Location (access to Balangan Beach), value for money, and the design of the place were the main reasons my husband and I chose La Joya, and it delivered on those. The main issue is noise.
There are feral dogs at the neighbor property that bark ALL night long. We told the front desk and they gave us ear plugs (no other available rooms) and said we could switch in the morning, which we did (from noisy room 10 to room 1, next to the front desk). Less dog noise there. There are also roosters (which you hear almost everywhere in Bali anyway), and doves trying to roost in the thatched roofs.
Balangan Beach has a chill, surfer/Bohemian vibe. The beach access was fine, but the access stairs are not maintained by La Joya - they're steep and uneven. There's a field where cows graze between the resort and the bluff - you gotta dodge cowpats to get to the stairs. It didn't bother us, just not like the photos, you know?
The front desk was super helpful--even acting as an ATM when we needed cash for a taxi. The spa was lovely and I got a great massage. Breakfast was good & large - you get a choice of 4 entrees included, or you can order extra. We ate other meals there too, and I thought the prices were reasonable for the area. Nice pool area.
The place needs a deep clean. Bedding/towels - clean. Day bed/mosquito nets - not so much. Overall maintenance is lacking - many things need to be fixed/painted/replaced, like rotted decks.
Lovely grounds and helpful staff though!
