Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort

Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort, a Michelin Key Selected property, generally receives high praise for its breathtaking cliffside views, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service, making it a highly regarded destination in Uluwatu.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as wonderful and memorable. The resort is recognized as a Michelin Key Selected property, signifying its high standards in hospitality. Many guests consider it an "absolute 5-star stay" and one of the best hotels in Uluwatu.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Breathtaking Views: The resort's terraced architecture ensures dramatic, uninterrupted panoramic views of the Indian Ocean from almost every vantage point, including suites and villas.
• Incredible Infinity Pool: The cliff-edge infinity pool is a major draw, offering stunning ocean vistas and a relaxing atmosphere.
• Private Hot Tubs: Many rooms and suites feature private balconies with hot tubs, providing an idyllic setting for relaxation and sunset viewing with a glass of wine.
• Exceptional Service: The staff are frequently highlighted for being welcoming, friendly, attentive, and helpful, often going above and beyond for guests.
• Amenities & Activities: The resort offers a full-service spa with a range of treatments, a 24-hour gym, yoga classes, Balinese dance classes, and surfing lessons. A complimentary shuttle service to Uluwatu Temple is also available.

3. Room Quality

Anantara Uluwatu offers a variety of spacious and comfortable accommodations, including suites, pool villas, and penthouses. Rooms are generally described as huge, featuring living areas with large sofas and comfortable beds. The bathrooms are often noted as enormous, equipped with rain showers and "his and hers" sinks. While some older reviews (2019) suggested certain aspects, like bathrooms, might feel dated, more recent feedback indicates that the rooms are comfortable and well-maintained. Many accommodations boast ocean views, and the inclusion of a hot tub on the balcony is a recurring favorite among guests. A complimentary minibar and 24-hour room service are also offered.

4. Dining Experience

The resort features three main restaurants:

• 360 Restaurant: This rooftop venue serves an extensive buffet breakfast with hot and cold options, consistently praised as a highlight by guests. It also offers a menu with Western, Indonesian, Asian, and Vegetarian sections for other meals.
• SONO Teppanyaki: Specializes in hot-plate Japanese fusion dishes with live cooking demonstrations.
• Botol Biru Bar & Grill: Offers a fusion lunch menu, Mediterranean specialties, and hosts regular seafood nights. Dining experiences are generally positive, with guests enjoying the variety and quality of the food. While an older review mentioned a limited dinner buffet and an isolated incident of food poisoning, staff handled the issue with seriousness and helpfulness. Sunset happy hour at the Sea, Fire, Salt bar is highly recommended.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Anantara Uluwatu is consistently highlighted as exceptional. Guests frequently commend the staff for being incredibly welcoming, friendly, attentive, and helpful. Many guests describe the hospitality as unmatched, with staff anticipating needs and accommodating wishes.

6. Location & Accessibility

Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort is dramatically perched on a cliffside, offering unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean. It is situated in a secluded part of Uluwatu, known for its dramatic cliffs and surfing.

• Travel Time: It's approximately a 40-45 minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Seminyak is about an hour's taxi ride away.
• Local Attractions: The resort is within a 15-minute drive of the Hindu temple, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, and offers a shuttle service there. It's also near popular surf breaks like Bingin and Padang Padang Beach, with a free shuttle available to Padang Beach.
• On-site Beach Access: While the resort is on Impossible Beach, direct access can be challenging. The beach is sometimes narrow or non-existent at high tide, and rocky at low tide, making swimming difficult. An elevator to the beach has been reported as out of service for some time, requiring guests to use a steep path with many steps nearby.
• Mobility: The terraced, cliffside architecture means the resort has many stairs, which can be challenging for guests with mobility issues or young families.

7. Value & Pricing

Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort is considered a luxury property. Room rates can vary, with recent bookings on KAYAK showing prices ranging from approximately $281 to $441 USD. However, average weeknight prices can be higher, around $746 USD, and August is typically the most expensive month to stay. The resort offers specials like "Third Night on Us" and "Advance Purchase Special" which can provide savings. While some older reviews questioned its value compared to other Bali luxury hotels, many recent guests feel it's worth the cost for the views, rooms, and service.

8. Common Complaints

While feedback is largely positive, some recurring criticisms and issues have been noted:

• Accessibility for Mobility Impaired: The resort's stunning cliffside location and terraced design mean a significant number of stairs, which can be difficult for guests with mobility challenges or those with young children.
• Beach Access Issues: The "private beach" is often not ideal for swimming due to tides and rocks, and the elevator providing access has been noted as frequently out of service, requiring a strenuous alternative route.
• Aging Infrastructure (less recent reviews): Some older reviews (2019) mentioned signs of wear and tear, such as tatty sunbed covers and unpleasant-smelling towels, along with the modern design not fully blending with local Balinese aesthetics. However, more recent reviews don't consistently highlight these issues, suggesting ongoing refurbishments.
• Inconsistent Poolside Service (less recent reviews): An older review noted issues with getting towels and ordering drinks by the pool, though this is not a widespread recent complaint.

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