Experience Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa in Sidemen, Bali

Ultimate Bali in 9 Days – Day 6 (Part 2)

What type of accommodation do you prefer on a vacation? I certainly consider eco-friendly accommodations. Whether it is an economical guest house or a boutique hotel or a local homestay or a luxurious retreat or a quirky, unique property, as long as it is eco-friendly, then I do not mind booking one. You will find all kinds of properties in Bali – an Indonesian holiday paradise, also known as island of Gods. On our first day in Bali, Richie and I stayed in PinkCoco Bali in Uluwatu. On the following night, we had slept under the stars in a transparent bubble in Bubble Hotel Uluwatu. We spent the next 3 days in the most beautiful property in Ubud – Firefly Eco-Lodge. Following our stay in Ubud, we traveled to Sidemen to spend 2 nights in Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa. It was a dreamy experience that will live in our memories forever.

Highlights of the Day

• Travel to Sidemen
• Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa
• Combination Massage at Ananda Spa

Travel to Sidemen via Kintamani

We checked out from Firefly Eco-Lodge in Ubud at around 2.30 AM as the driver of our Mount Batur Sunrise Hiking tour company came to pick us up at such an ungodly hour. I know it’s crazy, but trust me, you will feel the worth once you reach the top of Mount Batur. We reached the base of Mount Batur at around 4 AM. Then, we hiked the mountain to witness the best sunrise in Bali. Later, we came back at the base of the mountain at around 10 AM. There was no point going back to Ubud, and then booking a car to Sidemen. We paid an additional charge of Rp 300,000 for a direct drop from Mount Batur to our accommodation in Sidemen. This saved a lot of time and hassle. Our luggage was transferred to the new vehicle.

Sidemen is nestled in the countryside of East Bali where true Balinese culture stays alive. Even though Bali is overly developed, this unique area in East Bali still seems to be untouched by any type of foreign influence.

On our way to Sidemen, we crossed a traditional village surrounded by pure and beautiful nature – Kintamani. The village offers panoramic views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. We stopped by LookOut Resto & Bar for breakfast.

We left Kintamani at around 11 AM. After an hour, we found ourselves in between swathes of paddies and plantations in a countryside landscape. The life seems to be totally different from other parts of Bali. Everything happens under the watchful eye of the impressive and sacred Mount Agung.

Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa

At around noon, we reached Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa – a charming, boutique resort in the midst of nature in Sidemen valley, surrounded by panoramic rice terraces, tropical forests, rolling hills, authentic temples, and cultural sites. With traditional architecture congenial to the region and an emphasis on open, connected living, Samanvaya introduced us to an exotic, breathtaking experience of Bali.

Types of Accommodation

Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa has 11 separate villas distributed between 7 lodges and 4 lumbungs. Local craftsmen built them using sustainable wood and bamboo. They are covered with traditional straw roofs, so that their outer look blend effortlessly with the surrounding gardens and rice terraces. Gede, the manager of the property, did not hesitate to show us the whole property in details when we asked him to. Let me give you a brief on every type of accommodation it has.

1. Jepun and Lotus Luxury Villas: There are 3 superior luxury villas suitable for 2 guests. We stayed in Lotus 2 Villa for our 2-night stay here.

2. Champak Luxury Villas: There are 2 deluxe luxury Champak villas suitable for 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

3. Padi Putih and Hitam Luxury Villas: There are 2 deluxe luxury Lumbung style villas suitable for up to 3 adults.

4. Kenyeri Luxury Villa: There is 1 executive luxury villa suitable for up to 3 adults, however has been specifically designed with couples in mind.

5. Padi Merah Luxury Villa: There are 2 one-bedroom executive luxury Lumbung style villas built over three levels, suitable for up to 4 adults.

6. Samanvaya Luxury Villa: There is 1 two-bedroom executive luxury Lumbung style villa built over three levels, suitable for up to 4 adults.

Lunch and Afternoon Tea

By the time we finished the tour of the whole property, our room was ready. Agung led us to our room. We were already feeling a bit hungry; it maybe the hiking after-effects. Agung let the cook know that we are vegans and we prefer local dishes. Samanvaya is proud of their culinary philosophies and paddock to plate food offerings. The skilled cook prepared some amazing Balinese dish and delivered it to our villa by Weda, another friendly staff.

Supper by the Pool

Drinks by the pool is always a great idea. In addition to that, floating breakfasts have become one of the hottest trends in the Instagram world right now. You must have seen the beautiful platters filled with exotic fruits and flowers in amazing pool locations. Bali is famous for that. But have you seen supper by the pool? Well, if had a chance, we would love to experience floating breakfasts too, but in the evening, after a lovely sleep in our villa, we woke up to the idea of having a light supper while relaxing in the pool.

Ananda Spa and Yoga

To compliment our stay, we had booked a Combination Massage Therapy of an hour in the dedicated luxury spa on site – Ananda Spa. Their expert therapist massaged every ache out of my body and helped me to relax, de-stress, and unwind. It was a truly blissful experience.

Yoga on the terrace is the perfect ‘icing on the cake’. You get to align your breathing and movement while feeling hanging above the world with panoramic views of rice fields. Yoga and meditation with specially trained teachers are also possible here. Otherwise, you can also practice yoga on your own. Whether you are a yogi or a beginner, give yourself the opportunity to unplug from the world and reconnect with yourself.

Rice Barn Restaurant

After a relaxing spa, Richie and I decided to have dinner. The Rice Barn Restaurant is located very close to Ananda Spa. The restaurant sources their food ingredients from seasonal, organic, and local produce. It offers a variety of food from traditional Indonesian dishes to European inspired delights, with an aim to cater all tastes and requirements. We are vegans and the staff took care of the request well.

Samanvaya also offers guests the opportunity to discover the local food markets with our chef.

Activities To Do During Your Stay

During your stay in Samanvaya, you can do various exciting activities:

1. Scooter and Bike Tours: It is a truly unique way to see the Sidemen valley. Explore the rice fields, the rivers, Mount Agung, authentic Balinese villages, and friendly people – safely and at your own pace.
2. Cultural Tours: You are welcome to come and experience daily village life with their local staff. You get to learn their traditions, visit the local temples and houses, and maybe even join in one of the many fascinating ceremonies. You can also explore the local food markets with their chef from the Rice Barn restaurant.
3. Trekking and Walks: You can experience a personal guided tour around the local valley and through the lush green rice terraces and rivers of the Sidemen Valley.
4. Rafting: Explore the beautiful panorama and the extreme current of Telaga Waja river, one of the best rafting rivers in Bali, which is only a short drive from Samanvaya.

Experience Samanvaya When in Bali

We had our best time in Bali in Sidemen. I highly recommend you to spend at least 2 nights in Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa when in Bali. Sidemen is quintessential Bali, offering not only magnificent views and landscapes, but also a glimpse into the traditional Balinese way of life.

In Samanvaya, we enjoyed the infinity swimming pool, suspended over the rice terraces, relaxed in natural temperature jacuzzi, enjoyed the lounge bar in the Pavillion, dined in the Rice Barn restaurant with the best panoramic views, soaked in the hot tub, pampered ourselves in Ananda Spa, and also practised yoga in the purpose-built studio.

Staying at Samanvaya is more like experiencing Bali from times past. It is a peaceful destination where travelers come to unwind and reflect on the country’s spirituality away from the rush and noise of modern life. Samanvaya is an unforgettable experience, reconnecting the mind and the spirit, bringing you closer to nature. Experience the destination that is Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa.

NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN IDR)

Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 6 (Part 2) in Indonesia – Sidemen, Bali.

• Drop to Sidemen: 300,000
• Stay at Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa (2 nights) for twin-sharing: 1,800,000
• Food and miscellaneous: 190,000

Total expense (roughly): 2,290,000 IDR

For a more customized itinerary, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page.

If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!