Hard Rock Hotel Bali, The Great Temple of Rock and Roll

 

When we hear about the name, Bali, a green scenery of rice fields, turquoise blue salty water and the big splash of wave are what might pop up in our mind. Tranquil island. Yet, Bali, is a truly unique outlier of the Indonesian islands. It introduces us to Hard Rock Hotel - the Great Temple of Rock and Roll, the first in Asia. Tranquility is not always be the true face of Bali.

 

Hard Rock Hotel Bali's Location and Kuta Beach

Nestled in the hustle bustle area of Kuta and against the shores of its world-famous beach, Hard Rock Hotel Bali sits there in the corner of Jl. Uluwatu, downright facing the Kuta beach. Strategically located, it will take you less than five minutes to lie down on the beach working on that tan you've been dreaming of. Or if you feel like sinking your teeth into swimming or learning how to surf or even surfing yourself tackling the wave of Kuta you might well be just do that after the tan.

To put on the ritz, sunset in Kuta is still something that will take your breath away. So, do not rush, stay there until you watch the transformation of that glorious colours of the sky. And if you are lucky enough you will experience watching a small procession of closing the day where local Balinese march together bringing offerings to the Gods. Only one drawback, as Kuta is a very crowded place prepare to face the so many touts offering many different things from jewelery, hair braid, to massages. In addition to that, environmental wise, Kuta is not that clean. Prepare to watch your steps out as you do not want to stumble upon a garbage and injure yourself. Always remember to throw your rubbish in the appropriate place. *wink

 

 

 

Hard Rock Hotel Bali's Ambience

Hard Rock Hotel Bali has a warm but loud ambience. By warm I mean the staff is very friendly and helpful. When you arrive at the lobby you will be greeted with their beaming smiles and welcomed. Do not worry about your belongings. They will quickly assist you to settle all that big suitcases and over-sized bags (even your surf board, if you have one). Nothing was too much of a trouble.

 

Unless you arrive in the morning, expect to hear Rock and Roll music. Yes, Hard Rock Hotel Bali is that kind of place where this type of music is so much praised and worshiped on daily basis. Hence the title of this post (above) and it is never empty. As part of the tradition of the hotel, a range of guitars are displayed complete with the signatures of the legendary singers. You can also see guitars display at the entrance of the hotel (see picture above).

 

 

Hard Rock Hotel Bali's Room

 

My destination to Bali this time is not for leisure only. I am attending a seminar held in banking and finance. So, the organizer booked me a standard room. The room is pretty spacious. I do like the long bench they put near the balcony. However, Kuta area has been developed to a great extent, once again, do not expect a green scenery outside your balcony as what you probably end up seeing is a whole lot of local Balinese houses and tall hotel buildings. The good news is you still can smell the fresh air of the sea in the morning and feel that gentle sea breeze.

 

Every door of the room has a Rock Star sign. It makes you feel like a real Rock Star (even for a day or two). The alleyway is brightly lighted. Varied choice of accommodation is offered. From deluxe size to "a room only fit for a King" - so they claim. The latter provides you with a deluxe master bedroom and a deluxe guest bedroom complete with two large balconies ideal for lounging.

 

Every room provides spacious bathroom. Not only that, you will be surprised by the small token of welcome they provide you. Do not burst into bed instantly, first check your bed and you will find two tiny lip-shaped chocolates placed on top of your bed. I suppose having a bit of that sugary rush is not harmful. *wink.

 

 

 

Hard Rock Hotel Bali's Eat and Drink

Hard Rock Hotel Bali offers you with a number of places to eat and drink. From the loud and colourful dining scene called the Center Stage where you can enjoy Rock and Roll music while dining and drinking to the quitter ambience of the Splash Bistro where you can dine al-fresco at the poolside enjoying the wood-fired pizza or rockin' pasta. Both will give you that rockin' experience.

 

The breakfast at The Shack is delicious. Good variations of food from western to eastern cuisines are provided. The local made in Bali bacon is not a bad idea either. Fresh selection of fruits and veggies are neatly placed on the big squared table. And the muesli and gooey omelete are so filling and tasty. If you fancy something different than your normal brekky, try the Asian cuisines where you can taste an Indonesian fried rice, better known as nasi goreng. It is a famous breakfast here in Indonesia.

 

 

Hard Rock Hotel Bali's Facilities

Wondering what to do onsite the hotel? For those of you who feel like being active there are actually plenty of things to do. Hard Rock Hotel Bali provides you a free-form of swimming pool (claimed as the biggest in Bali) that is, indeed, huge in size and is equipped with  a sand pool and a beach volleyball space. There are wavy tall slides for you and your kids to have fun with. If that glorious sunshine is too hot for you, hide yourself away in the provided cabanas. They are 22 cabanas equipped with chairs, tables, and daybeds for you to linger around, lazing, and snooze away.

 

If you feel like being pampered or push reset to your everyday activities whilst staying in the hotel, then you must try their Rockin' spa. The spa is a good escape from the hustle bustle of life in  Kuta. With their range of treatments, they will help you to relax your mind, stir your soul, and rock your body. It is a good time to pause for a little while take yourself back before you start it. Retune. Indulge yourself to the virtue of this rockin' spa.

 

For those who want to keep a happy and healthy lifestyle, hit their gym on the ground floor. Or if you need more adrenaline rush than do the rock climbing on a 5 meter tall wall climbing facility. Onsite instructors are ready to help you out with your preppy and health and safety. It does not matter if you are a beginner or an advanced climber, you can be adventurous here.

 

Hard Rock Hotel Bali also provides you with a range of special purchases and memorabilia that only can be found in the hotel. So before you depart do not forget to bring that special thing for your friends or families back home.

 

To sum up, Hard Rock Hotel Bali redefines the lifestyle of island living and add the uniqueness of staying in Bali. For sure, you will have a Rockin'  experience.