By Beth Weitzman and Misty Milioto
Southern Bali’s popular resort town of Nusa Dua (meaning two islands) was built in the 1970s and is composed of Nusa Dharma Island to the north and Peninsula Island to the south. A mere 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar International Airport), Nusa Dua is known for its sandy beaches, 18-hole golf course and large, five-star resorts. With its convenient location, it’s a great starting or ending point for a Bali vacation.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, a lush clifftop and beach resort offers unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean and Bali’s sacred Mount Agung. In keeping with the tradition of The Ritz-Carlton brand, guests can expect anticipatory service, luxury accommodations, exquisite cuisine, spectacular spa, curated activities and, of course, The Ritz-Carlton Club.
The Design
At The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, you’ll have no doubt you’re in Indonesia, thanks to its authentic Balinese design and attention to every detail. Designed by WATG Landscape Destination, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, sits on 30 sprawling acres of beautifully landscaped water-rich tropical gardens on the southern tip of the island in Sawangan, Nusa Dua. A contemporary resort, it’s awash in Balinese accents, such as hand-polished plaster, richly textured Balinese fabrics and contemporary local art. There are plenty of lush open spaces, Balinese pavilions and secret hideaways where you can sit back, take in the fresh air and contemplate life. A glass elevator where you can catch gorgeous views, connects the clifftop to the beachfront area. Five restaurants and bars, The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom and meeting facilities, two wedding chapels, The Ritz-Carlton Spa and The Ritz-Carlton Club round out the offerings.
The Accommodations
Boasting 313 suites and villas outfitted in Balinese materials and design, local touches and artifacts mix with the latest technology to provide the utmost comfort. Eight different room types include the Sawangan Suites (230 units, 34 with lagoon access and 60 with Club access), The Ritz-Carlton Suites (49 units, 10 with lagoon access and 7 with Club access), the Pool Pavilions (18 one-bedroom units that combine indoor and outdoor living areas with an outdoor shower and access to a pool from the terrace), the Garden Villas (four, two-story clifftop villas overlooking lush gardens with a swimming pool off of an expansive terrace and a rooftop daybed area), The Cliff Villas (four units similar to the Garden Villas but with views of the Indian Ocean and Mount Agung), The Sky Villas (six one- and two-bedroom villas with views of the Indian Ocean, a floating swimming pool, an outdoor tub, a large sundeck area, a Balinese bale, and a separate living and dining area), the Ritz-Carlton Cliff Villa (one three-bedroom villa with views of the Indian Ocean, access to the infinity pool with large sundeck and a Balinese bale), and The Ritz-Carlton Oceanfront Villa (with direct access to the beach and a massage pavilion). When staying in any of the rooms with a pool, don’t miss ordering the floating breakfast.
The Ritz-Carlton Club
The relaxed Ritz-Carlton Club—one of the few freestanding clubs within The Ritz-Carlton portfolio—is where guests can have every need met, including personalized check-in and check-out at the Club Lounge, five daily food and beverage presentations, sundowner cocktails by the Club Lounge Pool and more.
The Dining
Each of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali’s six restaurants takes guests on a gastronomic journey, elevating a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience. At Raku, a Japanese lounge and bar located on the cliff area with indoor and outdoor seating, guests can choose from sushi, sashimi and tapas-style Japanese specialties. For dinner, scope out Bejana’s authentic Indonesian dishes and its Culinary Cave—an open kitchen with chef table that focuses on culinary learning. A relaxing yet stylish lunch or dinner is on order at The Beach Grill, located on the beachfront and boasting fabulous views and serving seafood and grilled items with a live cooking station complemented by classic and contemporary handcrafted cocktails. Also on the beach is Breezes, a pool bar and tapas lounge that’s open for lunch and dinner (and a perfect spot for a sundowner cocktail). At Senses, guests will enjoy a rustic yet contemporary setting for all-day indoor and outdoor dining. Finally, The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge—located above Senses—serves all-day light bites, afternoon tea and pre- or post-dinner cocktails. There’s no shortage of tempting culinary options here—even if you are staying for a week or more!
The Spa
Upon entering The Spa, you’ll immediately be whisked away into a state of relaxation. The Spa offers an idyllic setting with a traditional Balinese garden, 10 treatment rooms, four villas, a hair salon, separate male and female aqua thermal zones, a Hydro-Vital Pool with five different zones and a Balinese bathing pool. Sea-inspired spa treatments are based on time-honored traditional Balinese therapies and rituals, and use two of the Indian Ocean’s natural products: seaweed and pearl. Try the Iridescent Delight (120 minutes), featuring a gentle skin-smoothing Shimmering Pearl Polish, a pure pearl body wrap and a Shine Renewal Massage using Vitality oil with pearl extract to release tension and improve blood circulation.
The Pool
A huge pool peppered with comfy chaise lounges makes the perfect place to spend the day. Don’t be surprised if you see camels strolling the beach.
The Wedding Venue
A strikingly beautiful glass-lit Majestic Chapel makes a memorable spot for exchanging vows. Followed by a reception on the sweeping cliff lawn or beautiful sandy beach, the venues at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, provide a dramatic backdrop for tying the knot.