Derik and I absolutely adore Bali. We visited way back in August of 2012 (where has the time gone?!?), and knew from the second we boarded the plane back home that we were going to return. Luckily for us, after we decided to leave New Zealand, a few marketing opportunities came up in Bali, and it became the perfect 30-day stopover before heading up to Europe. After initially landing in Bali, we needed a place to relax and unwind from the stress of moving, and Samabe , a Bali all inclusive resort turned out to be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Samabe Bali Suites and Villas Review
I remember initially looking at Samabe’s website and thinking, “Are you kidding me? This place is absolute paradise!” It’s new, it’s clean, it’s private…and it’s all-inclusive! What more could a person want? I can’t tell you how excited we were to check into our honeymoon suite at Samabe, but it was definitely a feeling like kids on Christmas morning have.
As we drove into the resort premises, I felt like we were driving into a real life postcard. Everything was pristine, bright, well-decorated, and absolutely gorgeous. The welcoming staff were friendly and courteous (qualities that all the other resort staff had for the rest of our stay), and we immediately felt relaxed and ready to begin our vacation.
We had the all-inclusive package that came with our own butler, internet, 60 minute in-room massage, a traditional Indonesian feast, non-motorized water sports, and all food and drinks. Talk about not having to worry about a single thing!
The Experience
The best part about staying at Samabe was the fact that we almost felt like we had the entire resort to ourselves. I know it sounds weird, but the way the suites and villas were carefully planned and built, it gives the illusion that there aren’t many people on the premises, but really, the resort may be almost filled to capacity. Many of the villas and suites come with their own pool, so sun-loungers usually stick to their rooms instead of hitting up the main pool.
We enjoyed sipping drinks pool-side, lazing in gigantic beanbag chairs on the beach, and drinking afternoon tea on our balcony. I also had a blast running around taking pictures as everything at the resort is so gorgeous and photogenic!
The Room
“Blown away” are the only two words I can use to fully describe how we felt about our Ocean Front Honeymoon Suite. As we walked in the front door accompanied by our personal butler, I’m pretty sure Derik exclaimed, “It’s bigger than our apartment(s) in Korea!” Which is entirely true. We had a living room, office area, bedroom, walk-in closet, two sink areas, a shower room, toilet room, outdoor ocean view balcony, and a very large bathtub (with full access to bath salts, milk, and bubbles).
Gifts of sun hats, a beach bag, and fan awaited us upon arrival, as well as fresh tea and fruit that were refreshed daily. We also had our own telescope in the room to check out the stars at night from our balcony (say what?!). I’m not sure if there would be a single way to make our room better — we had everything we needed in it. Staying at a resort that is less than two years old also helps as all the furniture is still new and up-to-date.
The Food
The food at both the Crystal Blue Ocean Grill and the Rempah Main Dining Room was phenomenal, and we couldn’t ever decide which one to go to because they were both so good!
We were also treated to a Indonesian Rijstaffel dinner, which was a gigantic 5-course feast that would be fit for an entire family, not just two people. There was absolutely no way we could even eat half of the feast, but we sure tried! Indonesian food is amazing, made with so much care and flavors. It was fun having the opportunity to try so many wonderful Indonesian dishes!`
Breakfast at Samabe was also amazing — both at the breakfast buffet served at Rempah, and as room service! Basically, 90% of our stay at Samabe was a gigantic foodcation. No complaints here! After we thoroughly filled our bellies, we were able to work it all off at the resort’s 24-hour gym.
Book This Accommodation if…
…staying at a place with awesome food is important to you.
…leaving your wallet locked in a safe the entire vacation sounds awesome (no need to purchase anything while at Samabe!)
…you need time to unwind with a little tranquility and peace.
…taking a bubble bath in a gigantic tub while watching the sun set out of the oversized suite windows sounds amazing.
…you love living in the lap of luxury.
…you need a romantic getaway.
Ocean Front Honeymoon Suite room rate: $400-500 per night / all inclusive: $575-675 per night
Devdan Show
If you’re looking for some night time entertainment, Samabe actually has a sister property called the Devadan Show, which features dances and performances from around the world mixed together with traditional Balinese dances.
The three performance photos above are courtesy of the Devdan Show
We had a fantastic time enjoying the show and loved how the performers engaged with the audience. At one point of the show I was even called up in front of the stage to dance worst idea ever. The show is family friendly and I’d imagine even little ones would enjoy the colors, lights, dancing, and music.
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.