Living THE LOCAL Life

IN THE LAST YEAR, TWO LUXURY HOSPITALITY CHAINS HAVE CHOSEN BALI AS THE LOCATION FOR THEIR FIRST RESORT OUTPOST IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. WE GIVE YOU THE LOWDOWN

- CAROLINE SUGANDA

If you’ve never heard of Sanur before, you are not alone. One of the less touristy areas of Bali, Sanur is also known as a quiet and family-friendly neighbourhood. Just 30 minutes away from the airport and an hour from popular places like Semiyak and Ubud, Sanur sits on the southeast part of the island — it is a small seaside village that doesn’t have the loud clubs and rushing waves of the west. Its main street, Jalan Danau Tamblingan, is a long, walkable stretch of road lined with speciality stores like boutique pet shops and yoga studios as well as a wide range of eateries — offering everything from family-style Italian dining and local Balinese fare to French-style pastries and Australian brunches.

Parallel to it, the Sanur boardwalk and beach is the best spot to cycle and watch sunrise, where families spend relaxed evenings by the calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for kids. It is quiet without a lack of things to do; popular among the locals without being overrated. Sanur was brought to my attention when Andaz opened an outpost here right after the pandemic. In a way this was not a surprising choice since the Hyattowned chain prides itself on choosing colourful locations that reflect the local culture. Think: Andaz Singapore in the heart of Kampong Glam.

If you’ve stayed at the Andaz before, you know that the brand concept is about deeply rooting its properties in the communities they are located in. So Andaz Bali is designed to resemble a contemporary Balinese village — from its intimate scale with buildings nestled amid the lush greenery, to the use of distinctive red bricks as well as other traditional construction materials.