White Palm markets itself as âeco-chic,â but itâs really just glamping with better marketing â overpriced, underwhelming, and designed more for influencers than actual travellers. Donât let curated photos of models in full brim hats fool you.
Unless youâre (a) a pro-level surfer (and I mean expert, the waves are elite class), (b) a social media personality who loves posing with swing sets and floating breakfasts, or (c) someone actively trying to disappear, I wouldnât recommend it.
We stayed here on our honeymoon â our most expensive stop â and were disappointed almost immediately. The pool was dirty and heavily chlorinated (despite being advertised as âsaltwaterâ). Construction noise next door made relaxing impossible. Villas were hot, poorly ventilated, and full of giant insects. Mosquitoes devoured us nightly, even with repellent and long sleeves.
You canât bring in outside food or drinks, and while the on-site food is decent, itâs overpriced. Towels smelled weird, and its lights out at 11 p.m. because apparently youâre 9 years-old. Also, you canât tip staff directly â it all goes into a communal envelope. Not sure if all of this is customaryâŠ
Thereâs also a portion of your payment that goes to a charity â not disclosed anywhere in advance. A head up would have been nice to ensure values are aligned.
We were encouraged to text the owners with any concerns. They were in Paris. Of course! Nothing says Bali like managing your âeco-hotelâ while on airplane to France
