The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa includes premium rooms, which include soft batik linen and a terrace, as well as pool facilities such as a plunge pool and a jacuzzi. (Photo courtesy of Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa)
A trip to Nusa Dusa in Bali’s south can feel culturally isolating compared to the quirky guesthouses, colorful markets and intricate temples found elsewhere on the island.
The tropical peninsula was developed as a prime destination for exclusive Western resorts under the New Order, leading to criticisms of it as “sterile.” But the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, one of the oldest resorts in the area, has made it a point to combine Balinese art and hospitality with five-star lodging and food, adding splashes of heritage to a luxurious experience.
Just a half-hour drive from the island’s main airport, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel features 382 rooms and suites on nine hectares of manicured gardens — vibrant green grass, lofty coconut palms and frangipani trees bursting with yellow and pink blossoms dot the entire landscape.
The resort’s hospitality starts the moment guests step onto the arranged van from the airport, where passengers are offered an ice cold plumeria-scented hand towel — a signature amenity of the resort.
Hotel staff greet guests in the clean, thatched-roof lobby with a welcome drink of multiple varieties of fresh juice, while plenty of comfortable tables and chairs are available to guests to relax among statues of Hindu gods and traditional offerings.
The hotel offers a range of accommodations to match the needs of families and couples. All of the rooms feature either a terrace or a balcony — with views of the pools, the ocean or tropical gardens — Balinese decor, soft batik bed linens and plenty of space. Each room is also equipped with large, flat-screen TVs and dozens of premium channels. Unfortunately, the only thing the rooms lack is a Wi-Fi connection, though free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and high-speed ethernet connection is available for purchase.
For a more basic stay, the deluxe rooms are cozy, at 34-square meters, and feature a “relaxing rain forest shower.” Upgrade to a Premier room for a separate bathtub, Balinese wood carvings and even more space. The hotel also offers families a few different options, including connecting rooms to ensure privacy and bunk beds for the kids.
Guests willing to spend more can’t go wrong by booking a Palace Club room or suite. The large rooms, complete with ornate wooden carvings, plenty of snug lounge chairs and pleasant lighting, are absolutely gorgeous. The en suite bathrooms also leave an impression — plenty of mirrors and toiletries, an irresistibly huge bathtub, a separate shower with two water spouts and simple stone tiles.
Those staying in the Palace Club also have added privileges, including exclusive access to the Palace Club lounge, which offers a French- and Indonesian-inspired breakfast buffet, fresh beverages and snacks all day, afternoon tea and butler service. The Club also offers complimentary garment pressing on the day of arrival.
One of the best parts of the Palace Club was the evening cocktail hour. The hospitable butler made a point to greet each guest by name as they walked in, offered suggestions on beverages and even made accommodations with the hors d’oeuvre for guests with special diets. The menu features some really lovely cocktails, such as the Royal Mojito (Cuban rum, fresh lemon juice, mint leaves and crushed ice topped with a splash of sparkling wine), along with wine, beer and top-shelf liquor.
The Palace Club requests that guests dress up for cocktail hour, which ensures a classy atmosphere. The only thing that would have improved the experience was if children were not permitted, as I overheard guests complaining about two kids running around and yelling. Fortunately, the Gecko Kids Club entertains youngsters with activities like feeding friendly squirrels and ducks, face painting, picnics and art and language classes.
The resort also offers grown-up guests similar options centered on Balinese culture — if they get bored of the two pools, sunny beach and water sports. Free classes, such as fruit carving, coconut leaf weaving, Balinese dance and garden tours, take place throughout the week.
Sunday’s Kecak dance (also known as the Ramayana Monkey Chant) and Tuesday’s Legong dance performances offer guests front-row seats to Indonesian cultural exhibitions. The talented performers make it worth the Rp 350,000 ($36) ticket price, and they take photos with guests at the end of the show.
I recommend chilling out with a spa treatment during the day. Options include body scrubs, facials, massages and more. The 90-minute Nusa Dua Massage (Rp 637,000) puts guests en route to total relaxation, with a full-body rubdown with all-natural oils. All guests are welcome to enjoy the complimentary cold plunge pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and lap pool for a lovely, quiet afternoon out of the sun.
There are six restaurants and a few bars at the resort, featuring Indonesian, continental, Japanese and Italian cuisines. To truly feel like Balinese royalty, dine at Raja’s, which features traditional fare of the island, golden-hued plates and flatware, top-notch service and a romantic ambiance.
As the resort approaches its 30-year anniversary, set to happen next year, it aims to give back to the local community by asking guests to make donations to an orphanage.
For holiday-makers looking to be pampered at a five-star resort while experiencing Balinese culture firsthand along the way, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel tops the list of options.
With an endless selection of activities, helpful and hospitable staff, gourmet food and a perfect environment to unwind, guests will no doubt feel their stay was too short, no matter how long they book a room for.
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