Deep in Petitenget is a resort that pulls together typically divergent styles of traveller. Ondy Sweeting checks-in.
INSTA-devotees, flocks of friends, hipsters, young families, solo adventurers, elders, and honeymooners can all immerse into Montigo in happy bliss and harmony. It’s fascinating and rare to watch such wildly diverse people mingle freely.
Like ducks in a row – Montigo is on the strip that is home to legendary destinations including Potato Head, the W Hotel, Pontiac Stardust and dozens of fabulous cafes, restaurants and shops. It’s the stylish heartbeat of Seminyak.
The resort itself is full of surprises with a tasteful spa that is open until 11pm, making it a perfect place for a night massage before trotting through the lush gardens to hit the hay.
Three pools are a standout with a party-type pool at the front of the resort attached to the buzzing Tiigo restaurant where the public can also dip and dine. As an excellent spot for people watching, the pool has a deck and two rows of sun lounges with one side of the pool set aside with a long bench and chairs for those who fancy puffing on a cigarette or cigar. A daily roster of DJ’s fire up the decks from 2pm to deliver island tunes and cool classics for the long happy hours where two-for-one cocktails rule. The Montigo Mule is a refreshing libation with a twist of kaffir lime leaf.
A stroll down the central pathway reveals a whole lot more than the big open-air, street side restaurant. A newer multi-level accommodation wing is opposite the original two-level buildings that house comfortable suites. In the middle is the family pool – a sparkling blue rectangle flanked by sunbeds, umbrellas, bean bags plus a kiddy friendly shallow end. When it comes to children, the Montigo has a handle on what makes a great family holiday. The Tilo kid’s club is free for in-house guests who can drop their offspring in for an hour or three so both adults and the little ones can enjoy some downtime. The team here are trained and adept at entertaining kids with crafting, board games, painting, dress ups, movies and dining. There are PlayStations, Wii and Xbox. It’s also a place where kids find friends and can have some quiet time out of the sun.
Montigo also has a ‘garden’ pool which is tucked into an enclosed garden and lawn and is strictly for ages 16-plus. It’s a charming bolthole that is whisper quiet and a fabulous suntrap.
Accommodation ranges from deluxe rooms, garden and balcony suites plus two bedroom apartments. The garden suites are spacious and have a private garden behind hedges with a big outdoor sofa, a dining table and an overhead fan. The generous interior space is split into a sleeping area and a living space with a television that spins to face either side and set into a chic wood panelled partition. Interiors are bright with neutral colours and tropical blues. Block out curtains cover a wall of glass with sliding doors that lead to the garden. The beds are cloud soft and heavenly.
The contemporary bathroom is, like the entire property, sparkling clean with a deep freestanding bath, glassed-in shower and his and hers vanity.
Among the services at Montigo are 24-hour dining, a gym, and a hotel shop stocked with swim suits, resort wear, toiletries, snacks and quirky decorative items. Motor scooters can also be hired by the day or week.
Montigo delivers exceptional value for money in a prized part of the island. Daily activities may include morning yoga, aqua aerobics or Balinese cooking classes. It is a supply and demand situation and according to the wonderful staff, if guests demand it, they will deliver it. In fact, the Montigo team is outstanding and remember guests by name.
The open-fronted roadside restaurant and bar has dining tables, low tables ideal for bar snacks and drinks while people watching and a big central shared table for meeting people and lively conversation plus offering a birds eye view of two TV’s tuned silently to sport. There is a long bar and the open kitchen where flames roar and chefs work with a smile. This area connects to a second dining room behind vast glass walls and is enclosed with ultra chilled air-conditioning that can be a blissful retreat from a steamy day. High ceilings deliver a tropical feel while the menu reflects the international clientele of the resort. Expect Balinese dishes including the island’s famous suckling pig babi guling, Asian grilled fish, rice dishes and noodle soups. Western go-to foods include burgers – made with wagyu steak – pizza, pasta, grills, sandwiches and salads. The ‘prawn cappuccino’ is a lush soup with juicy chunks of prawn. It comes in a bowl that is much bigger than a cappuccino cup, so be warned not to expect an amuse bouche.
The golden beach of Petitenget is fewer than 10 minutes walk away via an important sea temple. This is an active place of high religious importance so on any day, passers by may chance upon an exquisite Balinese ceremony that can be experienced nowhere else in the world.
www.montigoresorts.com/seminyak