Wondering about an easy and affordable place for groups in the heart of the action? Look no further than the Centra Taum Seminyak.
Anyone considering Bali for groups and needing to satisfy a wide range of people will be hard-pressed to do better than the Centra Taum.
With a range of accommodations from private pooled duplexes, to 3-bedroom family residences, to studios, the Centra Taum has it all. And it’s great value. And it’s central.
Part of the Centara Hotels & Resorts Group with sister properties throughout Asia, this four star property at three star prices is a great find.
First impressions
Arriving past midnight after a long, delayed flight is never ideal, but all those worries dissipated as soon as my driver brought me to Centra Taum Seminyak.
A restorative sense of peace and calm emanates throughout this hotel. Designed specifically to incorporate the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana (harmony and balance of the relationships between human to god, human to human and human and nature), it feels more like a haven in the rice terraces of Ubud, not in the centre of Seminyak.
Hotel features
The large rooftop bar area is perfect for groups
Aside from the gorgeous big pool framed by a wall of dripping vines, one of the things that stood out about the Centra Taum Seminyak was that it would be a great place for groups or even as a wedding venue.
There’s a rooftop bar which is perfect for sunset cocktails and could double as a private space for weddings in the sky. Funky lounge areas overlooking the pool are a great place for friends to gather for a drink or two and the tranquil spa is a must.
Each morning the poolside breakfast buffet changes slightly so it’s easy to go back for seconds (or thirds) without getting bored.
The Rooms
Large air-conditioned rooms with beds so comfortable you could be forgiven for not wanting to get up, are poised at the back of the property. Unlike many hotels in the area, only a few rooms overlook the pool which makes it feel more pleasant and private.
There’s a great multi-level 3-bedroom family residence where parents can escape the kids upstairs, as well as several very private pool duplexes that would be great for couples in addition to more standard hotel rooms.
For my stay I was more than pleased with my pool-view studio with a large balcony and day-bed which was a great place to unwind with a drink.
My room was serviced daily and I’m not normally one to enjoy towel art but shamelessly squealed with delight when I found an elephant wearing sunnies on my bed.
Location, Location
Surprisingly central given its oasis feel, the Centra Taum is only a 10-15 minute walk to beach bars like Potato Head or to head in for shopping in Seminyak Square; but who needs to walk in the Balinese heat when you can grab a cab there for about a dollar (9,000 Rupiahs).
Even better is that I stumbled upon one of the best new restaurants in Bali called Sangsaka that has opened up about 200 metres away. It’s a definite must-go dining experience.
Things we loved
The peaceful pool was definitely a highlight, as was the 3-hour treatment (massage, coffee-scrub and facial) at the in-house spa Cense by SPA Cenvaree. Overall though, it is all the elements together that make the Centra Taum Seminyak such a great place to stay.
The General Manager informed me that it has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal at Bali’s Tri Hita Karana Tourism Award several years running and I believe it’s this focus on harmony with god, other people and nature that makes the hotel shine.
Things to look out for
Nothing much – a few of the rooms had balconies that looked out on to the walkway meaning they had less privacy but that’s about all.
Fast facts
Room rate: From AUD $70 per room per night
Address: 37-39 Lebaksari Street, Petitenget Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali 80361,Indonesia
Website: Centra Taum Seminyak
Rating: 5/5 for value for money