Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Anvaya Beach Resort Bali Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Anvaya Beach Resort Bali Awaits! - A Chaotic, Honest Review (and Maybe You Should Book?)
Okay, folks, grab your Bintang, because I'm about to spill the tea, the Bali tea, on the Anvaya Beach Resort Bali. Forget perfectly polished travel blogs – this is the real deal. I'm talking messy hair, sunscreen-smudged faces, and the genuine, honest-to-goodness experience of escaping to paradise (or, you know, trying to).
Let's get one thing straight: this resort is slick. Like, James Bond levels of slick. But is it worth your hard-earned vacation days? Buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to find out.
First things first: Accessibility - Let's Talk About Rolling…and Rolling with It!
I'm going to be brutally honest here. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do think about accessibility. And the Anvaya? They make a good effort. Lifts everywhere, ramps in most places, and the pathways generally seem well-maintained. Wheelchair accessible is definitely a box they tick. Now, whether that access actually works for everyone? I can't personally judge. But I saw staff being super helpful for anyone who needed a hand, and that's a huge plus.
Navigating the Digital Jungle: Internet Blues (and Wins!)
Alright, confession time: I need internet. Like, emotionally dependent on it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a major selling point. They do deliver on that, but uh… sometimes the signal felt a little… Bali-esque. You know, strong one minute, then a weird buffering dance the next. Wi-Fi in public areas was generally more reliable, but hey, you're in Bali! Maybe put down the phone and look at the ocean? Easier said than done, I know.
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services - They've got the basics covered. I did see a business center with potential Internet [LAN] access. Honestly, though, I was on holiday. Didn't even glance at the Xerox/fax in business center, thankfully.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe Enough to Relax
This is where the Anvaya shines. Post-COVID, these guys are taking hygiene seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yup. Individually-wrapped food options? Indeed. They even had Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Honestly, I'd eat off the floor (within reason). The staff were all masked up and lovely. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. Room sanitization opt-out available? Probably. I mean, I didn't actively look, but given the general vibe, I'd bet they're on it. Rooms sanitized between stays? Definitely. Safe dining setup? Yes. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? You betcha. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? They try. CCTV in common areas? Probably. They've got all the right moves to make you feel safe, which is HUGE these days.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Report
Okay, let's be real: a good vacation is 50% food and 50% cocktails. The Anvaya gets it.
- Restaurants: They have several, and I tried most!
- Asian breakfast: Okay, the Asian breakfast spread was epic. Noodles, dim sum, everything. My breakfast game was strong. Asian cuisine in restaurant was delicious.
- Breakfast [buffet]? The buffet was so good, I might have shed a single tear of pure, unadulterated happiness. Seriously, the Breakfast service was top-notch. I miss it.
- [Buffet in restaurant]: See above.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Yup, it was available and great.
- Western breakfast: If you are into that, it was an option.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: They have something for everyone.
- A la carte in restaurant: A la carte was available, if you wanted it.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yes.
- Coffee shop: They even have one!
- Poolside bar: The Poolside bar was heaven. Think sunshine, cocktails, and pure bliss. Happy hour was, naturally, a highlight.
- Bar: Yes!
- Room service [24-hour]: Because sometimes you just NEED those late-night fries.
- Snack bar: Excellent for the midday hunger pangs.
- Desserts in restaurant: The desserts were a highlight.
- Bottle of water: Always available.
- Salad in restaurant Great.
- Soup in restaurant Available and good.
- Vegetarian restaurant available.
- Alternative meal arrangement No problem.
The Spa: My Personal Zen Zone (and a bit more chaos)
Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath - basically, everything your frazzled soul craves. I dove headfirst into this experience. The Spa itself is pure zen. Soft lighting, gentle music, and the smell of essential oils (which, let's be honest, is a bit cliché but still effective). I decided to go for the full "pamper me" package and booked a massage and body scrub. The massage was divine. Seriously, the masseuse worked out knots I didn't even know I had. Then came the body scrub. Now, let's just say, after the scrub, I looked like a slightly pinker, smoother version of myself. It was amazing. I floated, I swear I floated away. I had a sudden desire to tell my bank manager I didn’t need to work anymore…
The Pool with view was a good vantage point to plan my escape.
Things to Do: More Than Just Lounging (though that's a good start)
Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: the pool, the pool, the pool. Just a beautiful pool, inviting you to get in.
Fitness center, Gym/fitness, If you want to work out, they have a fully-equipped gym. Personally, I prefer my workout to be the walk from the pool to the bar, but hey, options!
For the Kids (or the Kid in You!)
Babysitting service: If you need it, they've got it. Family/child friendly absolutely. Kids facilities: Yes, they cater to kids. Kids meal A godsend.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Concierge: Super helpful with everything.
- Currency exchange: Easy peasy.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless every day. Magic, I tell you!
- Doorman: Always greeted with a smile.
- Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service: Because no one wants crumpled clothes in Bali.
- Elevator: Yes! essential.
- Luggage storage: Convenient.
- Safety deposit boxes: Stay safe.
- Shop Yes
- Taxi service, Car park [free of charge], Valet parking: Getting around is easy.
- Meeting stationery: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events: Yes, for events.
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet Some rooms will have it.
- Air conditioning Crucial.
- Alarm clock Yes.
- Bathrobes Nice touch.
- Bathtub Some rooms yes.
- Blackout curtains Thank goodness.
- Carpeting It's clean.
- Closet Yes.
- Coffee/tea maker Essential.
- Complimentary tea Yes.
- Daily housekeeping
- Desk Yes.
- Extra long bed Available.
- Free bottled water Always a good thing.
- Hair dryer Yes.
- High floor Some rooms are.
- In-room safe box Absolutely.
- Interconnecting room(s) available Possible.
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]: As mentioned above.
- Ironing facilities Yep.
- Laptop workspace Yes.
- Linens Clean and comfy.
- Mini bar Delicious.
- Mirror Yes.
- Non-smoking
- On-demand movies Yup.
- Private bathroom
- Reading light Yes.
- Refrigerator
- **Satellite/cable channels
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my Anvaya Beach Resort - Bali adventure, and trust me, it's gonna be a bumpy, beautiful, and probably slightly embarrassing ride. Consider yourselves warned.
The Anvaya Beach Resort - Bali: Operation "Find My Zen (Or At Least Remember How to Relax)"
Day 1: Arrival - Mild Panic, Majestic Sunset
1:00 PM - Landfall (Ngurah Rai International Airport): Okay, picture this: me, fresh off a 20-hour flight (curse you, layovers!), clutching my passport like it's a winning lottery ticket. The airport is a symphony of unfamiliar smells – incense, something vaguely tropical-floral, and the lingering aroma of jet fuel. Already feeling overwhelmed, which is par for the course. Finding my pre-booked transfer was like a treasure hunt, dodging touts and desperately trying to remember a single phrase of Bahasa Indonesia that wouldn't make me sound like a complete buffoon. ("Terima kasih," I think? Nailed it!)
2:00 PM - The Drive: Bali traffic. I've heard the legends. Turns out, the legends were not exaggerating. It's a beautiful chaos, a ballet of scooters, cars, and the occasional bewildered water buffalo. Our driver, thankfully, was a seasoned pro, navigating the madness with a Zen-like calm I can only aspire to.
3:00 PM - Arrival at The Anvaya: Woah. Just… woah. I mean, the pictures don't begin to do it justice. Lush greenery, a sparkling pool beckoning me to lose myself, and that lobby – all open air and fragrant with frangipani… It's honestly breathtaking. Check-in? Seamless. I felt like a VIP, even if I am just a regular person who saved up for months.
4:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance: My room! It's HUGE! Seriously, I could get lost in here. The balcony overlooks the pool and the ocean (yes, the ocean!), the bed practically begs me to collapse on it, and the bathroom… oh, the bathroom! Bathtub big enough for a small family. I immediately started eyeing the bath salts I'd packed.
5:00 PM - The Sunset Spectacle: Okay, this is the moment I've been waiting for. I power-walked (okay, maybe it was a slightly less elegant shuffle) to the beach. I found the perfect spot to watch the sunset, near the bar, because, well… wine. The sunset was so ridiculously gorgeous, it almost felt cliché. The sky exploded in shades of pink, orange, and purple as the sun dipped into the ocean. I may have even cried a little. Don't judge. It was magical, alright?! And the best part was I didn't have to share it with a single person (except the waiter who was very nice to me).
7:00 PM - Dinner at Sands Restaurant: Dinner at Sands. Very romantic (I'm dining solo, but pretend). I ordered the grilled snapper, which was cooked to perfection. I should have taken a picture! I made a mental note to do not miss next time. Also, I discovered a new love: Balinese coffee. Strong, rich, and the perfect end to the perfect day. (Or so I thought… more on that later.)
Day 2: Paradise Lost (and Found Again)
8:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet: The Food Coma Cometh: This is the moment I've been waiting for! The breakfast buffet at Kunyit Restaurant is a glorious, chaotic, carb-laden dream. Everything is worth a try! There are so many choices! I went for the fresh fruit (obviously), some pastries (because, vacation), and a questionable attempt at a nasi goreng (not bad, but maybe a little too much chili for breakfast).
9:00 AM - Poolside Bliss (Attempt #1): I secured a sun lounger by the pool, slathered on sunscreen, and settled in with a book. Five minutes later, I realized I was roasting in the sun and desperately needed to reapply. This "relaxing" thing is harder than I thought!
10:00 AM - Spa Time! (And Minor Disaster): I had booked a massage at Sakura Spa. Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Until, that is, I somehow managed to knock over a small bottle of aromatherapy oil. It took me several tries to get up, with my face red as a lobster. I swear, I could have lost my dignity.
12:00 PM - Lunch at the Pool Bar: I found the Pool Bar. I ordered a club sandwich and a Bintang (the local beer). I don't know why eating a sandwich in my swim suit makes me so happy, but it does.
2:00 PM - Beach Time… Again: Went back to the beach. This time, I managed to stay there for a while without getting sunburned. I watched the waves, collected some shells, and felt the sand between my toes. Pure, unadulterated joy.
4:00 PM - Sunset… Again: Even more beautiful than the first day! This time, I learned to take advantage of happy hour.
7:00 PM - Dinner and the Great Mosquito Incident. Dinner was great, but it's when I sat to enjoy the moment, the mosquitoes made their grand entrance. I can't help but react angrily! I applied spray, and even moved inside, but they were everywhere!
Day 3: Culture Shock… and More Wine
9:00 AM - Temple Run! (Err, Scooter Ride): I rented a scooter (big mistake!). I'd never ridden one before! My first attempt was incredibly stressful. The ride was challenging to say the least. But I made it! I went to the Uluwatu temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The views were spectacular, and the monkey's were cute but a bit naughty.
12:00 PM - Beach Club High: Went to Potato Head Beach Club. It's quite a scene. I spent a lot of time people-watching! The cocktails were pricey but delicious.
4:00 PM - Sunset… It Keeps Getting Better! I had to see the sunset again!
7:00 PM - Dinner: Embracing the Chaos: I wanted something other than what the resort had to offer. I had a delicious meal at a local warung (small family-owned restaurant). Every dish was an adventure!
Day 4: Farewell (For Now!)
8:00 AM - Last Breakfast: Last breakfast at Kunyit! I'm going to miss that buffet!
9:00 AM - Final Pool Lounge: One last chance to relax with my book by the pool.
11:00 AM - Check-out: Sigh. Time to leave.
12:00 PM - The Farewell Drive: The drive back to the airport was bittersweet. As I passed the rice paddies and the temples, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and contentment. This trip? It was exactly what I needed. Sure, there were mishaps, mosquito bites, and moments of sheer clumsiness, but that's life, isn't it? And this life, this imperfect, beautiful, chaotic life in Bali, has captured my heart.
Arrival at Airport: The airport was less intimidating this time. I'm pretty sure I even managed a "Terima kasih" that sounded semi-competent.
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Anvaya Beach Resort Bali Awaits! - Seriously, Is It Though? (An FAQ...ish)
Okay, Anvaya Bali...Is it Really 'Paradise'? Or Just Another Instagram Trap?
Alright, let's be real. "Paradise" is a BIG word, right? Before I went, I was totally expecting, like, pristine beaches, smiling Balinese people (of course!), and drinks that magically refilled themselves.
Look, the beach? Yeah, it was pretty. Fine, white sand… But the water wasn't *crystal* clear every single day, you know? Sometimes there were… things… floating around. And one day, some kids were playing soccer right where I was trying to do my zen yoga, which kinda killed the vibe. Not exactly the serene utopia the brochure promised.
BUT… the pool? That was a solid 9/10. Perfect temperature, swim-up bar (essential), and barely any screaming children (bonus!). So, Paradise-adjacent? Maybe. Definitely Instagrammable, even with the occasional rogue seaweed.
The Rooms! Are They Luxuriously Decadent or… Meh? (And Please, Tell Me About the Smell!)
The rooms… okay, confession time. I *drooled* over the pictures online. Four-poster bed! Private balcony! Soaking tub! I was picturing myself, languidly sipping something fruity while overlooking the ocean.
Reality? The bed was comfy, but the balcony was tiny (could barely fit my ample self). The soaking tub… it was fine. Clean. But not... *sizzling*. And the SMELL!! Oh my god, the smell! It was this amazing, intoxicating blend of flowers and something… earthy? It was a bit overpowering at first, like being slapped in the face with a tropical bouquet, but honestly, by the end of the trip, I was addicted. I almost cried when I had to leave that scented haven. Definitely brought a little of that smell home with me. I'll probably buy something that attempts to replicate it. Send help.
Food, Glorious Food! What's The Deal? Should I Pack My Own Ramen Noodles?
Okay, look, I'm a foodie. I live to eat. And the food at Anvaya… it was a rollercoaster. The breakfast buffet? Epic. Everything you could want. Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs cooked every which way. Like, I actually *dream* about that mango smoothie, still. I legit ate three plates one morning and was *ashamed* when I went back a fourth time. (Don't judge!)
Lunch? Hit or miss. One day, amazing Nasi Goreng. The next? A burger that tasted suspiciously like airplane food. The dinner situation was more reliably delicious, but expensive. You'll be tempted to venture out. Do it. There are some amazing little warungs (local restaurants) just outside the resort gates. Seriously, do your research. You can get incredible, authentic Balinese food for a fraction of the price, just be prepared to deal with a few mosquitoes.
Don't pack ramen. Come on, be adventurous! Although… maybe some emergency snacks. Just in case. You know, for the airplane food disappointment.
The Spa. Worth It? Does it Actually Make You Feel Zen?
Oh. My. Goddess. The spa. Book a treatment. Now. I had the traditional Balinese massage, and, honestly, I nearly levitated off the table. The masseuse... magic hands! I swear, I felt about 10 years younger (and the next day I felt about three pounds lighter!).
The ambiance was perfect – calming music, incense, the whole shebang. I even forgot, momentarily, about all the emails I’d left unanswered. But the price? Let's just say it was an investment. I justified it by telling myself it was an “emotional reset.” And it *was*…until reality hit me in the form of my credit card bill. But hey, at least I looked and *felt* fabulous (until I got back to daily life, of course).
Any Hidden Fees? Because I'm Broke. Seriously.
Hidden fees... hmmm. Well, there's the usual stuff. Service charges, taxes, the mini-bar (which, by the way, is extortionate). The resort also offers all sorts of activities – surfing lessons, yoga classes, guided tours – everything’s an additional cost, and often *quite* a cost. Be careful of those tempting little extras, unless you're, you know, rolling in dough.
And the airport transfer? Factor that in. It’s convenient, but not cheap. Honestly, I think I spent more on airport transfers and taxis than on the food *itself*. So, yeah. Budget. And maybe sneak in some instant coffee packets because you'll be paying extra for that too.
The Staff! Are They Actually Friendly, or Just Faking It?
The staff were… genuinely lovely. No faking it! They go that extra mile. The kindest smiles, always genuinely wanting to help. One day, I somehow managed to lock myself out of my room (don't ask). I was mortified. But the guy at reception? Super chill, sorted it out in seconds, and even cracked a little joke to ease the embarrassment.
They were also incredibly patient with my, shall we say, slightly-less-than-perfect Indonesian. (My attempts at “Terima kasih” often sounded more like I was ordering a pizza). They work so hard, and the genuine warmth is something you won’t forget. Honestly, they make that place.
Okay, So… Would You Go Back? Be Honest.
Ugh, the million-dollar question! Even with the occasional minor annoyance (the slightly-less-than-pristine beach), the price tag, and my utter dependence on that breakfast buffet, definitely yes. I would 100% go back to Anvaya. I'm already dreaming about it, and, honestly, just reliving the smell of those rooms... it would be great.
It wasn’t perfect, sure. But it had a certain magic. And, let's be real, after the year I had, a bit of paradise-adjacent bliss was exactly what I needed. Plus, the free wifi was pretty solid (essential for the Instagram, obviously). Just make sure you pack extra sunscreen.
