Sofitel bali nusa dua

This trip was memorable for a lot of reasons. It's a mixture of wonderful and unfortunate experiences.  It's funny how one minute I am delighted then the next minute I am so annoyed. It started when we landed at Denpasar International Airport, it was modern and spacious which I did not expect at all. I was really envious because it was so much better than the Philippines Airport, which is kinda sad. My delight turned into irritation after I saw how long the line was in the immigration. Also I recall falling in line twice (don't remember what for). When we finished that part, I'm back to my happy self after seeing the nice van waiting for us that will bring us to Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua.

FIRST IMPRESSION
I was really impressed upon seeing the resort for the first time! The resort was surrounded by a big and beautiful pool. Impressive landscape and classy interiors. The staff were beautifully dressed and can be found in all corners of the Hotel. I was feeling optimistic about our stay specially after the receptionist told us that we have been upgraded to Villa (most likely because of my Accor membership). However, my happiness slowly faded after 3 hours of waiting to check in to our room. And this is despite me requesting for an early check in. I would have been more forgiving if the receptionist showed genuine concern, instead, every time I follow up, different reasons were given to me as why the Villa is still not available. So my initial delight was ruined by the bad experience I got from their front line staff.

VILLA
When we finally got into the room, my mood shifted again. How can I not? I paid for a room and I get a house! Yep! The Villa have a very spacious living room, next to it was the equally spacious bedroom with a walk in closet. It also has a special glass door connecting to our very own swimming pool. The bathroom was huge with separate toilet, shower and bathtub area. The villa also comes with its very own garden and gate. When we entered, the cake I requested to celebrate my husband's birthday was already waiting for us. The only downside were the mosquitoes which I think they are aware of because they provided an insect spray in the room. I would give this Villa a 5 out 5 rating because of its modern and luxurious  feel. The toiletries were actually Hermes, If that doesn't spell luxury, I don't know what else will.

HOTEL AMENITIES
The facilities of the Resort was also beautiful. Modern look and you can see that the place was built with luxury in mind. I love their kids clubhouse! We left our son under the care of the Staff for two hours while my husband and I took advantage of some alone time (which we badly needed).  The beach was okay. It was exclusive to the guests which is a nice, however, being a native from the Philippines, I have very high standards when it comes to beaches. The sand was not fine and it gets really low tide in the afternoon. And even though the resort was huge, there's really not much to do other than to lie around and swim.

FOOD
We only ate at the Hotel because there weren't much nearby restaurants to choose from. Plus I get 50% off my ACCOR membership so the price wasn't that bad. We tried their buffet dinner which was nice. A lot of selections but it's not the best buffet I tried so far. The quality of the dishes weren't that fresh specially the Japanese selections. Buffet breakfast is the same, a lot of selections but nothing to be excited about. The only thing I particularly like was the Fresh juice station where you pick your fruits and they juiced it for you on the spot. And one thing that would also annoy you and a lot of people too based on the reviews I read, was the amount of flies in the Resort specially in the Restaurants. They're nightmare, visible everywhere! So if you have a chance to choose, make sure to eat indoors.

We also had a very bad experience after eating lunch at Cut, Catch and Cucina. My husband and I suspected it was food poisoning because we immediately felt bad after that meal. We think it was the mussels from the Tagliatelle Pasta we ate because it already smelled weird from the beginning. It was horrible, we weren't able to do anything else that afternoon but to take turns in the toilet. We were so weak and my son was confused why we don't have the energy to go outside for a swim. Fortunately, my son only ate the Pizza so he was spared. We were actually worried that we wouldn't make it to our Day tour scheduled the next day because we were just so weak. The sad part was when I called their clinic to ask for medicine, they don't have anything but Paracetamol. I asked if they have a doctor on site but I was advised that I need to pay $50 for Doctor's fee plus meds. This was after I explained to them that we got sick from the food from their Restaurant. I did not sense any genuine concern at all. But this experience taught me a lesson that I should always bring my own medicine for emergency cases such as this.

Overall, my husband and I enjoyed the vacation mostly because of the Villa experience. I don't think I would feel extra special about this Resort if we stayed in their regular rooms. Specially after the negative incidents that occurred. This Resort for me is good for a one time experience. I don't see myself coming back here simply because there's not much to do.