What is it about Bali that attracts people from all over the world? Is it the countless breathtaking views, from the mountains to the beaches? Is it the history and culture? Is it the cuisine? The urge to live spiritually like Julia Roberts did in Eat, Pray, Love?
Maybe what people crave is the excitement of duality. They want the serenity of staring out into the ocean, and the hustle of a city. Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort may just be the solution. Located in the southern part of the island, the 12,055 square feet resort is all one needs to experience what the island has to offer.
Coming into the main lobby, guests may notice the traditional yet fused with modern traits in the resort’s architecture, accompanied by the variant genre of music that can be heard almost immediately. While other hotels and establishments in other cities pride themselves on an urban exterior, the resort opted for the more laid-back, authentic style of the island.
The interior draws inspirations from traditional Balinese dances, such as the barong dance, interpreted by the carvings on the wooden columns. Beyond the lobby, there are also murals and prints at R Bar, the vibrant design at The Backstage and the charming dance performance patterns adorning the backdrop of the ballroom.
Brought to life by P49 Deesign, the design of the resort looks like an homage to one of the oldest cultural heritages the island has to offer: storytelling through dance. Traditional Balinese dances are heavily influenced by nature, therefore the murals and patterns do not only incorporate the environment, but complement their natural surroundings.
If the interior doesn’t scream “You’re in Bali!”, the uniform of the staff will. Designed by Bali-based designer Paul Ropp, it features bold and vibrant colors that match with the resort’s design and reflect the Balinese culture.
Guest Room
More cultural tell-tales are visible in each room, with a Balinese mask pattern adorning the ceiling, a gobo light shaped like a dancer’s head, ever subtle, but thoughtfully designed to tie the whole room together. Complete with purple and blue pillows, the esthetic of the room is modern and bold, but not over the top. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve missed all the cultural homage all over the walls.
The turquoise-accented walls and the breathtaking views of the island gives the feeling of calm many craves, one of the reasons people flock to the Island of the Gods. A freestanding ivory bathtub as a centrepiece in an equally spacious bathroom is the epitome of luxury, while a decorative wall ceramic on a wall looks like a beautiful mosaic.
Restaurants & Bars
The variety of cuisines available was impressive to say the least. Those looking for authentic Indonesian food should go to Nusantara by Locavore, a restaurant that spotlights the country’s culinary heritage, while Lion X serves dim sum, Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine with a modern twist. Tanah Liat is a pottery atelier and cooking lab by day, and an arts-and-crafts inspired restaurant by night, serving locally sourced fresh seasonal seafood and plant-based cuisines. Last but certainly not least is Backstage Food Theatre, an all-day dining restaurant with a wide selection of local and international cuisine at its buffet.
While there are four different places to choose from for food, two is more than enough for beverages. The mixologists and baristas will have you coming back to R Bar for more of their crafty cocktails and cold-brew coffee, and it transforms into a place for live music as the night progresses. Large wooden columns and trendy sofas and chairs give the bar a quirky yet relaxing ambiance to kick back and unwind. Atomic 17 is the resort’s resident pool bar. They too serve cocktails, but also fresh juices and smoothies for those who come for a wellness trip.
Pools
Speaking of the pool, it is important to note that there are four thematic pools in the resort. The main pool is located across the lobby, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Nothing is better than seeing clear blue water meeting the equally blue sky on a clear day, feeling the breeze on your face and the sound of crashing waves, not knowing where the pool ends and the rest begins.
The jungle pool, however, has a man-made waterfall! Of course, we can’t compare the view of the Indian Ocean to a lagoon-like pool surrounded by lush greenery, but the latter made me feel like I suddenly stepped into a fairy tale or a hidden cave. It just so happens that the jungle pool is located at The Cove, a stunning wedding venue with an aisle stretching right to the heart of the pool. It really was made for fairy tales.
The other two pools are the lap pool and a kid-friendly pool beside the Lava Land Kids Club. I bet right now you’re thinking why it took me this long to mention that it’s all right to bring your kids to this beautiful resort.
Other Amenities
Speaking of children, the Lava Land Kids Club is uniquely designed in the shape of a volcano and offers a range of inspirational and fun learning activities, equipped with competent staff, so parents can have some time away from their kids if they need a break.
The resort also has a spa that offers the art of traditional Balinese healing, and a 24-hour gym, further proving my point that it has something for everyone. Further proof: The resort has a grand ballroom that accommodates up to 1,100 people, and five event rooms and a maximum of seven breakout rooms that are “perfect for meetings” for those who need to work. I’m sure I’m not the only one who forgot to tell my superiors that “working-from-home” turned into “working-from-Bali” this past weekend.
If you’re thinking about hosting an event at the resort, the Renaissance Hotels’ R.E.N. Meeting program features a dedicated event team to plan, arrange and organize everything, so you don’t have to.
Venturing Out
After the last two years and several lockdown situations, everyone has been itching to reconnect with their adventurous side. That is why as amazing as the resort is, I encourage you to find the Renaissance Navigator and ask them about the best places to visit.
The Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort is within close proximity of Nusa Dua Beach, which was voted the best for families by Honeycombers in 2022. Just so you know, Honeycombers is largely written by Bali residents, so you know you can trust them. I’m not surprised, as the shoreline is filled with family-friendly restaurants, water sports and even a shopping complex.
There is also Museum Pasifika for art enthusiasts to see artworks about Bali by different artists from all over the world. Furthermore, Bali Paragliding is a great way to enjoy Nusa Dua with a bird’s eye view, though it is not for the faint of heart.
Lastly, the resort is located 15 minutes away from Ngurah Rai International Airport by car, so as soon as you arrive, you only need to wait 15 minutes to reach the hotel, check in and start your vacation!
