Escape to Paradise: Sankara Resort's Unforgettable Bali Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Sankara Resort - Bali Bliss…Or Maybe Just a Really Good Massage? (A Seriously Honest Review)
Okay, so you're thinking Bali? Sun, sand, temples, and that Instagram-perfect life, right? Look, I get it. I lived for those fantasy photos. And after spending some time at the Sankara Resort, I can tell you…it’s a mixed bag, but leans heavily towards the, "Wow, this is actually pretty darn good" side. Let's dive in, because I’m not one for sugarcoating things.
First Impressions: Accessibility (and the Lack Thereof, Ugh!)
Finding a genuinely accessible resort in Bali…well, it's not like finding a Starbucks on a busy street. The Sankara tries. They list "Facilities for disabled guests" and an "Elevator", and that's great! Kinda. Truthfully, while the public areas seem pretty navigable in a wheelchair, I didn't test it personally, and details on specific room adaptations were scarce. Accessibility is a HUGE area they need to improve. Seriously, Sankara, invest in some ramps and clearer information! I am writing this hoping someone from Sankara will read this and get to work!
The Room: My Balinese Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room? Okay, it was lovely. Especially because I finally got a good night's sleep, with the black-out curtains. It was a deluxe room, I'm assuming. I had the "Extra long bed" -- bonus! Also, I'm a sucker for air conditioning, and the A/C worked like a dream. The bathroom was spacious, with a separate shower and tub (and both had good water pressure – a small victory!). Plus, they gave you bathrobes and slippers. Hello, relaxation! But, there was some construction noise. Not all day, but sometimes. It was weird and annoying, but hey, the hotel is always working, you know? I didn't complain, I mean, what am I going to do? Complain? That is not the Balinese way!
**Internet & Tech: Wi-Fi in all rooms? Hooray! (Mostly) **
Free Wi-Fi? Yes! And it worked most of the time. I had a strong signal in my room. This is awesome, and I really, truly appreciated it. I mean, come on, what is life without internet? They even have internet access [LAN], which is incredible!
So Much "Stuff to Do"…and Mostly Just Relaxing
Listen, you're in Bali. You should relax. And Sankara is set up for it.
- The Spa: Okay, this is where they REALLY shine. The spa is incredible. I'm talking legit, melt-your-muscles-into-jelly amazing. Seriously, the massage was pure bliss. And all the spa treatments were something that was pure heaven on earth. I had a Body scrub and wrap, and felt like a new human being after. I basically became the spa, I want to live there! They even have a Sauna, Steamroom and Foot bath.
- The Pools: They have an outdoor swimming pool with a view. It's pretty, but honestly, I spent most of my time in the spa. I mean, I am on vacation.
- Fitness Center: They have a Gym/fitness, I didn't test it, but hey, its there.
- Other Relaxing Things: Yoga, meditation…basically, the whole "find yourself" package.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe-ish (or, the Sanitizing Saga)
Okay, let’s talk COVID. Bali in the post-pandemic world is…well, it’s a bit of a dance. Sankara seems to be taking it seriously, which is a relief. Listed include Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Honestly, it's kinda hard to tell how much of it is genuine and how much of it is for show, but they are doing what they can. They definitely went with the Cashless payment service, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit.
Food Glorious Food…and the Occasional Miss
- Restaurants: They have multiple Restaurants! They have everything from: Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty good, with a decent spread. They have Asian breakfast and Western breakfast. Grab some of the yummy Coffee/tea in restaurant.
- The Rest: I was a little disappointed with the menu at their main restaurant and would have liked more options. Also, I was hoping for more traditional Indonesian food. But if you eat and drink enough it won't matter. They do have a Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar, and Room service [24-hour].
Services and Conveniences: What They Got, What They Don't
They have the basics: Daily housekeeping, Currency exchange, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes. Plus Air conditioning in public area, Babysitting service, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Concierge, Dry cleaning, Family/child friendly, Front desk [24-hour], Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Terrace. I appreciate the convenience of the Cash withdrawal, Doorman, Food delivery, and the Coffee/tea maker.
The Slightly Messy Bits (And Why They're Okay)
Look, no place is perfect. Sankara is not, and it can be frustrating. I wish they had better signage. The staff's English was sometimes spotty, but they were always friendly and tried their best.
Bottom Line: Is Sankara Resort Worth It?
HECK YES. If you want a chill, relaxing getaway in Bali with a fantastic spa experience and a generally pretty environment, then Sankara is definitely worth it. Just be prepared to roll with a few minor imperfections and potential accessibility issues.
My Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
SEO Keywords
- Bali Resort
- Luxury Bali Hotel
- Spa Resort Bali
- Wheelchair Accessible Bali Hotels
- Bali Getaway
- Sankara Resort Review
- Best Bali Spa
- Bali Honeymoon Destination
- Bali Vacation
THE INTIMATE BLISS IN SANKARA RESORT : A MESSY, HUMAN, AND HEARTFELT EXPERIENCE
Do you want to be treated like a king? Do you want the best experience of your life? Get your mind out of the gutter, let me explain.
I am here to tell the world that the Sankara Resort has what it takes to be a place that you will never forget.
But before you book, read this review. Be warned, I'm not going to sugarcoat much. I am going to try to capture the essence of the luxurious Sankara Resort and explain why, despite its flaws, it's a must-visit destination.
The Journey to Paradise, Mostly Smooth (If You Can Climb Stairs)
Let's face it, getting to paradise isn't always easy. Firstly, the resort itself is in a pretty good location.
But before you get too excited, some things are a bit lacking.
The Room: My Personal Oasis (With a Few Quirks)
Oh, the rooms. After a long flight, I was so happy to have a place to unwind.
The room was spacious with the addition of bathrobes, giving me a sense of luxury.
Internet Access : A Crucial Point
As a digital nomad, Wi-Fi is an essential point. The Sankara has reliable, fast internet access for all your needs.
Let’s Talk About the Spa: Pure Heaven and Why It Saved Me
Forget everything else. The spa at Sankara Resort is a religious experience.
- The Magic of Massage: I’m not exaggerating when I say the massage was the best I have ever had. The therapists are skilled, and I almost fell asleep due to pure relaxation.
- Body Scrub & Wrap: The body scrub and wrap were pure bliss.
- Sauna, Steamroom, and Foot Bath: The additional amenities are just a plus!
Food, Glorious Food (With Ups and Downs)
- The Buffet: A Feast for the Senses: I was particularly a fan of the breakfast buffet. There was so much food to choose from, with everything from Asian cuisine to Western dishes.
- Poolside Bar & Restaurants: The bars and restaurants were wonderful.
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitizing in Style
I was really pleased at how safe the resort was. They have implemented various precautions in light of the present situation. Anti-viral cleaning products
Hallschlag Lakefront Bungalow: Your Dream German Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-curated travel itinerary. This is… me in Bali, at The Sankara Resort, and honestly, it might be a wild ride. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster. Let's go!
The Sankara Sanctuary: A Messy, Beautiful Week
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Adjustment (Mostly the Cocktails)
- 14:00: Arrived at Denpasar Airport. Oh, the humidity! Felt like walking into a warm, fragrant hug. Not the bad kind, the "oh, I've missed you" kind. Navigating the chaos of the airport felt like a video game level. I swear, half the people were trying to sell me something. Finally, found my driver, bless his soul. He had a tiny grin and a sign with my name on it that looked suspiciously hand-drawn. Perfect.
- 16:00: Check-in at The Sankara. Stunning. Just… stunning. Lush gardens, the scent of frangipani, and a lobby that made me feel like a pampered princess. Actually, scratch that, more like a slightly overwhelmed, slightly sweaty princess. My room? Heaven. Private plunge pool? Uh, YES PLEASE! First impression: total zen.
- 17:00: Pool time! (With a healthy dose of social awkwardness. Why is it always harder to relax when you're meant to relax?) Ordered a cocktail. Okay, maybe two. Okay, maybe three. My brain is definitely not used to this time change.
- 19:00: Dinner at the resort restaurant. The food… OH. MY. GOD. I had this grilled snapper with Balinese spices. I swear, I almost cried. Happy tears, of course. The restaurant, though, was too romantic. Felt like I should be on a date, not by myself, stuffing my face with deliciousness. My inner monologue was battling between "gosh, this is divine" and "oh god, I'm going to embarrass myself." The waiter was VERY attentive.
- 21:00: Staggered back to my room, giggling. Made a disastrous attempt at journaling. Wrote something about feeling "peaceful and jet-lagged." Nailed it.
Day 2: Temples, Terraces, and a Tourist Meltdown (Almost)
- 09:00: Breakfast at the resort. Fruit platters, fresh juice, and STRONG coffee. Needed it after last night. The view from the breakfast nook? Majestic rice paddies. Felt like I was in a postcard.
- 10:00: Ubud exploration! Hired a driver (the same one, thank goodness! He’s probably judging my cocktail consumption, but oh well). First stop: the Tirta Empul temple. So many people! So much incense! Felt a little overwhelmed, but the energy was undeniable. Dipped in the holy springs. Pretty cold, but hey, gotta cleanse the soul, right?
- 12:00: Lunch at a cafe overlooking the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Breathtaking. Seriously. That's not an exaggeration. Green, rolling hills, carved into perfection. Ate a plate of Nasi Goreng while feeling like a total imposter, taking photos. The Instagram in me wants to be aesthetic but the "I-don't-know-how-to-pose" in me is strong.
- 14:00: BIG MISTAKE. Started the Monkey Forest. Let's just say, I’m not a fan of monkeys. They stole my sunglasses (RIP) and almost made me lose my mind. I ran out crying. Well, not crying, more like a theatrical, panicked sprint. I think I may have yelped. My driver found me, looking like a terrified child amongst the tourists. I need to learn how to breathe in these situations.
- 16:00: Resorted to the resort pool to recover. That moment of near-panic in the monkey forest? It was followed by a massive wave of gratitude washing over me. For my driver, for the beauty, for the air.
- 19:00: Back to the resort restaurant. Determined to be more zen. Another delicious meal, but this time, I was prepared with a book!
Day 3: Spa Day, Spasms, and a Slightly Embarrassing Incident
- 10:00: Spa day! Yes! Deep tissue massage, flower bath, the works. Truly the height of luxury. I think I moaned at least twice during the massage; I'm such a cliche.
- 12:00: Okay, so about that "flower bath"… Somehow, I managed to spill the entire contents of my herbal tea over myself. The therapist was so polite, I think I might have actually turned red and then green. I am, without a doubt, the least graceful person on Earth.
- 14:00: Lounging by the pool, pretending the tea incident never happened. Reading. Feeling serene-ish.
- 16:00: Cooking class! Learned to make Gado-Gado. I’m not sure how much of it I’ll remember, but the food was amazing! The chef was charming, and I actually DIDN'T set anything on fire! Victory!
- 19:00: Dinner at a local warung (small family-owned restaurant). The food was authentic and the people were incredibly friendly. I felt like I was getting a glimpse into a real Indonesian life. After the chaos of the monkey forest and the tea party in the spa, this was a relief. Felt like I could finally relax.
Day 4: Adventures of the Waterfall and Unexpected Revelations
- 09:00: Decided to be an "adventurer" and hike to a waterfall. Not my strongest suit.
- 10:00: Reached the waterfall after what felt like an epic journey, and it was worth it! The sound of the water rushing, the cool misty air, it was absolutely breathtaking. Took some pictures and almost fell into the waterfall. I think I’m in a constant state of “almost”.
- 13:00: Went back to the resort, feeling exhausted but satisfied.
- 15:00: Sitting on my balcony, journaling. The sun was setting and everything was bathed in a golden light. Started re-evaluating everything. Why am I here? What am I looking for? It was a vulnerable moment, and surprisingly, I liked it.
- 19:00: Found myself back at the resort restaurant AGAIN. I am so predictable. Another stunning meal. Maybe I am just looking for a good meal to wash away all the doubts. Maybe I like it here.
Day 5: The Art of Doing Nothing (And Loving It)
- 10:00: Slept in! Finally. Spent the morning in my private plunge pool. Just floating, letting the sun warm my skin.
- 12:00: Lunch by the pool. Read a book.
- 15:00: More book reading. More pool lounging. Pure bliss.
- 18:00: Took a walk through the gardens. Appreciated the sheer beauty of the place.
- 19:00: One last dinner at the resort restaurant. I think I'm going to miss the food.
Day 6: Preparing to Leave (With a Thousand Memories)
- 09:00: Last breakfast. Feeling a bit melancholy.
- 10:00: Packing. The hardest part. Not just the actual packing, but packing up the emotions, the experiences.
- 12:00: One last spa treatment. Felt like a goodbye hug for my body.
- 17:00: Saying goodbye to the staff at the Sankara. They were all so kind and genuine. It was the hardest goodbye.
Day 7: Leaving Bali!
- 09:00: Leaving Bali.
- 10:00: Arrival back in my home.
- The end.
This wasn't a perfect trip. I made a fool of myself a few times. I panicked. I cried (okay, maybe a little). But it was my trip. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. The Sankara Resort was a sanctuary, a place of beauty, and a reminder that sometimes, the messy, imperfect moments are the ones we remember the most. I'm going to write another one!
Gorgona Island Paradise: Your Dream Livorno Holiday Awaits!
So, what *is* this "Escape to Paradise" Sankara Resort thing anyway? Sounds…fancy. And intimidating.
Right, Bali. Always wanted to go! What’s the *actual* resort like? Seriously, give me the dirt.
**The slightly-stressed detail**: Now, let's be real: getting around at the resort is all buggy transportation, which is all the time (it's big!). Be ready for some delays in getting to your spa appointment.
Okay, villas and smiling staff sound good, but is the food any good? I'm a foodie, and I'm skeptical of resort food.
**The 'I need this now' detail**: The cocktails at sunset... don't even get me started. Just… go. Order the Mango Mojito. Thank me later. You'll be too involved in savoring the moment.
What about activities? Is it all just lying by the pool? (Which, fair enough, but...)
**The slightly regretting detail**: I really wish I'd taken that surf lesson. Still kicking myself. Next time! Maybe next time, you will seize the opportunity.
Okay, sounds amazing. But, realistically, is it *expensive*? I'm on a budget.
Is there *anything* you didn't like? Be brutally honest!
What's the *most* memorable thing about your trip? The one thing you won't forget.
Any advice for someone considering the "Escape to Paradise" deal? Quick tips!
