I spent 3 days experiencing a wonderful Six Senses Uluwatu stay review in Bali during May. This luxury hotel Uluwatu is renowned for its cliffside location and was one of the few hotels in Bali that remained open during the recent global crisis. Read on for my detailed Six Senses Uluwatu Bali review.
Getting to Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali: Location and Access
Getting to the luxurious Six Senses Uluwatu from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is quite straightforward, typically taking around 30 -60 minutes depending on traffic. For ultimate ease and comfort, you can arrange a private car transfer directly through the resort in advance; a driver will meet you upon arrival, handling your luggage and ensuring a seamless start to your stay.
Alternatively, ride-sharing services like Grab are widely available at the airport and often provide a more cost-effective option. Simply use the Grab app on your phone after collecting your luggage to book a car and proceed to the designated airport pick-up zone for ride-sharing.
I came from Villa Seaview near Air Sanih in the North of Bali. So it was a long drive that took over 3 hours to reach this stunning Uluwatu destination.
Checking In: Arrival Experience at Six Senses Uluwatu
We arrived around 12:30 PM.
As we crossed the hotel security checkpoint, an officer performed the standard car security check efficiently.
This unique Bali luxury resort is built dramatically along a cliff edge, and the lobby sits majestically at the top. The panoramic view from the lobby out to the vast Indian Ocean is simply stunning and sets the stage for a memorable stay.
My check-in process was very swift, with no other customers in sight at that moment. I was welcomed with a refreshing glass of Jamu (a traditional Balinese medicinal drink) and a few delicious cookies – a lovely touch.
My luggage and I were then transferred into a golf cart (buggy), and we were whisked away towards our villa, navigating the resort’s pathways.
Review of Six Senses Uluwatu Resort Infrastructure: Pools, Gym & Gardens
As we drove down the curvy lane towards the villa, I realized how massive and impressively built up the Six Senses Uluwatu resort is. It boasts over 100 rooms, most of which are configured as individual villas, many featuring a desirable private pool. Given the prime cliffside location, virtually all accommodations offer a beautiful sea view, a key feature of this 5-star hotel in Uluwatu.
What surprised me during my stay, however, was the absence of the sound of the sea from the villa area. The cliff is remarkably tall, meaning even when close to the edge, the soothing sounds of the ocean waves don’t quite reach you. Having just come from villa Seaview in North Bali, where the pool practically merged with the sea, I had grown accustomed to the sound of the waves, so this was a noticeable difference and a minor personal disappointment.
The resort’s main communal area is strategically located along the cliff edge. Here, guests can find the primary restaurants, bars, the Six Senses Spa, a fitness center (gym), a library, a boutique shop, and the magnificent main pool.
The main Six Senses Uluwatu infinity pool is simply stunning and a highlight of the resort. Imagine a huge infinity-edge pool perched right on the cliff, seemingly merging with the horizon. While the exact length wasn’t confirmed, I’d estimate it was at least 100 meters long – an incredible space for swimming laps. Most of the time during my visit, I had this expansive pool almost entirely to myself, which felt incredibly luxurious.
The lounge chairs surrounding the pool are plush and exceptionally comfortable. Poolside service was flawless, with attentive staff promptly providing water and fresh towels each time I arrived. It’s worth noting that the large umbrellas are fixed in place, so finding shade could be challenging at certain times of the day, especially as the resort faces South.
The Roka and Crudo restaurants flank the main pool area. The Roka Bar, in particular, boasts a great location with captivating sea views, perfect for sunset drinks.
I didn’t get the chance to try the spa during this visit. The gym, however, was somewhat unimpressive for a resort of this caliber. It felt relatively small and lacked the sea view that enhances workouts elsewhere. Consequently, I didn’t use it, though the equipment appeared clean, modern, and sufficient for maintaining a basic workout routine while staying at Six Senses Uluwatu Bali. if you want a good gym while in Bali, check out the Mulia Resort gym.
The resort gardens are beautifully landscaped, featuring an abundance of vibrant bougainvillea and other exotic tropical plants. My only minor critique would be that the resort feels quite densely built, with rows upon rows of villas. While understanding the high cost of land in Bali contributes to this, and many new hotels are similarly developed, I felt it diverged slightly from the Six Senses brand’s typical emphasis on sustainability and spaciousness. I would have personally appreciated more expansive natural areas and gardens, reminiscent of the Six Senses Con Dao experience.
Activities During My Stay at Six Senses Uluwatu
Six Senses resorts are usually known for their comprehensive weekly programs of activities designed to entertain guests. I was particularly looking forward to this.
However, I was slightly disappointed to find that very few activities were organized during my stay in May. This was understandable given the resort’s lower occupancy levels at the time. The only scheduled activity on offer was the outdoor cinema.
The outdoor cinema setting, located to the right of the main pool, is breathtaking. As I was the only guest attending that evening, I had the unique opportunity to choose the movie from a list of approximately 40 options. Watching a film under the stars with the ocean backdrop was a magical experience – I loved every moment of it. Don’t miss this unique offering if it’s available during your Six Senses Uluwatu stay period!
While enjoying the resort is fantastic, don’t miss exploring the diverse beauty of Bali island itself. Consider taking day trips to discover the unique cultures and landscapes of East Bali or the natural parks in West Bali. You can find more information about exploring Bali on the official Indonesia Tourism website.
Six Senses Uluwatu Cliffside Villa: Room Review
I stayed in Cliffside Villa number 36. This type represents the majority of accommodations at Six Senses Uluwatu: the one-bedroom cliffside villas. These units are pretty modern in design and offer a pleasant layout. While termed “villas,” they essentially consist of a main bedroom, a large, luxurious bathroom, and an outdoor terrace featuring a private plunge pool – essentially a Six Senses Uluwatu private pool villa experience.
The room itself is very well-designed and comfortable, embodying a “zen chic” aesthetic. Interestingly, the style reminded me more of the Alila brand than other Six Senses properties I’ve previously visited.
The room incorporates significant automation technology. You can control lights, blinds, and air conditioning directly from the bedside tablet (except for the pool and garden lights, which operate automatically and cannot be manually switched off). Personally, I question the heavy investment in such extensive in-room automation, often finding it more annoying than helpful. For instance, on my last morning, the radio inexplicably turned on at 6:15 AM, playing the same song repeatedly. I couldn’t figure out how to switch it off, but thankfully, it eventually stopped on its own.
The bathroom is arguably the highlight of the Six Senses Uluwatu sea view villa. It features two outdoor showers, one indoor shower, and a fantastic bathtub strategically positioned to offer relaxing pool and sea views. Additionally, there’s a Japanese-style smart toilet that remains heated – a luxurious touch, though its alignment with Six Senses’ eco-friendly values might be debatable.
The private plunge pool is relatively small but certainly large enough for a refreshing dip or short swim. I thoroughly enjoyed alternating my days between the privacy afforded by my villa’s pool and the sheer splendor of the main cliffside infinity pool.
My only real regret regarding the accommodation was the proximity of the villas to each other. Unfortunately, I could sometimes hear the occupants of the neighbouring villa, which slightly detracted from the sense of complete privacy.
TIP 1: If maximum privacy on your terrace is a priority, try requesting a villa away from the central access staircases.
TIP 2: The villas situated lower down the cliff, closer to the main resort facilities (restaurants, spa, main pool), offer arguably the best locations. Being lower means an easier walk back up to your room after enjoying these amenities.
For those traveling with family or larger groups, Six Senses Uluwatu also offers spacious two- and three-bedroom villas. The Presidential Villa, from descriptions, looks particularly stunning.
Six Senses Uluwatu Restaurant Review: Dining Experience
As one would expect from the Six Senses brand, the quality of food during my stay was very good. This Six Senses Uluwatu restaurant review focuses on the offerings available during my visit.
Due to the relatively low occupancy of the hotel at that time, only the Roka restaurant was operational.
Roka is a large dining venue featuring indoor and outdoor seating. It offers pleasant views of the cliff edge and the ocean beyond.
Breakfast was served à la carte, as the number of guests didn’t justify a full buffet setup. This provided a more personalized dining experience.
Fortunately, it was a slightly cloudy morning, allowing us to comfortably use the outdoor terrace and fully enjoy the beautiful sea view during breakfast.
TIP: If you prefer your juices without added sugar, be sure to mention this when ordering. My first juice arrived too sweet.
The service throughout breakfast was impeccable – attentive yet unobtrusive – and the food itself was consistently tasty and well-presented.
True to a delightful Six Senses tradition, there was a complimentary ice cream station available for guests. Located conveniently near the library and boutique, it offered a welcome treat. I certainly enjoyed my daily ice cream scoop, a perfect way to cool down during the climb back up to my villa.
Six Senses Uluwatu Review: Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Six Senses Uluwatu resort undoubtedly deserves praise for its excellent service standards and beautifully modern rooms, particularly the sought-after Six Senses Uluwatu sea view villa options with private pools. This detailed Six Senses Uluwatu review aims to answer the common question: What is Six Senses Uluwatu like? Based on my experience, I highly recommend this luxury hotel Uluwatu to travelers visiting Bali for a few days who desire a convenient, relaxing, and high-end escape.
However, prospective guests should be aware that the resort feels significantly more built-up compared to some other Six Senses properties globally and possesses less of a distinct Balinese character; it feels more like an international luxury hotel that could be located anywhere. It competes well with some of the best luxury hotels in South Bali like the Four Seasons Jimbaran, but offers a different, more modern aesthetic. Furthermore, if direct beach access is a priority, this is not the ideal choice, as the resort’s cliffside location precludes access to a sandy beach below. This is a key point to consider when evaluating if Six Senses Uluwatu is worth it for your specific holiday preferences.
If this review of Six Senses Uluwatu has sparked your interest in Bali’s luxury accommodation scene, you might enjoy exploring some of our other detailed hotel reviews from the island. Discover the timeless charm of The Oberoi in Seminyak, the vibrant beachfront energy and expansive suites at the Double Six Luxury Hotel, the stunning pool villas at the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, or the gastronomic delights and impressive scale of The Mulia Resort in Nusa Dua. Dive into these reviews for more insights into finding your perfect luxury Bali getaway.
If you feel inspired to explore Indonesia’s incredible diversity beyond Bali, we also have reviews from other unique islands. Check out our experiences at the world-acclaimed Nihi Sumba, known for its wild luxury and horses. Or dive into the heart of the Coral Triangle with our reviews from stunning Raja Ampat, including Misool Eco Resort and the exceptional diving at Papua Explorers Resort.
Six Senses Uluwatu: Pros and Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages observed during the stay:
Pros:
- Excellent and attentive service from the resort staff.
- Modern, comfortable cliffside villas featuring private pools and beautiful sea views.
- Spectacular main infinity pool that’s expansive and ideal for swimming laps.
- Unique amenities such as the breathtaking outdoor cinema.
- Luxurious and well-appointed bathrooms within the villas.
- Delightful complimentary ice cream station available daily.
Cons:
- The resort feels quite densely built-up, potentially lacking the spacious, natural feel of some other properties.
- Offers less of a distinct Balinese character compared to more traditional resorts.
- No direct beach access is available due to the high cliff location.
- The gym facilities are relatively small and lack scenic views.
- Umbrellas by the main pool are fixed, making finding consistent shade challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions about Six Senses Uluwatu
Is Six Senses Uluwatu worth it?
Based on this review, Six Senses Uluwatu is worth it for travelers seeking modern luxury, stunning cliffside sea views, private pool villas, excellent service, and convenient airport access in South Bali. However, it may be less ideal for those seeking a strong Balinese cultural feel, expansive natural grounds, direct beach access, or absolute quiet/privacy between villas.
What is Six Senses Uluwatu like?
Six Senses Uluwatu is a large, modern luxury resort built along a high cliff in Uluwatu, Bali. It features over 100 villas (mostly one-bedroom with private pools and sea views), a spectacular main infinity pool, several dining options, a spa (not reviewed), a small gym, beautiful landscaping, and excellent service. It offers a ‘zen chic’ style but feels quite densely built and lacks direct beach access or audible ocean sounds from the villas.
Does Six Senses Uluwatu have beach access?
No, as mentioned in the review, Six Senses Uluwatu is located on a high cliff and does not offer direct access to a beach below. Guests looking for a beachfront hotel experience should consider other properties.
What are the best villas at Six Senses Uluwatu?
the villas located lower down the cliff (closer to the main pool and restaurants) are considered best for easier access to facilities. For more privacy, villas away from the central staircases are recommended.
