Poolside Glam at the W

We arrive at the entrance of the W Retreat & Spa with high-expectations. No wonder this retreat won #1 Trendiest Hotels In Indonesia & Top 25 Luxury Hotels In Indonesia, Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2012.
Somehow, the W Retreat designers seamlessly pull off an eclectic mix of vibrant graffiti, Willy Wonka colours, industrial chic and Balinese design.

I’m loving the ‘Whatever/Whenever®’ concierge mentality: ask for anything and they’ll do their best to make it happen. Whatever you want. Whenever you want it. (Fees may apply but you’ve got to love the endless possibilities!) Adventurous guests can choose from hiring a funky purple Vespa or a sexy little Mini Cooper.

The W Lounge sits in the foyer and a mixologist adorns the signature W2-Tini with Persian fairy floss. Guests can throw ‘Wishing stones’ into the Away Spa water, and refreshing coconut spray is placed on the counter for an edgy touch.

It’s afternoon-tea time and it looks like the Mad Hatter has paid a visit. Decadent cakes take centre-stage. Fat macarons, glistening toffee-apples and other goodies are just waiting to be nibbled on.
I’m upstairs on the top floor. The industrial design carries through the dark corridor. I open the door to a lush smelling ‘Wonderful Garden View Retreat’. The room features a billabong-sized bathtub and above, a nifty skylight.

Splashes of green liven the neutral coloured bedroom up for ultimate chic as electronic renditions of MGMT’s ‘We Are The People’ fills the air. I pluck a jelly baby from the trio of treats sitting on the coffee table and gaze out the window. Skinny palm trees, lush greenery and the robust mountain in the background paint a brilliant view. All the perfect ingredients for a tropical island retreat!

The W Retreat & Spa hits the high notes with poolside glamour. There are endless spots for sun worshipping around the property. Chunky colourful beanbags perch on stone in the middle of the top tiered horizon pool.

The large W sign sits on the edge of the property amongst all-white cabanas perfect for intimate moments.

Thankfully, I’m visiting during a quiet time, and only a handful of kaftan-clad and aviator-donned couples bask in the sun this morning. The gentle crash of the waves on Petitinget Beach helps me immerse into instant holiday-mode. The Petitinget area in Seminyak is so far removed from the chaos and humbug of Kuta and offers ultimate luxury.

A ‘Beach Ambassador’ (how do I get that gig?!) unrolls a fluffy yellow towel ready for me to embrace my inner-zen. The waiter returns with a fluorescent pink transparent menu. He holds an array of coconut or cucumber cooling spray and offers a complimentary ten-minute massage. I could certainly get used to this!

At dusk, I meander down to WOOBAR situated on the beach for two-for-one cocktails. The in-house DJ spins laidback tunes on the desk as I stroll in. The chilled out vibe encapsulates a hint of a LA pool party.

I opt for a circular lounge next to striking Bob Marley graffiti and order a Papaya Martini. This baby arrives in a double-walled glass along with salty broad beans, and it tastes sensational.

Everything about this haven is bang on point. The retreat oozes glitz but is careful not to outbalance the modern Balinese essence. There must be something in the glistening water of the horizon pool, because the W Retreat & Spa makes me never want to leave.