THE ST. REGIS BALI RESORT
Nine flamboyantly landscaped hectares on the shores of Nusa Dua set the stage for one of Bali’s most opulent resorts. With a turquoise lagoon pool at its heart, St. Regis Bali dazzles from the moment guests step into its airy, chandelier-hung lobby, which is flanked by 81 elegantly appointed suites (some of which have private pools). Even more compelling are the resort’s two dozen villas, especially since a recent redesign added advanced entertainment systems, carefully crafted artwork, and a warmer residential feel. The distinctive Lagoon Villas feature direct access to the central lagoon from their terraces, while the beachfront Strand Villas come with uninterrupted ocean views. Whatever the room category, all guests can look forward to complimentary airport transfers and — for the utmost in personalized attention — round-the-clock butler service.
If St. Regis Bali’s serene seaside location doesn’t immediately relax you, the Iridium Spa certainly will. Set beside a tranquil koi pond, the 2,800-squaremeter facility delivers signature rituals like the Luxury Champagne Treatment and the “Bloody Mary” (which includes a skin-purifying vodka-tomato clay wrap) alongside Balinese massage, body scrubs, aroma stone therapy, reflexology, and beauty treatments. Accented with whimsical moon and butterfly motifs, the spa also features a fitness center and thalassotherapy pool.
Younger guests, meanwhile, will be kept entertained by the intelligent, funfilled activities at the Children’s Learning Center, where half- and full-day programs designed for children between the ages of four and 12 provide an unforgettable kaleidoscope of Balinese culture through art, music, dance, and cuisine.
The resort’s restaurants promise an equally memorable experience.
For upscale beachside dining, there’s Kayuputi, a handsome space with allwhite wood decor and a trove of Balinese artifacts. Inspired by the Balinese concept of Nyegara Gunung, meaning “from the mountain to the ocean,” the restaurant showcases pan-Asian haute cuisine using local ingredients from the land and sea, with such signature dishes as 24-hour sous-vide wagyu spare ribs marinated in Indonesian spices and accompanied by lobster-tail tempura. A sommelier is on hand to guide diners through the impressive wine list, which has been recognized by the prestigious Wine Spectator Award for 11 consecutive years.
Boneka, located off the lobby, is another standout, especially when it comes to its extravagant Sunday brunch; the chef’s delicate egg nouvelle (an eggshell filled with lobster ragout and topped with salmon roe) is a must-try. Elsewhere, there’s traditional Balinese dining under the thatched gazebo at Dulang, gourmet snacks at Gourmand Deli, and romantic dinners for two that can be set up on the beach or on the terrace of the Cloud Nine Chapel.
Other highlights include the King Cole Bar with its unique take on the legendary Bloody Mary—arrive at sunset and you may even be treated to the sight of Balinese performers enacting a fire dance—and the poolside Vista Bar, which is sure to seduce with its sweeping ocean views.