When you land in Bali the heat and humidity hit you like a tonne of bricks the moment the aircraft door is opened. You are left in no doubt that you are in the tropics but that’s what you came for right? To enjoy some time in the sun in a beautiful setting. But you do occasionally need a reprieve from the chaos that is every present in the streets. The most critical element, which can make or break your trip, is the accommodation you choose. Ideally this will be an oasis of calm where you can truly relax. Finding the perfect home away from home often involves being torn between the luxury you crave and the dollars you want to part with. The Magani Hotel Bali solves that problem nicely. Read on for all the details …
Magani Hotel Bali At A Glance
Location
The Magani Hotel Bali is located in Legian on the south west coast, smack bang between Kuta and Seminyak and is perfectly positioned for exploring all the amazing things to do in Bali. The closest airport is Ngurah Rai (DPS), also known as Denpasar and The Magani Hotel Bali is an easy 30 min drive away. The hotel is perfectly positioned for those that want to be close to the action of Kuta without being kept awake all night by drunken revelers. Swankier Seminyak is a short, cheap cab ride away but Legian offers significantly more bang for your buck. The Magini is on Jl Melasti in the heart of Legian and you have everything you need steps away from the front door, including the beach, shopping (see my tips here and here), bars and an abundance of restaurants (see my recommendations here and here). You would be hard pressed to find a better location.
Rooms
Our premier pool room was fabulous. Sure I have had swim up rooms in the past, but this is the very first time that I have ever had my own private pool. It felt so decadent! The room was more spacious than average and a living area complete with a corner lounge was very appreciated. Our room was perfectly functional with a desk for those that never stop working, a small fridge and a comfortable bed with plenty of pillows. While I rarely use the in-room safe in hotels it came in particularly handy during our stay when my hands swelled in the heat and I had to remove my wedding rings. I felt much more comfortable knowing my prized possessions were safe and secure. While an iron and ironing board are not stock standard a simple call to housekeeping means they will be delivered to your door almost instantaneously. They even set it up for me! The outdoor space was generous and the pool itself was about 3m x 3m at my best guess. It was a little chilly for my liking but it didn’t stop me enjoying a few brief dips. It did warm up towards the end of our stay after the sun appeared after a week of rain. I’m sure those that stayed the week after us would have enjoyed a much more pleasant temperature. There are lots of thoughtful touches that showed these rooms had been designed with guest experience as the major consideration. Think a retractable awning that covers the pool at the touch of a button which not only offers sun (or in our case rain!) protection but ensures your privacy from the rooms above which is particularly handy if you are planning on skinny dipping. The door that leads directly from your private courtyard into the shower so you don’t have to trudge dripping wet through the bedroom came in very handy. A comfy day bed completes the outdoor space but I would have loved an extra cushion to use as a backrest up against the wall for those balmy nights that I was enjoying an alfresco wine with a good book trashy novel. One of the things I always notice in every hotel I stay in is the shower. In my view, the humble shower is more than just a means to getting clean, it is a little escape from a hectic world so I really covet a quality one. The Magani delivered with a sleek modern tiled number that felt like a luxury spa. The icing on the cake was the hand held nozzle which meant I could shower easily without getting my hair wet. My one complaint would be my every present concern with hotel rooms around the globe in that they simply never seem to have adequate lighting.
Service
From the first moment you arrive you are treated as a very special guest. Immaculately uniformed staff greet you at the private driveway and assist you from your transport with a smile. Once inside the spacious, welcoming lobby you are encouraged to be seated with a refreshing cool scented towel and a delicious welcome drink while efficient reception staff dispense with the necessary paperwork. Once you are all checked in you will be escorted to your room where your luggage is stored away for you with no need to lift a finger. Throughout our stay nothing was too much trouble and every interaction with every staff member was above average. The Magaini delivers Balinese hospitality at its absolute best.
Facilities
The Magani Hotel Bali has a host of facilities. Fancy getting active? Head the compact yet comfortable gym. If you prefer a more relaxed type of break, lounge around the pool catching some rays and order a fancy cocktail from the swim up bar while you are there. If you can’t find the energy to move outside of the grounds you can satisfy your hunger at the in-house restaurant which is surprising good value. To make your stay truly memorable visit the spa and have all those aches and pains pummeled into submission with a signature massage.
Breakfast
Breakfast is buffet style at the in-house Mozzarella restaurant. You can choose to sit inside or out, but unless the weather is prohibitive you should choose the balcony and watch the street below come alive as you eat your fill. I have seen a buffet breakfast or two in my time and this is one of the best. The choices are extensive and cater to both western and Asian palettes. I’m not very adventurous with my breakfast choices so I stuck to the more traditional options. My pancakes were light and fluffy and I was blown away by the choice of breads on offer. I loved the black rice! Aussies will be thrilled to know that our favourite spread Vegemite is available. The selection of fruits and juices was impressive, bordering on the exotic. Bacon lovers will be appreciate the option of soft or crispy and the accompanying potato cubes were delicious. The Hubs doesn’t believe in categorising anything in particular as a ‘breakfast’ food so he will pretty much give anything a go and started with fish in garlic butter, which he said was a little dry. His pick of the buffet was the fried rice with Asian veges which was moist and delicious even out of a bain marie. Many hotels these days offer an egg station. You know the one, it’s the hive of activity where hungry patrons stand around impatiently with plate in hand while a harried chef turns out a never-ending stream of omelettes and scrambled eggs. The Magani Hotel Bali also has an egg station but it’s nothing like the nightmare I have just described. At the Magani you simply place your order and your perfectly cooked eggs arrive right at your table. I suggest you do it at the start of your buffet crawl so that you arrive back at around the same time. The only thing I would improve is to switch the chicken sausages for beef. The biggest problem with a breakfast this good is knowing when to say enough!
Those Little Extras
Many hotels these days are similar in terms of what they offer guests, so it is often the thoughtful little extras that stand out and make your stay memorable. The Magani Hotel Bali separates itself from the pack by delivering wi-fi that is free, efficient and speedy. My pet peeve is paying to stay connected or struggling with free that just isn’t worth the effort. A fresh fruit platter on arrival was a nice touch particularly if you arrive hungry. I rarely have a packing mishap but this time around we left all our power adapters at home (D’Oh!), luckily reception has a stash to keep you charged up and ready to go. Upon arrival I was really looking forward to cracking a special bottle of duty-free sauv blanc so I was disappointed when I didn’t find and wine glasses in my room. A quick call to reception had one on my doorstep almost instantly. I have never seen room service so efficient! Like I said, it’s the little things that count and Magani got every single one of them right.
Final Thoughts
Bali is a great value holiday if you can score a cheap flight (read all my tips here) given the cost of living is cheap by Australian standards. Your single biggest expense is most likely your accommodation so you need to make every dollar count. When compared with the competition The Magani Hotel Bali offers exceptional value and I can’t wait to return. If you are a first timer to Bali make sure you read my know before you go tips first.
So will you choose the affordable luxury of the Magani when you next visit Bali?
Until Next Time …
Disclaimer: I received a discounted rate and complimentary upgrade on my accommodation as part of my collaboration with the Magani Hotel Bali. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Maria Jesus says
How did you find this? It’s so perfect that looks unreal haha!
I wish I could stay there next time I travel to Bali. Is it too busy or easy to book?
Thanks for sharing this amazing place!
Allison Smith says
You will love Magani Maria! Super easy to book through Expedia or Agoda ?
Arnav Mathur says
What a lovely place to stay in. Staying in a room with a private pool is like a dream come true for me at the moment.
I agree, the services offered by hotels are more or less the same everywhere, but what makes the difference is the small things.
And I see that Magani Hotel did their best by concentrating on the small little things.
Allison Smith says
Love the Magani! We stayed again in March this year and it’s still just as good!
Naomi says
You had me at private swimming pool. I never stayed in a hotel that fancy and it looks absolutely indulcent. I would never leave the hotel! Everrrr
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Lol Naomi that was a huge temptation but we actually did get out and about I promise. ?
Janine Good says
I have not been to Bali as of yet, but my husband is Aussie and when we move back there (we live in my homeland of Canada right now) it will be more accessible. I do think this hotel would be ideal for us. I particularly like the look of the spa and buffet. Very luxurious for a reasonable price!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It’s very accessible from Oz Janine, particularly Perth and Darwin where they can get one way fares under $100. A little more from Sydney but still excellent value. We can spend a week at the Magani for less than a week at a caravan park at home, including flights!
Delaine Dcosta says
Nawww …. you had your own private pool! How amazing is that?!
I know what you mean by “heat & humidity”, I faced the same in Thailand. And the end of the day, it feels good to come back to a comfy hotel room. And I love how they surprised you with a fruit platter too. It makes us appreciate the hotel even more. I haven’t visited Bali yet, so I’ll definitely consider staying at Magani hotel whenever I plan to.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I love Thailand as well Dalaine. SE Asia is my sweet spot! The pool was such a treat!
Bee says
Private pool courtyard is my top here. I love the bed as well because I’m into big beds.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The pool was truly appreciated Bee 🙂
Tina and Jimmy says
Where do I sign up! 🙂 I have never heard of private pool, It looks amazing and the hotel looks amazing. Silly question, but does the pool get much sun? This looks like mine and Jimmy’s kind of place, I’m actually excited to show him this article when he arrives home tonight! A Little hint on for our 2017 bucket list, Since he worships the sun and warmth!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The weather was pretty awful when we were there and the sun didn’t make many appearances but we did have a few bursts. The sun shade would be useful if the sun became too much 🙂 We are heading back in March 2017. We may see you there 🙂
Jamie says
For my last few trips I have choose budget accommodation as a way of making my travel money go further. However the idea of affordable luxury is growing on me, and Bali seems like the ideal place for a luxurious holiday that does break the bank. A private pool sounds amazing! And the fruit platter is a nice idea.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Bali is definitely a great place to do luxury on a budget. There is no way I would pay what a similar hotel in Australia would cost.
Natasha Welch says
This place looks super luxurious wow! Also, I really love the infographic that you made for the hotel, includes everything you’d need to know fast and easy.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Natasha! It was superb value for what you get!
Arzo Travels says
That hotel looks gorgeous. Who would not appreciate some fresh fruits upon arrival? Also love the own pool 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
For what I paid Arzo it was incredible. I hate to think how much a similar hotel would cost in Australia!
Maja says
I am an hotelier and this hotel looks superb! You have little pool right in front of the room!! That is the ultimate dream, right? 🙂
I love how they put an effort into what they do, those morning kisses, different types of bread, little things in the room. Seems like a hotel I would definitely choose for my stay!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It really is the little things that make a difference but are so often lacking these days.
blondemoments says
so funny! i stayed there as well when i was in bali! i loved that place so much! great choice 😉
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Small world! I do t know how I never noticed it before. I must have walked past it numerous times on previous trips.
Clare says
It looks like such an amazing place. I wish it was a place I could afford to stay in, maybe one day. I love Bali and maybe on my next visit I could treat myself to a couple of days of luxury, I loved the idea of the private pool 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I know I have been spoilt now and want a private pool forever lol
Noemi of Pinay Flying High says
What a fabulous and very detailed review! Private pool, wow! Although the pool seem to be too small but that would be a great place to drink wine while reading a trashy novel. :-p
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’m not a ‘doing laps’ kinda girl Noemi so the size was perfect for just the two of us. Makes me want to put one in my backyard lol
Julie kern says
This looks incredible! I will definitely look this up next time I head to Bali!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Awesome Julie. I hope you love it as much as I did 🙂
valerie hansen says
Great review….everything looks so inviting, would love a trip here! thanks for sharing!
VAlerie
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Valerie. It really was a great place to stay and such awesome value for what you get.
Samantha says
What a fabulous place! Accommodations can really make or break the trip. Luckily, I haven’t experienced anything horrible yet (and hopefully never will!). I can’t wait to visit Bali!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’ve stayed in a few dodgey places in my time which is why I always do my research well now before I chose. This one was most definitely a winner!
The Toronto Seoulcialite says
Vegemite in Bali – what are the odds! You’re right that the experience is truly made in the small details. I love the look of those adorable pink shooters. The decor is fabulous as well. What an experience!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Love my Vegemite! I usually bring it from home but it’s even better when I don’t have to. ?
Tara says
This looks lovely! We like legian over Kuta anyday!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Agree Tara! I always take a walk into Kuta but I prefer to stay a little further away ?
Soumya Nambiar says
Wow I loved the mini pool the best. So relaxing.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It was pretty special. I think I will be expecting this everywhere from now on ?
Soraya says
Great review! I actually was looking at staying here when I was in Bali last, but ended up booking elsewhere. Wish I read your review before I booked! Next time I am in Bali, will definitely be checking this place out.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
You won’t be sorry Soraya!
Melai says
Luxurious but looks worth it! I love the in-room pool and the lounge.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It was great value for what you get. I could never afford a splurge like this is Australia!
Adrienne Lee says
Looks like a lovely hotel. Thanks for sharing the hits and misses – and the beautiful photos
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Adrienne!
themodestfoxpr says
Mother of God I’m dying! This is perfection!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It was amazing and the staff were so lovely!