Alila Seminyak

A contemporary, suite-heavy beachfront resort on the Petitenget end of Seminyak.

Alila Seminyak is a contemporary beachfront resort on Petitenget beach, the quieter northern stretch of Seminyak, now part of Hyatt's Alila brand. Its 240 rooms, more than half of them suites, are spread across four low-rise buildings linked by terraced gardens and planted walls, and the resort follows EarthCheck sustainability standards. The small Pura Dalem Segara temple sits within the grounds, a reminder that this stretch of coast is still part of village life.

Rooms start with the 46 sqm Deluxe, set around the gardens with pool access, but most guests are better off in a suite. The Deluxe Suite (72 sqm) adds a separate living area and a balcony or terrace, the Ocean View Suite gives you the sea from the bedroom, and the Beach Suite (177 sqm) is the one to book for families or groups, with a living room that can double as a second bedroom. Note that some Deluxe Suites face the neighbouring beach club, so daytime and evening music can carry into the rooms.

Food centres on Seasalt, an indoor-outdoor restaurant with ocean-view tables that leans on seafood and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and a Sunday brunch. The Beach Bar handles day beds, Middle Eastern-leaning snacks and sunset cocktails, and in-room dining runs around the clock.

The pools are laid out over different levels, with infinity edges facing the ocean and adults-only pools for those who want a calmer afternoon. Spa Alila offers a signature massage, the traditional lulur body polish and reflexology, while the fitness centre and yoga studio run daily classes. Play Alila, the supervised kids club, takes children up to 12, and bicycles are available to borrow.

The airport is roughly 30 minutes away by car outside peak traffic, longer in the evening rush. Jalan Petitenget's restaurants, bars and boutiques are a short walk, and Seminyak Square and Jalan Laksmana are an easy stroll or quick Grab ride; the hotel can also advise on its shuttle into central Seminyak.

It suits couples and families who want a polished, design-led base with beach access and Seminyak's dining on the doorstep. It is less suited to anyone after a secluded tropical hideaway, as the neighbouring beach clubs keep this coast lively. The beach itself is dark volcanic sand with strong surf and no lifeguards on the hotel stretch, so swim in the pools and keep a close eye on children at the water's edge.