Travel
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Travel
Kamandalu Resort, Bali. The Enchanted Village
It's not every day you hear 'You have been upgraded!'. We arrived a bit after midnight at Kamandalu Resort in Bali, and as the person at the reception uttered the four magical words, we couldn't believe our ears.
Location
Nested among lush green rice fields, palm trees and monkey inhabited jungles, Kamandalu Resort is an experience in itself. The resort is only a short drive away from Ubud, the cultural center of Bali, which kind of places it in the heart of the beautiful island, making it ideal for exploring around. Just outside Kamandalu there is a traditional temple and a colorful Balinese village, but we could have spent an eternity discovering the beautifully maintained gardens and the breathtaking views of the resort itself.
The Garden Villa
As soon as we arrived, we were accompanied to our gorgeous garden villa. Kamandalu breaks with the traditional hotel room and instead, for the next few days, we lived in an independent villa with a private garden all for ourselves.
The bedroom was huge, but what impressed us even more was the size of the bed. I can't remember ever sleeping in such a large bed. We could literally get lost in it. On the bed there were two cute towel swans and a rose petal heart with our initials. Romantic and sweet and we couldn't have asked for more.
On the table there was a beautifully sculpted wood plate with fresh fruit in it, some local, some a bit more international. We were very intrigued by the snake fruit, which we haven't tasted before but enjoyed tremendously.
As the whole resort is terraced, from our garden we could see till far in the distance, the jungle. The roof of the villas and of the day-beds is made out of alang-alang, an indigenous grass, which gives a very authentic feeling to the whole resort. Other then that, the interiors are very modern and luxurious, offering all the comfort one needs.
The Pool Villa
For our last day, we were asked if wanted to experience the pool villa. Hell yeah! Basically this villa came not only with a private garden and bale bengong (traditional outdoor bed), but also with it's own private swimming-pool. And I'm telling you, once you've stayed in a pool villa, you really don't want to stay anywhere else!
The whole Kamandalu Resort is built around the idea of achieving a blissful state of mind´-peace and body relaxation. The room was pretty similar with the previous one, though the four-poster bed was smaller, while still large by any standards.
Just like in the garden villa, the bathroom was immense, with a bath tub and an outdoor shower I simply loved.
The bathroom was gorgeously decorated with hibiscus and plumeria flowers that emanated a sweet and pleasant scent in the whole villa, a detail that took my breath away.
But I will never forget my first morning in Bali and just how surprised I was by the sounds of nature that heard as I opened my eyes. Birds and insects, all celebrating life at once, in a loud song that will stay with me forever.
The common areas
In addition to the private swimming pools some of the villas have, Kamandalu Resort has two large swimming pools all guest can enjoy.
The main one has a pool bar serving delicious cocktails.
The other one is an infinity pool overlooking the jungle.
The area covered by the resort is pretty big, and among the villas there are well cared for gardens, pathways, a pond, and many, many flowers in bloom, as well as beautiful statues.
The whole resort is a photographers dream and I just couldn't refrain from taking photos. I got really excited about all the beauty surrounding me.
One part of the resort features rice terraces, a stunning sight for any western eyes.
To get to the rice terraces, we crossed the bridge over the lotus pond. It felt like we were going on an adventure while never leaving the resort. It actually took us about three days to discover all that there was to discover at Kamandalu.
The 'do not disturb' signs is so cool and creative, isn't it?
Upon our arrival we were given a plumeria necklaces each. I have to admit it was pretty difficult to part with it. Such a wonderful detail! But than again, at Kamandalu it's all about the details.
Like for example, they offer complimentary shuttle service to Ubud city center a few times a day.
And there are complimentary fruits in the lobby.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served on an open terrace, with traditional Balinese and Western dishes alike, fresh fruits and fresh squeezed, natural juice.
Delicious cold and hot dishes are equally available.
And a variety of sweets, all served with a smile and the utmost hospitality that Bali is so famous for.
Conclusion
Kamandalu Resort is an awe-inspiring piece of heaven. It is also probably the best resort we've ever stayed in. The attention given to the details, the way every time we met a member of the staff we were greeted with a bow, the beauty with which we were surrounded, made it difficult for us to leave. It also pretty much wraps up the whole Bali experience, from arts, to nature, to people, in one luxury packed place. We would definitely love to go back!
We were guests at Kamandalu Resort. However, all opinions are our own.
- The Rice Fields Near Ubud, Bali
One of the things I was most excited about to see in Bali were the rice fields. And I wasn't disappointed at all. Some of the best rice paddies on the island are right next to Kamandalu Resort on the outskirts of Ubud, were we stayed. We loooved...
- Samabe Resort, Bali. The New All-inclusive With Unlimited Privileges
'Arrive as a guest, depart as a friend and return as family', this is the motto of Samabe Resort & Spa, the new luxury hotel to open in Bali in just a few days time, in May 2013. One of the suite's bedrooms While we were in Bali,...
- Grand Mirage Resort, Bali. An All-inclusive Heaven
As we arrived at Grand Mirage Resort in Bali, we were welcomed with two ice-cold orange juices. It was extremely hot and the humidity levels were off the charts (at least that's how it felt to us) and sipping the refreshing drinks certainly was a...
- Victoria Angkor Resort, Siem Reap. A Fascinating Haven
We were greeted at the airport by a man in simple but beautiful traditional Cambodian clothes. He showed us to a gorgeously maintained vintage Citroen limousines, and minutes later we were in the lobby of Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa in Siem...
- The Most Interesting Hotels In Siem Reap
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