Escape to Paradise: CAMAKILA Tanjung Benoa's Unforgettable Bali Getaway
Escape to Paradise: CAMAKILA Tanjung Benoa – My Bali Bliss… With a Few Hiccups (and Killer Cocktails!)
Okay, so Bali. The name alone conjures images of swaying palms, turquoise waters, and… well, paradise, right? And after a recent escape to CAMAKILA Tanjung Benoa, I can tell you, parts of that dream are definitely real. This isn't going to be your standard, sterilized review – expect some real talk, folks. Because let's be honest, paradise isn’t always perfect. And honestly, that's what makes the good parts so much better.
SEO & Metadata Snippet (Here's the boring bit, for the bots… and you in the end!):
Escape to Paradise CAMAKILA Tanjung Benoa Review Bali Hotel Accessibility Spa Dining Activities Family Friendly Wi-Fi COVID-19 Safety Beachfront Luxury Indonesian Travel Guide Best Hotels Bali.
Getting There & Around (The Arrival Shuffle):
First off, shoutout to Airport Transfer. They know exactly what they're doing. Pre-booked, comfy ride, and boom, I’m whisked away from the chaos of the airport. Valet parking is a godsend too, especially if you're renting a scooter (which you absolutely should for exploring). Car park [free of charge] is a bonus, but who parks when you can be whisked away?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag… or Just One Big Road?
Now, let’s talk about accessibility. This is where things get… interesting. Facilities for disabled guests are advertised, which is great, but the actual implementation? Well, it felt a bit like wandering through a Balinese Rice Paddy. I mean that in a good way - charming, beautiful, and just a bit unpredictable. Finding ramps and navigating could require some extra effort, but overall, I felt like the staff were super accommodating and willing to jump in and help (more on that later). Elevator is definitely a plus!
The Rooms: My Little Bali Bunker (with Wi-Fi that Actually Works!)
Alright, the cornerstone of any good stay: the room. And wow, my Air conditioning was bliss. No kidding, that was my first thought after the arrival at my room. The Air conditioning in public area as well. The Daily housekeeping was on point, leaving my sanctuary spotless (except for the scattered clothes, because, you know, vacation). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless are, of course, a must. And it actually worked. I’m talking smooth video calls with the folks back home and streaming movies without buffering. Magic!
The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those precious lie-ins. The Bed was… okay. I wouldn't necessarily call it “extra long,” but at least it was comfortable enough for a good night's sleep. Oh, and the Bathrobes? Plush. I practically lived in it! Okay almost, though it was more the Slippers I lived in. The Non-smoking rule was definitely appreciated (even as a non-smoker), and I was grateful for no unwanted aromas. The Additional toilet was as well great.
The In-room safe box… well, I used it. But honestly, Bali felt so laid-back I barely stressed about my valuables. (I do like the Safety/security feature, though! And the Smoke detector and Fire extinguisher made me feel safe and secure).
But… and there's always a but, the room decor was… well, let’s call it “classic Bali”. A little bit dated, perhaps, but the reading light and mirror were great. More importantly, who cares when you have the balcony, a refrigerator with cold Bintangs and the promise of sunshine!? I'm sure the Alarm clock came in handy as well.
Food, Glorious Food (And Seriously Amazing Cocktails):
Oh, the food. This is where CAMAKILA really shines. Let me tell you.
- Dining & Drinking, and Snacking:
- Restaurants – The main restaurant had a great menu!
- A la carte in restaurant – I absolutely loved this option, for a chance to enjoy the best meals.
- Asian breakfast & Asian cuisine in restaurant – A must have at least once.
- Breakfast [buffet] & Buffet in restaurant – One word: AMAZING!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant & Coffee shop – Great for any coffee break.
- Desserts in restaurant – If you're a dessert person, you'll love this!
- Happy hour – Every single waiter knew what I wanted!
- Poolside bar – A must have!
- Room service [24-hour] – Perfect for those late night snacks.
- Salad in restaurant – So fresh and delicious!
- Snack bar – Grab a tasty snack after a swim.
- Vegetarian restaurant – Great option for a healthy lifestyle.
- Western breakfast & Western cuisine in restaurant – Well made!
- Bar – Always a good option!
I started the day with the Breakfast [buffet]. I was a full-on, plate-stacking, greedy tourist. They had everything from fresh fruit and pastries to delicious local dishes. The Asian breakfast was especially a treat. There are plenty of restaurants with A la carte in restaurant and a Buffet in restaurant to choose from. The Coffee shop had some great coffee. I always had a salad and a snack, plus Happy hour. The Poolside bar was a major highlight. The cocktails? Seriously, the best I’ve had in ages.
- The Poolside Bar: This is where I spent a significant amount of time. The cocktails were expertly crafted, the staff were exceptionally friendly, and the atmosphere was pure bliss. I’d order a fresh fruit juice, some of their small bites, then settle in with a book and just… be.
- The Room Service: Because who doesn't love a midnight snack in their bathrobe? The menu was extensive, the food arrived quickly, and the presentation was impeccable.
- The Dining Setup: They had the perfect Safe dining setup to go with all the meals!
The Bottle of water was the best part, since it's the little details like that that make the difference. I'd also like to add that there was Alternative meal arrangement.
For the Kids (Or, How to Keep the Little Ones Entertained):
I'm travelling solo, but saw a lot of kids having a blast! They had Kids facilities like their own pool and play areas. The presence of a Babysitting service is a definite plus.
Pool, Spa, and Relaxation: My Personal Utopia:
This is where CAMAKILA really nailed it. The main Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous, and the Pool with view… breathtaking. I spent hours just floating around, soaking up the sun.
- Spa/Sauna & Spa:
- Body scrub – Amazing!
- Body wrap – Very good!
- Foot bath – Refreshing!
- Massage – So good!
- Sauna – Relaxing!
- Steamroom – Very comforting…
The Spa was an absolute haven. The Body scrub, Body wrap, and Massage were pure indulgence. It felt like a luxury I could happily get used to. The Sauna and Steamroom were perfect for a post-massage chill. The Foot bath was a delightful pre-treatment ritual.
Things to Do (Beyond the Pool):
- Fitness center – I checked it out. I intended to use it. Let’s just say the cocktails won.
- Bicycle parking – I’d definitely consider renting a bike.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, 2024, am I right?):
Okay, this is where CAMAKILA truly shines. The Anti-viral cleaning products give a certain feeling of safety and security to the entire stay. Daily disinfection in common areas made me feel safe. Every single staff member wore masks and, most importantly, staff are trained in safety protocols. All the staff knows what they're doing.
- Hygiene certification – The hotel has been certified.
- Hand sanitizer – Everywhere!
- Individually-wrapped food options – A plus!
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter – Absolutely great!
- Rooms sanitized between stays – Wonderful.
They took COVID-19 precautions seriously. The Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol. It made me feel comfortable and safe.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Make Life Easier):
- Concierge
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and potentially sunburned abyss that is my CAMAKILA Tanjung Benoa Bali experience. Consider this less a polished travel itinerary and more a deranged diary entry, marinated in SPF 50 and existential dread.
Day 1: Arrival and the Siren Song of the Beach (or, "Where Did I Leave My Brain?")
- 9:00 AM - The Airport Shuffle: Ugh, Denpasar airport. If you've ever felt like a sardine in a can of confused tourists, welcome to Bali! The immigration line was a soul-crushing marathon. I swear, I aged a year waiting. Finally, sweet, sweet freedom! (and the oppressive humidity – prepare yourselves).
- 10:30 AM - Transfer to CAMAKILA: Smooth(ish) ride arranged by the hotel. The Balinese drivers are masters of weaving through traffic. I spent the whole time peering at the scenery, convinced I was going to die. But the views… breathtaking! Rice paddies so vibrant green they almost hurt my eyes, temples peeking out from lush foliage.
- 11:30 AM - Check-In and Panic: CAMAKILA is gorgeous. Like, Instagram-worthy gorgeous. But the initial room tour? A blur of air conditioning and a desperate search for the Wi-Fi password. (Priorities, people!) I’m pretty sure I also forgot to pack…everything. Toothbrush? Gone. Underwear? Vanished. Oh, the joys of travel amnesia.
- 1:00 PM - Beach Blunders & Sun-Kissed Regret: The beach…oh, the beach! Tanjung Benoa is known for watersports. I, however, am known for my complete lack of coordination. I ventured out for a swim. The waves are stronger then I thought. I got tumbled about like a ragdoll, swallowing half the ocean. Then, I realized I’d completely forgotten sunscreen. Result? Lobster-red alert. I’m going to look like a radioactive tomato by tomorrow.
- 4:00 PM - The Massage of My Life: Okay, so I needed this after the beach debacle. Found a little spa near the hotel. Seriously, the Balinese massage is pure bliss. The masseuse, a tiny woman with hands of steel, kneaded all the travel knots out of me. I almost fell asleep. Almost.
- 6:00 PM - Sunset Cocktails…and Mosquito Bites: The bar at CAMAKILA is cute and has a fantastic view. Ordered what I thought was a simple cocktail. It turned out to be a fruity explosion. Delicious. Then, the mosquito patrol arrived. The bites…they’re already itching like crazy. Note to self: buy industrial-strength bug spray.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner and Existential Thoughts: A delightful dinner at a local restaurant. I opted for the Nasi Goreng. So good. I sat there eating, watching the waves, and contemplating the meaning of life. Bali has a way of doing that to you. Feeling happy, then suddenly it hits you: "Am I living my best life? Am I even living?" Too much sunset cocktail, maybe.
Day 2: Watersports and the Fear of Flying (Plus, More Cocktails)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast and the Sun's Revenge: Woke up looking like a boiled lobster. My sunburn is truly epic. The buffet breakfast was pretty good, but I ate it gingerly, dreading the next round of sunlight.
- 9:00 AM - Watersports Extravaganza (or, The Day I Almost Drowned Trying to Look Cool): Okay, I said I was uncoordinated, but I thought I had to try watersports. I figured, how hard can it be to parasail? Turns out, very hard. It was a terrifying experience. I went up in the air and was terrified, yelling at the captain to bring me down. I swore I was going to die of embarrassment. I took a photo of the view, but if I drop my phone, nobody will recover it from the ocean.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and Regret: Ate lunch at the beachfront restaurant. Sat quietly, nursing my sunburn. I ordered a pizza. It was… a pizza.
- 2:00 PM - Time to Relax: I stayed in the room and had a nap, and it was the best nap of my life. But even in my sleep, I could still feel the sunburn.
- 4:00 PM - Poolside Reflections & Random Conversations: Managed to survive another session by the pool. Met a couple from Germany who were obsessed with bird-watching. Listened to them for an hour. No idea what birds they were talking about, but they seemed happy.
- 6:00 PM - Cocktail Hour: Round 2: Back at the bar. This time, I’m going for something less fruity and with a serious dose of ice. I made a friend, or at least, a person who I can share a space with.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner and Reflections: The Search for Meaning Continues: Back at the restaurant again. Watching the sunset and thinking about where I can go next. Should I go to Thailand? Or maybe just hide under a rock? Bali has a way of making you question everything. Tonight’s cocktail hits even harder, and the existential dread increases.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion…and My Stomach's Revenge
- 9:00 AM - Temple Trip (with Tummy Troubles): Okay, I'm a terrible person because I forgot to take Immodium before the trip. I just had to leave the temple I was in. I made it back to the hotel for a quick visit to the bathroom. On a positive note, the temple was beautiful. The architecture is amazing, and the incense smells divine, even though my stomach is revolting.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and Survival: Back in the room, and I am eating a plain sandwich. It is the only thing my stomach will allow.
- 2:00 PM - The Spa Again (Because Desperate Times): In desperation, I am heading back to the spa. A little bit of therapy? It's always the answer.
- 4:00 PM - Souvenir Shopping (and More Bargaining Struggles): Time to head out and buy some souvenirs. I made it a mess. I am pretty sure someone just ripped me off.
- 6:00 PM - Farewell Dinner (and One Last Cocktail): So, the trip is almost over. I’m going to miss the sunshine, the waves, and the overall vibe. The food, on the other hand, I'm glad to be saying goodbye to. One last cocktail at the bar. I'm determined to savor every last drop.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner and Reflecting on the Chaos: Tonight, I had a steak, and it was the best steak of my life! I sat there reflecting. Bali, you have been a chaotic, sunburned, emotionally exhausting, and yet, utterly fantastic experience. I'm leaving a mess, and a slightly different person than when I arrived.
Day 4: Departure (and the Promise to Pack Underwear Next Time)
- 9:00 AM - Final Breakfast and the Airport Blues: One last breakfast. Bitterly sad.
- 10:00 AM - Check-Out and Airport Dread (Again): The airport…again. I'm praying the immigration lines are shorter this time.
- 12:00 PM - The Long Flight Home…I'm going to miss Bali. I can't wait to explore again.
So there you have it. My CAMAKILA experience. Flawed, messy, and possibly a little bit insane. But hey, that's the best kind of adventure, right? Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go buy some aloe vera and contemplate the meaning of life. Don't be scared though, because you'll be alright!
Nogami President Hotel Iizuka: Your Luxurious Japanese Escape Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: CAMAKILA Tanjung Benoa - Your Bali Bliss (or Maybe NOT!)
Alright, so you're eyeing CAMAKILA in Tanjung Benoa, Bali? Smart move, I guess. Paradise, right? Maybe. Let's dive into some burning questions (and my slightly unhinged answers) about this place.
1. What's the Vibe? Is it Really 'Paradise'?
The Vibe… okay, let's be honest. *Paradise* is a strong word. Think more… *Relaxing-ish*. Coastal breezes, the sound of waves (though, fair warning, the beach is often swarming with water sports, which can be a *little* noisy). It's pretty, yeah. Greenery, pools, the whole shebang. But Paradise? Depends what your Paradise looks like. My Paradise involves fewer jet skis. Look, the setup is undeniably gorgeous. But I'm a cynical traveler, and I’m looking for flaws. I’m *always* looking for flaws!
2. The Rooms: Are They Actually Instagrammable?
The rooms? Yeah, they're cute. Definitely Instagram-worthy. Think clean lines, maybe a four-poster bed (depending on your room choice - flex on those budget travelers!). They're spacious enough, and the air con works, which is a MAJOR win in Bali. My room, though? It looked like the photo, but in practice, it lacked a bit of… soul. It felt a little cookie-cutter, a little *too* perfect. Like, where's the evidence of other humans existing in the space? Anyway, the bathroom lighting was GREAT for selfies, so I'll give them that.
3. The Pool: Is it overcrowded? Is it clean? Should I even bother?
The pool. Ah, the pool. Now, this is where things get *interesting*. Yes, there are multiple pools. Yes, they’re generally clean, but the BIGGEST one? Gets REALLY crowded. Like, elbow-to-elbow, sunlounger-snatching madness. And there's one kid, *always* screaming. But the other, smaller pool, the one tucked away by the spa… Mmm, that was more my speed. More tranquil. Less toddler chaos. But, get ready to battle for a sun lounger, otherwise, it’s the floor. Good luck with that!
4. Food, Glorious Food: Is the Restaurant Worth It?
The restaurant…Okay, so here's the thing. The breakfast buffet? Standard. Eggs, pancakes, the usual suspects. Nothing *spectacular*, but it gets the job done. The other meals? Hit or miss. Some dishes were delicious (the Nasi Goreng was actually really good!), others… well, let's just say my stomach wasn't always happy. And the service? A little slow sometimes. They're lovely people, don't get me wrong, but it felt a bit disorganised at times. One time, I swear, I waited 45 minutes for a beer. Forty-five minutes! In Bali! The land of readily available Bintang! Needless to say, I took it badly.
5. What About the Beach? 'Cos, you know, Bali and beaches and stuff?
The beach... right, Tanjung Benoa beach. The water? Not the crystal-clear turquoise you might be dreaming of. It's okay. It’s not *bad*. Honestly, it's more about the *activities*. Think jet skis, parasailing, banana boats… the whole shebang. So, if you're into watersports, you're in heaven. If you're after a quiet, peaceful beach experience? You might want to look elsewhere. I personally found it a bit overwhelming. It’s a constant stream of hawkers and adrenaline. It’s not my jam.
6. The Spa: Yay or Nay? Treat myself or SAVE the money?
The Spa. Okay, the Spa. This, THIS is where CAMAKILA redeems itself, in my opinion. The treatments? Heavenly. I had a Balinese massage, and it was pure bliss. The masseuse worked out knots I didn’t even *know* I had. It was so good, I almost fell asleep. Almost. Then I remembered I had a review to write. Verdict: TREAT YOURSELF. You deserve it. Seriously. The price is pretty reasonable, too. And the ambiance? Tranquil, serene… worth every penny.
7. Location, Location, Location: Is this area a Good Base for Exploring Bali?
Location… hmm. Tanjung Benoa is a bit… removed. It’s not the most central location for exploring the rest of Bali. You'll need to factor in travel time to places like Ubud or Canggu. Cabs are easy to get, but the traffic can be a nightmare. It depends what you're after. If you're happy staying in the area, chilling by the pool, doing watersports, then it's fine. If you want to explore the island and visit all the temples and waterfalls, well, you may want to consider another location.
8. Any hidden gems/secrets about CAMAKILA?
Hidden gems… Okay, I have a secret. Go to the bar at sunset. The cocktails are pretty decent, and watching the sun dip below the horizon? Absolutely stunning. They haven’t paid me to say that, I swear. Also… if you’re a cat person, there’s a few stray cats that hang around the property. They’re very friendly. I’m not going to tell you their names, though.
9. Would you go back? Be honest!
Would I go back? Hmm… It was a pleasant experience, but I'm inclined to explore more of the island and see what else Bali has to offer. The Spa would definitely tempt me back, but other than that? Probably not. Not because it was bad, but because I need to be adventurous. I need to see what else is there.
