Chapung Sebali Hotel

The surest sign that one has found one’s dream holiday resort is when the trip planning for the return visit starts just when one is about to depart after the first visit. Which is why this weekend I have just booked my next stay in Chapung Sebali in November; less than 6 months after my first visit in June. Such is its magical pull and insistent hold over me that I find myself thinking of my stay there after I got home to daily routine. There are plentiful established and new resorts opening regularly in Bali promising wondrous vacations but when I have found a place that resonates deeply with me, it is hard to think of trying something new or staying at any where else. Yes, you can believe to be true all the photos and positive reviews online in terms of the resort facilities & room amenities that never left me wanting for more, the generally high level of guest services, its beautiful setting and peaceful ambience; but additionally what I discovered was a community of dedicated, ever smiling and obliging team of staff who put the sense of heart and soul into my experience staying there. Many of them have worked years there and have family members also working there. For me, this resort strikes the perfect balance of being a large enough resort to be professionally managed and well run, but yet small enough to get to know and interact with the staff for a personalised and memorable stay. So when I return, it is as much for the attraction of enjoying the resort’s range of facilities, the delicious food for breakfast and dinner and savouring the quiet serenity of the place as well as the opportunity to renew ties with the friendly and gracious people I have gotten to know. Detha, the enthusiastic and adventurous bartender who got me to enjoy their versions of standard cocktails, Jonny also mixologist and a barista for breakfast, helpful Gusti from the front office and his wife Dewi who is guest host at the restaurants, Budi the F&B leader and the dining staff, Dewa and Ayu and also Putri the yoga teacher who all contributed to my superior guest experience. Gusti, Elita (Detha’s sister) and Luhde from the front desk reception took charge of personalised guest communications principally via a WhatsApp chat throughout my entire stay that speaks volume of the attentive service and customised care I received. In an unexpectedly wonderful combination of hardware and heartware and having all these elements come together during my stay, I have found my sanctuary for the senses in Ubud at Chapung Sebali which I long to return to.