Karmagali Boutique Suites

Karmagali is an adult-only (ages 12 and up) property, and it has a minimum two-night booking requirement. It's a charming boutique hotel, with a long central lap pool lined with tropical greenery and thatched roof structures. For those wanting total privacy this may not be the best fit, as the grounds are compact and narrow, and a stay here inevitably involves plenty of intermingling with other guests and staff. It's owned and run by a young French couple who are involved in every aspect, from the interior design, to the gourmet menu, and occasionally even guest airport pickups. Thoughtful touches include refreshing ginger water and cookies served by the pool, Balinese sweets and bedtime stories placed upon pillows at nightly turndown service, and homemade treats served with the free afternoon tea. The hotel is popular with European travelers and is mostly frequented by couples. Groups also occasionally book out the entire property as a private seven-bedroom estate.

Karmagali Boutique Suites is nestled in a residential area on the outskirts of downtown Sanur, a five-minute walk from the Sindhu Night Market and a 10-minute walk to the main downtown street of Jalan Danau Tamblingan. Sindhu Beach is a 15-minute walk or five-minute bicycle ride (bikes are provided by the hotel). Sanur is a sleepy tourist area on Bali's east coast, popular with an older crowd. It's known for white-sand beaches and calm waters, plus a long beachfront promenade lined with restaurants and bars. There is also a good selection of dining options, shops, and mellow nightlife spots on the downtown side. Boat transfers depart daily from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, Lombok, and Gili Islands. Sanur's quiet streets with minimal traffic, wide walking paths, and relaxed vibe provide a stark contrast from the hectic pace of Kuta and Seminyak, which are both about a 30-minute drive away. Ngurah Rai International Airport also takes around 30 minutes to reach.

Karmagali has five one-bedroom suites and a large two-bedroom bungalow. A blend of contemporary architecture and traditional Indonesian design elements are showcased throughout all units. Think: thatched roofs, natural sandstone walls, marble floors, teakwood furnishings and trim, and glass doors. The light airy spaces feel uncluttered and understated, with only a few tastefully placed pieces of artwork, local textiles, and ornate wood and stone carvings on display. All rooms have king-size beds with canopy mosquito nets, and the one-bedroom suites feature patio seating with tables, couches, and beanbags facing the pool.  The Bungalow Kayu 2 Bedrooms is housed in a 100-year-old Javanese teakwood joglo. It's tucked privately at the far end of the property, with a huge open-plan living area featuring a plush lounge, dining table, and a small kitchen area with a kettle, washing sink, and full-size refrigerator -- but no stove or microwave. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speakers, safes, mini-fridges, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Drinking water is supplied in a glass pitcher in the fridge, and it's refreshed daily or upon request.

Bathrooms have long vanity countertops with double s sinks, walk-in rainfall showers, and small internal gardens. Hairdryers and bathrobes are provided, as are locally made bath products.

Karmagali is an intimate hotel, with only an outdoor lap pool and a single-room spa for features. The room service menu has a range of Indonesian and Western favorites, plus French specialities -- but there's no full restaurant. An a la carte breakfast is included with continental, French, and Indonesian options, that can be made vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. Breads and pastries are baked in-house and the jams are homemade. Daily afternoon tea is also provided for free. The spa uses all natural body products and offers a range of beauty and massage treatments, including Balinese massage, reflexology, facials, body scrubs, and nail services. Bicycles are available for guests to use and Wi-Fi is free throughout. There is on-site parking, but space is limited.