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If you lust after luxury when travelling, then enjoy discovering the exclusive hotels and resorts of Bali’s Nusa Dua

In the south of Bali, just 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai international airport is one of the most exclusive enclaves of any paradise island, Nusa Dua.

Once only tropical forest, this tiny bijou corner of Bali is now home to some of Asia’s most spectacular resort properties. It is an international flagship for sympathetic development, where each resort blends almost seamlessly with the environment, shielded from each other by palm trees and tropical vegetation; and where public areas are decorated with traditional carved shrines, gates and sculptures.

This beach village is home to the ‘Who’s Who’ of international luxury hospitality, with properties from Anan Resorts; Conrad Hotels; Grand Hyatt; and Starwood Hotels. In fact it must have one of the greatest concentrations of exceptional hotels and spas in the world. Many properties, such as the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa, have created a Balinese paradise using traditional building methods and architectural styles.

As part of last year’s round the world trip, we spent some recuperative time on the magical island of Bali. As detailed in an earlier postm we stayed at two Starwood properties, in Nusa Dua, the St. Regis and The Laguna. Here are clippings from recently published pieces of mine about the trip.

St. Regis Bali Resort

Each resort offers the discerning traveller the utmost in personalised care. The St. Regis Bali Resort will meet guests at the airport before immigration, making the holiday start almost as soon as the aircraft touches down. The St. Regis limousine, stocked with chilled water, fresh face towels and handmade chocolates from the resort’s in-house ‘Gourmand Deli’, will whisk visitors to the resort, entering through its unique and distinctive ‘Rain Forest Gate’. This huge colonnaded structure, covered in tropical vines, and edged with palms and exotic plants makes for an impressive welcome.

The St. Regis is the epitome of service; day or night a Butler is on hand to cater to one’s every need; whilst the property is beautifully designed, with a stylish, eclectic look, using the finest hardwoods and sophisticated fabrics.

Exclusive luxury

For the best night’s sleep ever, choose one of the beach front Strand Residences; exquisite two story private villas each with high ceilings, hard wood floors, contemporary plantation wooden shutters and fine furnishings. There are even quarters for a private butler. These villas offer a world of luxury accommodation that is beyond expectation.

For the greatest indulgence, visit the St. Regis ‘Remède Spa’; this serene corner of the resort is immediately calming. Treatments are customised to each guest and combine Balinese culture with the latest Remède products.

This all suite property offers barefoot elegance where one can enjoy the simple pleasures of the beach, the jaw-dropping view of the Indian Ocean and swimming through the lush fresh water lagoon that meanders throughout the estate.

Once night falls and the lanterns of the resort are lit during a spectacular performance by fire eaters, it is time to dress up! Experience a sophisticated festive evening at ‘Kayuputi’, the St. Regis’ stunning signature seafood restaurant, recently recognised by The Wine Spectator with its prestigious ‘Best Award of Excellence’. Allow the sommelier to help navigate one of Asia’s best wine lists, finding something that will perfectly complement the meal.

During the festive holiday season the St.Regis comes alive more than ever, bringing together the warmth of the Balinese culture with the elegance of the St. Regis heritage.

The Laguna Resort & Spa

It is no surprise how this property acquired its name; since The Laguna has over 5000 square metres of swimmable fresh water, translucent lagoons that allow one to discover the verdant grounds without one’s feet touching the ground. If the broad white beach was not enough, The Laguna has created its own sandy beaches that edge the lagoon pools, providing almost unlimited choice of areas in which to relax and unwind.

The Resort and Spa is a larger property, with plenty of restaurants and bars, giving a lively atmosphere and a wide choice of accommodation. There are deluxe rooms, studios, suites and private villas of which some have direct access allowing one to swim out into the lagoon.

For the most memorable experience without doubt choose one of the Pool Villas. Attention to detail is flawless, whether it is the 462-square-metre One-Bedroom Villa or 750-square-metre Two-Bedroom Villa. Both types have traditional Balinese styling, the latest in high tech entertainment and ‘to die-for’ bedrooms and bathrooms.

The Pool Villas are designed for VIPs that expect and need total privacy and discretion. There is private check-in; private plunge and swimming pools, and even the surrounding gardens are exclusively for villa residents. Service is fully tailored to each guest, and as with its sister property, the St.Regis.

Taste of Bali

The beach front is a magical place, with Balinese gazebos for private dining, discrete spa massages or even afternoon tea. At night, lanterns hang from the trees, and torches illuminate the terraces creating a seductive ambiance.

For the best meal, make a reservation for the seafood buffet, served by the beach. The epicurean delights are from the resort’s ‘Awana’ restaurant, one of the island’s best seafood restaurants and also recently bestowed with the ‘Award of Excellence’ by the Wine Spectator. Indulge oneself with a visit to the Oyster & Sushi Bar or have fresh lobster and huge shell fish, fresh from the sparkling Indian Ocean cooked for you.

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Since this is Bali, no resort is complete without a Spa. Asia is the birthplace of massage, and The Lagoon Spa with its restorative wellness treatments and relaxing outdoor spa circuit is the place to unwind.

Bali entices you to take off your shoes and feel the sand amongst your toes – after all you’re in paradise now.

www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/

www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/

 

SEE ALSO MY ORIGINAL PORT TRIP DIARY ENTRY HERE.