Perched majestically along the cliffs of Nusa Dua, the Apurva Kempinski, Bali embodies the essence of Balinese culture and luxury hospitality, writes Harmeet Sehgal
This grand resort offers a complete sensory journey through its breathtaking architecture, exclusive accommodations, world-class dining experiences, and impeccable service. Combining modern elegance with cultural authenticity, Apurva Kempinski Bali is a destination that captivates the heart of every travellers.
Arrival and First Impressions – A Warm Balinese Welcome
The arrival experience at Apurva Kempinski Bali is nothing short of spectacular, unfolding on a grand scale that immediately captivates the senses. The majestic open-air lobby, perched high atop a cliff, offers a dramatic welcome. From this elevated vantage point, guests are treated to sweeping views of lush tropical gardens, cascading pools that sparkle in the sunlight, and the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean stretching out below. Just beyond a tranquil pond, guests step into an open-air grand hall that feels more like a sacred temple, evoking a sense of reverence and awe. The ceiling, a breathtaking reinterpretation of a traditional Javanese roof—takes the form of an immense copper-toned, inverted pyramid. Sunlight filters gently through its apex, casting a soft, warm glow across the space, setting a mood of calm and wonder.
Beneath this architectural marvel lies a floor of the finest black marble, which at first glance, looks it could be mistaken for stained glass, but it’s actually exquisite stone, meticulously sourced from Mongolia, a subtle yet powerful testament to the resort’s commitment to craftsmanship and detail.
At the heart of the hall stand four towering wooden pavilions, reminiscent of the grand meeting spaces that once adorned the palaces of Indonesian royalty.
Their arched doorways are framed by intricate carvings of flowers and foliage, each detail so elaborate that it’s easy to imagine the years of artistry required to bring them to life.
A Welcome worthy of a King
We are warmly greeted in the grand hall by the ‘Lady in Red,’ a signature Kempinski ambassador. With an effortless blend of charm and professionalism, she escorts us to the Cliff Lounge, an exclusive haven reserved for guests of the Villas and Clifftop Suites.
The Cliff Lounge offers more than just a luxurious space; it provides guests with the freedom to check in and out at their own pace, ensuring every interaction is marked by privacy and ease. Beyond its tranquil ambiance, the lounge serves as a dedicated hub where guests can connect with the hotel’s expert teams to arrange restaurant reservations, organize local excursions, and coordinate transfers, all tailored to their personal preferences.
As we settle in, we are met by Mr. Vincent Guironnet, the General Manager, who takes the time to personally welcome us to the resort. His presence adds a touch of distinction and personalisation, a thoughtful gesture that reflects strong leadership in guest service and experience. Clifftop Lounge also serves breakfast, afternoon tea and cocktails and canapes in the evenings where guests can kick off the evening in the company of old friends or make new ones.
Cliff Private Pool Junior Suites – Intimate indulgence
The Cliff Private Pool Junior Suite is a sanctuary offering the ultimate in privacy and indulgence. Perched on the cliffside, some Clifftop suites provide panoramic views of the Indian Ocean from both the room and its private infinity pool, ensuring a sense of awe from sunrise to sunset.
The suite’s design merges contemporary aesthetics with Balinese cultural elements, polished wood accents, intricately carved headboards, and batik-inspired décor create an ambiance that is both luxurious and authentic. The spacious layout features a separate lounge area, allowing guests to relax indoors while still being connected to the outdoor scenery through large floor-to-ceiling windows. The suite is a lavish 100sq.ft with a walk-in wardrobe with the luxury of a double sink, bathtub and shower. Luxury toiletries accompany and are duly replenished twice a day.
The private infinity pool is undoubtedly the highlight of the suite. It offers a serene space for relaxation or a romantic evening swim under the stars. The outdoor deck, equipped with sun loungers, also creates the perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast or an afternoon cocktail.
Another defining feature is the elevated level of personalized service. Guests staying in the Cliff Suites have access to exclusive privileges, including a private butler on call, express check-in, and complimentary refreshments served throughout the day at the Cliff Lounge. Small gestures—such as a welcome note with handcrafted chocolates—add a personal touch, making the stay feel intimate and bespoke.
Koral Restaurant – A Culinary Journey Underwater
Dining at Koral Restaurant is a truly immersive experience, offering an opportunity to indulge in gourmet cuisine while surrounded by a spectacular aquarium. As Bali’s first aquarium dining destination, Koral is more than just a meal, it’s an enchanting underwater journey combining opulence with marine elegance. As guests walk through its grand entrance, they are greeted by the sight of tropical fish swimming gracefully through large glass walls, creating a tranquil yet awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Under the direction of Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Baptiste Natali, the Executive Chef of Koral, guests are invited to indulge in a selection of artisanal set menus and signature degustation experiences. Jean-Baptiste combines fresh, seasonal produce with modern European gastronomic techniques where each dish is a masterpiece crafted with precision and passion.
We indulged in the eight-course set Zen menu; a culinary journey meticulously designed to delight the palate. From the very first bite of Caviar, each dish that followed was nothing short of a masterpiece both visually and gastronomically.
As each dish arrived, well-trained staff provided detailed explanations, showcasing not only their expertise but also their passion for the menu.
One of the standout feature was that the entire menu can be catered to dietary requirements (with prior advice) making sure the same quality is maintained across the menu. The wine and cocktail selection at Koral is also impressive, with a curated list of local and international wines that complement the menu.
Apurva Spa – A Sanctuary of wellness
The Apurva Spa at Kempinski Bali is a serene retreat dedicated to balance, harmony, and holistic wellbeing. Inspired by ancient Indonesian healing traditions, the spa blends natural elements with modern techniques to create an immersive wellness experience that soothes the mind, body, and soul.
Upon entering, the spa’s tranquil ambiance is set by the sounds of trickling water, soft Balinese melodies, and the gentle fragrance of tropical flowers and essential oils. The interiors feature a harmonious mix of natural wood, stone accents, and lush greenery, creating an intimate connection to the surrounding landscape.
The spa offers a range of curated treatments, including the signature Balinese Massage—renowned for its flowing strokes, gentle stretches, and aromatic oils sourced from local botanicals, perfect for easing muscle tension and restoring balance.
After the massage, we head for high tea to Selasar Deli, a charming bakery and deli. We are seated by a window that offers picturesque views of the resort and the Indian Ocean below, creating the perfect setting for a leisurely indulgence.
A three-tiered tray is gracefully placed before us, laden with an assortment of treats. Among the savoury selections are sandwiches filled with salmon and avocado. For those with a sweet tooth, the tray offers rich chocolate mousse cake, scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a delicate coffee profiterole. Overall, a top experience to enjoy a quite afternoon while enjoying delightful treats.
Bai Yun – A Culinary journey through tradition
Our evening at Bai Yun introduced us to the beloved Hot Pot tradition, now expertly brought to life at The Apurva Kempinski Bali. The restaurant’s name, meaning “white cloud” in Mandarin, perfectly captures the image of gentle steam rising from the simmering pot, evoking the calmness of drifting clouds.
Bai Yun delivers an authentic hot pot experience, arguably one of the finest in Bali, combining culinary expertise with modern flair. At the core of the meal is the broth selection, featuring signature options like Chicken, Pork, and Vegetarian, each offering its own unique depth of flavour.
The hot pot is accompanied an assortment of premium meats—from marbled beef to flavourful chicken balls, fresh local fish, and scallops—paired with organic, locally sourced vegetables. For those with dietary requirements, Bai Yun thoughtfully caters to individual needs, ensuring every guest can enjoy the meal.
The staff at Bai Yun are attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that even first-time diners are guided through the experience, turning them into hot pot enthusiasts.
Izakaya by Oku – An elevated Japanese restuarant
For an exquisite Japanese dining experience, Izakaya by OKU offers a refined culinary journey inspired by the acclaimed OKU Japanese restaurant in Jakarta. Set within a minimalist, bistro-style interior, the restaurant exudes understated elegance, providing the perfect backdrop for an authentic exploration of Japanese cuisine.
The menu features a thoughtfully curated selection of beloved Japanese dishes, showcasing bold flavours and meticulous craftsmanship. Guests can choose from the Bento Selections, each artfully composed, or opt for a refined progression of fresh sashimi—including tuna, snapper, and salmon—followed by a vibrant Katsu Curry, perfectly panko-crusted and complemented with a delicate Onsen egg. For seafood enthusiasts, the pan-fried cod is a standout dish, boasting a tender texture and a rich, buttery finish.
Izakaya by OKU captures the essence of traditional Japanese dining with a contemporary twist, delivering a truly elevated experience that celebrates the artistry and flavours of Japan.
As our stay at the Apurva Kempinski comes to an end, we choose to enjoy our farewell dinner at the resort’s Reef Beach Club—a lively beachfront restaurant set amidst lush tropical gardens overlooking the ocean. This relaxed venue offers a family-friendly atmosphere with standout features such as a 42-meter infinity pool, cabanas, sun loungers, and private beachside spots ideal for basking in the sun.
The combination of indoor dining and outdoor spaces strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and luxury, making it an ideal setting to savour charcoal-grilled dishes that embody Bali’s tropical charm. A highlight of the dining experience at Reef Beach Club is the daily traditional Balinese Rotisserie, showcasing authentic flavours. We opt for the renowned ‘Babi Guling,’ or suckling pig, grilled to perfection and served with traditional accompaniments—a true taste of Bali that leaves a lasting impression as we bid farewell to this beautiful resort.
As we strolled back to our suite, we found ourselves reflecting on what made the resort experience truly remarkable. It was almost impossible to single out just one highlight, as everything had exceeded our expectations. Yet, there was one thing that stood above all—the profound sense of being fully present, immersed in every moment, and savouring the finer details that life so graciously offers. It wasn’t just the luxurious surroundings or the impeccable service; it was the way each day unfolded with a sense of wonder and appreciation, allowing us to reconnect with what truly matters.
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