This classy resort restored my faith in Bali as a great holiday destination

The Hotel

Legian Seminyak, Bali

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If there’s one certainty in life, and for that matter, travel, it’s that we can be sure that there will always be another flashy hotel or resort poised to open, or in the works, on the so-called “Island of the Gods”. Bali’s unchecked overdevelopment remains a concern for the thinking traveller, but then there are the stayers that instil hope. They’re the well-established, well-managed establishments such as The Legian Seminyak, Bali, which possess the ability to restore even the biggest Bali doubter’s faith in the island. Thirty years old this year and blessed with a sublime golden-sand beachfront setting, The Legian consists of 67 suites in its deluxe main wing with a further 15 villas in The Club by The Legian, its exclusive private enclave with private pools.

The look

Classic Bali, The Legian was designed by Indonesians, namely the late and venerated Indonesian architect Hendra Hadiprana with interiors by compatriot Jaya Ibrahim, a protege of British designer Anouska Hempel. The resort’s elegant and understated look draws inspiration from Bali’s rich culture and its skilled craftsmanship, and, with the odd nip and tuck, The Legian has weathered the years impressively.

The room

When they say “room” they really mean room to move. Even standard suites in the main wing at The Legian begin at the non-standard – around 100 square metres. The high-walled, lavishly appointed villas at The Club by The Legian compound are four times bigger still, and with a commensurate price-tag. While they’re set back from the beach and separated by a road from the main wing, compensation comes with the inclusion of a private pool. There is also a large and lovely communal equivalent overlooking the pavilion restaurant in a gorgeous tropical garden setting.

Food + drink

Excellent as in-house The Restaurant at The Legian is, with its mix of Indonesian and Western cuisine, management is mature enough to realise guests will want to explore dining opportunities beyond the resort. Close to the hotel is Bambu, a sophisticated Indonesian-themed, Australian-owned eatery in Kerobokan Kelod that’s gorgeous at night while further afield, in Ubud, The Legian-managed Begawan Biji is a stunning rustic, on-site farm-to-table restaurant with views across rice fields and kitchen gardens. Specialising in superb organic Indonesian and Asian dishes prepared over fire and served in an airy Balinese-style wantilan pavilion, if you only leave The Legian once during your stay do make sure it’s for lunch or dinner at this tranquil rustic stunner.

Out + about

Beyond Begawan Biji, The Legian has shrewdly developed relationships with various like-minded quality businesses which it can confidently recommend to guests. These include Balinese-Italian-owned Gaya Ceramic, and the Komaneka Fine Art Gallery, both in Ubud, and John Hardy, the Canadian-founded artisan Balinese jeweller. Its striking showroom in Seminyak not only overlooks a temple and its grounds but also a restaurant, The Long Table, something of a jewel in its own right. It offers a modern, share-plate-based Indonesian dining experience courtesy of Tomy Saputra, its imaginative and personable Indonesian chef.

The verdict

Class ultimately wins over tack, even in Bali. No wonder, then, that The Legian Seminyak, which counts Australia as its biggest market for guests, continues to collect laurels for its salubrious setting, high standards of service and so much more.

Essentials

Rooms from $617 per night, excluding taxes and fees. The Legian Seminyak, Bali and The Club by The Legian, Jalan Kayu Aya, Seminyak Beach, Bali, Indonesia. Phone: +62 361 730622. See lhm-hotels.com

Our rating out of five

★★★★★

HIGHLIGHT

Book an early dinner at The Restaurant overlooking the beach where you’ll be treated to not only fine food but a usually superlative Indian Ocean sunset.

LOWLIGHT

Take care negotiating the narrow road directly outside the entrance to the resort. There’s a notional pedestrian crossing with a security guard, but vehicles tend not to stop.

The writer travelled as a guest of The Legian Seminyak, Bali.