Hotel review: The Kunja, Seminyak, Bali

If you’re just getting started on the research front, let me give you a heads up: there are a lot of villas to choose from (to the point of it being more than a little overwhelming).

So, being the caring and sharing traveller I am, I’ve done the hard yards for you and found the BEST villa in Seminyak. You’re welcome 😉

That villa is The Kunja. And here’s why…

We arrive at Denpasar Airport around 10pm local time and I see Ari (the Kunja’s concierge) holding a board with my name on it – easy to spot in the crowd with his smart attire – I feel confident already that The Kunja was the right choice (phew!). Plus, the cool damp towel and icy bottle of water when we hop in the air-con van adds a few more brownie points.

Located just on the outskirts of the trendy Seminyak area, we’re delivered straight to the door of our private compound for in-villa check-in (oh the luxury). Even though it’s 1am Sydney time, the wow-factor of the stylish abode before us has Mr LML and I wide-eyed with excitement. The deliciously sweet drink we sip on as will fill out our paperwork probably helps too 😉

We can only manage a quick tour of the property before fatigue gets the better of us and the king bed calls my name.

Villa life for Mr LML and I goes something like this: wake up, eat, swim, read, venture out to explore (shop, eat, pamper), swim, head out for sunset cocktails and dinner. And repeat 🙂

The sound of roosters crowing each morning is an instant reminder we’re not in Sydney anymore! (Don’t worry, they’re not too noisy).

Stepping outside of the huge air-con bedroom, we’re greeted with a warm 28 degree morning (that’s about as cool as it gets, day or night. Constant summer = my kind of place).

Hello spacious bedroom

The light of day reveals the true beauty of the spacious open-plan villa: modern minimalist styling with a Balinese touch; our very own pool with the most comfortable deck chairs ever; a spacious outdoor lounge area complete with sound system, books and a comfy couch; an indoor/outdoor bathroom and fully equipped kitchen. Yep, I could get used to this.

The kitchen soon becomes a whirl of activity as two of the chirpy Kunja team arrive to cook our breakfast. Ordering the morning (or in this case, the night) before, guests have the option of everything from American style breakfasts to traditional Indonesian style dishes. My highlight each morning is the fresh juice – the watermelon we sample on day one is pretty special but it’s the mango that wins my heart!

There isn’t a restaurant onsite but there is a book of menus that you can order from that The Kunja staff will pick up for you.

They also offer ‘room-service’ for drinks: cocktail by the pool anyone?

It’s not too often I get the chance to completely slow down, but The Kunja is the perfect place to ‘force’ myself to just relax.

Alternating between cooling off in the gorgeous pool (a lot of people seem to complain about their private villa pools in Bali being too cold but The Kunja’s is perfect) and making good use of the poolside lounges with book in hand is the best way to spend a morning or afternoon.

When you’re ready to (reluctantly drag yourself away) and head out to explore Seminyak, the lovely team at The Kunja provide a complimentary drop-off service.

Get dropped off around Seminyak in style

While The Kunja isn’t on the beach, for Mr LML and I, being a few minutes’ drive away from the action suits us perfectly with The Kunja acting as our little sanctuary. The short walk or drive to Seminyak favourites including the W Hotel, Potato Head, Ku Te Da and Sarong, makes the location perfect, especially with the drop-off service.

Some of our day-time go-to’s include:

Sea Circus

Great for fresh and healthy food (think juices, salads, ceviche and soft tacos). Service is friendly and the vibe is laid-back.

Bodyworks

A massage (or three) here is an absolute must. The standard is incredibly high and the prices are super low. Win-win. At these prices it’s worth trying something you wouldn’t usually have – I had my first ever hot stone massage – ouch! (in a good way).

Seminyak Square

When you want to tick the retail therapy box, Seminyak Square and the surrounding shops are a good spot to start.

So, are you convinced yet?

This might seal the deal. Last but certainly not least, when it comes to reasons to stay at The Kunja is the truly amazing staff. Their warm and generous nature, expert tips, amazing cooking and above and beyond customer service (including organising our day trip to Ubud even though we’d already moved onto our next hotel) made this stay absolutely amazing and one I recommend you should experience too.

Where’s the best villa you’ve ever stayed in?