Once known as Meliá Bali, this Nusa Dua beachfront address has been reborn as Paradisus by Meliá Bali, an all-inclusive retreat with two distinct ways to stay: one designed for families, the other reserved for adults. Lagoon-style pools ripple beneath swaying palms, tropical gardens unfurl toward the shoreline, and refreshed dining venues turn every meal into an occasion. Beyond the resort’s beauty, its Destination Inclusive experiences open a door to Balinese culture, connecting you with the island’s traditions, crafts and rituals. Discover why this reimagined resort should sit at the top of your Bali hot list.
1. Players, choose your room
With 492 rooms, suites and villas spread across the resort, the choice of categories can feel bewildering. Here’s a tip: if you’re a devoted pool-dweller, look for the words “lagoon access”. These ground-floor suites open directly onto the resort’s winding lagoon pool, more languid river than resort swimming pool, so you can step from your private terrace straight into the water. Best of all, it’s on offer in every guise, from the family-friendly Family Concierge suites to the adults-only Reserve.
2. The Reserve: an exclusive adults-only wing
Hear that? Nothing. That’s the sound of The Reserve, a luxe adults-only enclave (16+) within the resort. It begins at an exclusive check-in, continues at a private pool, and extends to a dedicated stretch of beach. Then there’s Santé, open to Reserve guests only. Mornings bring an à la carte breakfast that leaves the buffet far behind, and evenings are for a leisurely, beautifully plated dinner.
3. Free-flow drinks and all-inclusive dining
If choosing where to eat is your kind of holiday dilemma, Paradisus by Meliá Bali makes it a delicious one, with eight restaurants to explore. Follow the aromas of sushi and smoky robatayaki to Tokimeku, go Spanish at Peseta, or wander through Southeast Asia at Arum, where daily Balinese performances set the scene. Samira brings the flavours and architecture of the Middle East, Kanna serves South American-inspired grills by the beach, and Malva handles all-day international dining. The Shack keeps things easy with poolside bites, while Santé is exclusively for guests of The Reserve. To ease in, swing by Kopi Petani for an iced coco pandan latte while you debate your options.
Thirst is never a problem, either. Free-flow drinks are included daily at every bar and restaurant during opening hours, from soft drinks, mineral water and juices to local beer, house wines and local spirits. Settle in at the Ginger Bar in the lobby, watch the sunset from the Beach Bar, or order a cocktail at Mixton Bar.
4. The Family Concierge keeps all ages happy
While The Reserve is for guests aged 16+, Family Concierge is where children and their adults are properly doted upon. The welcome sets the tone: a dedicated check-in area with its own playground keeps little ones happy from the moment you arrive. Kind staffers oversee the Aquazone water park, the playgrounds and Kidsdom, the kids’ club with its ball pit, games and activities, and families have an exclusive stretch of beach to themselves. Teens are catered for too, with a Teens Club for ages 13 to 18, complete with bean bags, games and three lanes of ten-pin bowling. Daily timetables for kids, teens and adults run side by side, so everyone can go their own way, and sports courts and a karaoke room fill any gaps.
The rooms are kid-friendly too. Those that open to the lagoon have bunk beds in the shape of boats, and the connecting suites link two rooms so the whole family can spread out. On higher floors, family rooms have themed bunks or teepees.
5. Slow down at YHI Spa
Between the feasting and the lagoon, YHI Spa is where the resort slows to a murmur. Book a treatment and arrive early, because the sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and cold plunge are worth lingering over. If time allows, surrender to the 140-minute Authentic Balinese Ritual. You’ll be slathered in boreh, a warming blend of rice and spices that smells like a freshly baked gingernut biscuit, then drift away on a cloud of relaxation at the hands of your skilled spa therapist.
6. Get in touch with Bali’s cultural side
An all-inclusive stay can make it tempting to linger by the pool, but Paradisus by Meliá Bali offers a taste of the island beyond the resort, too. Join a batik workshop or learn to make a canang sari, Bali’s daily offering. On scheduled excursions, you could visit Tanah Lot and Taman Ayun, explore Balikaru Village or see the Devdan Show, a celebration of Indonesia’s traditional dance and music.
