Hotel review: MAMAKA by Ovolo
Absolute beachfront bliss overlooking Kuta, with all the mod cons for a glamorous stay.
MAMAKA by Ovolo details
- Where: Jl. Pantai Kuta No.32, Legian, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
- When: 25–27 July 2022
- Room type: 91m2 Top Gun 2-bedroom suite
- Guests: 5 guests (2 adults, 3 children) 1 room
- Cost: $550-ish per night (depending on exchange rate)
- Hotel star rating: 4
- Book: Through Wotif
My review, in short
- My star rating: ★★★★★
- Cost: Great value for money, considering all the inclusions.
- Location: Seconds' walk from the water overlooking Kuta Beach.
- Decor: Modern, colourful and warm.
- Check-in/out: Friendly and professional staff.
- The room: Our suite had 2 separate bedrooms and a spacious lounge, plus a dining table – more than enough room for our family of 5.
- Food: We sampled breakfast at the cafe on the ground floor, but the real highlight was tapas on the rooftop bar. Fresh salads, flatbread and a tasty cheese platter were the perfect pairing for cocktail hour.
- Facilities: Restaurants, room service, rooftop pool, massage, Wi-Fi and free self-service laundry.
Escaping the cooler winter months for warmer shores in Bali is practically a rite of passage for Aussies, but it took me a while to get in on the action: I'm 40 and this was my first trip to Indonesia.
Together with my husband and 3 kids aged 6, 9 and 11, we jetted off for a 12-day vacation in Bali.
We spent most of our time in a relaxed beachside resort in Jimbaran Bay, but for the first 2 nights, we soaked up the sounds and sights of bustling Kuta.
The cost
Bali is known for its exceptional value and MAMAKA by Ovolo delivered it in spades. We had a large room, but the hotel offers several different options, starting from as little as $130 per night.
All rooms come with free Wi-Fi and your first drink is on the house, too!
The location
Smack bang in the middle of the action – and only a short drive from the airport.
MAMAKA Ovolo is one of many resorts that fringe Kuta Beach. This hotel is within a few minutes' walk of lots of local attractions and amenities, including the very cosmopolitan Beachwalk Shopping Centre. There are loads of restaurants and bars nearby, a mini-mart next door and plenty of local shopping.
Our room also had the benefit of absolute beachfront views – a beautiful way to start the day.
The decor
Bright and vibrant in keeping with the beachside theme, our room felt like sunshine in a suite. The colour palette was bursting with aqua, yellow and warm, natural tones and the furniture was super comfortable – ideal to collapse into after a busy day of shopping and sightseeing.
The check-in/check-out process
After flight delays and a lengthy immigration process, we finally reached the resort at 3am. We were greeted by warm, friendly staff who had us checked in and whisked into our room within minutes.
The room
Travelling as a family of 5, we usually either book the biggest available room or 2 rooms. At MAMAKA, we were delighted with the 2-bedroom Top Gun suite. It had 2 separate bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 including a luxe bath), a spacious wardrobe, dining area, lounge and kitchen – all for around $550 per night.
We had a tiny issue where a set of blackout blinds wouldn't close. They're quite important (without them, due to the spectacular aspect, the sun bounces off the ocean and into your bedroom at the crack of dawn), but they sent up staff to fix the problem immediately.
The food
We sampled breakfast in the cafe overlooking the busy, bustling street one morning, but the real star of the show was the rooftop bar and restaurant. You can order food by the pool or slide into a booth overlooking the ocean – a truly sensational way to spend cocktail hour!
We ordered a tasty cheese platter ($14) and a garlic and herb flatbread ($3.50) to start, then tucked into some fresh salads, a margarita pizza and pastas afterwards.
The cocktail list was also diverse and hit the spot.
The facilities
As well as everything you'd expect from a flashy hotel – including on-site dining, room service, in-house massage and a rooftop pool area with sensational views over Kuta – there were the added extras that really tip things over the edge.
At MAMAKA Ovolo, this included in-house surfing lessons, free moped hire and an app that makes interacting with the hotel super simple.
The added bonus was the free self-service laundry: when travelling with kids, this is an absolute game-changer!
The verdict
When you're looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Kuta Beach, but you still want a hotel with vibe and vitality, MAMAKA by Ovolo hits the spot. You can enjoy the on-site pool, restaurants and bars and soak up the Bali experience, then retreat to your room when you want quiet time – or better yet, retreat to the massage salon!
Overall, an ideal stay for families, young travellers and anyone seeking a balance of play and relaxation in Kuta.
Book: Visit Wotif to book your stay at MAMAKA by Ovolo
Sarah Megginson stayed as a guest of MAMAKA by Ovolo.