Checking into Mercure Kuta Bali and Sunset at GIOI Ocean Gourmet!

This post is part of our travels from Singapore to Brisbane (via Bali with Jetstar – $425 per person) and returning via a stopover in Bali (Brisbane to Bali via Jetstar – $300 per person). The last leg from Bali to Singapore was via KLM at a surprisingly affordable price of $79. This made the return flight from Singapore to Brisbane a rather affordable total of $800 SGD.

Today is our first full day in Bali after returning from Brisbane. As mentioned in our introduction above, we wanted to break our travels from Singapore to Brisbane via a stopover in Bali. Hence, on the way back from Brisbane, we stopped by Bali for a 6D5N trip. On day 7 of our travels, we checked into Mercure Kuta Bali and also witnessed our first sunset by Kuta beach at GIOI Ocean Gourmet.

As we stayed at Fave Kuta Bali on the first night when we arrived in Bali, we were quite near to Discovery Mall Bali. So we walked out at about 8am, to check out Discovery Mall as well as Kuta Beach…

2bearbear at Discovery Mall Bali a short walk away from Fave Hotel Bali

Checking into Mercure Kuta Bali and Sunset at GIOI Ocean Gourmet! — Bali Sign Outside Discovery Mall Bali

Having visited Discovery Shopping Mall Bali many years back, Discovery Mall Bali has undergone quite an extensive renovation and is now pretty modern and definitely worth a visit. Of note, there’s a make shift food court at its top level that offers beautiful ocean views. Sunsets would be great from here as well.

Favehotel Kuta Bali - Inside Impala 60's Restaurant — Favehotel Kuta Bali – Inside Impala 60’s Restaurant

Favehotel Kuta Bali - Views out to the streets from Impala 60's Restaurant — Favehotel Kuta Bali – Views out to the streets from Impala 60’s Restaurant

Favehotel Kuta Bali - Impala 60's Restaurant Breakfast — Favehotel Kuta Bali – Impala 60’s Restaurant Breakfast

On the way back to Fave Hotel Kuta Bali, we wanted to grab a coffee from KMart. However, we noticed that the staff was sneezing quite profusely and we decided against the idea. This turned out to be a good decision because back at Fave Hotel Bali, the in-house restaurant (Impala 60’s) was having a discount on coffees during breakfast. This morning, we ordered the latte and long black at 25k IDR ($2 SGD) each. Freshly grounded coffee beans from the machine with comfy seats in the restaurant – definitely a good deal.

We had originally wanted to do our massage at 11am before checking out. We noted that 11am was the opening hours and we waited at the spa area but when the masseuse arrived, we were told that massage for 2 could only take place at 1pm. Hence, we requested for a late check-out at the reception and we were obliged. In the meantime, we also checked out the beautiful rooftop pool at Fave Hotel Kuta Bali as well…

Favehotel Kuta Bali Rooftop Swimming Pool

Favehotel Kuta Bali Rooftop Swimming Pool with Sea Views in the Distance

The rooftop swimming pool at Fave Kuta Hotel is definitely under-rated. The swimming pool had the “balinese” vibes with a frangipani tree by the pool. In the distance, you can also see the sea views. There’s also a platform that you can go up to in order to get a panoramic view of the views around the hotel. For $50 per night, this was a gem of a find! There’s also another recommendation we’d like to make about Fave Kuta Bali…

@2bearbeartravel #Favehotel #Kuta #Bali is an underrated #hotel. Although its #room is not quite up to the mark but if you’re more of an outdoorsy person who needs a room just for the night, Fave Hotel Kuta could be just for you – take a look at the amazing rooftop pool that overlooks the sea in the distance, a beautifully decorated and quirky in-house restaurant as well as an excellent spa experience! Enjoy! 😍😍😍 #hotels #rooms #beautiful #nature #amazing #rooftoppool #infinitypool #indonesia #2bearbear #swimmingpool #pool #experience ♬ Weekend – Ashley Mehta

That is, its massage! At its in-house spa known as Herbal Spa, the masseuse are professionally trained and massages here are actually quite good. Moreover, as guests, we were given a 30% discount which brought the price of massage for 2 from 500K IDR to 350K for 2 pax. That works out to $30 for 2 pax or about $15 per person for a 1 hour massage.

Favehotel Kuta Bali Herbal Spa - Before the Massage — Favehotel Kuta Bali Herbal Spa – Before the Massage

Favehotel Kuta Bali Herbal Spa - Massage Space — Favehotel Kuta Bali Herbal Spa – Massage Space

Favehotel Kuta Bali Herbal Spa - Ginger Tea After Massage — Favehotel Kuta Bali Herbal Spa – Ginger Tea After Massage

Although the premise was small and the massage was only divided by a curtain, the ambience was actually not too bad. The A/C was cool when we entered and the Balinese music (not too loud) was floating melodically in the background. The massage itself was also excellent, working out our knots in the calves and shoulders. Definitely recommended!

Checking in at Mercure Kuta Bali

Welcome drinks at Mercure Kuta Bali Hotel

Prior to our check-in, we were informed by the hotel that our card was not yet charged due to a change in our credit-card number. Hence, we updated our card upon arrival and this was quickly resolved. Thanks to the staff at Mercure Kuta Bali, we were also upgraded to the Deluxe Room with Balcony which had a sliver of sea view as well!

Mercure Kuta Bali Deluxe Room with Balcony - Double Bed — Mercure Kuta Bali Deluxe Room with Balcony – Double Bed

Mercure Kuta Bali Deluxe Room with Balcony - Welcome Amenities of Fruits — Mercure Kuta Bali Deluxe Room with Balcony – Welcome Amenities of Fruits

Mercure Kuta Bali Deluxe Room with Balcony - Bathroom — Mercure Kuta Bali Deluxe Room with Balcony – Bathroom

Mercure Kuta Bali Deluxe Room with Balcony - Shower and shower amenities — Mercure Kuta Bali Deluxe Room with Balcony – Shower and shower amenities

Mercure Kuta Bali Deluxe Room with Balcony - Sliver of Sea View — Mercure Kuta Bali Deluxe Room with Balcony – Sliver of Sea View

The room itself was spacious, clean and the cable network had a good selection of channels as well. By the balcony, we were able to see sea views in the distance and at night, some random fire works could be seen from our room as well. All the coffee/tea and shower amenities were available as expected. Kettle and towels were provided as well. Next, it was time to check out the rooftop infinity pool of Mercure Kuta Bali!

Mercure Kuta Bali Rooftop Infinity Swimming Pool

2bearbear @ Mercure Kuta Bali Rooftop Infinity Swimming Pool

The rooftop infinity pool of Mercure Kuta Bali was indeed as good as what was shown in the photos. You could swim right up to the edge of the infinity pool and stare right out to sea. If it gets a little too sunny, you could seek some shade at the side of the pool (where the spa counter is located) or under one of the umbrella shades by the lounge chairs next to the swimming pool. During this visit, we also made a reservation for a 1 hour Balinese a couple days later at the Mercure Kuta’s in-house spa, known as Ginger Spa. However, we were to discover a few days later that the reservation got mixed up due to some language and communication barrier – we’ll share that more in the coming posts.

Also by the pool, you’ll find 2 pavilions. One is utilised by the bar by the swimming pool known as Sunset Pool Bar. The other is just an area where guests can lounge. Under the bar, you’ll find the gents and below the other pavilion, the ladies. We also found out from the in-house restaurant (Alang Alang Restaurant) that the breakfast was 145k for 2 people due to the Accor Plus discount – this works out to $12.50 or ~$6.50 per person.

@2bearbeartravel Had an #amazing stay at #mercurekuta #bali . The location is superb, right in front of #Kutabeach with superb views. The #infinitypool is our favourite hangout place. #Breakfast was good and food from Alang Alang (the in-house) restaurant was delicious – love the #BeefRib #yum 😋👍 #kuta #beach #beachvibes #balinese #balivibes #indonesia #travel #mercure #hotel #hotelroom #hotels #room #roomtour #hoteltour #accor @mercurekuta #traveltok #traveltiktok #2bearbear ♬ Enjoy the Moment – Zeca Zilocchi

Discovery Mall Bali "Food Court" Markas Cireng Stall - Mee Goreng - 25K IDR — Discovery Mall Bali “Food Court” Markas Cireng Stall – Mee Goreng – 25K IDR

Discovery Mall Bali "Food Court" Markas Cireng Stall - Batagor - 35K IDR — Discovery Mall Bali “Food Court” Markas Cireng Stall – Batagor – 35K IDR

After swimming and washing up back at our room, we decided to head back south towards Discovery Mall Bali again. This time, we headed to their top level to try out the stalls at their currently “make-shift” food court. Make-shift because the stalls are still temporary – much like what you’ll see at pasar malam (night markets). This evening, we tried out the Mee Goreng (fried noodles – 25K IDR) and the Batagor (fried fish dumpling / tauhu – 35K IDR). Both were actually quite delicious and we were always glad to try out local foods. No stomachache reported after this meal! 😅

Dinner at GIOI Ocean Gourmet Kuta (Discovery Mall Bali)

Soon, it was time for sunset! We originally wanted to go to Vilo for ice cream. However, to be able to sit outdoors, there was a minimum spend of 250k IDR ($22 SGD), which Kate thought would be too much just on ice cream. Hence, we dropped by next door to GIOI Ocean Gourmet for our dinner, which turned out to be a great decision!

GIOI Ocean Gourmet Bali - Gossip Girl sunset cocktails (Floral Blossom, Tequila Sunrise, Cosmopolitan @ 150k++) — GIOI Ocean Gourmet Bali – Gossip Girl sunset cocktails (Floral Blossom, Tequila Sunrise, Cosmopolitan @ 150k++)

GIOI Ocean Gourmet Bali - GIOI Signature Crispy Duck (half - 190k IDR) Bebek Goreng — GIOI Ocean Gourmet Bali – GIOI Signature Crispy Duck (half – 190k IDR) Bebek Goreng

Upon entry into the restaurant, we were shown to the day beds at the edge of the GIOI Ocean Gourmet restaurant where we had unblocked views of the sea. Can’t really remember the last time that we dined on day beds but it was definitely a perk, especially on a holiday at a beach destination such as Bali. We were then introduced to the Gossip Girls cocktail specials which included 3 cocktails (Floral Blossom, Tequila Sunrise and Cosmopolitan) for 150K++ or about $6 SGD per glass after taxes, which was not too bad. Since we were in Bali, we decided to go with the Signature Crispy Duck (Bebek Goreng – 190K IDR) as well as a Bintang draught beer (40K IDR). The Signature Duck was indeed very crispy and it came with a very fragrant fried rice that had the aromas of lemongrass, onion and garlic. The 3 sauces that came together complimented the entire dish pretty well too. Although we spent a little more here, the quality of the food, ambience and views more than made up for it. Speaking of views, we were also treated to spectacular views during sunset…

Sunset as seen from GIOI Ocean Gourmet Sunset Bali

Thanks to the quick decision making of Kate and to the Lord for His beautiful creation of the sunset (and sunset colours), we had a fantastic meal and enjoyed our time at GIOI Ocean Gourmet this evening.

@2bearbeartravel Was looking for a venue to catch the sunset while at #DiscoveryMall #Kutabeach. We ended up in #GIOI and were thankful for the #beautiful #sunset that we were able to enjoy while sipping on the #cocktail deals (3 for 150k IDR – #floralblossom #cosmopolitan #tequilasunrise ) and trying out the #crispyduck which was so crisp, tender and flavourful! 😋👍 #food #foodie #sgfoodie #restaurant #foodtok #foodtiktok #cocktails #beer #kuta #bali #indonesia #travel #traveltok #traveltiktok #travelblogger #foodblog #foodblogger #gioioceangourmet #gioioceangourmetbali #beachvibes #balivibes @gioioceangourmet ♬ original sound – FEEL GOOD SONGS

Golf Simulator at Happy Time Discovery Mall Bali

Table Tennis Machine at Happy Time Discovery Mall Bali

After dinner, we returned to Discovery Mall Bali to play the Sports Arcade (known as Happy Time). We started with Basketball which had a rather far distance for an arcade – both Kate and Tom played on a single player and by the end of the game, we were both EXHAUSTED! Sweat literally started to break out profusely – especially for Tom. Then Kate encouraged Tom to continue exercising (after dinner?!) at the Table Tennis machine. During our snack at the make-shift food court, we had seen how the ball would be shot out of the machine at ridiculous speeds and it was up to the player to hit the ball back – not only to return the ball but to hit specific targets for additional points. As there were balls that came to Tom’s left, right and near to the net and all, he was ridiculously tired and literally panting – as though he had finished a 2.4km run! 😂 😂

Lastly, Tom also tried out the Golf Simulator. You wouldn’t believe this but all 3 games that we played was at 15K IDR each or about $1.5 per game – including the Golf Simulator! The cool thing about the Golf Simulator was that you’d be playing with actual clubs and the staff on hand would recommend which club you should be using for each shot! Although we played only 3 holes with $1.5 SGD, it was value for Tom as he was a lousy player who maxed out on all the strokes at each hole. Great for training if you’re new to the game of golf!

Beard Papa Discovery Mall Bali - Green Tea Vanilla Eclair (21k IDR) — Beard Papa Discovery Mall Bali – Green Tea Vanilla Eclair (21k IDR)

After the exhausting games, we decided to treat ourselves to Beard Papa, found at the ground floor of Discovery Mall Bali. This time, we had the Green Tea Vanilla Eclair where the filling was smooth and creamy vanilla. But at 21K IDR, it was an irony that we paid more to add calories than the game that helped us lose calories and had loads of fun. Still, a good reward before making our way back to Mercure Kuta Bali to end off the evening.

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Stay tuned for day 8 of our travels in Bali where we stumbled upon one of the best rooftop bars in Bali…

Brisbane Travels Day 2: Checking into Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street and Strolling about in Brisbane City

Brisbane Travels Day 3: Wedding, Blessings and Lots of Food!

Brisbane Travels Day 4: Visiting Hillsong Church Brisbane and Tasting Craft Beers at Stone & Wood Brewery, Valley Hops Brewing and Charming Squire

Brisbane Travels Day 5: Day Trip to Mount Tamborine and Surfer’s Paradise

Brisbane Travels Day 6: Brisbane’s Best Pancakes at Pancake Manor and Flying from Brisbane to Bali

Bali Travels Day 7: Checking into Mercure Kuta Bali and Sunset at GIOI Ocean Gourmet!

Bali Travels Day 8: Shopping at Beachwalk Kuta and Chilling at one of the Best Rooftop Bars in Bali…

Bali Travels Day 9: Massage at Shine Spa Sheraton Bali and Stroll to Seminyak Village!

Bali Travels Day 10: Day Out at Mal Bali Galeria