Elevator pitch
The town of Seminyak is a bustling one—known for its vibrant nightlife, world-class dining options and excellent shopping scene. Yet, cocooned away in the haven that is The Oberoi Beach Resort Bali, you might not even realise this. Situated in the heart of one of Bali’s most popular areas, the resort is a spot of quiet tranquility framed by pristine beaches. Seminyak, with all its lively happenings, sits right at your doorstep, but within the walls of the property, elegant luxury and warm hospitality promises an idyllic escape.
To call The Oberoi Beach Resort Bali an iconic establishment would be an understatement. Known for being the first five-star luxury resort in Seminyak, it was first established as an exclusive private club in 1972 before being upgraded into a full-scale resort in 1978. It’s so much a part of the district that the street of boutiques, cafes and restaurants it sits on is still commonly known as Jalan Oberoi to this day.
To survive and stand out amongst Bali’s countless properties is no simple feat, but it’s easy to see how The Oberoi Beach Resort Bali has done so for so long. Strike up a conversation with any of the resort’s staff members, many of whom have been here for decades, and you’ll find a level of genuine warmth, assuredness and enthusiasm that is distinct even in a city as known for hospitality as Bali. That, coupled with a deep appreciation for Balinese culture—evident in the way the resort has invited generations of artisans to share their craft, providing a space for them to work on their art and sell their wares week after week—certainly sets The Oberoi Beach Resort Bali apart from the many properties in the city.
The stay
Sprawled across the resort’s landscaped lawns are 14 villas and 60 rooms, each designed with great care to evoke a sense of place. A traditional thatched roof makes each room feel incredibly open and spacious, as sliding doors reveal gorgeous views of the ocean and gardens.
Here, luxury takes on many forms, each more thoughtful and indulgent than the last. The grand, canopied bed—already immensely comfortable on its own—is made even more so with the array of pillows that guests can choose from on the pillow menu. In the ensuite, a huge sunken marble tub promises an indulgent soak. And for those who have opted for a villa, most come attached to a private courtyard with a sizeable pool and a personal pavilion, perfect for an afternoon spent lounging.
The itinerary
When you’re not relaxing by the beach or exploring the town’s exciting happenings (the Oberoi team is always happy to give recommendations and arrange for transportation if needed), spend some time taking in what the resort has to offer—from morning yoga sessions on the lawn, to afternoon tea at the amphitheatre. In particular, check out The Oberoi Spa, a sanctuary of rejuvenation where skilful massage therapists will whisk you away into a state of bliss.
And if you’re very lucky, you might find your stay coinciding with the release of baby turtles into the sea. Between the months of May and October, female Olive Ridley turtles lay their eggs on the stretch of sand in front of the resort. Placing great emphasis on nature conservation, The Oberoi Beach Resort Bali safeguards the eggs from predators, incubates them for 45 to 50 days until they begin to hatch, and cares for the hatchlings at a saltwater turtle sanctuary until they become strong swimmers. When the baby turtles are finally grown enough, resort guests are invited to help the caretakers release them into the wild—making an already unforgettable stay that much more special.
The food
Seminyak might have plenty of incredible restaurants, but it’s worth carving out time to visit the property’s dining options—no doubt one of the highlights of a stay here. The local Indonesian dishes are, as to be expected, hearty and delicious. That said, the Oberoi brand has roots in India, and executive chef Natalino Ambra hails from Italy—so don’t leave without trying the resort’s excellent Italian and Indian culinary offerings.
Shaded by vibrant Balinese parasols and coconut trees, Frangipani Cafe offers al fresco dining with a view of Seminyak Beach. Here, you’ll find a delectable array of both Asian and international offerings for lunch, including an aromatic pan-seared barramundi Fish Molly and a delicious Hand-crafted Ravioli on velvety broccoli purée with a butter and sage emulsion. For dinner, head to open-air Kura Kura restaurant, named for the sea turtles that nest on nearby sands. A selection of Indonesian and European plates await, from Charred Octopus cooked to perfection, to tender Nyoman’s Rendang Daging.
Book a stay at The Oberoi Beach Resort Bali here.
