Seven Secrets by Hanging Gardens Hotel

Seven Secrets really exceeded our expectations. The location is great; it's tucked away at the end of a beautiful bay with white sandy beach and palm trees all around. The resort is small and intimate but provides all the facilities and services of larger resorts. The large infinity swimming pool overlooks the beach and there's plenty of day beds and shade, as there is along the front of the beach. The free 15 minute welcome massage was excellent and the spa facilities are top class, as is the gym. Breakfast is included and it's sumptuous. We ate at the resort every night of the seven we there and didn't nearly get through all the items of the menu. On the first night they told us that if there was something not on the menu to just tell them and they would arrange for the chef to make it. There's a good range of local, Asian and Western food and plenty of vegetarian options. The grilled seafood platter was a highlight. And then there's the cocktails...delicious, but be warned, they are strong! There's plenty of space to sit along the beachfront and watch the amazing sunsets across the water over Bali. The resort is owned by an architect and it shows. The design is gorgeous, paying a lot of attention to detail, taking the natural environment into account and making great use of the space. The rooms are huge and have big balconies with their own jacuzzi. The indoor/outdoor showers are some of the best I've ever seen. Comfortable beds and excellent stereo speakers for music. But I've saved the best for last - the staff. Gardeners, house-keeping, spa attendants, security, reception, food and beverage staff, and management were all top notch. They were friendly, professional and genuinely cared that we were having a good time. There were so many little touches and we really felt sad to leave. The location and facilities make it hard to criticise this resort, but the staff make it impossible :) Thanks everyone!