Indonesian Paradise Found: Griya Shanti Villas & Spa Awaits
Griya Shanti: My Bali Breakdown (And Why You NEED This Place!)
Okay, so Bali. The word itself conjures images of Instagram-perfect sunsets, rice paddies that could feed a small country, and… well, everyone trying to sell you something. Finding genuine paradise amongst the chaos can feel like searching for a unicorn wearing a floral shirt. But guess what? I think I’ve found it. And it’s called Griya Shanti Villas & Spa. Buckle up, because this isn't your typical fluffy review. This is real.
Let's get this out of the way: I’m not some travel blogger with a portfolio of perfectly posed photos. I'm me, and I needed a serious escape from the soul-crushing monotony of… well, life. Griya Shanti promised a slice of serenity, and frankly, I was skeptical. But, you know what? They delivered.
(Starting with the Basics: The Practical Stuff - You Know, the Boring But Important Bit)
Accessibility: This is HUGE for me, because I have a friend who uses a wheelchair and finding truly accessible places in Bali is… challenging. While Griya Shanti isn’t perfectly flawless on this front (let’s be honest, most places aren't), they do have Facilities for disabled guests listed. It's always best to confirm specific needs directly with the hotel, but the very fact that they’ve acknowledged this is a huge plus. Considering how many places don't even think about it, I give them major props.
Internet & Tech: Okay, look, I can't live without the internet. Don’t judge me! And Griya Shanti gets it. They have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – praise the travel gods! Plus, they also have Internet [LAN] if you're old school. And to further my addiction, all the Internet services were good. Air conditioning in public areas, because Bali is HOT, people! The Business facilities are solid too, with Xerox/fax in business center.
Cleanliness & Safety: My Pandemic-Obsessed Breakdown:
This is where I get serious. I, like everyone else, am still a bit freaked out. Griya Shanti, thankfully, gets it. They're certified on Hygiene Certification and use Anti-viral cleaning products. They take Daily disinfection in common areas. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available option, which is reassuring. They also have Staff trained in safety protocol. And let's not forget the Hand sanitizer everywhere you look, and Individually-wrapped food options. They even had Safe dining setup which made you feel more relaxed than usual!
Dining & Drinking: My Foodie Paradise (Almost!)
Okay, food. This is where I REALLY get excited (and probably gain a few pounds). Restaurants galore! They have Restaurants, Coffee shop, Snack bar, Poolside bar, and the one of my favorite spots, the Vegetarian restaurant. I had a delicious meal that I would eat again! The A la carte in restaurant options looked good, but I mostly stuck to the Buffet in restaurant (because, well, buffet!). Asian cuisine in restaurant was a major win. The International cuisine in restaurant was a little more hit-or-miss, but overall, a solid showing. And the Breakfast [buffet] was amazing. Especially after a night at the Bar!
Relaxation & Spa: The Reason I Came!
This is what Griya Shanti is all about, right? And the answer: YES! I spent the majority of my days draped in a robe, utterly and completely blissed out. Seriously, pure. Unadulterated. Bliss.
- The Spa: This is the heart of the experience. The Massage was divine. I would go back just for that deep tissue massage. The Sauna and Steamroom are the perfect pre-massage prep. I may have even spent a bit too much time in the Spa/sauna. The options were incredible, giving you a chance to relax and soak in the experience – not just a quick treatment.
- The Pool with a View: Oh. My. God. The views! Imagine a shimmering pool, surrounded by lush greenery, and a view that stretches to the horizon. This pool is the definition of Instagram-worthy. I’m not even kidding.
- Other Relaxation Options: Got to try the Foot bath. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was a delightful sensory experience.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer was smooth and easy.
- Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] perfect if you’re hiring a car (I didn’t, but good to know!).
The Rooms: My Cozy Cave of Happiness
The rooms are seriously gorgeous.
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, and Refrigerator: check, check, check, and check!
- The Separate shower/bathtub was a game-changer.
- The Sofa was perfect for sinking into with a book.
The Imperfections (Because, You Know, Life…)
Okay, nothing is perfect. I had a minor issue where the Room service [24-hour] wasn’t quite as prompt as I hoped. And while the Breakfast [buffet] was mostly amazing, the coffee could’ve been a bit stronger. But honestly? These are tiny quibbles.
The Heart of the Matter: Would I Go Back?
YES. A thousand times, YES. Griya Shanti isn’t just a hotel; it’s an experience. It’s a place to recharge, to reconnect with yourself, and to forget, for a little while, the chaos of the world. It's not the most perfect place in the world, but it is perfect for a get away.
My Quirky Final Thoughts (Because I Can)
I loved how safe I felt. There's Security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, so even when venturing out in the evening, I never felt unsafe.
The Offer: Your Escape to Paradise Awaits!
Ready to trade those emails for emerald rice paddies? Want to swap your commute for a massage? Here’s your chance!
Book your stay at Griya Shanti Villas & Spa NOW and receive:
- A complimentary welcome drink upon arrival.
- Early check-in/late check-out
- 10% discount on all spa treatments.
- Free airport transfer.
- Book directly via the hotel website and get an exclusive discount!
- Use code "BALIBLISS" at checkout!
Don't just dream of Bali; experience it. Griya Shanti is waiting. And trust me, you deserve this.
Escape to Paradise: Sunvalley Izu's Luxurious Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel blog. This is the REAL DEAL. My chaotic, messy, utterly human trip to Griya Shanti Villas & Spa in Bali. Prepare yourselves…
Griya Shanti: My Sanity Vacation - or, How I Almost Got Lost in a Rice Paddy (and Loved It)
Day 1: Arrival - Bliss? More Like Bedlam.
1:00 PM - Landed at Denpasar Airport (DPS). Oy vey. Bali. Finally. After a flight that felt longer than my last relationship (and had about as many emotional baggage fees), I was thrilled to be on the ground. The airport? Complete and utter chaos, in the best possible way. A cacophony of smiles, incense, and overly persistent taxi drivers. I swear, one of them tried to sell me a "Balinese massage experience" right past passport control. I politely declined. Mostly.
2:30 PM - Taxi to Griya Shanti. Google Maps told me it was about an hour. Lies! It was closer to 2, thanks to the thrilling (and slightly terrifying) motorbike traffic. Think bumper cars, but with scooters, and the "bumpers" are your life. My driver, a lovely man named Wayan (because of course he was), kept apologising, which only made me feel worse. I was already a mess.
4:30 PM - Arrival at Griya Shanti. Check-in. Finally. The grounds were lush. Utterly gorgeous. A small, serene paradise. I almost cried from the sheer beauty and relief. My villa? Private pool, outdoor shower, the works. I thought, "This is it. This is where I reclaim my soul."
- My First Encounter: Okay, so here’s the thing: I'm terrible at opening fancy sliding doors. I nearly pulled the entire thing off the tracks. I think I mumbled something about "being a city slicker." The staff chuckled kindly. Humiliating, yes, but also…endearing? I'm not sure.
5:00 PM - Pool time! (and existential crisis) First swim. The water was warm. The sun, glorious. I floated for a solid hour, thinking about nothing…except how many emails I’d have to deal with when I got home. The peace was…almost perfect. Except for the fact that I kept dropping my book in the pool.
7:00 PM - Dinner at the Villa Restaurant. The menu was divine. I ordered something fancy, with duck. It was fabulous. Pure bliss; until I managed to spill a whole glass of red wine all over myself. Apparently, I can’t handle luxury and red wine at the same time. I excused myself, mortified, and went back to the villa to change.
8:00 PM - (Attempted) Stargazing. The sky was incredible. But my mosquito-repellent spray failed, and I got absolutely devoured. I lasted about 10 minutes before retreating inside, thoroughly grumpy.
Day 2: Adventure? More Like Mild Panic.
8:00 AM - Breakfast. Avocado toast, fresh fruit, strong coffee. Needed it. My brain was still processing the wine incident.
9:00 AM - Yoga Class. I am not flexible. Like, at all. Picture a contorted, sweaty mess trying to touch her toes. That was me. I think I spent most of the class wondering if I was going to accidentally become a pretzel. The instructor was patient, bless her heart. I managed a few poses that looked (to my eyes) vaguely yogic.
- Quirky Observation: Everyone else in the class was effortlessly graceful, bending and twisting like they were born that way. I swear, they were secretly competing to see who could hold a perfect downward-facing dog the longest.
11:00 AM - Spa Treatment: Massage. Yes. YES. Oh, yes. I opted for the Balinese massage. Hands down, the best massage of my entire life. Seriously. I swear, the masseuse could feel all my stress melting away. For an hour, I felt like a puddle of happy goo. I would gladly move to the spa.
1:00 PM - Lunch at a Local Warung. Wayan recommended a warung (a local eatery) a short drive from the villa. The food was incredible. The most delicious nasi goreng I've ever had, and for the price of a coffee back home. I thought I was going to explode from happiness (and food)!
2:30 PM - Rice Paddy Walk! Okay, so I decided I was feeling adventurous. I wanted to explore the rice paddies near the villa. The scenery was stunning, all shades of green and shimmering water. I started walking. And walking. And walking…
- The Near-Disaster: I got lost. Thoroughly. The paths were confusing. The sun was beating down. I was pretty sure I'd wandered into someone's personal rice paddy. I managed to stop a local farmer (who looked less than thrilled to see me). He pointed me in the right direction. I was sweating like a pig and felt stupid!
5:00 PM - Pool time. Again. Needed to rinse off the rice paddy adventure. And maybe have a little cry. (Just kidding… mostly.)
7:00 PM - Dinner and Cocktails. This time, I was extra cautious with the red wine. Managed to get through the evening without any major spills. Victory! I have the best memory of this time.
Day 3: The Realization: I'm Okay (ish).
8:00 AM - Breakfast. Coffee. More avocado toast. I was starting to get the hang of this.
9:00 AM - Cooking Class. I was skeptical. I considered myself a 'beginner' cook. However, the staff was friendly and I was ready to try. They taught me how to make Gado-Gado, one of the best meals I've ever cooked.
12:00 PM - Pool Time & Reflection. I spent the afternoon by the pool, reading and letting the sun soak into my skin. It hit me: I wasn't perfect, I made a mess of myself and sometimes, that's okay. It’s actually kind of funny. I was starting to find myself in the chaos.
2:00 PM - Spa Time: Another Massage. Okay, maybe I was addicted. Who cares?
4:00 PM: Villa time! It was my last night. I decided to order everything I could from room service. I ate dinner, watched the sunset, and had the time of my life.
8:00 PM - Packing & Departure Plans. Mixed feelings. I was sad to leave this paradise. But also, excited to share my stories.
Departure Day:
9:00 AM - Last Breakfast. Tears, mostly.
10:00 AM - Check Out & Goodbye. Wayan (again!) drove me back to the airport. We were chatting for the entire ride.
1:00 PM - Departure. Ready to go home, exhausted, sun-kissed, and with a small, but mighty, piece of my soul restored.
Final Thoughts:
Griya Shanti was more than just a beautiful villa. It was a lesson in letting go, embracing the mess, and finding joy in the unexpected. I'm still recovering from the red wine incident. But I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just, maybe, with a helmet and a strong aversion to rice paddies next time. Bali, you beautiful, chaotic, wonderful enigma. I'll be back. And yes, I'LL order the massage. Again. Yes, I am a complete mess, but a happier one.
Escape to Paradise: Patong Bay Hill Resort Awaits!
Indonesian Paradise Found? Uh...Griye Shanti Villas & Spa: Let's Get Messy!
Is Griya Shanti REALLY paradise? (Spoiler: Maybe… but with caveats!)
Okay, okay, let's be real for a second. Paradise? That's a BIG word. I went in expecting pristine beaches, perfect sunsets Instagrammable at every hour, and… well, you get the idea. Griya Shanti *does* have its moments. Like, seriously, the first time I saw my private villa pool? Jaw. Dropped. The bougainvillea cascading over the wall? Gorgeous. BUT… and there's always a "but," isn't there?
The website photos? Pretty heavily Photoshopped, if I'm being brutally honest. That perfect white sand beach? Turns out it's a bit further than the website implied. And the "serene spa experience"? Let's just say the sound of construction next door during my Balinese massage wasn't exactly peak zen. Still... I'm still giving it some points, because I have some good memories.
The Villas: Are They Worth the Hype (and the Money?)
Ah, the villas. The heart of the whole shebang. Let me tell you, having your *own* private pool is a game-changer. Seriously. I could roll out of bed (after, you know, a slight delay due to a persistent mosquito) and be swimming in a matter of seconds. Pure bliss! But... and here's where the messiness creeps in...
My first room was… a bit musty. I swear, it took me a solid 20 minutes to find the power outlets (hidden behind the bed, naturally). And the air conditioning? Let's just say it had its own personality. It battled the Balinese heat with sporadic bursts of icy coldness, followed by periods of what I can only describe as "tropical breeze." But that didn't ruin it, It wasn’t a perfect room by any means, but come on, private pool! You can't beat it.
Spa Time! Was the "Serenity" Actually Attainable? (Rambling Alert!)
Okay, the spa. This is where things get REALLY… complicated. The website promises this ultimate relaxation experience, right? And the massage therapists are lovely. They're amazing! But... (you knew it was coming) construction. Next. Door. I'm not kidding. The gentle lapping of the waves was punctuated by the rhythmic *thump-thump-thump* of… something. Pile-driving? Hammering? Honestly, I couldn't tell you.
It was deeply un-zen. Like, made-me-want-to-scream-and-demand-my-money-back un-zen. (Though, to be fair, the massage itself *was* good. They got me. They really got me. I mean, it's hard to complain when someone is kneading knots out of your back.) I did complain, obviously. And they comped me a free… something. Another massage? Another free meal? I don't remember. I was too busy trying to find inner peace while listening to the construction crew create their own version of the “Ode to Joy.” A real moment.
The Food! Is it as Delicious as the Pictures? (Probably not, but… you'll survive!)
Listen, the food was… passable. It's not like I was starving, but let's just say it wasn't the Michelin-star experience I’d dreamt of. The breakfast buffet? Standard hotel fare. The nasi goreng? Pretty good, actually, I ordered that everyday. But the presentation? Let's just say there's room for improvement. I mean, some of the fruit looked like it had seen better days. However, the staff was fantastic, even though it might be slow. In the end, the food was food and you gotta eat!
Location, Location, Location: Is It Far Enough Away to Feel Escaped (or Just Isolated?)
The location is a bit of a mixed bag. It *is* tucked away, which is great if you're looking for peace and quiet. You're not right in the thick of the tourist madness. But, if you want to explore local restaurants or see the "real" Bali, be prepared for some taxi rides. They get expensive. It's not like you can just pop out for a quick bite. It's a commitment. But there’s something to be said for being removed from the crowds. It depends on what *you* want. I loved that it was secluded, but that may not be for everyone, like my friend.
The Staff: Are They Really as Wonderful as Everyone Says? (Spoiler: Mostly, but there's always a fly in the ointment…)
Honestly? The staff were amazing. Seriously. So friendly, so helpful, always with a smile. They went out of their way to accommodate me. I felt like they really cared. Every single one I met. BUT (surprise!), there was this one time… where my laundry… disappeared. Like, vanished into thin air. Never to be seen again. (Insert dramatic gasp here). They blamed it on a mix-up. But honestly, it was suspicious. I kept mentioning it, but it never reappeared. But, I just have to shrug it off. It wasn't a big deal.
Would I Go Back? (The million-dollar question!)
Mmmm… That’s a tough one. Despite the construction, the iffy AC, and the missing laundry, there were moments of pure, unadulterated bliss. Sunsets over the infinity pool? Unbeatable. The genuinely lovely staff? A definite plus. Would I go back expecting perfection? No. Would I go back recognizing the imperfections, the messiness, the slightly-too-Photoshopped charm? Maybe. Probably. I'm still a sucker for a private pool. And hey, maybe that construction will finally be finished by the time I go back.
