St Regis Bali 2019: a review; Babi Guling at Pak Dobiel and a little about Mrs Sippy and Lloyd's Inn Bali
My pregnant wife sees it, she likes it, she wants it, she got it.
St Regis Bali
Splurged a bit on our accommodation in Bali this time.
I thought I was well to do, but I realise now I might have been poor.
Bless my parents they really did their best to hide it.
I've stayed in 5 star hotel but never understood what 5 star service should be.
I have never stayed anywhere with service as meticulous as St Regis Bali.
I have been oh so middle class.
First of all we splurged on our flight.
Oh we still flew budget economy on Scoot. What am I, made of money?
But we paid to pick our seats so we could sit next to each other.
By chance we picked row 8, which is right by the door.
Have you been the first one out the plane? I have. (Actually my wife has... because I'm a gentleman)
St Regis organises an escort to pick you from the moment you arrive all the way to the resort.
A staff member was waiting for us on the skybridge. I didn't have time to take a picture of her holding a placard with my name because I didn't expect to meet anyone so soon.
The staff helped my wife with her baggage and whisked us through customs. Turns out we didn't have to rush out of the plane to clear immigration fast because we were escorted through a special lane designated for crew and the disabled.
Is this corruption?
Once past immigration, you can sit in a lounge while the staff member picks your checked in baggage.
We had no checked-in baggage of course, they cost extra.
Past customs, we were led to our transport and sent to the resort.
Once in the lobby, you make yourself comfortable like a big towkay (boss) and wait for the check in staff to attend to you.
Of course there are welcome drinks prepared for you
We arrived early and they let us check in early!
I was in my swim shorts on the plane because I though we would have to wait to check in and I wanted to lounge by the pool immediately.
We were driven around in a buggy and given a tour of the resort before heading for our room.
Which looks like this:
After 15 minutes of gushing, we decided to head out for lunch.
Rule of thumb is when in Bali, eat babi (guling).
We're in luck because just a short cab ride away is their famous Warung Babi Gulin Pak Dobil Nusa Dua.
Tried my best to order in Behasa Indonesia, telling them no veggies in my nasi campur.
There are two queues, one for take away and one for eating in. A friendly Balinese man informed me as I was in the super long queue for take away. I paid it forward by informing a fellow tourist later on.
The kindness movement starts with you.
Good stuff, super spicy, painfully delicious. Downed 2 bottles of water and a bottle of coke.
See that soup there?
While I was dying from the heat, my wife said to drink the soup, it would help quench the fire.
I drank it like the obedient husband I am, but it just made it worse.
And that's how we found out about the chili powder in the soup.
Post lunch headed back to our way too spacious for 2 room and took an afternoon nap.
That's how you know you're on holiday.
Headed to the private beach after our post prandial slumber.
Absolutely relaxing, quiet, secluded beach front.
Had a lovely afternoon just lounging.
I just walk up to an unoccupied lounge chair and look slightly annoyed that there is sand on it, and an attendant comes over and lays down towels for me. Fantastic service. They also brought over 2 complimentary bottled water and moist towels.
Decided to be atas and get a drink on the beach, but I wasn't feeling like alcohol so I got their milkshake, thought it was reasonably priced at 10 dollars, but it was super watery, would not recommend. Should have got the coconut maybe.
Checked out their pool next. St Regis Bali has two pools.
This one's the fresh water pool
Freshwater pool is pretty but so very small. Still had fun splashing around though.
The salt water pool is bigger and looks more exclusive, catering mainly to their poolside villas (the ones too expensive for me). You can still use their pool, but there're less loungers for the 2nd class visitors such as myself.
Caught the fire dance at 6.30 pm
For dinner, we tried their famed Kayuputi.
Disappointing. Especially since for 3 dollars I could have gotten more babi guling instead.
Ambience was nice enough, but the food was lack lustre.
Tried the Miso consomme with scallops and mushrooms. Could not taste the miso, just an overpowering taste of shiitake.
My wife had their signature dish, some beef short rib in some special marinade and lobster tempura. Lobster tempura was nice, but the beef...
The beef they say is done sous vide, but why would you sous vide beef to well done?
Overall way too expensive for way too mediocre food. Pulling off a Wolfgang Puck, if you will.
Free dessert though, because it's our anniversary. *wink wink*
Oh forgot to mention, room service also sent up a chocolate cake to our room for our anniversary *wink wink*
Which helped to salvage the night somewhat.
Cake wasn't fantastic but it's the thought that counts.
Next morning we had their legendary breakfast a la carte buffet at Boneka.
It's pretty over the top, extremely extravagant.
It's like Wicked Spoon, but for breakfast.
Lobster bisque omelete, caviar, sashimi and steaks!
Pro tip you can just order lobster bisque omelete and get them to hold the omelette so you don't fill up on eggs.
Lazed in the room some more before we were sent on our merry way to Lloyd's Inn in Seminyak.
Overall, a highly recommended stay if you can afford it. World class service.
Touch and go there, food wise, though you could easily order other food.
Like babi guling, which I've mentioned ad nauseam.
Pleasurable, relaxing stay, just what we needed.
It's forbidden fruit though, now you know what a better life is. You can't give that knowledge back.
Now that you've drunk from the Pierian spring, everything else tastes like stale tap water.
Lloyd's Inn Bali
Industrial chic.
We got the big sky room with the swing.
Instagram pretty, but after St Regis, it felt like a hostel.
Had imagined spending time curled up in their hanging canopy chair reading, but in the first room they gave me the swing was a plank with two ropes. Not what was promised in the description at all.
Had to kick up a fuss, before they changed me to the proper swing room. Tried to sell me some bullshit about how the swings are different in the swing rooms, but clearly one room is better than the other.
Their spa, Canopy leaves much to be desired too, masseuse talking and giggling throughout the session.
Just too bad Lloyd's Inn came after St. Regis. It was never going to measure up. Though to be fair, Lloyd's Inn's location was fantastic, very close to the beach. It also cost 1/6 of St Regis.
Mrs Sippy
Writing this segment just so I can post my silly GIFs.
Cover charge is pretty pricey at 15 SGD per person, if you want a lounge chair there's a minimum spend of around 50 to 60 SGD. Food is average, drinks the same you'll find anywhere else.
No view of the beach which is a bummer, unlike Potatohead.
But there is a dive pool which is the main draw. Great for kids around 10 years old and adults alike.
You get show-offs doing hand stands and flips diving into the pool, and you also get people like me.
Bringing a smile to everyone I meet, because I'm a joke.
Cousin: Was that an attempt at a flip?
Me: yes
Cousin: Cos it also looked like a bad cannon ball.
Nitty Gritty
Warung Babi Gulin Pak Dobil Nusa Dua
Just a short ride away from St Regis. Taxi fare seems to be a flat rate of 3 SGD (30K IDR)
Located here:
Remember there are two lines at the stall, one for take aways and one for eating in. Eating in seems to be slightly more expensive at 35K IDR compared to 25K IDR if you take away, but portions are bigger and you get that soup with its salty goodness.
We discovered Gojek deliveries the next day and have not looked back since. Exploitatively cheap deliveries, for a short deliver it can be as little as 40 cents. So try to tip them I guess.
St Regis
A night's stay costs 700 SGD. It ain't cheap.
Our room was just their standard room.
They provide transport to and from their hotel, could be the airport could be other parts of Bali.
Booked through Agoda, and used shopback for its rebate.
For more of my adventures, follow me
St Regis Bali
Splurged a bit on our accommodation in Bali this time.
I thought I was well to do, but I realise now I might have been poor.
Bless my parents they really did their best to hide it.
I've stayed in 5 star hotel but never understood what 5 star service should be.
I have never stayed anywhere with service as meticulous as St Regis Bali.
I have been oh so middle class.
First of all we splurged on our flight.
Oh we still flew budget economy on Scoot. What am I, made of money?
But we paid to pick our seats so we could sit next to each other.
By chance we picked row 8, which is right by the door.
Have you been the first one out the plane? I have. (Actually my wife has... because I'm a gentleman)
St Regis organises an escort to pick you from the moment you arrive all the way to the resort.
A staff member was waiting for us on the skybridge. I didn't have time to take a picture of her holding a placard with my name because I didn't expect to meet anyone so soon.
The staff helped my wife with her baggage and whisked us through customs. Turns out we didn't have to rush out of the plane to clear immigration fast because we were escorted through a special lane designated for crew and the disabled.
Is this corruption?
Once past immigration, you can sit in a lounge while the staff member picks your checked in baggage.
We had no checked-in baggage of course, they cost extra.
Past customs, we were led to our transport and sent to the resort.
 |
| The seats are adjustable! With the leg rest flap thinggy. With chocolates and moist towels and bottled water! |
 |
| Fresh fish for dinner |
Of course there are welcome drinks prepared for you
 |
| legs for days |
I was in my swim shorts on the plane because I though we would have to wait to check in and I wanted to lounge by the pool immediately.
We were driven around in a buggy and given a tour of the resort before heading for our room.
Which looks like this:
 |
| You can take them home! All of them! But we forgot the hats :( |
 |
| Very colonial master looking. I like. |
Rule of thumb is when in Bali, eat babi (guling).
We're in luck because just a short cab ride away is their famous Warung Babi Gulin Pak Dobil Nusa Dua.
Tried my best to order in Behasa Indonesia, telling them no veggies in my nasi campur.
There are two queues, one for take away and one for eating in. A friendly Balinese man informed me as I was in the super long queue for take away. I paid it forward by informing a fellow tourist later on.
The kindness movement starts with you.
 |
| Died and went to heaven. |
See that soup there?
While I was dying from the heat, my wife said to drink the soup, it would help quench the fire.
I drank it like the obedient husband I am, but it just made it worse.
And that's how we found out about the chili powder in the soup.
 |
| Babi being guling-ed |
Post lunch headed back to our way too spacious for 2 room and took an afternoon nap.
That's how you know you're on holiday.
Headed to the private beach after our post prandial slumber.
Absolutely relaxing, quiet, secluded beach front.
Had a lovely afternoon just lounging.
I just walk up to an unoccupied lounge chair and look slightly annoyed that there is sand on it, and an attendant comes over and lays down towels for me. Fantastic service. They also brought over 2 complimentary bottled water and moist towels.
Decided to be atas and get a drink on the beach, but I wasn't feeling like alcohol so I got their milkshake, thought it was reasonably priced at 10 dollars, but it was super watery, would not recommend. Should have got the coconut maybe.
Checked out their pool next. St Regis Bali has two pools.
This one's the fresh water pool
Freshwater pool is pretty but so very small. Still had fun splashing around though.
The salt water pool is bigger and looks more exclusive, catering mainly to their poolside villas (the ones too expensive for me). You can still use their pool, but there're less loungers for the 2nd class visitors such as myself.
 |
| Don't be salty |
Caught the fire dance at 6.30 pm
For dinner, we tried their famed Kayuputi.
Disappointing. Especially since for 3 dollars I could have gotten more babi guling instead.
Ambience was nice enough, but the food was lack lustre.
Tried the Miso consomme with scallops and mushrooms. Could not taste the miso, just an overpowering taste of shiitake.
My wife had their signature dish, some beef short rib in some special marinade and lobster tempura. Lobster tempura was nice, but the beef...
The beef they say is done sous vide, but why would you sous vide beef to well done?
Free dessert though, because it's our anniversary. *wink wink*
Oh forgot to mention, room service also sent up a chocolate cake to our room for our anniversary *wink wink*
Which helped to salvage the night somewhat.
Cake wasn't fantastic but it's the thought that counts.
Next morning we had their legendary breakfast a la carte buffet at Boneka.
 |
| Got them to send up coffee and tea before breakfast. Just because. |
It's pretty over the top, extremely extravagant.
It's like Wicked Spoon, but for breakfast.
Lobster bisque omelete, caviar, sashimi and steaks!
Pro tip you can just order lobster bisque omelete and get them to hold the omelette so you don't fill up on eggs.
 |
| I later learnt to order it without the egg. |
 |
| Green eggs, without ham? |
Lazed in the room some more before we were sent on our merry way to Lloyd's Inn in Seminyak.
Overall, a highly recommended stay if you can afford it. World class service.
Touch and go there, food wise, though you could easily order other food.
Like babi guling, which I've mentioned ad nauseam.
Pleasurable, relaxing stay, just what we needed.
It's forbidden fruit though, now you know what a better life is. You can't give that knowledge back.
Now that you've drunk from the Pierian spring, everything else tastes like stale tap water.
Lloyd's Inn Bali
Industrial chic.
We got the big sky room with the swing.
Instagram pretty, but after St Regis, it felt like a hostel.
Had to kick up a fuss, before they changed me to the proper swing room. Tried to sell me some bullshit about how the swings are different in the swing rooms, but clearly one room is better than the other.
 |
| I spy with my little eyes |
 |
| Common Lounge |
 |
| see how small this bathroom space is and that shitty swing, Compare with the previous picture |
Their spa, Canopy leaves much to be desired too, masseuse talking and giggling throughout the session.
Just too bad Lloyd's Inn came after St. Regis. It was never going to measure up. Though to be fair, Lloyd's Inn's location was fantastic, very close to the beach. It also cost 1/6 of St Regis.
Mrs Sippy
Writing this segment just so I can post my silly GIFs.
Cover charge is pretty pricey at 15 SGD per person, if you want a lounge chair there's a minimum spend of around 50 to 60 SGD. Food is average, drinks the same you'll find anywhere else.
No view of the beach which is a bummer, unlike Potatohead.
But there is a dive pool which is the main draw. Great for kids around 10 years old and adults alike.
You get show-offs doing hand stands and flips diving into the pool, and you also get people like me.
Bringing a smile to everyone I meet, because I'm a joke.
Cousin: Was that an attempt at a flip?
Me: yes
Cousin: Cos it also looked like a bad cannon ball.
Nitty Gritty
Warung Babi Gulin Pak Dobil Nusa Dua
Just a short ride away from St Regis. Taxi fare seems to be a flat rate of 3 SGD (30K IDR)
Located here:
Remember there are two lines at the stall, one for take aways and one for eating in. Eating in seems to be slightly more expensive at 35K IDR compared to 25K IDR if you take away, but portions are bigger and you get that soup with its salty goodness.
We discovered Gojek deliveries the next day and have not looked back since. Exploitatively cheap deliveries, for a short deliver it can be as little as 40 cents. So try to tip them I guess.
St Regis
A night's stay costs 700 SGD. It ain't cheap.
Our room was just their standard room.
They provide transport to and from their hotel, could be the airport could be other parts of Bali.
Booked through Agoda, and used shopback for its rebate.
For more of my adventures, follow me
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