We escaped the bustle of South Bali to stay at Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa in Sideman. Here’s why we loved it (and you will too!)
Soaring volcanoes, rice terrace horizons and the sweet, nostalgic sounds of Balinese farmers tending to their crops – Sideman Valley in East Bali offers a soul-stirring glimpse of Bali from yesteryear. And yet, amidst this real-life 1970s throwback, Sideman is also home to a boundary-pushing boutique resort that’s mastered the fine art of twenty-first century hospitality. We’re talking about Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa.
Discreetly nestled in the midst of Sideman’s verdant green expanse, this adults-only resort lovingly integrates into its lush surroundings. Traditional thatched roofs and breathtaking bamboo structures blend with the tawny hues of freshly-harvested rice fields, with a veil of tropical gardens that cloak the Indonesia-inspired “Lumbung” villas.
Step inside these luxury abodes and a canvas of bespoke natural interiors unfolds: dark-wood flooring, fine leather chairs, rattan rugs and tree-trunk coffee tables. All of this with sweeping views out over the resort’s grounds – a private and landscaped stretch of cosy day beds, three pools, an outdoor jacuzzi, open-air yoga studio and spa, and one spectacular restaurant…
You’ll love it because… much like the design of the resort, Samanvaya is all about merging nature and culture whilst guiding you through Sidemen’s best bits. Whether it’s trekking through the rice terraces, watching a local Balinese ceremony, blissing out with a traditional Chakra massage, or simply feasting on locally-sourced cuisine at The Rice Barn (the resort’s breathtaking bamboo restaurant) Samanvaya brings you closer to nature, and Mother Bali…
You’ll want to try the… spa treatments and romantic dinner experience. Samanvaya’s spa offerings showcase Bali’s sacred and age-old wellness rituals, namely the Balinese massages that use traditional pressure techniques and fresh herbs from the resort’s garden. Pair these blissful treatments with Samavaya’s romantic dinner experience, whereby the resort chefs will curate a three-course Indonesian feast using paddock-to-plate seasonal ingredients. FYI, the Balinese curry was one of the very best we’ve ever tasted…
Come back for the… Relax & Climb package. Samanvaya sits conveniently close to Mount Batur – one of Bali’s active volcanoes that’s famous for its breathtaking sunrise hikes. As such, Samanvaya offers a fantastic Relax & Climb package that includes two nights in one of the villas, a three-course romantic dinner, return transfers to the mountain, park tickets and a private guide, as well as breakfast, a massage and a soak in the warm hot tub for after the climb – all for just IDR 4,800,000++. It is without doubt one of the best experiences in Bali that you need to tick off your bucket list…
Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa, Br. Tabola, Sidemen, Karangasem, p. +62 821 4710 3884, e. [email protected]
