Paying over $500USD per night, we were expecting a tranquil slice of Balinese luxury at Ketapang for the first four nights of our honeymoon.... we were terribly disappointed from start to finish. From greeting at the airport - a local driver with a handmade corrugated cardboard sign with our name on it - to the time we left, it was so far off the mark it is hard to describe in this review. The staff are erratic and lacking in training - one minute they are at your disposal, the next they are nowhere to be found or seen. We were introduced to our appointed 'butler', who we were served by for day one, but then didn't see after that. There was no coherent staff structure, no uniforms, and you are left in the hands of security guards overnight, with no staff staying on site. We had to book our meals one day in advance - so after a 3 course dinner (the food is good), we were asked to order our food and wine for every course of every meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner) the following day. Being the only guests on site, they were ordering food from the market only for us. The room was huge, and would have been stunning 5-8 years ago, but has had no TLC since. Plug sockets were hanging off the wall, lights didn't work, fixtures and fittings were dusty and unloved. The door frame from bedroom to semi-outdoor bathroom wasn't sealed, so we were warned of the mosquito risk. Our balcony doors broke on day 2. The dressing room was dusty and unkempt. We ended up cutting our stay short by one night, and took day excursions to get off site. We even went to have dinner at nearby Alila Villas Soori (where we should have stayed) - where we were welcomed properly, able to relax in the luxurious hotel surroundings, and ate a delicious (if expensive) meal. Our beach side massage was conducted by two women who apparently had come from the local village - in jeans and t-shirt. The management did not respond sympathetically to our list of complaints. Being our honeymoon, we tried to stay positive, and left the majority of our complaints until our early departure time. The manager has a terrible lack of English, and we were forced to manually adjust charges on his laptop, on excel, in 35 degree heat. We demanded some money back, which I have still not to this day received in my account, in spite of a claimed photocopy of the transaction. Avoid this hotel. I have warned SLH that they need to review their list of associated hotels in Bali, chiefly to take this one off the list. Will not be going back and would not wish the experience to be had by anyone, least of all honeymooners.…

Date of stay: June 2016

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Trip type: Traveled as a couple

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FastTreck wrote a review Jul 2016

Valsad, India206 contributions61 helpful votes

Nice Beach resort with tropical garden

Lovely atmosphere, Beautiful beach and clean + Big swimming pool. All at this resort. In Java area this is the best property to stay and enjoy memorable time. Good Food options, smiling staff, clean rooms. Great experience.

Date of stay: June 2016

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Trip type: Traveled with friends

Room Tip: Select beach side rooms

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thalieyeu wrote a review Jun 2016

Paris, France123 contributions120 helpful votes

Un lieu unique

Construit au depart par un couple de Français esthète merveilleusement bien situé entre mer et rizière Ketapang dégage une atmosphère particulière. C'est assurément un lieu magique pour découvrir le Bali authentique. Génial à privatiser pour un événement.

Date of stay: May 2016Trip type: Traveled as a couple

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StemarTormic wrote a review Aug 2015

Edmonton11 contributions15 helpful votes

What a gem!

Ketapang Estate is one of the places you have to visit once in your lifetime. Absolute privacy, breathtaking location and incredible service made our stay unforgettable. Joglu Bamboo was a dream, the black sand beach and the rolling ocean waves provided an almost epic backdrop for the beautiful sunsets; the private cinema and 50 metres pool just added to the experience. Go and enjoy, you won't regret it!

Date of stay: August 2015Trip type: Traveled as a couple

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JimD1954 wrote a review Dec 2014

Tempe, Arizona68 contributions15 helpful votes

Phenomenal experience

Location: This property is the second to the last major place on the sunset side of the Bali coastline. Beyond the next estate there are only rice fields and villages; therefore, this is an isolated and serene location with few to no people on the beach. Distance is not by kilometers/miles but by time due to the traffic. Although not far from the airport by distance, it takes up to two hours by car and a helicopter transfer is strongly recommended for the best experience and tremendous views. Property: The estate has a main bale which houses the main dining area, the living room, cinema, and one of the guest rooms. The upper floor consists of the main dining area, view point of the pool and ocean, and living room, while the lower floor contains the kitchen, a smaller, enclosed dining area, the cinema, and a guest room. The cinema is beyond belief in both size and quality of picture and sound. The upper dining area is a marvelous area to watch the sunset while enjoying the incredible food produced. Although a menu is available, we elected after the first night to have the chef decide and the food was tremendous. There are multiple villas present which vary in style and size with one containing its own pool. Many of the villas are on the beach and you can be lulled to sleep at night with the crashing of the waves on the shore. All the villas are well furnished and very comfortable with air conditioning. The main swimming pool is 50 meters in length (approximately 150 feet) and one of the nicest pools at any place I have ever seen. It is right on the beach and from the deck one can watch the ocean waves. Also available are a helipad for helicopter transfers, a tennis court, and bicycles for riding around the neighborhood. The grounds are spectacular and well maintained with coconut trees throughout the estate and a fish pond as well. Service: The service of the staff was tremendous. They anticipated and fulfilled requests with cheerfulness and were a joy to be around. I had indicated an interest in using the gym equipment which was located in a distant room of the estate. The next morning it was moved to the patio of one of the unused villas! Service at meal times was just absolutely great and arrangement of activities was easily handled. No request was too much trouble. I cannot say enough good things about the staff at Ketapang Estate! Overall impression: If you wish to have a secluded stay and experience the best of Bali without the hectic night life of Denpasar, then this is probably the best place you could choose to stay. Everything succeeds here from the staff, the rooms, the food, the grounds, and the serenity of the place.…

Date of stay: December 2014

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Trip type: Traveled with friends

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