Cili Emas Oceanside Resort

The waterfront is beautiful, the water feels safe and calm, and the facilities are clean and nice. I had a lovely stay and would absolutely come again. The hotel is small and not busy, so the staff give you lots of attention, sometimes almost too much. Getting anywhere on foot is difficult, and you need to rent a scooter or walk a long way. The hotel’s scooter rental was expensive and unreliable. There’s a local party nearby every night, loud enough to make sleeping annoying. The food is good, but the menu is small, so eating out occasionally would help with variety, though getting out is hard. Massages were very good but overpriced. The yoga studio, though, is beyond perfect for any yogi.

The sunrise over the ocean is amazing, and Cili Emas is in a small town well away from Bali’s tourist areas. It’s in the far north, so getting around is difficult. Don’t count on Gojek or Grab working here, though the staff can arrange transport. Everyone working at the resort was incredible, attentive, and helpful. I loved the newly built yoga studio, but they didn’t have anyone available to teach a class while I was there. The resort massages were excellent, the best I’ve had in Bali. My main complaints were ants in the room, which the mosquito spray they provide only sort of helped with, and thin walls. I could hear the ocean, frogs, and neighbors easily.

The food deserves a special mention. I’m not usually a fan of vegetarian or pescatarian meals, but what they serve here was mind-blowing, another level. I’d give those dishes a Michelin star. We spent a week in Tejakula and had a great experience. The staff were super friendly and helpful without being overbearing, the ocean was magnificent and felt like a natural spa, and the welcoming owner made us feel at home. I could keep going, but it’s best to experience it yourself.

Ayu and her staff were attentive and helpful throughout our stay, and the food was fresh, homemade, and delicious. We rented the private villa, which was beautiful, clean, and very comfortable. We had an absolutely incredible time, and I’d recommend this hotel without hesitation.