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Written by Rebecca Ellwood
Bali has no shortage of impressive resorts, so it takes something exceptional to stand out from the crowd. With a restaurant within an actual aquarium, a rooftop cocktail bar tagged by an internationally renowned graffiti artist and cliff-edged swimming pools, The Apurva Kempinski takes Bali’s classic formula and dials it up.
Here’s what makes The Apurva Kempinski one of Nusa Dua’s finest escapes.
1. You can dine inside an aquarium
One of the standout dining experiences here is at Koral, Bali’s first restaurant set within an aquarium. At this underwater venue, you dine surrounded by swirling fish and coral, making the setting as much a part of the meal as the menu. It’s a memorable spot for a special dinner, whether you’re sampling finely plated seafood or choosing from a degustation menu with ocean views overhead. Dishes such as Hokkaido scallop with roasted mango, ginger, celery and foie gras, and dry-aged red snapper are crowd-favourites.
2. Its beach club has a 42-metre infinity pool
Beach clubs are a Bali holiday staple and The Apurva Kempinski 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.
3. Its sky-high, ocean-view bar is designed by a graffiti artist
On the resort’s 17th floor awaits the avant-garde good looks 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.
4. The main pool & water slides are epic
Here, expect 60 metres of palm-fringed perfection. Whether you want to swim laps, chill on an underwater sunlounger 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 the pool. 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.
5. 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 resort’s outdoor terrace to observe the sunrise yoga sessions (booking in advance is recommended as sessions are so popular).
6. You can tap into local knowledge from the ‘Lady in Red’
Staff at The Apurva Kempinski aren’t just there to be polite – they know Nusa Dua and surrounding areas well, from hidden beaches to cultural spots and local excursions. The concierge team, easy to spot in their distinctive uniforms, are quick with tips if you want to explore outside the resort.
7. 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.
