30 Hours in Bali – A Characterful Stay at Astagina Resort Villa and Spa

On our journey back to the UK from New Zealand, we were faced with a 30-hour layover in Bali. Now, for some, that may feel like an inconvenience — for us, it was an opportunity.

After asking friends for recommendations, a few suggestions proved just a little too far from the airport for such a short stay. Convenience mattered this time. As always, I scanned the usual booking platforms and made the most of my Platinum Booker status on Hotels.com and Expedia.com — one of my favourite travel “hacks” thanks to the cashback rewards you can roll into future stays.

But you all know me by now… I don’t do beige hotels.

If I’m staying somewhere, I want to feel like I’m actually there. Greenery. Texture. Local design. A sense of place. Not a room that could just as easily be in Manchester, Miami or Melbourne.

That’s how we landed on Astagina Resort Villa & Spa in Legian — close enough to the airport (around 40 minutes by private transfer), yet far enough away to feel like an escape.

Why We Booked Two Nights for a One-Night Stop

Our onward flight wasn’t until 00:25am, so I deliberately booked two nights. If you have a late departure, I cannot recommend this enough.

The last thing you want before a long-haul flight is:

• Feeling sticky from humidity

• Killing hours with luggage in tow

• Starting your journey overtired

Having access to the room, shower and facilities right up until 8pm made the world of difference. A shower, a rest, a reset — priceless before long-haul travel.

Arrival – Humidity, Cool Towels & That First Exhale

After a 9-hour flight from Auckland, stepping out into Bali’s humidity is always a moment. Thankfully, we’d arranged a private transfer directly with the hotel via email and WhatsApp the day before — seamless and stress-free.

Walking into reception, we were greeted with a refreshing welcome drink and a cool towel. Instantly grounding. Instantly calming.

Room 501 — top (fifth) floor. Perfect. I’m not one for skyscrapers, so this was my comfortable limit.

The room? Beautifully Balinese.

Carved wooden details, Indonesian styling, textured finishes, a large bathroom with both bath and shower, and a balcony overlooking Legian. I’d skipped the pool view for this short stay, but if we were there longer, I probably would opt for it.

A quick nosey around (as you do), freshen up — and Craig’s stomach began making its own travel announcement: Feed me.

Dinner Beside the Koi Pond

Although we’d driven past plenty of local eateries, we opted to dine in the hotel restaurant.

We were seated beside a narrow koi carp pond that borders the restaurant like a moat.

Traditional high wooden ceilings above us, banyan trees lit softly across the garden — the atmosphere was serene and unmistakably Indonesian.

I chose beef rendang. Craig, not one for spice, went for a crispy chicken burger.

Neither disappointed. The aromas, the depth of flavour in the rendang — paired with the surroundings — made it more than just a meal. It was a gentle introduction back into Southeast Asian rhythm.

A wander through the gardens followed before an early night. Our body clocks insisted it was much later.

Mornings in Bali – Coffee & Calm

We were wide awake early (thank you, jet lag). Complimentary in-room coffee on the balcony, local morning sounds drifting up from the streets below — one of those slow, simple travel moments I love.

Breakfast by 7:30am and already humid.

The spread was generous:

• Local rice dishes

• Eggs and vegetables

• International hot options

• Fresh fruit

• Pastries and breads

• Pancake and omelette station

Being gluten free, I always do what my friends call a “Loren Friendly” scout lap first. Thankfully, plenty of options. It helps knowing ingredients inside out — occupational advantage!

I started savoury: rice, eggs, vegetables and coffee. Craig, predictably, went waffles followed by omelette and fruit.

I’m rarely sweet at breakfast… but I couldn’t resist trying local black rice pudding and pumpkin cake. Worth it.

All enjoyed while watching koi glide through the pond and indulging in one of our favourite hobbies — people watching.

Beach Walks & Poolside Pause

The beach is roughly a five-minute stroll away, making this an ideal base. Central enough for

Legian, walkable to shops and restaurants, and close to Seminyak — yet returning to the hotel always felt like stepping back into calm.

We’re not natural pool loungers — we get restless — but this time we allowed ourselves to pause.

Under umbrellas on loungers, watching lion head water features trickle into the pool. When it got too warm, a quick dip or a cold drink from the swim-up pool bar (or delivered to your lounger).

It was unexpectedly mindful. Stillness without boredom.

Complimentary Afternoon Tea & Spa Temptations

Each afternoon, the hotel lays out complimentary afternoon tea in the beer garden area. Sandwiches and savoury bites (Craig happily sampled on my behalf), alongside drinks in the gardens.

We didn’t book a treatment, but we toured the spa — and it was stunning. As a guest, you receive 40% off treatments, which is generous. If we return, I’ll definitely indulge.

Back in the room, the toiletries smelt incredible — those small sensory details that elevate a stay. Tropical robes and slippers added to that easy luxury feel, especially for morning balcony coffee moments.

The Little Touches That Matter

What truly stood out were the thoughtful details:

• Personalised welcome note

• Mirror message in the room

• Consistently warm, smiling staff

• Seamless organisation of transfers

Our return private airport transfer worked out at roughly £23 return — excellent value and far easier than negotiating on arrival.

From start to finish, the atmosphere felt welcoming and considered. Not corporate. Not generic. Definitely not beige.

Final Thoughts – Would We Recommend It?

Absolutely.

For travellers wanting:

• Proximity to the airport

• Walkable access to beach and shops

• A hotel with genuine character

• Calm within convenience

Astagina Resort Villa & Spa exceeded expectations. Whether for a short layover reset or a longer Bali stay, it offers that local, natural feel I always look for.

You can book direct via their website or through platforms like Hotels.com or Expedia if you like to collect rewards as we do.

For us, it was the perfect 30-hour pause between hemispheres — Eat Clean, Health and Dream approved. 🌿✈️