Unchanged, Its Unblemished Nobility

I stayed at The Oberoi, Bali, in the popular resort area of Seminyak, this past spring. I visit Bali several times a year, but recently my focus has been on covering new resorts, so it had been over a decade since my last stay at The Oberoi! To be honest, I visited without any particular expectations, but it was astonishingly wonderful. Even now, thinking back, I long to return to that space with a dreamy sigh. It's been a long time since I was so deeply moved by a resort in Bali. It was a truly superb stay.

So, what was different about The Oberoi? After visiting so many glamorous, state-of-the-art luxury resorts, The Oberoi was, surprisingly, almost exactly the same. The typical Balinese-style buildings, the heavy, intricately carved wooden decorations, the sleepy gamelan music, and the staff dressed in batik. It was the very essence of a classic Balinese resort. In an era where resorts emphasizing design are constantly appearing, its unwavering consistency felt refreshingly novel. Moreover, it didn't feel old or dated in the slightest. The exquisite blend of taut tension and relaxed atmosphere throughout the property was striking. The perfection of a space that showed no signs of wear was astonishing. It made me reconsider the meaning of time and experience. This, I realized, is a true resort.

The Legend Began in the 70s

The Oberoi, Bali was established in 1974. Initially opened as a small villa, Oberoi took over its management in 1978. In the 1970s, Bali was just beginning its international tourism development. With few general tourists, it became a paradise for surfers, artists, photographers, writers, and other cosmopolitans drawn to Asia's exoticism. Many were European. Among them, The Oberoi, Bali was one of the first to open as an international luxury resort, quickly becoming their social hub. Incidentally, AmanDara, another resort giant, opened in 1989, 15 years after The Oberoi, Bali. Thus, the legend of Bali resorts effectively began in the 70s. After 36 years since its opening, in today's Bali, which has become a casual Asian resort destination, The Oberoi, Bali stands as a rare existence, slowly maturing and deepening like a vintage wine.

Perfect Gardens and Guest Rooms

Upon entering The Oberoi, Bali, the first thing that impresses is the beauty of the landscape. While the beachfront location in Seminyak is certainly a factor, the trees—palm, frangipani, and hibiscus—that have spread their branches freely for over 30 years, and the vibrant, expansive green lawns, create a sense of luxurious space that new resorts cannot replicate. This is the advantage of a pioneering, long-established hotel that was able to select the best location. The gentle undulation of the garden, where the sound of the waves mingles with the lengthening shadows of the trees as the sun sets, is a magnificent sight that one could gaze at endlessly.

Guest rooms are available in four types, including "Luxury Lanai" rooms scattered in the garden slightly set back from the beach, and "Luxury Villas" with private courtyards for enhanced privacy. Some villas feature private pools, and the traditional alang-alang thatched-roof rooms are adorned with Balinese art depicting flowers, birds, and landscapes, maintaining a strict tradition. The spacious bathrooms have Sanken-style bathtubs, a hallmark of Balinese resorts. The marble floors and sinks are polished to a flawless shine, and the way two large bath towels are perfectly aligned to display the Oberoi logo speaks volumes about the meticulousness and precision of the work, which is almost miraculous in Bali. One can deeply feel the care and attention that has been invested. The interiors, exuding a purity that seems to bless the guests, are truly comfortable and filled with the utmost relaxation and happiness.

The Aesthetics Breathing in a Superior Space

Where does the perfection of The Oberoi, Bali, come from? It lies entirely with the hotel staff. Many of the Balinese staff at The Oberoi have been working there for 20 or 25 years. During my stay, when I went to the garden terrace for breakfast, I was attended to by a senior staff member. Even though the temperature had already exceeded 30 degrees Celsius and the sun was beating down intensely, he, wearing a sarong and a crisp, ivory jacket, moved with agility, not a drop of sweat on him. His demeanor and grace stemmed from his intimate knowledge of the resort and its guests. I learned that he was from the village where the hotel is located.

“Ah, I’ve been working here for 20 years because it’s so easy to commute, Madam,” he said with a sincere smile. Many seasoned staff members like him are still actively working at The Oberoi, Bali. The younger staff, trained under these veterans, are also very attentive. From the restaurant to the cleaning staff and gardeners, every detail that moved me was imbued with the invisible professionalism, love for the resort, and loyalty to the guests of the staff.

The word 'resort' itself implies 'returning often.' As I mentioned at the beginning, the most important element for a resort is not its hardware, but its software. Rather than merely chasing trends and novelty, cherishing and nurturing what remains constant is also a way for guests to experience a deeper appreciation. It could be said that this is also a form of profound guest appreciation.

DATA
Seminyak Beach, Jalan Kayu Aya, Denpasar - 80361, Bali, Indonesia
TEL: +62 361 73 0361
http://www.oberoihotels.com/index.asp

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