Sanak Bali
Finding the real Bali, away from the tourist traps, is what I was looking for…and found.
Bali is known to be very touristic. But Sanak Retreat makes you feel as if you were the only tourist in the heart of Bali but at the same time in the place to be, a peaceful and unique place with all the comfort and the beauty of a luxury hotel!
SANAK Retreat is not your typical hotel. There is an exquisite story behind the birth of SANAK, which makes it a truly appealing place to stay. The French founders, who travelled to Bali for the first time in 2011, befriended a beautiful Balinese family who had a history of rice farming and worked in a nearby village. As their time with them unfolded, it was the owner’s joint affirmation not only to take from the island and its people, but to also give back to the local community.
Sanak is located about 5 – 6 kms outside of Munduk in the most gorgeous location. It is built into surrounding rice terraces and you can literally stumble out of your villa and find yourself wandering the rice paddies, which are just glorious.
The Retreat Manager of Sanak Retreat Bali, Emmanuel Baroiller, said that “Handpicked with Humanity in Mind” is the retreat’s tagline and the founders intend for Sanak to provide employment while supporting local farmers and growers and helping to conserve the region’s bio-diversity.
Built into the surrounding rice terraces with views of the mountains, the retreat features 10 one and two-bedroom bungalows and one three-bedroom villa with private pool and the services of a butler, all decorated with antiques, vintage batiks and luxury linens.
I always longed to stay in the real Bali – gazillion miles away from Seminyak with its hustle and bustle or Ubud with its Yoga culture. Don’t get me wrong, I love that side of Bali and have done my fair share of it, but I was keen to reconnect with the true Bali. I wanted to see a farmer herding his flock of ducks, children flying a kite, and rice paddies.
I was so lucky got invited by Sanak Retreat Bali to stay with them and to experience the resort for 1 night. The drive was winding, through remote townships – and seemingly never-ending. But when I arrived there, my jaw almost dropped. I love the place so much until I couldn’t say anything for almost 5 minutes. I gape in disbelief. In every direction there is nothing but terraced emerald rice paddies, glistening under the blue sky. In that moment I was hooked on this place. From the minute I arrived, I was amazed with the beauty of this place. Then I met the people and was equally impressed.
The Hotel Manager, Emmanuel, greeted me at the door and he made sure I was welcome through out my stay. The service was superb, my luggage was already in my room before I finished my welcome drink (fresh coconut!)
And look who I found at this beautiful place.
Please meet Fiona, Emmanuel’s cute little girl, who became my funny little friend when I stayed there..
The two-bedroom bungalow was spectacular with all the comforts of home but in the Bali tradition. My room’s decor is a combination of traditional fabrics, materials and designs with beautiful and sensitively chosen modern finishes. The bed and bed sheet are very comfortable and I had a much-needed luxurious sleep.
Sanak also offers a restaurant across the main patchwork pool overlook rice paddies with distant mountain views and a setting sun. The chef, Putu, came up with tapas-style Indonesian tasting menu and is highly recommended, drawing on ingredients from the retreat’s kitchen garden and local organic growers.
For families there’s a well-equipped children’s games room and nannies are available on request.
Another highlight is the two-storrey, chemical-free day spa with its simple, pared back design open to the elements
There are also experiences designed to get guests, who at this stage are predominantly French, out into the magnificent surrounding countryside and engaged with the local culture. Everything from jungle and mountain treks, waterfall picnics and flying kite are on offer.
Sanak Retreat Bali is a great place if you want to relax in North Bali area. And if you are a member of BackinBali Membership Card, you will get 20% off from their Internet Rate. How’s good is that?
Because of this place, once again I feel connected to this magical island where the local people with their ancient traditions, culture and charming smiles, remain reassuringly intact. This is a ridiculously pretty place to stay. Great choice if you want to chill out in a beautiful part of Bali.
And to be honest, I couldn’t find a single fault from this place.
