It has often been said that one must stay at W Retreat & Spa when in Bali. We had the immense pleasure of staying there during our recent trip and we wholeheartedly agree. W Bali has that “X-factor” that cannot be replicated and this is why everyone goes to W Hotel when they are in Seminyak.

When I choose a hotel, one of the critical factors is the presence of good F&B establishments. At W Retreat & Spa, the restaurants and bars in the property are effortlessly chic and complete the true W experience.

Starfish Bloo is a gorgeous restaurant and seaside beach club, which delivers Pan-Asian cuisine in a classy and stylish setting. Highlights include Asian signatures with a twist such as the Roast Pork Belly Steamed Buns and Crispy Fried Salt and Pepper Lobster, and Western main courses infused with Asian flavours like Penang Curry of Slow Braised Wagyu Beef and Grilled Baby Chicken Balinese style.

There is also Fire, a stunning casual grill restaurant that is known for its carnivorous menu, and the star is undoubtedly the steaks from the wood-fired grill. We sampled a number of dishes prepared by Director of Cuisine, Richard Miller, including his foie gras chawanmushi and 48 Hour Beef Oyster Blade Steak.

WooBar, widely accepted as Bali’s premier party spot, is where the cool crowd hangs out and parties like that is no tomorrow. Ice and W Lounge are also equally popular for a well-made cocktail and some light bites.

Also, no one leaves W without a pampering session at their iconic and world-famous AWAY Spa. There is a reason why it has continuously been awarded with so many best spa awards. While there are no doubt cheaper options on the island, AWAY Spa is one of the best and definitely worth the splurge.

Of course, W Retreat & Spa is not just about restaurants and bars. What sets them apart is the culture of the workplace and the attitude of the talents. Service is not only attentive and intuitive, but it is also sincere and genuine. All the talents are very fluent and speak good English, and they take pride in everything they do.

The impression that we received is that the talents truly believe in the W brand, and they are there not just to work, but also to deliver the W experience to the guests. As we all know, wages in a country like Indonesia are not exactly the highest. Yet, at W Retreat & Spa, the talents are very motivated in delivering the best customer service and experience.

We found out that W practises a “Hire for attitude and train for skill” mantra. It values each talent’s unique abilities and empowers them to make independent decisions to solve customer issues. As every talent knows his/her work very well, not only can they ensure that everything goes smoothly, but they can also give a hand in any unforeseen situations.

One particular experience that left a huge impression on us was that when we went to the ocean-facing “sofa-tents”, the pool attendant offered to lay a huge towel on the seat for us, but we refused because we did not want to trouble him. However, he told us that it is for our safety in case there were any insects or sand particles on the seat, and that by having the towel, it would make his job easier and smarter as cleaning up after we leave would be more efficient for him.

Everything that we have experienced in the resort sets new benchmarks for us. Once you have stayed at W, your perception of luxury hotel will never be the same again.

W, you are indeed the talk of the town.

W Retreat & Spa Bali
Jalan Petitenget
Kerobokan, Seminyak
Denpasar Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 4738106
Note: This was an invited media stay.

This post is in conjunction with ladyironchef x the union.

From chic beach clubs to swanky bars, there are no lack of trendy drinking spots in Bali. The places that we have included in this list boast an address that any nightspot will covet.

Here is a guide to Bali’s best Beach Clubs & Bars.

#1 KU DE TA

The nightlife scene in Bali is vibrant and there are plenty of new and exciting bars opening all the time, but it is Ku De Ta’s x-factor that has been keeping it at the forefront. The prices may be steep, but the quality food and drinks, awesome vibe, and spectacular view of the ocean, concludes Ku De Ta as one of the must-go destinations in Bali.

Jalan Kayu Aya No. 9
Seminyak Bali
Tel: +62 361 736969

#2 MOZAIC BEACH CLUB

Whether you are going for food or drink, you are sure to be impressed by Mozaic Beach Club, the sister restaurant of the famous Mozaic restaurant in Ubud – which is rated as the best restaurant in Bali by The Miele Guide 2013. Mozaic Beach Club offers good food, delicious drinks in a laid-back environment.

Jalan Pantai Batu Belig, Kerobokan
Tel: +62 361 4735796
Daily: 10am – 1am

#3 POTATO HEAD BEACH CLUB

When you ask locals and visitors to name their favourite beach club, most people would suggest Potato Head in Seminyak. With a gorgeous and unobstructed view of the beach, a whole list of drinks, sexy music and an even sexier crowd, it is not difficult to understand why Potato Head Beach Club is one of the most popular bars in Bali.

Jalan Petitenget 51B
Seminyak, Bali
Tel: +62 0361 473 7979
Daily: 11am – 2am

#4 ROCK BAR AT AYANA RESORT BALI

Voted ‘Best Sunset Venue in Bali’ by many publications, Rock Bar sits on the rock 14 meters above the ocean at the base of the cliffs at Ayana Resort. With a location like that, you won’t need much convincing to go to Rock Bar for a sundown cocktail. Get there early by 4pm, or be prepared to wait in line.

AYANA Resort and Spa Bali
Jl Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran
Tel: +62 361 702222
Daily: 4pm – 1am

#5 SOLEIL AT THE MULIA RESORT BALI

The Mulia Resort redefines stunning on a whole new level, much more than what you would think of from the Island of Gods. The sheer space, the grandeur of the Greek architecture, every single fine detail, the unrivalled luxury and unparalleled beauty; all these are but mere words until you set foot on this paradise – to believe, and to see for yourself what The Mulia Bali has to offer.

If you are staying there, check out Soleil – a stunning beach front restaurant that serves an extensive spread of authentic Mediterranean and Pan-Asian cuisines.

The Mulia Bali
Jalan Nusa Dua, Kuta Selatan, Badung, Bali 80361

#6 SUNDARA AT FOUR SEASONS JIMBARAN

Jimbaran Bay, mostly known for its top quality seafood in casual settings by the beach, is hardly a place which you would associate with chichi F&B establishments. All that changed with the arrival of Sundara at Four Seasons Jimbaran. Boasting a top-notch view of the beach with the most spectacular sunset, Sundara combines a restaurant, bar and patio with an infinity pool, and it offers sophisticated modern cuisine in a relaxed beach-club vibe.

Four Seasons Jimbaran
Jimbaran, Kuta Selatan
Tel: +62 361 701010
Daily: 11.30am – 1am

#7 WOOBAR AT W RETREAT & SPA BALI

Widely accepted as Bali’s premier party spot, WooBar at W Retreat & Spa is where the cool crowd hang out and party. Even if you are not staying at W Resort & Spa Bali, you should swing by for a drink. There is always something exciting going on at W’s signature bar.

W Resort & Spa Bali
Jalan Petitenget
Kerobokan, Seminyak
Tel: +62 361 4738 106
Sun to Thu: 10am – 1am
Fri & Sat: 10am – 2am