One of the most unique things Derik and I have experienced in our travels, was the opportunity to revisit a place we absolutely loved a few years prior. As we were making plans to leave New Zealand last year and looking forward to our travels through Bali, Singapore, and Europe, Grand Mirage All-Inclusive Resort invited us to stay a few days while we were visiting Bali. We had an amazing time at the Grand Mirage in 2012 (how’s that for a dated post), and wouldn’t dream of declining such a wonderful and welcome invite!
The Grand Mirage recently had undergone some management changes, and I was curious how those changes effected our stay, and if we would even notice the difference. Thankfully for us, it was just as we remembered, and we enjoyed sharing old memories with each other as well as making new ones!
Grand Mirage Resort Review
The Grand Mirage All-Inclusive Resort is located on the east side of the island of Bali, 25 minutes from the airport, and right along the beach. Its prime location makes it a great spot for travelers who want to do a bit of everything: experience the cuisine, participate in some water activities, do a little sun-bathing, and shopping. Although the resort doesn’t show the whole picture of Bali, rich with culture, it does its’ best to bring the energy of the island to its’ guests.
We initially visited Grand Mirage in 2012 to get away from it all, and what a “get away” it was! Having the opportunity to revisit was such a treat! The singing birds, smell of incense, decadent sunrises and sunsets, refreshing pool, and luxurious spa seemed even better than before. Could it be due to nostalgia? Regardless, I was glad we got the opportunity to stay again.
The Experience
The moment we stepped off the plane, sorted our luggage, and made it out of the terminal, there was a smiling, friendly chauffeur waiting for us with a big welcome sign. Although this is a standard of the Grand Mirage, as a resort guest who had traveled over 13 hours to get to Bali, it did take some stress out of my life since I didn’t have the responsibility of finding a ride to the hotel, and I really appreciated that. There’s literally nothing more refreshing than getting the travel transportation taken care of for you right?!
Once we arrived at the Grand Mirage, we were greeted with refreshing hand towels and a tropical drink. The staff did a great job of informing us about the resort: the all inclusive package, restaurants, shows, and more, but thoughtfully kept the introduction talk short, as we were weary from the travel.
We already had a good grasp on the resort from our previous visit, and were happy to see it hadn’t changed much. I know 90% of the fun of visiting a new place is to explore, but since we already knew where most everything was, we hit up our room for a nice nap and refreshing shower before we enjoyed the rest of the resort.
The next few days were a blur of amazing room service, pool games, sunrises, massages, and balinese cultural shows. Definitely not the worst way to start our month in Bali!
The Room
I had already fallen in love with our deluxe ocean view room before we had arrived, because the promise of seeing the ocean directly from my window was more than enough for me! Once we arrived, and were assigned our room, it was spacious, clean, bright, and decorated with authentic Balinese artwork. The bathroom was also spacious enough for both Derik and I…equipped with both a bathtub and a shower (separate units).
Since we visited as an all-inclusive guest, anything from the mini-bar was free for us to take. The staff did a really good job about re-filling our bar as well as dropping by occasionally if we needed anything else. Derik and I also enjoyed a couple full breakfasts in our room, and were pretty much given anything and everything we needed to enjoy a breakfast feast each time!
The Food
Speaking of food…the food was pretty good. Honestly though, I remember it being better in 2012, but I think that 100% has to do with living in South Korea and having our first taste of food outside kimchi, rice, and gimbap in well over 6 months. Keep in mind we were coming from New Zealand this time around — land of extremely rich, organic, high quality meats and veggies. I have no complaints though…the food was still good. Just not as much as I remembered.
If you’re worried about selection, don’t be. Grand Mirage offers anything and everything from veggies, fruits, breads, seafood, meat, soups, and many different kinds of dessert! There are a few different dining restaurants and options, which really all depend on what you’re hungry for: seafood/grill, buffet, Italian, Chinese and more!
A few days a week there’s even a buffet set outside for a dinner and cultural show experience. We were able to experience two of these, and had a great time at both dinners!
The Spa
Thalasso Bali is an absolute spa lover’s dream. The second you step through the double doors you’re greeted with soft music, aroma fusions, soothing fountains, and professional therapists. Thalasso is a well known spa even outside the resort, and often books out it services for non-hotel guests traveling in the area. There are many different treatments/services available including full facials, massages, aqua medic pool therapy, wraps, and exfoliation. Derik and I booked a couples massage in the “Cinnamon Room” and enjoyed luxurious 55-minute Balinese massages.
We absolutely loved our revisit to Grand Mirage; this resort have given us some of the best memories of relaxation and luxury during our time abroad.
Book this accommodation if…
…you’re looking for a luxury all-inclusive that won’t break the bank.
…family is coming with you! Grand Mirage is kid-friendly.
…you’re planning a vacation to just relax and not so much “travel”.
…endless plates of food and cool tropical drinks are your sort of heaven.
Deluxe Ocean View room rate starting at: $132 per night / all inclusive: $251 per night.
Just in case you missed it, we also spent some time at Samabe Luxury Suites and Villas, which is Grand Mirage’s sister resort — > go check out our review!
Derik and I were invited to stay at Samabe and visit the Devdan show in exchange for an open and honest review. You should know that all opinions always and forever will be MY OWN.