An idyllic Laguna for romance and relaxation (pt. 1)

A visit to Bali is mesmerizing and memorable, for first-time visitors absolutely fascinating for sure. As a preferred choice of stay, one of its first-rate resorts, The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua Bali, gets a dedicated review further below.

 

Bali is one of those mysterious, artistic and part of a group of special, selected few (if thinking destination options worldwide) escape islands since many decades ago. Making many other destinations pale in comparison, among its specific characteristics is being a Hindu enclave, a thus an isolated such case in the vast Indonesian archipelago. Early on it attracted artists as the perfect island to settle down on and continuing creating their works of art. Music aficionados and dance choreographers also took a special interest in Bali and its special Gamelan music and Balinese dance performances. Balinese performers were increasing being invited to perform abroad, which created curiosity for their island.

 

Bali revisited: As of late – and beautiful Bali has always been this ultimate retreat or escape – its perfect sceneries, signature rise fields on the hills, and magic landscapes has as part of progress in a natural way lead to a boom in spa and wellness resorts mushrooming on the island. Bali is also the origin of several famous resort brands and more recently more of the luxury brands are also entering the island.

 

In addition to this, Bali has also been furnished with a number of very stylish beachfront – sort of multi-functional clubs offering everything from lounging throughout the day, to fine dining and late night clubbing. These venues (for instance Ku De Ta) on their own constitute a draw for guests from far and near, especially for the peak season from August until the end of the year.

 

Returning, after 18 years (shame on me for leaving you Bali for so long!) as is the case for this visit, what has clearly not changed is the airport. Though gladly, the decision has been taken to do so – a new terminal is being built on Bali.

 

Surprise upon arrival: A charge to enter of 100,000 Indonesian Ruphias (IDR)! Don’t panic, this is only 10 US dollars. Now what if I don’t have those currencies in cash with me? Here is where things become complicated. One has to sort of bypass the immigration process and actually enter the arrival area in order to reach an ATM machine and be able to clear the matter.

 

Also upon departure – and this one is important consumer information - with no notification upon check in and after walking for quite a bit, all of a sudden you will come to a new desk where you are charged another 150,000 Indonesian Rupies in airport tax! It will be useful to still have this cash available upon departure.

 

What is different though is that there are now more flight routes within the region and a low cost airline market having emerged, where Thai Air Asia also flies directly to Bali from Bangkok.

But let’s get over to the essentials for this visit. Back on Bali – at last! – this time around to experience the island’s exclusive Nusa Dua, a gated resort area boasting its own golf course, where top-notch beach front resorts abound and which was there already 30 years ago. This should be the place to have some quality time off. Nusa Dua is similar to The Laguna on Phuket, Thailand and the choice of stay this time is The Laguna Resort & Spa (though the names have no connection).

 

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has two resorts juxtaposed on “Bali's most beautiful beach”, with The Westin as number two, which is an advantage in terms of a bonus opportunity to explore even more dining facilities on a sister resort. More recently St. Regis from the group also opened a luxury resort and the W brand is also coming. Then all Starwood’s top end brands will be established on Bali.

 

As for The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua Bali (re-branded from originally being a Sheraton), it is a resort of a very special kind where the focus lies on Balinese culture and whoever guest considering them self worthy of a getaway of any kind. For sure you can come up with good reasons for why you need to take leave! How about a second or seventh honeymoon (or of course a wedding anniversary trip if the company, employer or rest of the family does not buy your need for multiple honeymoons!)? Or simply think of all the good reasons you should come to this destination in celebration of. Suitably bring some friends along too.

 

Clearly, couples will enjoy this resort immensely. It is a playground for adults, mainly, and for certain able to please the most affluent travellers. And some guests certainly appear to represent the highest guest satisfaction; one couple clearly being so satisfied that they had so far stayed over 15 times at this on-the-beach haven, I was told!

 

So why should you choose The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua Bali, among all the options? Because it’s a destination in its own right; a tranquil haven of tropical gardens and sparkling lagoons where the 271 guestrooms and suites reflect a contemporary Balinese style. And the resort being part of the exclusive Luxury Collection for a reason, this seafront luxury property is dedicated to providing its global discerning guests with crafted service and an enriching experience immersed in local culture.

 

This translates into second-to-none levels of service including 24 hours butlers for all guests (!), décor accented by Balinese handcrafted interiors, fine dining, culinary experiences etc.

As a Luxury Collection hotel it concentrates more on the area in which it is operating, said its general manager. The hotel needs to reflect the character of where it is operating in, so on Bali a very indigenous approach is presented throughout the resort; with Balinese greetings, Indonesian and Balinese cuisine, local spa treatments with indigenous products and more.

 

Continue to: The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua Bali review part 2

The Laguna Resort & Spa review part 3

 

See also: image gallery The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua Bali

 

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