Review | Renaissance Uluwatu

ARRIVAL & FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

You don’t need to even have arrived at the Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa, to feel it’s brilliance. As you approach the resort the sheer size and stature positioned on the edge of a cliff in Bukit, you may find it difficult to not feel your breath taken away for a few, magnificent moments. The roof shape resembles that of a leatherback turtle, which was the inspiration behind the architecture in honour of the beautiful creatures who are known to nest along the stretch of the Bukit peninsula.

The sheer size of the entrance at this resort could make one feel small, but the warmth flows from the welcoming staff from the moment you step out of your transfer vehicle and you feel as if you’ve come home. The lobby hosts a “Navigator” to the left, the check-in desks to the right, and straight ahead a bar with enormous windows that open seamlessly to a 180’ view of the Indian Ocean ahead of the resort.

After a seamless check in we were escorted to our room, and again the size of this resort left us in awe. With 5 ‘wings’, each hosting 5 floors, there is no way you will feel cramped or crowded in Renaissance Uluwatu, even if it is full to capacity in all 208 rooms, it is just not possible it is that great. 

ROOMS:

Our room, (or should we call it our mini-apartment), was chic and beautifully designed, with a floating wall separating the bed from the bath area. The extra-large King bed was fitted with luxurious linen – responsible for giving us some of our best sleep in our time in Bali. We also came to really appreciate the efficacy of the highly functional ducted airconditioning, something that is a rare commodity in Uluwatu, still a largely rural part of the beautiful Bali island.  

The main pool area, fit with a rim-flow pool overlooking the blue ocean, is dotted with all seating options imaginable, from deck loungers overlooking the pool, loungers in water and hanging cups, to floating bean bags and large nests, the choices are endless. Sipping on a cocktail in the crystal-clear pool overlooking the Bukit peninsula is a forever memory we are privileged to keep in our hearts for life. 

There is another, more ‘quiet’ pool for those who like to watch the sunset in peace, or enjoy a more private pool experience but we unfortunately didn’t make it down there in our short two day visit, there was just too much else to soak in and experience. Two days is simply not enough, so do try stay a little longer if you can.

DINING: 

Clay Craft Restaurant hosts the most spectacular breakfast buffet we have ever seen.  The choices of danish alone had me wishing I had seven stomachs, and Justin was overwhelmed with choice of the fry-up. Waffles, pancakes, muffins, fruit, juices, salads, dimsum, noodles or granola, whatever your choice might be, you are in for a breakfast fit for royalty if you stay at Marriot’s Renaissance.

Double Ikat Restaurant hosted an Indonesian buffet on our first night in the resort, and it was a wonderful experience. Justin and I have historically not trialled very much typical Indonesian /street food, mainly because we (uh-um Justin) are typically fussy eaters, so it was INCREDIBLE to  be able to try all traditional Indonesian and Bali meals and treats, all in the comfort of a beautiful, more formal setting.    

The highlight for me without doubt had to be all the deserts, and I am not ashamed to say we tried each and every one of them! The main ingredient in most being rice, it amazes me how many uses the Indonesian people have for this grain.   

One of our favourite ways to spend a day in Bali is at a beach club, and in an attempt to lack nothing, Renaissance Uluwatu has their very own Roosterfish Beach club on Pandawa beach. A quick drive in the complimentary shuttle bus and brief walk down to the club and you are instantly wow-ed at the rim-flow pool nestled right on the beach. Tasty Edamame beans and crudités starters, delicious chicken satay skewers and refreshing cocktails all aided in making it an incredible afternoon indeed! 

ROMANCE

The Renaissance Uluwatu sure knows how to bring the romance and make occasions special. During our stay we celebrated 10 years since Justin proposed to me, and unbeknown to me, he had asked the hotel to help him make it special for us. We arrived at breakfast to the most beautiful setting with fresh flowers, rose petals, and a gourmet 3 course breakfast for two, over looking the pool area and even though we were still in the restaurant with other guests enjoying their breakfast, I couldn’t help but feel extra special, almost like the only girl in the place! 

Our very kind waiter continued our celebrations the next morning too with these incredibly delish waffles as we finished our breakfast – needless to say we rolled out of Renaissance, but I don’t regret one bite! 

VERDICT: 

Renaissance hotel in Uluwatu is an incredible sanctuary, placed strategically in what is typically a rather rural part of Bali, brimful of Villas who often offer little more than poor water-pressure and barely functional air-conditioners, which is absolutely not the case inside this luxury hotel. I had both my best shower and bath in my 2 weeks in Bali at Renaissance, and the best resort coffee too. The service and staff are impeccable, and truly set the scene for a magical holiday. I would recommend this resort for families visiting Uluwatu, who have the budget to spend in luxury accomodation, and who, (like me), consider Aircon vital when in Bali. The hotel offers a host of daily activities on the premises, as well as the in-house Navigator who is said to tell you island secrets only locals know, and can prepare full-day adventures around Uluwatu (and even Seminyak) for you! The food is absolutely incredible, breakfasts are like nothing I have ever experienced, and rooms are almost too comfortable, making it a little too hard to get going every morning. Renaissance Uluwatu is an absolute treat, and a hotel in Uluwatu I highly recommend! 

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