Balinese Adventure Part 28
Michael Taylor spends 3 days and 2 nights at a newly opened hotel in Nusa Dua. It offers an unlimited privilege programme. For a US$120 per person surcharge, guests get a host of benefits, which could save them big bucks.
Before my arrival, I’m not quite sure what ‘unlimited privileges’ means, but that’s what I learn I’m going to get during my 3-day, 2-night stay at Samabe Bali Suites and Villas, a stylish new resort that opened in mid-2013 in Nusa Dua, Bali.
But the term ‘unlimited privileges’ sure does sound promising!
The welcome letter, which I’m given when I check in, explains things in detail. In addition to the daily buffet breakfast, which most hotels in Asia offer, comes a host of privileges.
For example, in addition to the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, you can also order ala carte. Or you can do both!
The mini bar is complimentary and refilled daily (more and more hotels are doing this), but the difference here is it’s made crystal clear when you are shown your room that you can request changes in what’s put in your mini bar.
So it doesn’t have to be full of stuff you don’t want and lacking things that you do want.
I, for example, don’t drink regular Coke so I request four cans of Coke Zero rather than 2 cans of regular Coke and 2 cans of Coke Zero.
Free Flow of Cocktails from 5 pm to 12 Midnight
And check this out: Happy Hour runs from 5 pm to 12 midnight, and we’re not talking 2 for the price of one!
On many occasions I’ve enjoyed access to executive lounges at 5 star hotels, and they offered happy hours with complimentary snacks and cocktails. But often their schedule didn’t match mine, so the perk was of no value.
Not so here. Happy hour runs from 5 pm to 12 midnight, so you don’t have to rush back to the hotel to enjoy a complimentary cocktail. You can do things at your convenience, not theirs!
Not only that, you can have it anywhere you want – and that include your hotel room!
“There will be “a free flow of national and international cocktails, beers, house wines, and standard spirits, which [will be] all served in any of the open restaurants, bar, pool, beach side, and, of course, from the room service”, the letter says.
OMG! Just how many mojitos can I consume in 7 hours?
What You Want, When You Want, Where You Want
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be consumed at food and beverage outlets during normal dining hours or in your room 24 hours a day.
On my first morning, I decide – halfway doing laps in the very lengthy swimming pool – that I’d like to have breakfast by the pool.
I mention this to the pool attendant. A butler appear a few minutes later with a waterproof menue.
You can even arrange a special picnic lunch basket if you are going to go on tour. And one of the daily signature activities is up to 5 hours with a private chauffeur within the Kuta and Seminyak 3 days a week.
Picnic lunches should be booked a day in advance.
Signature Spa Treatments
Other signature activities (you are entitled to one for each day of your stay) include a village safari, a one hour massage, a Balinese cooking class, and a reserved VIP seat at the Devdan show in Nusa Dua.
I saw this show on my last trip to Bali, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Other amenities include outdoor yoga (this does not count as one or your daily signature activities), afternoon High Tea, non-motorized water sports, and 24 hour access to the gym.
Guests are also entitled to complimentary unlimited laundry services (except dry cleaning, for which there is a charge).
Same day service for clothes left with your butler before 11 am. My laundry was waiting for me when I returned from swimming and breakfast at 11.30 am.
As a final privilege, guests opting for the programme can enjoy late check-outs up to 4.00 pm,
Basic packages includes buffet breakfasts, but 70% of guest opt for the Unlimited Privileges Program.
Where
Samabe Bali Suites and Villas, Jalan Pura Barong-Barong Sawangan, Nusa Dua, Selatn, Bali, Indonesia. Telephone: + 62 361 846 8633.