I have traveled over 83 countries and spend 100+ nights per year on the road. I know hotels. Here's the rundown: The good: INCREDIBLE grounds, fascinating variety of swimming pools, really great food, best EVER (no exaggeration!) breakfast spread (Grand Hyatt Singapore comes 2nd), good location. Staff (particularly the bar / restaurant staff) are sincere and truly nice folks who enjoy their jobs. The not so good: Staff are lacking in training. At this price point (~US$400/night +), I would expect little things to be done right - 3 towels for three people (not two, or 1), minimal water to be left behind as 'courtesy', and maintenance of rooms to be up to scratch. The bad: Some rooms are approaching 25+ years old since they were last updated. Gisele Bundchen slept on my bed in 2004!!! It's clear from my 10 days spent on the property(ies) that they place an incredible amount of attention on the beautifully manicured landscaping and well cared for pool (too much chlorine at times, by the way). However, little things such as reliable A/C, taps that don't fall off, doors that lock properly, and wardrobe inner walls that are actually attached are a must! The property's obvious focus on external groundskeeping over their rooms is a stark contrast. Lastly, the 'gym' at the Resort property is DISGUSTING and falling apart. Come on guys, either have a proper gym or get rid of it. The current gym is EMBARRASSING!!! Would I come back again? YES - Like the very fun / nice group of German / Dutch / Portuguese / Italian families that come back to this hotel year after year, despite the myriad 'small' issues that would drive anyone prone to 'first world problems' nuts, Pipa is an amazing and geographically / naturally blessed, the food is amazing (unless you're a vegan / vegetarian - then consider not coming at all!), and the hotel properties TRULY enable you to relax and 'disconnect' from the trials and tribulations of 'back home'. Furthermore, upon checking out, I approached the General Manager with some feedback in line with the above, and he mentioned that a 'containing full of goods from Bali' was en route to Pipa in order to update the last remaining 'old rooms' in the room. I look forward to re-visiting once the rooms have been finally updated (April 2020 estimate). However, I do hope Fernando, the GM can do a better job as it pertains to delivering true five star service / treatment at the price point being charged at this hotel. Lastly, it's unclear if they plan on adding additional 'family services' to draw more family with younger kids - a small kids play center / babysitting services would make a MASSIVE positive difference.…
This is a very pleasant, exclusive and expensive hotel. The staff kindness is great and confort and architecture are mesmerizing .The gardening, the swimming pools. Breakfast buffet goes from non gluten to all you can eat. The restaurant is also good, but prices are higher than in similar ones, I did not like only the musical selection of the happy hour by the pool: sinthetic electronic music. breaking the Bali and tropical quietness,
So many great things to say about Sombra e Agua Fresca: apartments are spacious with comfortable beds, pool areas are inviting, plants and landscaping offer much to look at and admire, and last but not least, an incredible staff! Cookie, "Naldo" and "Nino" went out of their way to ensure our group had an amazing time! The trek to breakfast is quite a walk but the views from the restaurant are worth the daily effort.
Stayed with the family (2 adults and 2 children aged 9 and 12) in one of the houses - amazing. Huge living space, swim up pool with a hot tub and hammock on the balcony. It's also a 5 minute walk to Amor beach which is stunning and has a number of fabulous beach bars. Breakfast at the hotel is amazing - one of the biggest selections of food I've ever seen. A leisurely walk into Pipa of an evening to some amazing restaurants - a fabulous place
We spent 3 days and enjoyed every minute of it . Friendly staff. Beautifully set on highest point of Pipa with lovely views. Enormous bedrooms with jacuzzi and fab views. Restaurant serves excellent food with great service. Highly recommended
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