On the day that we arrived at Karma Kandara we were full of excitement ( … & some hesitation) knowing that we would be enjoying true five star luxury for the next week on what is known in Bali as “Billionaires Row.”
Now don’t get me wrong - I love a luxury vacation just as much as the next girl, but a small part of me always worries that the island culture & casual beach vibes may get lost in modern luxury &five star, in-villa services. Sure, it wounds like a horribly trivial worry to have that I may sink into a poolside lounge chair & be lost until checkout, but I also believe that experiencing the local food, culture & vibe of any country is incredibly important … otherwise why not just stay home?
Our journey started with check-in at the front lobby & a vibrant and delicious welcome drink (something that you will find is standard in most hotels & villas in Bali). Our concierge introduced herself as Dewi, helped us to lift our bags onto a small trolley & led us down the pathway to our home for the week.
From the moment that our big blue doors swung open into the courtyard, I could tell that we were going to enjoy our time here.
Comprised of two separate buildings with a small pool in between, our common areas & living quarters were clean and modern, but still distinctly Bali.
It didn’t take long for us to get settled by the pool before receiving a call asking if we would like to book lounge chairs on the beach for the following morning.
One of our favorite features of Karma Kandara was the way that they prioritize the needs of their guests. Confirming day beds & beach chairs the night before was just one of the many ways that guests were able to enjoy the beach without having to worry about outside travelers coming to the beach club & monopolizing spaces intended for paying guests.
The beach & beach club were an adventure of their own! From the entry point at the top of the cliff-side to the gondola down to the beach (cold towels & organic shots on arrival), we always felt relaxed & well taken care of.
We were certainly impressed that in a resort of that size we were never forgotten & that the famous “Bali hospitality” was always present. We enjoyed conversations with staff about where they were from & were given many recommendations for tours, restaurants & warungs in the area that could offer guests a more authentic, local experience.
Easy trips from Karma Kandara include a visit to Uluwatu Temple, Garuda Wisnu statue & the Jimbaran Beach Fish Market, but there are many unique experiences to be had in the South of Bali.
All in all our impression of Karma Kandara was that it was well worth the money spent & that it was the staff that put our experience over the top.
Paired with a stay somewhere a little more Bali and little less Billionaire, a visit to Karma Kandara (especially for Honeymooners or small groups of friends) could be just what you need for the perfect Bali getaway.
Book your stay online or get in touch with TL Travel at reservations@tltravel.ca to inquire about your own custom travel package (airport transfers & tours included)!