The Holiday Villa Diwangkara Beach Hotel and Resort was one of the hotels I stayed at during my inaugural trip to Bali.
Located in the Sanur beach area, this resort styled hotel seems like the perfect place to enjoy the best of both worlds - Balinese beach and also the amazing Balinese culture.
Update: Just so you know, the resort is now called Diwangkara Beach Hotel and Resort, as the owners decided to self-manage the property.
When I first arrived at the hotel, I was greeted by Ms.Nonik, the Sales and Marketing manager here and she took me around the resort showing me some of the unique features available here.
In my own opinion, I think this place is very suitable for those looking for a nice and quiet vacation in Bali.
If you have kids, this would be perfect as the beach is just a stone's throw away while attractions are easily accessible from here.
Located in the Sanur beach area, this resort styled hotel seems like the perfect place to enjoy the best of both worlds - Balinese beach and also the amazing Balinese culture.
Update: Just so you know, the resort is now called Diwangkara Beach Hotel and Resort, as the owners decided to self-manage the property.
Diwangkara Beach Hotel and Resort Review
When I first arrived at the hotel, I was greeted by Ms.Nonik, the Sales and Marketing manager here and she took me around the resort showing me some of the unique features available here.
In my own opinion, I think this place is very suitable for those looking for a nice and quiet vacation in Bali.
If you have kids, this would be perfect as the beach is just a stone's throw away while attractions are easily accessible from here.
Sanur Beach, Bali Balinese Statue at Holiday Villa
Sanur is about 20 minutes drive (10 km away) from Kuta and located on the southeastern side of Bali, therefore, it is pretty centralized if you are planning on visiting the many places of interest around Bali.
The good thing about this 4-star hotel is that there is no traffic madness unlike Kuta town so it will be a breeze moving in and out of the area any time of the day.
Trust me, after visiting Kuta, I was glad I choose to stay here versus any other place in the main area of Kuta.
The good thing about this 4-star hotel is that there is no traffic madness unlike Kuta town so it will be a breeze moving in and out of the area any time of the day.
Trust me, after visiting Kuta, I was glad I choose to stay here versus any other place in the main area of Kuta.
Villa entrance Balinese Statues
I took a deluxe pool villa unit which was very private with my own plunge pool and mini outdoor garden.
The entire unit is surrounded by a wall with traditional Balinese doors at the main entrance. Inside the villa compound lies a well-manicured Balinese garden and plunge pool while the patio comes with some traditional furniture.
The main villa walls have intricate Balinese carvings that make this experience a whole.
The entire unit is surrounded by a wall with traditional Balinese doors at the main entrance. Inside the villa compound lies a well-manicured Balinese garden and plunge pool while the patio comes with some traditional furniture.
The main villa walls have intricate Balinese carvings that make this experience a whole.
Villa Patio at Holiday Villa Diwangkara Bali
Entering the villa, I was greeted by a huge super queen-sized four-poster bed made out of rich Indonesian wood.
Basic amenities are found all over the room while the bathroom and toilet are interconnected to the plunge pool via a separate wooden door.
Inspecting the minor details around the villa, I was pleased to find a bright green circular card that mentioned how the hotel participated in the Environmental Ecology Program.
It asks the guest to participate in the Go Green Practice by reusing towels and putting off lights and television when not using it. A thumbs up from me on seeing this being practised.
Basic amenities are found all over the room while the bathroom and toilet are interconnected to the plunge pool via a separate wooden door.
Inspecting the minor details around the villa, I was pleased to find a bright green circular card that mentioned how the hotel participated in the Environmental Ecology Program.
It asks the guest to participate in the Go Green Practice by reusing towels and putting off lights and television when not using it. A thumbs up from me on seeing this being practised.
No doubt the overall feel of the villa is very homely and warm, the air conditioning was amazingly really cold so if you were out during a nice and hot day, you would be looking forward to coming back here.
Another thing is that I don't usually watch television like most of the time I am out exploring sights but I was informed that all the units would be going through an upgrade with new LCD TVs.I hope they are going to be the 50-inch ones.
Another thing is that I don't usually watch television like most of the time I am out exploring sights but I was informed that all the units would be going through an upgrade with new LCD TVs.I hope they are going to be the 50-inch ones.
Villa private plunge pool
As for the bathroom and toilet, it was very spacious and I liked how the doorway led towards the plunge pool outside making it easy to access the shower or tub without running through the main bedroom.
Another point I want to highlight is the partial open-top concept for the bathroom where natural light can peep through during the day.
But not to worry as there is a netting above to prevent leaves and bugs from coming in. Mosquitoes? I don't think I saw or experienced any during my stay here.
Another point I want to highlight is the partial open-top concept for the bathroom where natural light can peep through during the day.
But not to worry as there is a netting above to prevent leaves and bugs from coming in. Mosquitoes? I don't think I saw or experienced any during my stay here.
Walking around the main resort will instantly give you the traditional Balinese feel as the modest and tasteful decorations make the place complete with minimalist effort.
Lush green plants, water features, and traditional Balinese statues are placed throughout the grounds.
Walking through from the main street entrance of the hotel, you will end up at the main swimming pool area which is just next to the main restaurant.
This faces the main Sanur beach and walking street were a hive of activities going on from day until the night.
There are several restaurants and bars located along this mini street for the adventurous and curious guest.
Lush green plants, water features, and traditional Balinese statues are placed throughout the grounds.
Walking through from the main street entrance of the hotel, you will end up at the main swimming pool area which is just next to the main restaurant.
This faces the main Sanur beach and walking street were a hive of activities going on from day until the night.
There are several restaurants and bars located along this mini street for the adventurous and curious guest.
The main walking street outside the beach resort in Bali
As I had my daily breakfast facing the sea, I would see many locals and tourists passing by while beachgoers are getting themselves tanned on the long spacious beach here at Sanur.
Vendors selling all sorts of knick-knacks and souvenirs line the walkway while a short three-minute walk along the beach road would lead you to the Le Mayeur Museum which is very interesting.
Mind you all this is happening at the back entrance of the Diwangkara Beach Hotel and Resort.
Vendors selling all sorts of knick-knacks and souvenirs line the walkway while a short three-minute walk along the beach road would lead you to the Le Mayeur Museum which is very interesting.
Mind you all this is happening at the back entrance of the Diwangkara Beach Hotel and Resort.
Back at the beach resort, the main lobby area is well divided with the reception, business room, a spa and also a mini stage area with the traditional Balinese Pura walls. Free WiFi is available throughout the main lobby area for guests.
As for the Kawas Spa, there are numerous types of traditional and relaxing packages ranging from as low as US$14.00 so for those who had a long flight or simply need to cool down with a nice massage, you can easily access this at the lobby area.
As for the Kawas Spa, there are numerous types of traditional and relaxing packages ranging from as low as US$14.00 so for those who had a long flight or simply need to cool down with a nice massage, you can easily access this at the lobby area.
For the ladies, there is a pedicure and manicure service available at the Kawas Spa too. And yes, men can also go for this service.
For the Malaysian or Muslim travellers, you can easily get local Malaysian styled halal food at the hotel. Most of the staff here speak very good English and Bahasa so communication is not an issue.
As most Balinese are Hindus, pork is widely found throughout the island but the Holiday Villa Diwangkara is a halal resort to cater to Muslim travellers as well.
For the Malaysian or Muslim travellers, you can easily get local Malaysian styled halal food at the hotel. Most of the staff here speak very good English and Bahasa so communication is not an issue.
As most Balinese are Hindus, pork is widely found throughout the island but the Holiday Villa Diwangkara is a halal resort to cater to Muslim travellers as well.
Outdoor restaurant Beach entrance to Holiday Villa Bali
Below are also the published rack rates in US Dollars for the rooms, bungalows, and villas. Please do check the website for monthly promotions for the rooms.
You can also book a room at the Diwangkara Beach Hotel and Resort Bali.
You can also book a room at the Diwangkara Beach Hotel and Resort Bali.
Diwangkara Beach Hotel and Resort Room Rates (estimates)
- Superior Room: USD145.00 nett
- Deluxe Room: USD165.00 nett
- Superior Garden Villa: USD185.00 nett
- Deluxe Garden Villa: USD195.00 nett
- Superior Pool Villa: USD330.00 nett
- Deluxe Pool Villa: USD450.00 nett
- Antara Pool Villa: USD820.00 nett
How to get to Diwangkara Beach Hotel and Resort in Bali?
By road via bus or taxi
- Taxi charges from the airport to Denpasar are less than US$3.00.
- The best and most popular taxis are the blue cabs from Bali Taxi (0361-701111) and the orange ones from Praja Taxi Bali (0361-289090).
- Sanur is 20 minutes drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Tickets can be obtained from the train station or on-line booking.
- There is also an international express train service to Bangkok, Thailand, operated by State Railway of Thailand.
- Two of the four Bali seaports anchored by international cruise ships and yachts are Benoa, South of Denpasar and Padangbai on the East.
- Regular ferry services the Padangbai-Lombok route four times daily.
Some of the villa units at Diwangkara Bali
Final Thoughts on the Diwangkara Beach Hotel and Resort Review
My conclusion to staying at this resort hotel is: If you are looking to be away from the massive crowds in Kuta, this is your perfect choice as it is very strategically located in the southeast of Bali.
For the business travellers, you would also be pleased to know that the resort hotel caters for business packages as they are ready to accommodate from 60 to 115 people in fully wireless internet business meeting rooms.
There is also a special rate for business travellers on the main website. Overall, if I do visit Bali again soon, I would easily choose this hotel over the many others due to the simplicity and warm hospitality found at the Diwangkara Beach Hotel and Resort in Bali.
My conclusion to staying at this resort hotel is: If you are looking to be away from the massive crowds in Kuta, this is your perfect choice as it is very strategically located in the southeast of Bali.
For the business travellers, you would also be pleased to know that the resort hotel caters for business packages as they are ready to accommodate from 60 to 115 people in fully wireless internet business meeting rooms.
There is also a special rate for business travellers on the main website. Overall, if I do visit Bali again soon, I would easily choose this hotel over the many others due to the simplicity and warm hospitality found at the Diwangkara Beach Hotel and Resort in Bali.