BY JAMES WILKINSON IN SEMINYAK, BALI
The newest property on Indonesia’s holiday island, W Retreat and Spa Bali-Seminyak, made a spectacular debut last weekend (July 2), with the resort flying in well-known DJs, mixologists and celebrities for a three-day opening event.
The W Retreat and Spa Bali-Seminyak, which opened for business in March this year, is the hip Starwood brand’s third retreat in Asia and arguably one of the best W hotels found anywhere in the world.
After a traditional ceremony on Saturday afternoon (July 2) that saw the hotel officially opened by owner Magda Hutaglung, the opening party was soon in full swing with a special performance by renowned DJ Dimitri from Paris, well known for his early-2000s album ‘A Night at the Playboy Mansion’.
Dimitri from Paris’ performance was one element of W Bali-Seminyak’s ‘A New Scene Unseen’ concept, which brought alive the brand’s passion for all things fashion, design and music.
A New Scene Unseen was about guests embracing creativity during the day – from preparing dishes with resident Chef Ian Lovie to talking about photography with Marcel van der Vlugt, whose works hang in the hotel’s Extreme WOW suite – and feeling the hotel’s energy at night through drinks, food and music.
W Hotels’ Global Music Director Michaelangelo L’Aqua was responsible for the music program over the weekend, showcasing his own talents on the first night (July 1) and selecting Dimitri from Paris to officially welcome the hotel in W brand’s infamous rockstar fashion.
Guests were also given a unique showcase of the property’s partnerships in and around Bali on the final day, ranging from a visit to Ubud to meet the world-famous ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ medicine man to a full-day cruising the Strait of Bali onboard a catamaran, complete with the W’s bartenders, resident DJs and leading chefs.
W Retreat and Spa Bali-Seminyak General Manager Craig Seaward said the opening weekend was the perfect opportunity to showcase the best of what the 237-room hotel has to offer.
“We were thrilled to celebrate the opening W Hotels Worldwide’s newest retreat with a signature W Premiere event,” he said. “We’ve taken the best of Bali and Seminyak and merged it with W’s distinct personality, creating a cutting-edge island retreat that refuels the body and senses.”
The property, which is located on the beach in Seminyak, features 158 Retreats and 79 spacious Villa Retreats, several signature food and beverage outlets (including Woobar, Fire, Starfish Bloo and W Lounge), Bali’s only 24-hour spa, a 150-sqm state-of-the-art gym and poolside cabanas.
GETTING TO BALI