Word-of-mouth means The Apurva Kempinski has become one of Bali’s most sought-after luxury resorts – here’s why.
Bali has no shortage of seriously impressive resorts, so it takes something exceptional to stand out from the crowd. With its architectural grandeur, one of-a-kind theatrical storytelling and faultless luxury, The Apurva Kempinski is doing just that: and is the Bali property on everyone’s lips right now.
From a restaurant within an actual aquarium, to a rooftop cocktail bar tagged by an internationally renowned graffiti artist, read on for what makes The Apurva Kempinski experience so distinctive.
1. Its design draws inspiration from Balinese rice paddies
Best admired from the pool, the resort’s temple-like grandeur is a feat of architecture. Designed in the style of a Balinese rice paddy’s ancient subak irrigation system, it cascades downward in multiple, leafy tiers, centred around a monumental walkway. This incredible attention to detail is reflected throughout the resort and its pristine grounds, where Balinese tradition meets intuitive luxury.
2. The main pool & water slides are epic
Put simply, this is 60 metres of palm-fringed perfection. Whether you want to swim laps, chill on an underwater sun lounge or park up at the infinity edge overlooking the Indian Ocean, cocktail in hand, there’s a good time to be had for everyone in these turquoise waters. The adjacent kids’ pool and slides will keep little ones happily splashing all day, while the Kubu Pool Bar is on hand for freshly cracked coconuts.
3. It has a restaurant inside an aquarium
You may already be familiar with Koral, which is famed for being Bali’s first ever aquarium dining experience. Housed underwater within a glass tunnel, here the stage is set for dinner with a sense of occasion, as tropical fish swirl overhead and dappled light is cast across the tables. A degustation menu by executive chef Jean-Baptiste Natali, of Michelin-starred restaurant heritage, proves this fine dining gem offers substance as well as style. Dishes such as Hokkaido scallop with roasted mango, ginger, celery and foie gras, and dry-aged red snapper, saw it top-rated on Tripadvisor in its 2023 ‘Best of the Best’ awards.
4. Its beach club has a 42-metre infinity pool
Did you truly experience Bali if you didn’t frequent a beach club? Happily, the resort has its very own, ready to welcome you with a cabana-lined infinity pool, prime sunbathing spots on the beachfront and a bonfire by night. Mixologist-designed cocktails and charcoal-grilled cuts and seafood invite you to linger longer, with the dessert menu’s strawberry margarita (strawberry ice cream, tequila, black salt) is a cooling antidote to the sun.
5. You can tap into unrivalled local knowledge from each ‘Lady in Red’
Easily identifiable from their red jackets, the resort’s concierge knows everything there is to know about Nusa Dua and beyond. This is some of the friendliest and most welcoming service you’ll encounter in Bali, with recommendations personalised for you, whether you’re a family, couple or enjoying a friends’ trip.
6. Its sky-high, ocean-view bar is designed by a graffiti artist
On the resort’s 17th floor await the Melbourne laneway vibes of L’Atelier by Cyril Kongo. As if this rooftop bar could get any cooler, everything from the grand piano to the walls are daubed in the graffiti of French artist Cyril Kongo. Every sense is indulged here: for the ears, the sounds of live music, the eyes, kaleidoscopic artwork, and taste, a lengthy list of champagne, whiskey and craft cocktails, complemented by Mediterranean-style tapas and mezze like Greek feta cake.
7. Monkeys might join you for sunrise yoga
You’ve heard of a downward dog, but how about a downward macaque? Bali’s most curious residents have been known to wander down to the outdoor terrace to observe the resort’s acclaimed sunrise yoga sessions (booking in advance is recommended as sessions are so popular). Perhaps it’s the watercolour strokes of pink and gold on the horizon, the sight of human pretzels, or simply the slim chance of a snack that makes them want to namaste… we’ll never know.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out Bali’s Best Five-Star Resorts.
