Set amid the exclusive environs of Nusa Dua, on Bali's southern peninsula, the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel has an illustrious history. From its opening as the island's first five-star resort in 1983 by President Soeharto, the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel has become the standard bearer for many luxury resorts in the region — it has also played host ever since to kings, queens, princes, presidents and many of the world's leading statesmen.
With buildings "no higher than a palm tree", Nusa Dua's premier resort has become synonymous with grand Balinese style, its architectural concept based on legendary palaces of an earlier age. Following a recent US$22 million refurbishment, much of its original design has been restored to its former glory, and the gardens — created by renowned landscape gardener Made Wijaya — have been transformed to provide a magnificent backdrop to the hotel's palatial architecture.
First impressions are both dramatic and welcoming as guests enter the compound through a traditional candi bantar —— spectacular carved-stone gates —— said to ward off evil spirits. Beyond the gates, 95 naga or dragon heads encircle a pool filled with lotus blossoms, each head spouting water from its mouth.
The main lobby and lounge overlook terraced gardens and over nine hectares (23 acres) of parkland —— now brilliantly festooned with sunlit streams, pool and fountains, clusters of bamboo, canopies of palms and lush green paths stretching to the beach.
Three hundred and eighty regal guest rooms have been luxuriously decorated to harmonize with the island setting, and to capture the traditional elegance for which Bali is famous. All rooms have bathrooms en suite, direct-dial telephones and colour television with satellite channels. The new Palace Floor with classical furnishings and private palace-style gardens, are ample testimony to the management's determination to provide only the best. An exclusive butler service is included.
In addition to the hotel's main swimming pool and a children's wading pool, a new and unique salt-water pool —— a few metres from the ocean and fringed by white sand — is an extraordinary triumph of aesthetics and technology. With one of the most innovative and flexible pool-management systems in the world, it ensures sparkling clean water the natural way —— free from harmful chemicals and additives. A Pool Bar at the main pool is a haven, with underwater seating and serving refreshing cool drinks and cocktails. The Spa Café near the lap pool serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with the emphasis on health cuisine.
With its own wide private beach, water sports, sub-aqua and beach activities are easy to arrange at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel. There is also tennis, squash and a jogging track nearby. Also nearby, the Jukung Beach Bar — named after Bali's indigenous boats — is an oasis for cooling off after a morning's sport.
Overlooking the ocean and pools, the Nusa Dua's signature restaurant — the delightful Raja's Table —— is popular for its tasty grills and a wide selection of Asian specialities. Sandro's, renowned for its oven-fresh pizzas and home-made pasta, also serves light Mediterranean dishes and salads, while the Wedang Jahe — set amid palm trees and lush gardens —— is open all day and provides guests with alfresco dining.
The Nusa Dua Spa is a new addition, the ultimate indulgence with a spa beauty salon, massage and wet treatment rooms, private villa, tennis, squash and a fully equipped gym with aerobics studio and rock-climbing wall. A lap pool with underwater music is an added luxury. Spa accessories are available at the Spa Essentials shop, and the Players Bar provides a great meeting spot after a game of tennis or a workout.
With such a superb setting, conferences, banquets and theme parties have an exotic backdrop. The imposing Keraton Room, or elegant Garuda Room, lend a sense of occasion to the most informal party or to a corporate dinner. The glorious tropical gardens are perfect for less formal occasions or launch parties. The fully trained service staff are available for all functions, and the Business Centre provides an office away from the office.
It is a privilege to stay at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel, where every guest is welcomed like royalty, and the folklore, pomp and pageantry of ancient Bali become part of your everyday life.