Unbelievable Bali Luxury: Puri Taman Sari Resort Awaits!
Unbelievable Bali Luxury… or Just a Really Nice Jacuzzi? Puri Taman Sari Resort – My Wild Ride!
Okay, so, "Unbelievable Bali Luxury"… that's the promise, right? Puri Taman Sari Resort. Sounds fancy. Sounds… expensive. So, let's get messy with this review, yeah? Forget the pristine brochure; let's talk reality. Because, honestly, I’ve been on a rollercoaster of emotions with this place. Buckle up.
First Impression: The Entrance, The Glamour… And the Tiny, Tiny Mosquitoes
Stepping out of the airport transfer – which, thank god, they handled smoothly (airport transfer? CHECK!) – the sheer lushness of Bali hits you. This is it, the dream. The Puri Taman Sari looks the part. It’s all soaring roofs, carved wood, and that kind of "tropical oasis" feeling that Instagram was made for. (Yes, there’s a terrace! I’m already planning my sunset selfies, despite the fact I had a massive fight with the luggage carousel in the airport). But seriously, the architecture is stunning, and the staff… well, they're trying to be amazing.
Then, the tiny little buzzers. Mosquitoes. A swarm of them, the size of a gnat, came at me the moment I was out of any form of air conditioning. Suddenly, being a five star resort didn't seem to matter, more than the fact I wanted a strong, wide fan near my face. (This is where "Insect repellent, essential condiments" would come into play, if I was prepared…).
Accessibility & Safety: A Mixed Bag, Like My Mood
- Accessibility: Okay, let's be real. I wouldn't call this place fully accessible (Facilities for disabled guests? Kinda. But the path to the pool felt a bit dicey for anyone relying on a wheelchair). There's an elevator (Elevator? CHECK!) which is a lifesaver, and I saw ramps in a few places, but navigating some of those pathways with uneven stones felt like an Olympic sport. Still, they try! And they're more aware of it than a lot of places in Bali, so points for effort.
- Cleanliness & Safety: This is where they absolutely nailed it. I felt super safe. The whole "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and "Room sanitization between stays" thing? It was obvious. Everything felt… fresh. They've got "Staff trained in safety protocol" down pat. I'm a germaphobe at the best of times, and I spent a good amount of time walking around with my spray and wipes. But genuinely the air felt clean. Bonus points for the "First aid kit" and "Doctor/nurse on call". (Although let's hope I don’t need either!). Plus, the "CCTV in common areas" gives a real sense of security.
- COVID Considerations: The whole "Cashless payment service" and "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter" were definitely in play. They're taking it seriously. They even have "Individually-wrapped food options" which… well, it’s a bit sad, but you get it. The biggest plus was the fact that “Rooms sanitized between stays”! I was a little reassured by the "Staff trained in safety protocol". Not perfect, but they are trying.
Rooms: Dreamy… Until the Actual Reality of the Mattress?
Right, let's talk rooms. My jaw actually dropped when I walked in. (Okay, maybe not dropped, but it widened slightly.) It was what I envisioned. "Air conditioning in the room?" CHECK! "Alarm clock?" CHECK! "Complimentary tea?" Double CHECKED! The "Blackout curtains", "Bathtub", and "Seating area" were all gorgeous. The "Extra long bed" was also a huge plus. (I'm tall, don't judge!)
The "Free Wi-Fi" worked like a charm ("Wi-Fi [free]" in all rooms!). You wouldn’t need to spend extra money on "Internet access – wireless" here.
But here’s the kicker: the mattress. It was… well, it wasn’t a cloud. More like… a slightly lumpy memory foam that’s seen better days. I lay there the first night, just feeling… average. The dream shattered a little. But! There was a "Shower" and "Separate shower/bathtub" and "Toiletries" and even "Bathrobes" in the bathroom! I was in the perfect position to complain about the mattress.
But don't get me wrong: "Rooms non-smoking", "Soundproofing" and "Air conditioning" made the experience still pretty good. "Daily housekeeping" and the "Desk" were also great. "In-room safe box" worked too.
Dining & Drinking: A Buffet of Opinions? (Mostly Positive!)
Okay, the food. This is where things got… interesting.
- Breakfast: Let’s start with the good. “Breakfast [buffet]” was, on the whole, excellent. A "Western breakfast" and "Asian breakfast" AND a "Vegetarian restaurant" all in one! They catered really well for different tastes, and the fresh fruit was divine. They also had an "A la carte in restaurant" option. AND the "Breakfast takeaway service" was a lifesaver for my early morning tours.
- Dining: The "Restaurants" – plural! – are all lovely. "International cuisine in restaurant", "Asian cuisine in restaurant", and even "Western cuisine in restaurant" meaning the selection was surprisingly good. One night I had the most amazing Nasi Goreng, another I had a pretty decent steak. Yes, the "Salad in restaurant" was a touch boring, but hey, they can’t be perfect.
- The Quirks: The “Happy hour” was a little… weirdly executed. One evening, I asked the barman to mix me a cocktail. He looked at me like I had three heads. The “Snack bar” had some odd choices. I was a bit underwhelmed but didn't let it spoil my experience.
- Room Service: 24-hour room service? HELL YES! They have a pretty extensive menu, and those late-night cravings? Covered.
Things To Do & Ways To Relax: Ah, Bliss… And More Mosquitoes!
Now, this is where the place really shines.
- The Pool: Oh, the pool! "Swimming pool [outdoor]" with a "Pool with view"? Yeah, it’s as good as it sounds. Infinity edge overlooking the rice paddies. Pure bliss. I practically lived there.
- Spa Time: "Spa/sauna", "Massage", "Body scrub", "Body wrap". They've got the whole shebang. The spa itself is gorgeous. I had a Balinese massage that was so good, it practically melted my stress away. (And that, my friends, is saying something). The "Foot bath" was a nice touch.
- Fitness Center: Uh… I might have looked at the "Gym/fitness". But I spent most of my time horizontal. So, I can't really say much apart from the fact it was there!
- The only thing missing was the "Steamroom" which I was hoping to find.
- The little things: I loved the "Umbrella" provided for when it rained.
Services & Amenities: Efficient But Soulless? (I Need Personality!)
- Convenience: "Concierge"? Check. "Currency exchange"? Check. "Dry cleaning"? Check. They're efficient. They're professional. But… it sometimes felt a little soulless. There wasn't much personality, maybe a little too much of "Hotel Chain" mentality.
- The 'Helpful' Staff: The staff were clearly trying to be helpful, but it often felt a little forced. "Doorman" was doing a great job. "Daily housekeeping" was excellent.
- Those Extras: They had "Meeting/banquet facilities" and were able to set up “Audio-visual equipment for special events.” But, for me… a simple “Gift/souvenir shop” could have been better.
- The Business Center vs. Me: "Xerox/fax in business center"? I’m on holiday. I need a beer. Not a fax machine. No judgement if you do, though.
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing (Mostly!)
- "Airport transfer" – smooth as butter.
- "Taxi service" – readily available.
- "Car park [free of charge]" – always a bonus.
- I didn't need "Bicycle parking" but I can see the appeal for people wanting to explore.
- There was "Car power charging station" for anyone who didn't want to walk too far (but I had no car!).
- "Valet parking" for people with cars.
For the Kids:
I have no kids, but I saw the "Babysitting service" and "Kids facilities". While my experience wasn’t applicable, I noted the “Family/child friendly” aspect of the resort. I did see some kids
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Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized brochure itinerary. This is real life, Bali edition, from the glorious, slightly sweaty, and utterly unpredictable heart of Puri Taman Sari Resort.
Puri Taman Sari: My Bali Baptism – A Hot Mess Itinerary (with side-eye)
Day 1: Landed and Lost (in the Best Way Possible)
- 6:00 AM (ish) - The Descent: Arrived in Denpasar. Jetlag, a symphony of yawns, and the vague terror of being in a country where I don't speak the language. Found my ride (blessedly pre-arranged) and the driver was this sweet older guy named Ketut, who was, like, radiating calm. I immediately felt inferior.
- 8:00 AM - The Drive: The drive to Puri Taman Sari was…an experience. Motorcycles zipping, temples popping up everywhere, frangipani trees heavy with perfume. It was beautiful, chaotic, and I swear, I saw a goat hitchhiking. Ketut pointed out rice paddies and muttered something about 'tranquility'. He clearly hadn't been in the car with this level of pre-coffee anxiety before.
- 9:30 AM - Puri Panic: Arrived at Puri Taman Sari! The place is stunning. Seriously jaw-dropping. Lived a life of luxury. I swear My jaw hit the floor. It's like a Balinese palace, but with a serious chill vibe. Check-in was smooth, until I realized I’d left my toothbrush on the plane. Ugh. A minor catastrophe.
- 10:00 AM - Room Reveal & Immediate Regret: The room. Oh. My. God. Private plunge pool, outdoor shower, the whole shebang. Took about five minutes to become convinced I was dreaming. Then reality hit: I'd have to leave this paradise eventually. Instantly melancholy.
- 11:00 AM - Poolside Bliss (and Sunburn Awareness): Spent an hour by my plunge pool, attempting to channel Zen. Failed miserably. Kept checking my phone, worrying I'd missed some earth-shattering email. Also, the sun here? A beast. Applied sunscreen. Then, promptly forgot to reapply. Note to self: Idiot.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch Fiasco: Ordered lunch at the resort restaurant. The nasi goreng was genuinely the best I've ever eaten. Seriously, the rice was fluffy, the chicken was perfectly spiced… I could've wept with joy. Then, the waiter spilled a tiny, tiny bit of chili sauce on my pristine white shirt. Cue mild internal panic. Luckily, I got it out and continued.
- 3:00 PM - Exploring the Grounds (and a near-disaster): Wandered the resort, oohing and aahing at the architecture, the lush gardens, the zen gardens. Almost tripped into a koi pond. My balance is clearly not up to Balinese standards.
- 6:00 PM - Sunset Serenity (with mosquito interruptions): Witnessed a sunset that painted the sky in sherbet colors. Utterly gorgeous. Attempted some yoga on my balcony. Got eaten alive by mosquitos. Lesson learned: Bug spray is key.
- 8:00 PM - Dinner Debacle (but with a silver lining): Dinner at the restaurant again. Ordered something called "duck betutu" because, when in Rome… or, in this case, Bali. It was incredibly tender, but also incredibly rich. Almost had a food coma. Chatting with the staff, they're fantastic. Their smiles are the warmest, and their English is impeccable. I felt a genuine connection – something beyond the resort bubble. Also, learned a few Bahasa Indonesian phrases, mainly "terima kasih" (thank you) and "tolong" (please).
Day 2: Temples, Tears, and Too Much Coffee
- 7:00 AM - Balinese Breakfast Bliss & Coffee Catastrophe: Woke up early. Breakfast was a buffet of tropical fruit, pastries, and… a surprisingly strong coffee. Thought I could handle it. I was wrong. Very wrong.
- 8:00 AM - Tanah Lot Temple Pilgrimage (and my existential crisis): Hired a driver (different guy this time, equally friendly) for a trip to Tanah Lot Temple. The temple itself is majestic, perched on a rock in the ocean. The waves crashing… the drama of it all… It hit me. Suddenly, I started pondering my life choices. Am I happy? Am I doing enough? Cue a minor existential crisis fueled by caffeine overkill.
- 10:30 AM - Spilling Chai Tea: Bought Chai Tea somewhere. Spilled all over my new white shirt. Ugh.
- 11:00 AM - Beach Bumming (and the Great Sand Battle): Wandered down to the beach, spent time taking pictures by the sea waves. The sand here is fine and golden…beautiful.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch & Laughter: Another lunch at the resort restaurant -- this time with a much-needed beer to calm my nerves. The waiter remembered my name! Small things, people, small things. Sat and had great conversations.
- 3:00 PM - Ubud: The Artist's Heart (and Traffic Hell): Off to Ubud. Traffic was insane. Seriously, motorcycles everywhere. Our driver weaved through it all like a pro. Ubud is a riot of art galleries, craft shops, and a general sense of creativity.
- 5:00 PM - Monkey Forest Mayhem: Visited the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Warning: Monkeys are adorable… and thieves. They'll grab anything. My sunglasses were a target. I had to rescue them from a particularly cheeky primate. The moment I was surrounded by so many monkeys was a surreal experience.
- 6:30 PM - Dinner in Ubud & The Great Satay Conspiracy: Dinner in Ubud. The food was amazing. The satay was grilled with herbs and the aroma filled the air, it was delicious.
- 8:00 PM - Massage Therapy: After struggling with the heat of the day, I got a traditional Balinese massage at the resort spa. Pure bliss. As the masseuse worked on my tight muscles, it became clear that, even if I'd only been there for a bit, I was truly beginning to relax into the Balinese experience.
- 9:00 PM - Room Service and Stargazing: Ordered room service (because food coma, remember?). Sat on the balcony, in the dark, listening to the sounds of the jungle. The stars were breathtaking. And I felt… happy. Genuinely, deeply happy.
Day 3: Departure and the lingering aftertaste of Bali
- 7:00 AM - Farewell Breakfast & The Dreaded Packing: Staring at the mountain of souvenirs I’d acquired. Had to make some tough choices. Where to put the wooden carvings? How to fit all the batik fabrics in my suitcase? Packing is the worst part of any vacation.
- 9:00 AM - Last Swim: One last dip in my plunge pool. Squeezed in every last second, soaking every moment.
- 11:00 AM - Check-Out and Goodbye: Left with a warm feeling on the heart.
- 12:00 PM - Final Reflections: As I drove away, I thought about all the things I enjoyed about my stay. From the people that were so accommodating, to the beautiful art, the food…but mostly, just the time away,
- 1:00 PM - Denpasar Airport Departure: One last look at the rice paddies. A promise to return.
In Conclusion:
This trip was a glorious, slightly messy, and utterly unforgettable experience. Puri Taman Sari was a slice of heaven, but the real magic was in the moments – the connection with the people, the unexpected joys, and the occasional existential crisis. Bali, you've stolen a piece of my heart. And I'll be back. Just maybe next time, I'll remember my toothbrush. And learn to keep away from the monkeys.
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Unbelievable Bali Luxury: Puri Taman Sari Resort Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Very Un-FAQ
Okay, so... Is Puri Taman Sari *really* as dreamy as it looks in the photos? Seriously? And will I actually *lose* myself in that infinity pool like I’ve been dreaming of?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because the truth is... well, it's complicated. Look, the photos? Magnificent. That infinity pool? Yep, it's there. And yes, I *did* float in it and feel like hot damn, a goddess of relaxation or something. BUT... (and there’s always a “but," isn't there?) The first time I saw it, I tripped. Like, flat on my face. Right in front of everyone checking in. So, dreamy? Yes. Pristine presentation? Usually. Me, perpetually clumsy in new shoes? Definitely. Losing yourself? You'll probably be too busy worrying you forgot something in the ridiculously large, luxurious suite. Trust me, it HAS happened to me. Twice.
What kind of rooms are available? Should I go for the villa or is a suite enough? Cause, you know, money doesn't grow on frangipanis.
Okay, economics 101, I get it. The rooms? Yeah, they've got everything from suites to villas with private pools that are bigger than my first apartment. Here's the deal: If you're on a budget, the suites are perfectly lovely. Spacious, beautiful, and generally far fancier than anything I own. But those villas... MAN. I got talked into the villa once – by a really charming, persuasive concierge, I'll admit. It was... a different level. A level where you feel incredibly guilty for not using the private butler service (who I ended up accidentally calling "Bob" the entire time). So, ask yourself: do you *really* need your own plunge pool? Do you mind the occasional critter? (More on that later…) If you said yes to those, go for the villa, and don't even think about how much you're spending. If not, enjoy feeling even wealthier in your suite.
Is the spa as fabulous as it sounds? I *need* a massage after that flight.
The spa? Oh, the spa! It's... well, it's a spa. It *looks* amazing – all the beautiful wood, calming music, the smell of essential oils… I think I may have actually passed out from sheer sensory overload once. The massages are generally fantastic. I had one where my masseuse – a tiny, incredibly strong Balinese woman – managed to work out knots in my back I didn’t even *know* I had. It felt like she was channeling pure, concentrated muscle-crushing bliss. Now, I'm a bit of a klutz (as you might have gathered), so during my pre-massage questionnaire, I may have inadvertently mentioned some minor back issues -- turns out, she was *very* focused on those issues. Which meant, I think, some pain, and some more delightful bliss. But hey, you *need* a massage. Book it! But maybe clarify your pain tolerance first. For the record, I loved every second. Sorta.
What about the food? Is it worth the price tag?
Okay, let’s talk food. Yes, the food is *expensive*. Like, “I should've packed a lunch” expensive. But is it worth it? Mostly, yes. The breakfast buffet is LEGIT. Fresh fruit, pastries to weep over, omelets made to order… I could (and did) spend an entire morning just grazing. Dinner? The restaurant has views that will make you forget your financial woes for a while. The Indonesian dishes are incredible, but I have to admit, I had a pizza one night. Don't judge me. It was late. And the pizza was amazing. However, I will admit, I got food poisoning the LAST time I was there (not the resort's fault, I suspect a dodgy street vendor in Seminyak). So… eat with caution. Or bring antacids. Or both.
What's the vibe like? Is it all super-stuck-up and pretentious, or is it actually chill?
Okay, the VIBE. This is important. Puri Taman Sari is *luxury*, but it's not overwhelmingly pretentious. Mostly. There will be people in designer swimwear, taking selfies with their perfectly sculpted abs or designer bags, but if you’re not phased by that, you’ll be good. It's generally pretty chill, especially by the pool. The staff are genuinely lovely and helpful. They are so friendly that you'll probably end up wanting to adopt them, which made leaving even harder. The fact they *remembered* my name after I tripped in front of everyone shows how much attention to detail is practiced here. Is it the most casual place ever? No. But you won't feel completely out of place in a swimsuit and a slightly-too-big t-shirt (speaking from experience, of course). They'll treat you like royalty, even if you're a total mess (also speaking from experience).
Any downsides? Because nothing's perfect, right?
Oh, honey, you asked for it! The downsides? Okay, here we go... Firstly, the price. Ouch. Secondly, the aforementioned clumsiness potential. Seriously, watch your step. Third, because you are staying in the gorgeous, but tropical, Bali, you *will* encounter bugs. Ants on the counter? Yep. A slightly terrifying gecko in your bathroom (who became a temporary housemate)? Also yep. And, on one occasion, I swear I saw a rat (it was *probably* a particularly large mouse, but still). Embrace the critters. Or bring a very strong bug spray and a good sense of humor. Also, the wifi is spotty in some villas, though not in mine. And leaving is just plain painful. Prepare to be heartbroken when it’s time to go home. I'm tearing up just thinking about it.
Okay, you mentioned the private butler, Bob - can you tell me more about that experience? Like, why would you accidentally call your butler "Bob?!"
Okay, fine, let's talk about Bob. (He wasn't *actually* called Bob, obviously, but his name was… complicated. And I was hungover the first morning). The butler service. The height of decadence. The thing I never realized I actually – kinda – needed. So, I was in the villa, still trying to figure out how my legs worked after that long flight, and this incredibly polite man, perfectly starched uniform, appeared. He introduced himself and started explaining the services. He would unpack for me. Iron my clothes! Arrange tours! Basically, *do* everything. I was absolutely flustered. I had never had a butler before. So, in my nervousness, I completely blanked on his name. He was talking about the complimentary afternoon tea, and I blTrending Hotels Now
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