As any luxury traveler and Bali aficionado knows, the island is full of fabulous resorts. And joining the already-impressive lineup of offerings is the newly opened Ritz-Carlton, Bali situated on a cliff in Nusa Dua. Anticipating the long, slow drive to the property (as previously experienced in Bali), we were thrilled to zoom along quickly on the newly-opened bridge from the airport to the Ritz. Claiming to be of the longest ocean bridges in the world, we were taken by the structure, the vistas and the record speed (20 mins.) in which we reached the property.
Upon arrival, the staff presented us with cool towels and fresh juice as they escorted us into the soaring, contemporary lobby. The open-air space is perched at the pinnacle of the property, allowing for sweeping views of the area sitting high above the white sand beaches of the Indian Ocean below.
The hotel’s sleek and modern architecture, clean lines and neutral color schemes are a soothing contrast to its rugged hillside setting. In fact, the resort used an abundance of local materials, such as indigenous woods and rough cut stones, which were quarried at the property. Our host pointed out that these natural elements emphasize and honor the harmony between man and nature, a concept that was of utmost concern in selecting the unique hillside location.
After taking in the stunning views, we were whisked from the clifftop lobby to our oceanfront accommodation in their sleek all-glass elevator, a thrilling experience in itself. The accommodations continue the property’s soothing, neutral palette. Guests can chose a few different options in size, including suites starting at 1,070 square feet and private villas with pools, daybeds and butler service. We enjoyed the space and sense of calm derived from the natural elements decorating the room. The resort’s motorized buggies are also always at the ready to seamlessly move guests around from the main infinity pool to the fitness center, spa pavilion, beach, restaurants and wherever else you’d like to go.
Guests with Club Level access are able to enjoy a separate pavilion which includes a private pool, lounge, dining area, library and computer areas. Inside the lounge, dedicated staff members cater to your every need and whim, including setting up reservations at local restaurants. The Club has five daily food presentations prepared by a dedicated chef, and a full range of complimentary beverages, including wine, beer and spirits. You can even find artisanal Balinese chocolates, which tempt even the most gourmet guest. We were most impressed when the Club Level chef asked us what some of our favorite dishes were, and then repeatedly surprised us with expertly executed renditions of them.
We found plenty of variety in the hotel’s food and beverage options. The oceanfront Beach Grill features an international selection such as the ultra- thin, crispy pizzas from the wood-burning oven—a great snack between laps and poolside naps. Breezes Lounge is perfect for cocktails and tapas as you snuggle up on a luxurious Bali bed and watch the sunset. We enjoyed dinner at Raku, where the chef skillfully prepared traditional and creative sushi alongside Japanese cuisine in a casual, lounge setting. Bejana Indonesian Restaurant not only offers authentic examples of local fare but has a gourmet center called the Culinary Cave, complete with a Chef’s Table. In addition, they offer customized cooking classes on request, so you can impress friends back home with your version of satays and gado gado salad.
We were intrigued by the focus on Beverages that clearly takes center stage at the Ritz Carlton Bali. Besides Illy Coffee, which is provided in every suite and throughout the resort, the exclusive Ronnefeldt Teastar Collection and Singapore’s TWG Teas are also offered. Nyoman Adnyana, named Bali’s Best Sommelier in 2014, heads the wine and spirits program, and guided us through the resort’s selection of handpicked wines from 18 regions.
The property is a stray from some of the more traditional Ritz-Carltons we’ve known in the past. But as we’ve seen, this sense-of-place movement from the brand is taking over at many of their properties. And we love The Ritz-Carlton, Bali’s commitment to protecting their surroundings and enhancing guests’ experiences through their décor and cuisine. Rooms start at around USD $380 per night.
