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Vila Shanti Beach Hotel in Sanur
Vila Shanti Beach Hotel in Sanur
I had read the forum in preparation for my first visit to Bali and decided to spend the bulk of my time in Sanur Beach with shorter stays in Ubud and Kuta. Based on recommendations by One Wing Low and another poster, I booked 5 nights at the Vila Shanti Beach Hotel in Sanur. Internet rate was $48/night including breakfast. I'm quite pleased with this hotel after my first couple of nights here. Their restaurant and swimming pool overlook the beach and the north-south pathway that parallels the ocean. The grounds are impressive with their extensive landscaping, fish ponds, and statuary. The property is two stories with a stairs to climb if you're on the upper level. My room is surprisingly large with basic furnishings, nice king size bed, high ceilings, tiled floor, and an outside deck or veranda. An unstocked referigerator is in the wardrobe cabinet. The bathroom is politely described as functional with a tub/shower and plenty of hot water. The air conditioner is excellent and never requires fine tuning. There is no tv or internet available, with the latter being a real drawback. There is no room safe so I elected to use the safety deposit boxes at the front desk to store excess cash, credit cards, and passport. If you loose your key there is a $100 US charge. The other side of this small complex leads out to the main street.
Vila Shanti is very nicely located adjacent to the Griya Santrian in an area of the beach that is fairly active with tourists. If you walk 1/2 km on the beach trail either north or south, things get quiet. The famous and beautiful Sanur Hyatt is about 1/2 km south...with J Danau Poso Street being another good 6 blocks south of that. Danau Poso is not easily walked from here plus it's further south from the Hyatt than a map might suggest. Public transport in the "bemos" costs 5000 IDR or about 52 cents and will take you down to and all along Danau Poso. On the beach path to the north is the well regarded Bonsai Cafe and the Bemmo Cafe. Both offer dining right on the beach. When leaving the Vila, the custom is to leave your room key with the front desk. If you bring an overnight guest home with you, it's quite simple to have her bypass the front office. You can maintain your privacy here very easily both day and night.
I had dinner in the restaurant my first and second night but the food wasn't as impressive as the beach setting. However, this area is loaded with restaurants and bars, so you have many options. By the way, for newbies to Indonesia, you rarely see anyone drink anything other than beer...presumabely due to taxes. Breakfast here likewise is your basic omlett, toast, and fruit. (Don't miss the free breakfast by thinking that the Bali time zone is the same as the Jakarta time zone. There's a one hour difference.) The pool, however, is nice and very useable. Older and middle aged European couples along with some children populate the place. I haven't seen any Austrailians or fellow Americans yet. "Holland International" and "World of TUI" signage in the lobby suggests that some tour groups from Holland stay at this property.
Bottom line for me: most excellent location on the beach with pool and restaurant, easy accessibility to other bars/restaurants, soothing Balanese type gardens and fish ponds, an ability to come and go with privacy at all times of the day. Downside: no internet, tv, or room safe.
The "scene" here in Sanur is quite interesting with the local brothels and an occasional bar with touts. In late evening, the Bemos have older ladies riding along with the driver who offer "massage complete" to the new passenger. Stay tuned for my Sanur Scene/Brothel report...complete with street pics.