Hotel review: Karma Kandara, Uluwatu

By Alexandra Coulton

Travel Weekly was lucky enough to experience Karma Kandara in the heart of Uluwatu on Bali’s southernmost tip.

This dramatic clifftop location quite literally takes your breath away when you first lay eyes on the expanse of pristine water 150m below. Perched above the Indian Ocean, this remote destination is truly one of a kind providing accessible luxury for the whole family.

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Following a flawless check-in experience and having made ourselves comfortable in a very generously appointed 3 BR villa with a plunge pool, carp pond and 4 oversized bathrooms, we decided to explore Karma beach.

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Karma Beach Club is where most of the action happens. From impeccable service to fresh seafood and laid-back tunes, this is the where the heartbeat of Karma Kandara truly lies.

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To get there, one must enjoy/endure a 3-minute inclinator ride that takes you at a leisurely pace down the 180-degree cliff-side. The journey is both magnificent and hair-raising and unless you prefer to walk down (and up!) a set of fairly unkempt stairs, this is your only option.

Once you’ve arrived, the cocktails are chilled, the beer is on tap, the menu offers both modern and classic dining options and the waitstaff are some of the most attentive we’ve encountered. Most significantly, the sand is WHITE which for anyone who knows, is a rarity is Bali.

On the second night, we dined at Di Mare restaurant which is Karma Kandara’s 5-star dining offering. The restaurant has a spectacular wine list and dedicated wine tasting cellar, locally inspired menu and immaculate service. Watching the sunset over the seemingly endless Indian ocean that evening, we felt a million miles from anywhere.

And finally, to end our trip, we booked in at the newly renovated Karma Kandara spa. With 270-degree views of the ocean and individual treatment sanctuaries, this was the ultimate in contemporary, rustic-luxe spa experiences. The facilities were sparkling clean and the therapists clearly experts in their field. The products were so sublime, we bought some to take home.

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Whilst we were enjoying Di Mare restaurant and the spa, our kids were being entertained and spoilt at the 3 monkeys kids club. With outdoor, indoor and shaded areas, this club offers a multitude of locally inspired activities for the children and the staff are highly competent.

This resort truly has something for everyone and if it’s accessible luxury you’re after – especially with family in tow – this is the right destination for you.

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bali Hotel Review Karma Kandara Uluwatu