After The Balé, The Santai, and a few other idyllic resorts in Bali, boutique hotel operator Lifestyle Retreats now presents The Samata, their first resort in Sanur. The Samata is an exemplary sports-inspired retreat with a stunning view of paddy field and an unrivalled array of facilities to get active that makes it an ideal spot to unwind and recharge the body and mind.
Over the years, the hip areas in Bali like Seminyak and Jimbaran have been magnets for tourists with their vibrant nightlife and exquisite restaurants. Meanwhile, the low-key Sanur has attracted a different set of clientele, appealing largely to a more mature crowd who prefer to be restful. Lately, however, the area has seen the return of the younger crowd who is discovering Sanur’s quiet charm. Tapping into the momentum, The Samata opened its doors in May.
Past a discreet gate and over a bridge that crosses a small river moat, guests arrive at the resort’s quaint little reception area. It opens up to two azure blue swimming pools with an unobstructed vista of lush paddy fields and the shimmering Indian ocean.
One of the pools is named ‘Chill’, shaped like a pendulum with its circular end fitted with seats inside the pool. Above water, it’s surrounded by a wooden deck for swimmers to get sun-kissed in between dips. The adjacent pool ‘Lap’, separated from its counterpart by a cute little hut, is designed for the more active guests. It’s lined with comfortable daybeds with billowy curtains that provide more sunshade.
The Samata extends its offerings for guests to take care the body and mind with a total of three pools — the last one being “Energy”, located by the extensive fitness facilities, core element to the concept of the resort — a tennis court, a cross-fit facility, yoga and meditation studio, boxing ring, and a well equipped gym — a list that’s uniquely extensive for the size of the property and number of guests it caters. Going up one level above the gym, there are four spa rooms where an array of body and face treatments are done with natural products.
The Samata’s sophistication comes from its sanctuary-like design: cool, calm, and collected. The clean and simple exterior is mainly done in oat-white Palimanan stone, warmed by sombre tones of the interior’s teak furniture and enlivened by nature.
One of the 400 sqm two-bedroom pool villas faces the verdant paddy field and the pools. The bedrooms are nested in two separate cottages under traditional, Toraja-inspired thatched roofs. From the rooms’ balconies, guests might catch glimpses of local farmers in straw hats tending to their field under the tropical sun. The bedrooms come with a canopy bed, complimentary minibar and an en-suite aquamarine mosaic-tiled bathroom with a rain shower that’s close to nature. The two cottages share spacious alfresco living and dining areas that are lined with a private pool.
Once a private residential, The Samata now has a total of 10 suites and villas consisting of three two-bedroom pool villas, one unit of 150 sqm one-bedroom pool villa, two 50 sqm spa suites, three 75 sqm ocean view suites and The Samata Residence, a lovely one three-bedroom pool villa measuring at 500 sqm.
Also in line with its identity as a centre of well being is The Samata’s Zenso restaurant that specializes in health-conscious, gourmet dishes. Both the food’s presentation and flavour transcend expectations, like with the steamed salmon served with sticky rice, and wakame and sesame salad; the soft vanilla French toast with flavourful organic berry compote; and asparagus with light truffled egg yolk dressing and shaved parmesan cheese. The ultimate treat, however, is the almond panna cotta, made with their in-house almond milk, topped with a scoop of mango sorbet, and drizzled with raspberry coulis. Everything is made to order, so expect nothing less than fresh and healthy dishes and beverages.
Lifestyle Retreats strives to offer guests a unique experience through their distinctly conceptual resorts, with their latest, The Samata, no longer an undiscovered gem but a rare idyll where a relaxing getaway and an active lifestyle meet good design.