Going to Bali is very hip right now. The Indonesian island has become a hotspot for sun seekers, spiritualists, historians, scuba divers, pot addicts, surfers and many other groups in the last years. There’s probably a little bit for everyone here. But most of all, what Bali offers, is crazy fantastic hotels. Just like the W Retreat & Spa Seminyak, opened in 2011.

Okay, the beach isn’t the best on the island. But in general, you don’t come to Bali for the hotel beaches. You come for the party, the food, the culture and … well, you get it. And for the retreats and spas, just like this one. The W impresses from the time you enter the posh lobby area. Overlooking the sea, a huge lobby-club-bar-lounge invites to linger a little longer, enjoy a cocktail and a good book. Well, if you haven’t booked one of the amazing villas.

Being lucky enough to get a villa, you are escorted with a minibus to your private villa entrance, which gives way to a neat little garden that is mostly taken up by the volcanic stone pool and the pool cabana. Music everywhere. Even outside? They though of everything here. The Bose sound system with the hotel’s own CD mix streams even inside the pool cabana. Breeze with a tune, so to say.

The villa interior is timeless and simply beautiful. This is how I want my home to look like one day. Well, maybe a bit spacier, but the design here is top notch. A beautiful bathroom with a large window facing the pool cabana. Plants outside every window. Rainforest shower. Separate toilet. Ah, and Bliss toiletries. Lots of them. Because when you stay in a villa or suite, the W gives you the super-size bottles.

The whole experience is quite heavenly, and when you come here with your special someone, you will pretty much commute from your private pool to the bedroom and vice versa. Just kidding, but more romantic is difficult. This is honeymoon heaven.

And then, there’s the public areas. You almost forget about them, but also the big pool is fantastic, offering nice beach views, a good service and beach restaurant, and great lighting at night. Oh, and a show each evening. The evening ritual, they call it. Pretty impressive.

Breakfast is over-the-top, like in all W Hotels in Asia. But this one is somehow even better. A little bit of everything, good quality. Nice. I’ll come back later for lunch!

Check out this hotel video I took on my last visit: