Honest Hotel Review: Dreamsea Bali Surf Camp
Updated October 2024
While in Bali, I had the opportunity to explore the bustling pace of Canggu, the relaxed atmosphere of Selat, and anticipated discovering the coastal beaches within Uluwatu. My vision for my stay included a seafront view of the ocean with direct access to the beach at any moment.
After some research, I chose Dreamsea, Bali, a surf camp hotel situated on a cliffside in Uluwatu. The location seemed perfect because of its proximity to the beach, private rooms with floor to ceiling windows, and uninterrupted ocean views. I wasn’t seeking luxury or frills,just great views and easy beach access.
I booked a sea-view suite for 3 days and 3 nights, but I left the property after just one night. Below I’ll highlight what worked well about the property and what ultimately led to my early departure.
Location
Dreamsea Bali is perched on a cliffside beach in Uluwatu, making beach lounging and ocean access easy and convenient. I loved waking up to an undisturbed view of the ocean and eating breakfast while watching guests take their surfing lessons. The scenery was as picturesque as it could get and everything you’d imagine when you think of Bali.
Ambiance & Vibe
The property was well-maintained and cozy. My suite included a full-sized bed, floor to ceiling glass windows, and an ensuite bathroom. The Suites are eco-friendly, composed of bamboo paneling and furniture which add to the natural and simplistic design of the hotel, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Common areas were available for lounging with friends and other guests, and perfect for watching waves or greeting other guests.
Comfort
Despite the stunning views, my room was uncomfortable due to poor temperature control. The rooms are made up of bamboo and glass, making it a challenge to retain cool air. And hitting the suites directly, the room became quite warm. The weak air-conditioning units couldn’t regulate the temperature, so I kept the blinds closed to block the sun.
Accessibility
Accessibility was the most challenging aspect of Dreamsea Bali. As someone who is able-bodied, I found it difficult getting to and from the property. To reach the hotel, you must descend down approximately 100 steep steps before getting on the beach that the hotel is located on. There is no elevator alternative, so stairs are the only access point. Navigating these steps was exhausting, especially in Bali’s hot and humid weather.
The property has an open-to-the-air concept. The majority of the common areas are located outside, so there’s no air-conditioning available. The suites and rooms that are air-conditioned are still quite warm, especially since there is no central cooling, rather cooling units. During my stay, I found it uncomfortable because of the hot and humid weather and the sun shining directly onto the property.
Final Thoughts
Although the location and views were incredible, my overall experience at Dreamsea Bali was uncomfortable, leading to my early departure. While I appreciated the staff’s openness about the physical requirements needed to access the property and their efforts to address my air-conditioning issues, the combination of these challenges made it hard for me to enjoy my stay.