Seminyak is one of Bali’s more upmarket areas, with chic cafes, trendy bars and boutiques galore. Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort gives guests the opportunity to combine all these things with the culture and spirituality of ‘the island of the  Gods’. In many cases, you don’t even need to leave this 50 room all-suite hotel overlooking the beach. Here are some insider’s tips to help you make the most of your stay at Anantara Seminyak, including how to enjoy free cocktails.

Anantara Seminyak activities

Complimentary guest activities are available each day, from spa classes where you can learn how to make a traditional herbal compress to a management cocktail party (free drinks and good conversation). Balinese kite making class and a workshop where you can learn how to make traditional Balinese offerings are also available. These activities aren’t well advertised but, once you know they’re available, it’s easy to find out what is on each day.

Get to breakfast early

MoonLite Kitchen and Bar, an upmarket bar and restaurant on the roof of the hotel, doubles as a breakfast venue. Early mornings at this restaurant are stunning with surfers hitting the waves and knock out views along Seminyak beach. Arrive early so you can take your time over breakfast in a prime outdoor seat without having to worry about the sun. With a vast cold buffet selection, made-to-order items from the a la carte menu and unlimited barista-style coffee included, it is unlikely you are going to want to leave in a hurry.

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Chill out at the beanbag bar

Okay, so it’s not officially called the ‘beanbag bar’, but sitting on a comfy beanbag at sunset with a signature cocktail in hand and sand between your toes is hard to beat. You’ll see staff setting up this pop-up bar overlooking Seminyak beach each evening. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, you can drop in for a drink (or two). All of the rooms at Anantara Seminyak (except for the Penthouse) have the same interior design, it’s just the location and view that is different. Our pick was one of the Ocean Suites where you can enjoy the view and superb people watching from morning until night.

Choosing your room at Anantara Seminyak

If you choose a Pool Access Suite, ask for one near the beach. These are more open and have beach glimpses; the ones at the back are closed in with a view of the adjoining accommodation block. However, you do get your own private pool area if you are staying in one of these rooms. Have a think about which option you would prefer and put your request in. While exact rooms can’t be guaranteed, the hotel will do everything they can to accommodate your request.

Listen to the DJ

MoonLite Kitchen and Bar features talented local DJs during the cocktail hour, mixing a live chill out soundtrack as you sit back and enjoy the view. You get 2-for-1 drinks most evenings until 7pm. Once happy hour has finished, you can wander through to the restaurant next door for dinner.

Seminyak beach boogie boarding

Out the front of the hotel there are plenty of beach hire places. Apparently the surfing at this beach is fabulous but if, like me, you don’t know how to surf you can have just as much fun hiring a boogie board. The waves might look small but they are extremely powerful, guaranteeing a fast ride all the way into the beach.

Dining by design at Antantara Seminyak

If you want to surprise someone special, ask the hotel to set up dinner somewhere special. You’ll get your own dedicated waiter, a delicious multi-course meal and plenty of envious glances.

Press the ‘button of happiness’

Each deck chair has a ‘magical blue button’ so you can order drinks or food from comfort of your lounge chair. The food by the pool is well priced and offers excellent value, especially if you order a few different things to share. The button also comes in handy if you run out of (complimentary) water when you’re lounging by the pool.

Post on Instagram at MoonLite Kitchen and Bar

I discovered this top tip by accident. If you post a photo on Instagram and tag MoonLite Kitchen and Bar, you get a discount on your meal. I only found out when I went to pay the bill and the staff complimented me on my sunset shot then applied the discount.

Disclosure: The writer stayed as a guest of Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort.

We’ve got plenty of hints and tips for travelling in Bali and also some great hotel and resort suggestions. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, we’ve reviewed the Ritz-Carlton Bali Resort, Peppers Seminyak Resort, Apurva Kempinski Bali, Bulgari Resort Bali, Aria Villas Ubud, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, The Mulia Bali, Merusaka Nusa Dua, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, Anantara Seminyak Bali, the InterContinental Bali for couples and those travelling with kids. We’ve compared the Singaraja and Club rooms at the InterContinental Bali and found the best luxury family hotels in Bali and the best honeymoon hotels in Bali.