Sol Beach House Bali Benoa

Located right by a sandy beach, the Sol Beach House Benoa Bali is well-suited to travelers looking to relax in the sun. Rooms and common spaces are housed in several three- and four-story buildings with wooden balcony railings and traditional pitched roofs. Around them, manicured grounds dotted with bean bags and hammocks tied to palm trees feel serene and inviting. An ornate stone gate reminiscent of traditional temples marks the entrance to the resort, and lush tropical plants line the cobblestone driveway leading up to the lobby. The main building is an elegant, large open pavilion with high thatched ceilings and dark wooden furniture. Bamboo shutters keep the heat at bay when the sun is low, while small Balinese statuettes and beautiful wood and stone carvings add to the space's local charm. Beyond the lobby, interiors don’t have as many traditional Balinese details as other neighboring resorts, but the feel is luxurious throughout, and the lily ponds, lush tropical grounds, and stone statues scattered throughout make the property feel serene and exotic.

First opened in 1996, the Sol Beach House is starting to show some age, but renovations completed in early 2017 brought updates to all rooms and common areas, including fresh coats of paint and new furniture. 

The Sol Beach House Benoa Bali is located off a main thoroughfare in the Tanjung Benoa area. There are a few small restaurants, a number of spa parlors, and some other hotels nearby, but little else of interest within easy walking distance. Famous Bali Collection mall, home to dozens of shops and restaurants, is a five-minute drive away. Many more dining, shopping and nightlife options, as well as a livelier atmosphere, can be found in Seminyak, located a half-hour away. The famous Waterblow can be reached in about 10 minutes, and it's a 20-minute drive to the town of Kuta. Uluwatu Temple is about a 40-minute drive away. The property is 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The hotel has 128 rooms, all featuring furnished balconies overlooking either the pool or the grounds. Although standard units may lack the wow factor of other similarly priced resorts in Bali, all rooms are elegant and contemporary, with large padded headboards, veined tile floors, dark wood furniture, and a soft earth tone palette with pops of gold and black. A few have bolder accents, including aquamarine wooden headboards and orange pillows. Details such as delicate wood carvings, and lamps with plant designs, add local charm. 

In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, minibars, safes, and electric kettles. Bathrooms are spacious and upscale, with large walk-in rain showers, beige veined tiles, and a wide array of toiletries. Some units have wooden floors, and Family Suites are bi-level units with ocean views, a jetted tub, and a bar area with two hot plates and a sink.

The hotel is located right on a sandy beach with padded loungers, a few cabanas, and straw umbrellas. Non-motorized water sports are available here at no extra charge, and motorized ones can be booked at either of the two adjacent beaches. The freeform pool is large and appealing, with lots of loungers, trees for shade, a kiddy section, and a swim-up bar serving snacks and drinks throughout the day. The lobby bar is the hotel’s only other drinking option, and has a relaxing vibe and cute beach decor with wicker daybeds topped with turquoise and white pillows. The hotel has three restaurants, including a 24-hour buffet also serving American breakfast; an Italian eatery with garden views; and an open pavilion offering buffet meals and themed nights. 

The spa has six indoor treatment rooms, two whirlpools, two saunas, and a separate are for salon services, while the fitness center features a few cardio and strength-training machines. Additionally, there are plenty of daily fitness and cultural activities on-site for all ages, including yoga, tai chi, flower arrangement classes, massage demonstrations, and kid-friendly games. The hotel also offers wedding and meeting services, and airport transfers for a fee. Wi-Fi and loaner bikes are available free of charge.