Want to find true Bali bliss? Head to the InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort

Live the luxury life in Bali, minus the crowds, at the dreamy beachside InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort

Bali has its fair share of luxurious resorts, slung through the popular jungles of Ubud or beside the busy beaches of Nusa Dua and Seminyak. But perhaps the prettiest newcomer of the all calls a tranquil seaside community home, away from the constant hum of traffic and the bustle of busy streets. After all, you come to this Indonesian island to relax, recharge and revive, right?

Live the InterContinental life in Sanur

Welcome to the InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort, set across four hectares of prime east-coast Balinese coastline. Arriving in the seaside town of Sanur is like taking a deep dive into Indonesian culture. Colourful fishing boats come and go, bringing in the haul of the day. Night markets are packed with stalls selling local delicacies. Historical attractions await in the town’s centre. And – most importantly for holiday-makers – there’s powdery sand to pad along or cycle beside, before you splash about in the turquoise sea.

This is your playground when you check in to the freshly minted InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort, a tranquil cocoon of luxurious suites and villas enveloped by palm trees and lush gardens that lead you to the ocean. The entire property is designed with Indonesian aesthetics in mind, from intricate latticework to polished timbers and local Balinese artworks.

InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort Style

Arriving in the resor’s open-air reception area you’re instantly transported to a happy place, the smell of frangipani and lemongrass perfuming the air, and the gentle sound of Indonesian music wafting on the wind.

The relaxed vibe follows you to your room, whether you check in to a suite or one of the newly rejuvenated one- to three-bedroom villas. The latter are meticulously designed as a retreat you won’t want to leave, at once traditional and modern, calming and inspiring. Spaces are earthy and grounding, utilising natural materials like local stone, rich woods and expansive glass panels, to bring the outdoors in.

There are bespoke furnishings and plush fabrics in a soothing colour palette that reflects the beauty of Bali. And each villa comes with spacious living and sleeping areas, not to mention fully equipped kitchens. But you don’t have to cook – call upon the services of a private chef to prepare your meal in-villa, or dine alfresco beside your private pool under the stars.  

Wining and dining, the InterContinental way

If you can tear yourself away, the InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort has three restaurants and bars to indulge in. Drop into beachfront Pier Eight for a casual meal throughout the day, or try the Jukung breakfast experience, which takes the ‘floating breakfast’ concept to a whole new level. This sees you alight a traditional Balinese boat (a jukung) to feast you float, your backdrop a dazzling sunrise over the sea.  

For something more formal, Layang-Layang is a shrine to Indonesia, both in design and food. Cool breezes waft over tables where you can indulge in exquisite Balinese specialty dishes. Or opt for the private dining room, replete with an open kitchen. And Nyala Beach Club & Grill sits beside the pool, and is the ideal perch for a light mid-day meal and cocktail – gourmet sandwiches, healthy salads, sumptuous grilled seafood and chargrilled cuts of meat.

An InterContinental adventure

Life here revolves around the outdoors, so it comes as no surprise that the resort has beautiful pools to recline by. Or get active by – try morning yoga here as well as aqua aerobics and aqua stretching. If you want a dose of culture, practice Balinese dance or learn how to make a traditional canang blessing or kite to fly over the beach.

And then when it’s time to unwind, chill out by a bonfire or head to Sansara Spa, where holistic treatments range from crystal and sound healing to massages, herbal compresses, sea-mineral detox and chakra balancing – you can even check in for multi-day wellness programs that incorporate soothing elements into every moment of your stay.

Because when in Bali…