stdClass Object ( [ID] => 28461 [post_author] => 16 [post_date] => 2013-03-31 09:08:38 [post_date_gmt] => 2013-03-31 09:08:38 [post_content] => THE Grand Mirage Resort is located next to the relatively sedate Tanjung Benoa beach in Bali, just 30 minutes’ taxi ride from Kuta and up the road from the Nusa Dua tourist enclave. [caption id="attachment_28462" align="aligncenter" width="800" caption="Grand Mirage Resort."][/caption] Because of the beach’s unsuitability for surfing, the resorts along Tanjung Benoa have tended to attract a more sedate crowd compared to Kuta’s: the Grand Mirage Resort appeals to couples, families, and mature folk, as well as watersports-loving Bali visitors, who come for the luxurious amenities and all-inclusive packages.  

What makes it special?

  The resort has a family friendly vibe: its large swimming pool is always brimming with kids and their guardians, and the grounds are filled with the sight and sounds of families dining and enjoying activities together. The Grand Mirage is most proud of its all-inclusive stays, a category that allows unlimited food, bottomless beverages, and unrestricted access to some of the resort’s activities. Practically speaking, you can call for room service at any time, raid the minibar whenever you feel like it, help yourself to the food in any of the restaurants within the premises, and enjoy some of the services other guests would normally pay for. [caption id="attachment_28463" align="aligncenter" width="800" caption="The all-inclusive option allows you to eat and drink to your heart's content."][/caption] While the basic breakfast-and-room package is still available, the all-inclusive package (which costs about 80 percent more) offers better value for your stay, if only because of the size of the resort (spread out over five hectares of beachfront) and the range of amenities available.  

What to expect?

  The four-storey resort building extends across the length of the property, but because of the large number of rooms, the accommodations facing the sea get only a small balcony with an ocean view. All 310 guestrooms are contained in the building’s two wings, while the center of the building contains a massive atrium with the lobby, shops, restaurants, and entertainments. Guests may choose among the following room classes: Deluxe rooms, Romantic Ocean View rooms, Ocean View Suites, and Family Ocean View Suites. The deluxe rooms, in turn, offer guests a choice of of garden or ocean views. [caption id="attachment_28465" align="aligncenter" width="800" caption="Romantic Ocean View Room"][/caption] On the south side of the grounds, guests can find the Thalasso Bali Spa, a wellness center featuring 16 themed treatment rooms and primarily seawater-derived therapy. The spa’s piece de resistance: an Aquamedic Pool filled with filtered, heated seawater.  

What’s there to do?

  Tanjung Benoa is a popular Bali beach for watersports, and the Grand Mirage delivers: guests can visit the watersports desks near the swimming pool to get their fill of jetskis, parasailing, banana boats, speedboat rides, and underwater seawalker activities. Guests seeking indoor diversions can visit Cool’s Lounge on the ground level. The lounge has a large games room with a billiards table, ping-pong table, and a catalog of board games. The main foyer has two computer terminals; the foyer leads off to the resort’s gym, mahjong room, and karaoke lounge.  

What’s the damage?

  Rates depend on the season – a deluxe garden view room should set you back between $115 to $200 for a basic bed-and-breakfast stay. All-inclusive packages cost almost double that of the regular rate, but allow you to enjoy the resort’s amenities almost without limit (exceptions include certain dishes, drinks, and motorized watersports). For all-inclusive guests traveling with their kids: a maximum of two children under 12 years are permitted to stay free of charge in the same room, while enjoying all-inclusive privileges as well. Find out more at the Grand Mirage Resort website [post_title] => Grand Mirage Resort: Family-friendly luxury in Bali [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => grand-mirage-resort-bali [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2013-04-05 08:27:18 [post_modified_gmt] => 2013-04-05 08:27:18 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.travelwireasia.com/?p=28461 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )