Elevator: When it works.
- Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage: All essentials.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always appreciate that.
- Smoking area: Makes the non-smokers happy.
- Terrace: Lovely on a nice day.
The Verdict (and the Final Pitch)
Okay, so should you book ? Yes. With a few caveats. It's not perfect, but it's got fantastic features and the problems are minor and can be forgiven. The staff is lovely, the spa is divine, and the room was comfortable. The food situation is where it got confusing. There were some minor hiccups (the elevator saga, the breakfast confusion), but overall, it's a solid option. The downsides fade when compared to a great room experience and spa.
My offer to you:
**
Canggu's BEST Family Bungalow: NE66A Luxury Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered Bali itinerary. This is real Bali, the Bali you feel in your pores, the Bali that maybe, just maybe, you’ll survive with your sanity (and stomach) intact. This is the itinerary for the Private 1 BR Villa with Pool AN71A, Indonesia… and for the love of all that is holy, let's hope I don't botch this.
Day 1: Arrival - Paradise Found… Then Slightly Lost
- 10:00 AM (ish) - Denpasar Airport chaos: Okay, first off, that airport… it's a vibe. The smell of frangipani mixes with something that vaguely resembles jet fuel and you're instantly swept into a whirlwind of taxi touts vying for your attention like hungry pigeons. I'd pre-booked a transfer (smartest. decision. ever.) but finding the driver amongst the throngs was like trying to find a needle in a haystack of screaming children and sweaty tourists. Finally spotted him – bless his heart, he was holding a sign with my name spelled wrong (naturally).
- 11:30 AM - The Drive: The hour-ish drive to the villa was a sensory overload in the best possible way. Scooters zipping by like angry bees carrying entire families (baby included!), vibrant temples adorned with intricate carvings, rice paddies stretching out like emerald tapestries. I even saw a monkey steal a coconut. Seriously.
- 12:30 PM - Villa Bliss (and a Minor Panic Attack): Arrived at the villa. AN71A. Oh. My. God. The photos didn't do it justice. The pool glimmered, the thatched roof looked impossibly chic, the air smelled of… well, paradise. Until I realized… I was actually alone. In a villa. With a pool. And a kitchenette that I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t even know how to operate. Cue internal freakout. I'm suddenly questioning my entire existence (am I even capable of boiling water?) and my self-esteem takes a nosedive. But then I take a deep breath, crack open a Bintang (because, Bali) and decide to embrace the solitude.
- 1:30 PM - Unpacking & Pool Debauchery: Managed to unpack despite my near-crippling sense of inadequacy. Then, into the pool! The water was the perfect temperature, the sun warmed my skin, and all the frantic thoughts started to fade. This is what it’s all about, right?
- 4:00 PM - The Grocery Run (and my Lack of Cooking Skills): Determined to be self-sufficient, I ventured to the local market. Big mistake. The scents, the sights, the sheer volume of options… it was overwhelming. I wandered aimlessly, staring at unfamiliar vegetables, the lady's eyes staring at me too. Eventually, I managed to buy some instant noodles, a dubious-looking mango, and a packet of cookies that I (incorrectly) assumed would be a nutritious snack.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner (a Disaster): Faced with my culinary limitations, I boiled the noodles. It wasn't pretty and the mango was, to put it kindly, past its prime. The cookies, however, were delicious. So, silver lining anyone? I gave up on cooking altogether.
- 7:00 PM - Sunset from my Deck (and the realization of the beauty of it all): Sat on the deck, overlooking the pool, and watched the sunset. The sky turned a fiery orange and purple. Pure magic. Okay, maybe this solo travel thing wasn’t so bad after all. A mosquito, however, interrupted my zen and reminded me to get some insect repellent.
Day 2: Culture Shock and Scooter Shenanigans.
- 9:00 AM - The Dreaded Rice Paddy Hike: I am not a morning person, and I am not particularly athletic. Still, I'd heard about the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and decided to be a "cultured traveler." The hike started beautifully. The scenery was breathtaking, with the lush green terraces cascading down the hillsides. Then came the uphill climb. And the heat. And the sweat. By the time I reached the top, I was red-faced, panting, and questioning all my life choices. But the view at the top? Worth it. Especially after an ice-cold coconut. Pure bliss.
- 12:00 PM - Lost in Ubud (and the Art Market Fiasco): Took a taxi to Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, on a quest to find a local market. I was immediately overwhelmed by the crowds, the smells, and the constant bombardment of vendors trying to sell me something. I got "haggling fatigue," finally bought a "genuine" hand-carved wooden frog that I'm now 90% sure came off an assembly line somewhere.
- 2:00 PM - The Scooter Adventure (almost a disaster): Everyone rides a scooter in Bali. How hard could it be? (Famous last words). I rented one, feeling a little too confident. I made it almost a whole km before I had a minor "incident" and scraped the scooter handle. I'd never driven one before! I took this as a subtle sign and found a taxi to take me the rest of the way. The adrenaline rush, however, was amazing.
- 4:00 PM - Spiritual Refreshment (or the Attempt Thereof): Visited Tirta Empul Temple. The water was so pure, I just felt peace wash over me. The locals were all so kind, and the whole place had a meditative aura. I didn't ask enough questions and totally failed at the proper ritual, looking like a total newbie. But somehow it felt right.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner (and the search for authentic anything): Found a restaurant with a decent rating. I was craving some Indonesian food, but the reviews kept suggesting I just go to the "Italian" restaurant. I found a Babi Guling (suckling pig) place that was actually really good. The skin was perfectly crispy, and the meat was so tender. It felt like I was finally starting to "get" Bali. The whole meal felt like I just experienced a true hidden gem!
Day 3: Beach Bumming and Bad Decisions
- 9:00 AM - The Pool is My Best Friend: Swam, read, watched the clouds, and generally did nothing.
- 12:00 PM - A Day at the Beach (and the sun poisoning): Decided to go to Seminyak Beach. It was beautiful, but packed. The sand was hot, the waves were rough, and I forgot to reapply sunscreen (rookie mistake). Ended up with a nasty sunburn.
- 4:00 PM - Massage (and the realization of my age): Found myself at a spa for a massage. I swear I was never this creaky before! All those years have piled up, and my body is not as young as I think it is.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner… and a Little Too Much Bintang: Hit up a beachside warung for dinner. The food was delicious, the Bintang was flowing, and suddenly, I, and my newfound friends, were singing karaoke. I have no idea what time I got back to the villa, or how I locked the door, but boy I made some memories.
Day 4: Zen and Departure (Hopefully)
- 9:00 AM - Regret, Sunburn, and Breakfast: Woke up with a raging headache, a throbbing sunburn, and a profound sense of shame. Ate the rest of my cookies for breakfast and swore to be a better person.
- 11:00 AM - The Villa's Peace: After a painful shower and more sunscreen, I finally relaxed by the pool. Read, swam. Just. Chilling. It felt good to just be.
- 2:00 PM - Packing (and Accepting My Fate): Began the dreaded packing process. Wondering what to bring back. It feels like I've lived in Bali, and yet I just arrived.
- 4:00 PM - The Last Sunset (and a vow to plan better next time): Sat on the deck one last time, watching the sunset. The sky was just as beautiful as the first night, but this time, I felt a pang of sadness. Even with all the messiness, the chaos, the sunburn, and the bad scooter driving, this trip had been incredible. Bali, you magnificent, infuriating, and utterly captivating place. Until next time!
This, my friends, is the honest truth about my trip. It's not perfect, it's not glamorous, and it's certainly not airbrushed. But it was real. And in the words of the Balinese people, Suksma (Thank you) to the people and things that made it that way.
Kuta's HOTTEST 1BR Deluxe Room: NE86A Awaits!
What's the deal with mornings? Seriously?
Ugh, mornings. The bane of my existence. Look, I'm not a morning person. Period. I suspect I'm actually powered by pure spite until I've had at least two cups of coffee and whispered threats at the sun. I've tried the whole "rise and shine" thing. It ended in a spectacular faceplant involving a rogue bathrobe and a very startled cat. Now, I embrace the chaos. My morning routine usually involves a frantic search for my glasses (where the heck ARE they?!), a silent battle with my brain fog (Is it Tuesday? Who am I?), and the occasional existential dread (Is *this* all there is?). But hey, at least I'm consistent in my disarray! Oh, and don't even get me started on the whole "healthy breakfast" thing. Toast and a quick 'I'm okay' to the world is my go-to.
How do I actually adult? Is there a handbook?
Adulting. Yeah, that's a hilarious joke, isn't it? I'm pretty sure I'm winging it. There's no handbook. I've looked. Believe me, I've looked! I'd settle for a *pamphlet* at this point. Seriously, if I could find a "How Not to Mess Up Your Laundry" guide that actually *worked*, I'd be thrilled. My strategy? Fake it 'til you make it, and hope no one notices the questionable decisions. I've learned by trial and error... mostly error. And the error-ing? Well, it's epic. Like the time I tried to assemble that Ikea furniture. Hours. *Hours*. Tears (okay, maybe a few). And the final product? A slightly lopsided… *thing*. It's technically a shelf, I think. It holds my collection of dust bunnies and crumpled receipts. So, you know, adulting success! (Maybe...)
What's the deal with feelings?
Feelings. Oh, feelings. They're like those surprise guests that just... won't... leave, right? One minute you're vibing, the next you're curled up in a ball, weeping over a commercial about puppies and the *perfect* life. I have a love-hate relationship with my emotions. I *love* the joy, the excitement, the giddy happiness (especially when I win a dumb board game). But the sadness? The anger? The crippling anxiety that sometimes hits you for *absolutely no reason*? Ugh. Not so much. It's a whole mood-whiplash experience! I'm working on it, though. Therapy helps. Chocolate helps. Avoiding social media on bad days helps (the internet is a DARK place sometimes!). Basically, I'm trying to (begrudgingly) befriend my feelings, even the grumpy, sulky ones. It's a work in progress, like everything else, and a darn confusing one at that.
What are your biggest pet peeves?
Oh, where do I *begin*? This is a minefield of annoyance. Okay, let's... deep breath... let's start with slow walkers. Seriously, people, you're blocking the entire sidewalk! It's like I'm in a constant obstacle course. And people who talk on their phones in public restrooms. *Shudders*. The lack of awareness! The sheer *audacity*! Oh, and, the passive-aggressive emailers. You know, the ones who end every sentence with a question mark? "Just wondering if you've started that report?" *KILL ME NOW!* The subtle jabs - I HATE THEM. Oh, and don't even *get me started* on socks with sandals. That should be a crime against humanity. Oh, the fashion choices of some people!!! And, people who chew with their mouths open. Ugh, the sound! The *sound*! It's the worst symphony ever written. Okay, I need to, like, *calm down* now. See? Pet peeves. They're a *thing*. And they make life… interesting.
