Naming this property a resort may be unsuitable due to its size. The Dipan is a very small establishment tucked away in a corner of Seminyak. It is currently surrounded by construction sites and even the road leading to the resort is unpaved. I'll probably not be able to find my way to the resort if not for the airport transfer provided.

We arrived via an airport transfer service which was included in our package. As I was previously staying at the Tanjong Benoa area near Nusa Dua, I called the resort for a change of pick up location which they were glad to accommodate at no extra charge! However, the resort did made a last minute change in the said pick up timing and the driver was late due to the usual traffic in Bali. We were picked up by Mr Putu, the resort's freelance part-time driver. You may privately engage Mr Putu for day tours which are cheaper than whatever is provided by the resort.

During check-in, we tried to request for late check-out 2 days later but was rudely turned down by the staff at reception stating that the resort was fully booked. We were then checked into a one-bedroom villa 107 which was very beautiful and romantically decorated with rose petals all around the room. However, villa 107 was tucked away in a corner near the main building but beside the construction site just behind the villa's walls. Although we were very delighted upon entering the villa, it had a very bad stench originating from the toilet bowl, the housekeeping staff was called in. They cleaned the toilet bowl again, probably sprayed an entire bottle of air freshener around the bathroom apparently trying to mask the stench. Thus, we decided to go explore Seminyak and return to see if the stench lingered on. Upon returning, the stench was still prevalent, so we called to request for a villa change. To our surprise, we were upgraded to a three-bedroom villa 302! Though it was kinda odd for a couple to be staying in such a big, 2-storey villa, we gladly accepted the upgrade rather than sleeping in a room with a stench. The bathtub in villa 302 was leaking a little which slightly flooded the bathroom. The showers also lack shower curtains.

The Dipan lacks a proper driveway for guests to alight, there was once when we had to alight from our taxi in heavy rain though it was a quick run. The main building was also not sheltered to the villas however, we were offer umbrellas. The staff around the property are very friendly except for one lady from the reception desk.

The private pools attached to the villas were not as private as expected. Since there are 2-storey villas and the main building around, these pools can be viewed from windows of neighbouring villas or the main building where rooms are located. Definitely not much privacy. The pools were also quite deep, about 1.7-1.5 metres from one edge to the other. Though not very deep, there was no ladder or steps to exit the pool. This was raised to staff during check-out and the housekeeping manager assured us that the ladders were ordered and will be installed soon.

Meals at the resort are tasty and fantastic but a little pricey as with any other hotel which usually mark up menu prices. There are no food areas nearby except for a Nasi Ayam (Chicken Rice) stall about 10 minutes walk away.

Overall, the stay is great with a few teething issues that need to be ironed out. I'll definitely return believing that these minor problems will be fixed.

Everything you could possibly wish for in a villa. Huge rooms with quality bathrooms, well maintained and extremely cosy. The living area accommodating for friends and family. A small but nice pool just outside the living room door in case you don't wish to use the shared pool outside the villa. Food wise, it was great, from the ambience of the dining area to the quality of the food! Especially the dinner menu. And the breakfast was definitely worth waking up for. The staff were all very friendly and very ready to help. They would greet you as many times as they see you with a huge smile on their faces, making you want to smile too. Some of them would even go out of their way to assist you. The hotel provides services that do make your stay in Bali much more convenient. For example, they rent bikes, they pick up/ drop off at the airport, hired driver for the day at a price, and many more! The villa was worth every cent paid and a second visit would happen for sure!

Dipan resort is a fairly new boutique hotel set in the heart of Seminyak. Unfortunately it is currently surrounded on 3 sides by building sites which does not bode well for peace and quiet during the day. And at night, on the 4th side, there is the Hu-Bar which pumps until 2-3 in the morning. Construction is expected to continue for much of 2013.
So much for the cons. On the upside the rooms are large and well appointed with a great bathroom area. There is a separate shower and stand-alone bath. There is TV and a tea-making facility and bottled water is supplied free of charge daily.Beds are large and very comfortable.
Staff are incredibly friendly and willing to help and the chef is superb. Meals are of a high quality and well presented and compare with the standard expected in a much larger facility.
There is a small swimming pool although we failed to make use of it.
Do make use of the shuttle. Taxis to and from the airport are a nightmare and it is well advised to book the shuttle to meet you if flying in to Denpasar and going direct to the hotel

Centrally located in Seminyak, friendly staff, large comfortable rooms. Nice touch having drinking water fountain in room. The swimming pool area is small and could do with additional sunbeds, and the noise from Huu Bar on some nights was disruptive but the hotel itself did it's best to compensate for this. The breakfast menu and quality is excellent and the spa also provides a great service at reasonable prices. Overall a great place to stay.