Words by Kristin Cosgrove
Photos by Kristy Godbout and Kristin Cosgrove
On the southernmost point of Bali’s beautiful Bukit Peninsula lies the Semara Luxury Villa Resort boasting stunning views, hill-top villas and unique, inclinator-access to a pristine, private beach far below. But between you and me, hotel guests aren’t the only ones who can enjoy what is likely to be one of the best and most serene beaches on the island. Patrons of the hotel’s restaurant, Finn’s Beach Club, are also welcome to enjoy the beach and its many amenities.
Whether you go for a daylong excursion or just a sunset dinner, time at Finn’s Beach Club will surely be etched in your memory as a holiday highlight.
It takes a bit of a commitment to get to Finn’s, but it will be worth it. After a drive through the Bukit to Ungasan and then down winding, village roads, you’ll find yourself at the breathtaking resort.
When you arrive, you’ll check in at reception and let them know you’re going to Finn’s. Day visitors will be charged Rp 250,000 per adult, but this will be deducted from your final food and beverage bill (it’s an easy amount to spend). Kids under 12 are free when accompanied by a paying adult. After 5pm, entry is free for all.
A staff member will show you the way to the cobbled-stone stairway, where you’ll descend a couple of flights, admiring the breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean before reaching the inclinator. Once on, go ahead and turn off your cell phone (there’s no reception on the beach anyway) and let the soft breeze carry your troubles away. Don’t worry about getting a good picture of the inclinator; the friendly operator will offer to alight once at the bottom, sending you a few feet back up the hill in order to take the perfect picture of you and your family.
Step off the inclinator and into the bar area of the restaurant. The stone floor and rock walls are a lovely complement to the bamboo structural beams and thatched roof. Large Balinese chicken baskets find clever new life hanging as light shades from the ceiling. The pizza oven on the far end of the restaurant is cleverly built directly into the limestone cliffs and covered with stones; the kids are mesmerized as they watch the chef work his magic.
Find a table and order a nice drink to unwind – how about a Raspberry Truffle Martini or a Ginger Twist (both Rp14,500)? The kids love the array of milkshakes (Rp 6,500) including the Monkey Business made with chocolate ice cream, peanut butter, banana and milk.
The food is pleasing too. A variety of pizzas and pastas are available, as are steaks and seafood, should one want to indulge. Try the Bacon and Brie Panini with Cranberry Sauce (Rp 12,000) or one of the fresh salads. Everyone in your party finds something to satisfy. Admittedly, the prices are a bit high, but for a beach this good and a family enjoying themselves this much, it’s worth it!
After a hearty lunch, you’ll want to spend some time in the sun. Beach Club amenities include daybeds and bales (though Villa guests have priority) and if the mood strikes, you can take advantage of snorkeling gear, kayaks, beach volleyball and more. Low tide here presents the opportunity for the kids to explore the shallow pools while high tide brings jolly, rolling waves.
After a long day of beach fun, the sunset silhouettes fisherman casting their nets offshore, a scene indelibly imprinted in your holiday memories.
Reason To Go: Unique setting, beautiful views, pristine and exclusive beach, fantastic beach amenities.
Finn’s Beach Club
Semara Luxury Villas
Jalan Pantai Selatan Gau
Banjar Wijaya Kusuma
Ungasan 80362 Bali, Indonesia
+ 62 (361) 848 2111