Nestled right on the white-sand beachfront to take in vibrant sunrise views, Maya Sanur is a must-see for couples visiting Bali. Perfectly positioned in the beautiful seaside town of Sanur, the elegant design draws on contemporary Balinese influences and a refined tropical sophistication. We recently spent a long weekend at this gorgeous retreat and are excited to share its contemporary coastal charms!
One of the things we loved about Maya Sanur was its beautiful sense of balance. This is a resort in tune with the environment without skimping on the luxuries that have you wishing for an endless holiday. We could relax and unwind with a choice of two outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre, highly regarded luxury spa where we enjoyed a divine massage, bicycles, and spectacular dining options. Oh, and we’re already missing our afternoon cocktails at the Tree Bar on the beach!
Maya Sanur’s prime location ensured we were in reach of everything, yet we found ourselves very reluctant to leave the resort (especially when it came to check out).
Here are a few highlights that make Maya Sanur such a beacon on Sanur’s beachfront.
At a glance
Maya Sanur Resort & Spa is a five-star property set right on the beach, just ten minutes from Benoa Harbour. Kuta Beach is just over ten kilometres away (timing is hard to indicate due to Bali’s fluctuating traffic!) while Ubud is around an hour away. While it isn’t exclusively for couples, Maya Sanur does a brilliant job of making couples feel like they’re alone in their own slice of heaven. We certainly did!
The resort boasts a stellar location close to beaches, golf, museums, dining, and much more while hosting many of its own amenities on-site, including the Spa at Maya. It’s the quintessential resort in the most idyllic of locations, making it an easy addition to your Balinese bucket list.
Location
Since the 1930s, travellers have been drawn to Sanur’s sublimely relaxed yet chic lifestyle. Affectionately known as ‘old Bali’, it has a whimsical charm that combines salt-white sands and blissful serenity with eclectic boutiques, cafés, bars, and restaurants. The vibe is sophisticated yet still refreshingly laid-back and unpretentious — part of what makes Sanur so special.
Maya Sanur Resort & Spa is set right in the heart of town, so you can waft along the seaside, explore the sidewalk scene and boardwalk, and have access to other famed holiday destinations like Ubud, Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Seminyak for day trips. With only a few days to play with, we loved the convenient access to Ngurah Rai International Airport, just 25 minutes from the resort.
Although you’re staying just steps from the sand, nearby beaches include Pantai Karang Beach, Sindhu Beach, Sanur Beach and Mertasari Beach should you wish to explore further. If getting out on the green is part of your ideal getaway, Bali Beach Golf Course is also less than three kilometres away.
Best Room for Two
Maya Sanur Resort & Spa is home to 103 beautifully appointed air-conditioned rooms that all come with a terrace or balcony, marble ensuite with generous separate tub, king bed, refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi and cable programming.
While every room offers a signature elegance, the ultimate hideaway for couples is the Beachfront Pool Suite. These are pure luxury, with a spacious living area complete with daybed/sofa for a relaxing afternoon snooze. A large circular bathtub overlooks your own private pool for complete privacy and seclusion. It’s easy to feel like you’re living your best life here as you wake to another incredible sunrise and step straight on to the beach from your private patio.
While thoughtful little touches are included in every room – tea & coffee, top-tier beauty products, insect repellent, slippers, and yukata (a lovely Japanese-style summer kimono) – the Beachfront Pool Suites also include a bonus beach bag.
Dining
Three restaurants provide plenty of delicious ways to indulge. Reef showcases a sumptuous breakfast buffet with a live cooking station plus made-to-order gourmet coffee. During daytime hours, it offers a wide range of delights, from salads and wood-fired pizza to fresh seafood and local fare. Reef is also the place for themed dining events which are offered throughout the week. Graze also goes by the same thread with all-day dining, and a unique offering of dishes served on hot stones.
Our favourite haunt was Kuu Japanese Restaurant which showcases sushi so beautifully presented, it’s almost a shame to eat. The freshness of the fish comes through in every bite, plus the menu also features an extensive vegan selection. The coffee shop will take care of your morning brew while the beachfront Tree Bar offers three cocktail-hour vantage points — the sun terrace, rooftop deck or beneath a huge tree — plus serene sea views.
You can also really settle in and enjoy your own private heaven with 24-hour room service.
Spa
When holidaying in Bali, we usually head straight to the spa! Maya Sanur was no exception, with the Spa at Maya offering a truly special way to unwind in their private double suites. Designed with the welcoming warmth of timber and bathed in natural light, the suites are surrounded by a tranquil garden sanctuary flanked by reflecting pools. It’s easy to find your way back to your inner healing while enhancing your outer beauty in a place like this.
The spa’s holistic treatments are a match for Bali’s natural way of life, with a menu of rejuvenating facials, massages and body wraps designed to help restore mind and body balance. The Spa at Maya has its own exclusive spa product line crafted from botanical essential oils sourced from the local area for a fantastically soothing effect. While we adored our Soothing Maya Massage, we found our attention drawn to the two-hour Maya Escape: a bliss-inducing trio of Balinese massage, body scrub and fragrant, flower bath. Next time…
Couples Will Love
While hiding away in your own private beachfront space (hello, room service) may be the ultimate indulgence, don’t miss the resort’s unique dining experience — a ‘floating lunch’ served in your private pool. It certainly takes that poolside cocktail to the next level!
If you prefer to dress up and dine, enjoy a memorable private dinner at the resort’s magical Rooftop Garden. Ensconced in your own tent overlooking the ocean and enjoying a candlelit dinner with personal butler service is so romantic (just don’t forget to book in advance). For couples who love to try something new together, the Balinese Dessert Cooking Class is a sweet way to explore. Our souvenir batik aprons and recipe book will now always remind us of our dreamy Sanur sojourn.
Find out more about this exceptional Balinese escape here
