Watermark Hotel and Spa Bali, Bali

Coming through the doors of Watermark Hotel and Spa, we were instantly transported to a different world. It wasn’t quite the traditional Balinese welcome we would usually expect — instead, my family and I were greeted by Japanese-speaking staff, Japanese writings everywhere, and two Japanese restaurants in the main lobby. I almost felt like I had somehow been teleported to Japan instead of Bali. I love all things Japan, so it was definitely a welcome surprise that kept me intrigued throughout our stay.

LOCATION

Located in Jimbaran just 10 minutes from the airport, Watermark Hotel & Spa Bali is a four- star hotel strategically located midway between the sandy coastline of Kedonganan and the main Jalan Ngurah Rai highway that runs through South Bali. Although the hotel doesn’t enjoy a beachfront location, it provides a free shuttle service on a buggy to its exclusive beach club. The private beach is available exclusively to guests of Watermark Hotel & Spa Bali to experience from 11am to 7pm daily.

For many, Jimbaran has the ideal location as it’s just a short hop from the airport, and it’s also a 15-minute drive from the bustling tourist hub Kuta Beach. Those who want to be near all the action, but don’t really want to stay in it, would enjoy the quiet Jimbaran area. There isn’t a lot to explore in Jimbaran itself, but the stretch of seafood restaurants on the beach becomes busy in the evenings and makes a great spot to catch sunset.

INTERIOR & DESIGN

The luxury hotel boasts 143 modern and stylish rooms designed in the contemporary Japanese style featuring slick lines and a clean look. Each of its rooms and suites are uniquely designed with all-glass sliding doors, shiny teak wood flooring, a thick tatami-style bed, and an open concept with the living and sleeping area in one big space.

All of the rooms and suites at Watermark are very spacious, with the smallest room at 64 square meters and the biggest suite at 84 square meter (including its own private pool). They are all tastefully designed to give that simple yet elegant look. I particularly like the industrial-style furniture and the egg-shaped bathtub that add a new-world touch to this hotel. You definitely feel that you’re in the 21st century here at Watermark Hotel.

FACILITIES

What we like most about the Watermark Hotel and Spa is definitely the dining options here. With three different Japanese restaurants to choose from, you really can’t go wrong in terms of food.

The refined Nishi-Azabu Imadoki is the hotel’s pride and joy. Originally from Japan, the restaurant has its flagship branch in Tokyo’s Roppongi, and this is one of their international chains. Its menu includes a delectable range of authentic Japanese dishes including cold soba noodles and fresh sashimi prepared in their open kitchen.

W Senses is their main restaurant that has an al fresco area right next to the pool and an indoor air conditioned area for comfortable dining. An international breakfast buffet is served here, as long as an impressive menu made up of Italian, Chinese and Indonesian dishes. Angelique Cafe is a casual spot for afternoon tea, coffee and indulgence in tarts and cakes that look just as good as they taste.

Another great feature of Watermark Hotel and Spa is its rooftop swimming pool that is perfect for a sunset dip. The freshwater infinity pool is perched on the fifth floor, facing Kedonganan beach view and offering a different perspective of Bali from above. Here, guests are welcomed to try out chilled beverages and champagne cocktails while enjoying sunset view.

On the ground floor of the hotel is another swimming pool, with plenty of lounging area for those who want to just relax. It’s located in front of the hotels’ restaurants. Our daughter’s favourite feature of the hotel is probably the Kids Club, a dedicated care facility catering to children starting from 2 years old into 12 years old.

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

At Watermark Hotel and Spa, we felt like we had an escape away from an escape — into the world of Japanese food and fare. It was refreshing and it definitely reminded us of how much we loved Japan. But we were in Bali after all, and we wanted to immerse more in Balinese culture that the hotel failed to serve up.

Regardless, our daughter really enjoyed the spacious suite at Watermark Hotel and Spa, especially their interesting bed arrangements. We also loved spending time at their pool, which was empty most of the time, so that meant we had the whole place to ourselves. For families, this was quite a comfortable place to kick back and relax.