After deciding I wanted to take a break from my corporate job, travel for a bit and spend some time on my blog I planned a trip to Bali. This would be my first real Solo Trip aside from a weekend or two traveling alone in the US. I had intended for the trip to be about 70% solo time. Of that I’d spend 14 days alone traveling, 4 days in Hong Kong & 3 days in Ubud with a friend. It turned out I met another great Californian (thanks to an intro by a dear friend Julie) so we ended up traveling 12 days together and I extended my stay in Bali by a week. Note, if you have a chance like I did to take some time off from working to travel be sure to allow for plenty of time to visit Bali.  You can easily visit for 4-5 weeks by your self (I’m serious) or with friends. Your money goes far, it’s very safe for solo travelers (even women traveling alone) and it’s an amazing island to visit with wonderfully kind awesome people.

Seminyak was the first city on my Bali itinerary. It came recommended in all of the suggested Bali itineraries to spend 3-4 days here as you arrive to Bali and settle in. Seminyak is about 20-25 minutes from the airport and it is on the beach. I found Seminyak to be quite fast paced and busy with both tourists and locals. Everyone is very friendly and it’s a very safe place for all travelers, even women (like myself) traveling solo. I’d recommend you only need 2-3 nights here as there are other areas of the island that feel less commercial with more local experiences I preferred to the built up vibe I found here. Read my other Bali posts to learn about those places!

Semara Resort & Spa – This is where I spent my four night visit in Seminyak and it was great. If you’re looking for a Boutique like hotel with a central location, conveniently one door down from Potato Head Beach Club & Bar and a few doors down from the W this is the spot for you.  It’s a smaller sized hotel with approximately 30-40 guest rooms, two pools, one of which is an Adults only pool and a fabulous Spa. This hotel is also known for their fabulous Kids Club. Not a huge draw for me, however, the kids really remain out of sight except a few hours before/after kids club in the main pool. If you prefer a quieter adults only pool setting (like myself) then you’ll thoroughly enjoy the adults only pool’s serenity. For a few of my days I was the only one at the adult’s only pool so it really felt like my own private garden with pool and a waiter literally at your fingertips. The service was here was attentive with really friendly, hospitable staff and a very hands on professional Assistant Manager Alex. It’s Alex I have to thank for the AMAZING Biku restaurant recommendation and very attentive detail oriented assistance. Even if you don’t end up staying here (which I think would be a big mistake) be sure to visit the Spa for amazing treatments, awesome staff in a luxurious, elegant setting.  They also have a Beach Club in Uluwatu that I also visited and loved. You can read about that in my Uluwatu review. Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak. Bali. 80361. +62.361.3700.

The reception area

The larger Suite which sleeps 4 people and includes a sofa bed

Obsessed with the Tub in this bathroom

The Balcony with another Sofa/Lounging bed

Pool side Cabana Room

The “Quiet” aka Adults Pool. My favorite pool!!

The first day I arrived in Bali. Pool. Reading materials. Perfection!

The covered lounging area at the Quite Pool

Semara Resort Spa– After a long day of travel the Semara Spa was the perfect destination for my first afternoon in Bali. It has an array of services as well as some great packages (60 minute massage, 30 minute facial, 30 min reflexology) for 600,0000 local dollars (approx $55 USD). Amazing, I know. The services were lovely and the staff was  very professional, courteous and overall wonderful. Be sure to visit the Spa during your stay in Seminyak even if you’re not staying at the Semara Resort. If you are a Resort guest you’ll get a Spa credit (with your hotel room stay) which makes it even more reasonable! Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak. Bali. 80361. +62.361.3700.