Preview: Bali’s Five-Star Samabe Resort

A monkey guards the make-shift gate as we pull into Samabe Resort, Grand Mirage Resort’s sister property, located in Nusa Dua.

Right now, Samabe Resort isn’t quite there — it’s wrapping construction with an opening set for early 2013. But, even as we walk through the white sand and the still-under-construction villas and suites, I can tell one thing: this resort is going to give all of the others on this part of the exotic island a run for its money.

Perched high on a cliff, when Samabe Resort opens, the five-star resort will epitomize luxury.

SAMABE Villa Terace Lo Res — It’s easy to imagine sitting on this villa’s terrace at twilight. Photo courtesy Samabe Resort.

I’m not kidding.

Think personal butlers, private pools for each villa, complimentary spa treatments, yoga, organic meals, a daily cocktail hour (which I can envision being a highlight for me) and more. All-inclusive.

Samabe Resort Birdview — A birds-eye-view of Samabe Resort. Rendering courtesy Samabe Resort.

Spread across 16 luscious acres of tropical land, Samabe Resort will offer 35 free-standing villas and 39 suites — one and two bedroom villas and suites — plus seven penthouse villas and the Royal Samabe Residence, essentially a two-bedroom home with infinity pool. Each and every one offering unobstructed ocean views.

The sales manager weaves Daniel and I through the grounds and buildings, explaining the little details, like the bamboo thatched roofing which will have to be replaced regularly, but a “must” in order to echo the Balinese architecture the resort prides itself on presenting. Each room is decorated with culture in mind, tapping in to woods, colors, accents and more, giving guests more than just a typical hotel room.

SAMABE Villa Bed Room 01 Lo Res — A villa bedroom. Ahhh. Photo courtesy Samabe Resort.

We step into one of the suites, a gorgeous expanse of room with doors opening out onto a large balcony with a stunning view of the blue-green Indian Ocean. We’re high up, and looking down, down, down I immediately lust for the room to be complete and to be sitting out here on plush patio furniture, sipping a glass of champagne.

SAMABE Suite Bed Room 03 Lo Res — A suite bedroom at Samabe Resort. Photo courtesy Samabe Resort.

It’s that gorgeous.

At one point, standing on the balcony and letting the hot air gently tousle my hair, I close my eyes and imagine what it would be like to stay in the finished product. Only one word comes to mind — heaven.

Samabe Resort view — The view from said suite.

Editor’s Note: My time in Bali was courtesy of Grand Mirage Resort, however all opinions are my own. If you have questions regarding this, please read my disclosure policy.