We’re at that time of year when some parts of the world will be getting a little colder and greyer. However, there’s still spectacular sunshine and warmth to be found, and one place blessed with this is Nusa Dua in Bali. For this travel feature, we look at one of its most spectacular offerings, The Laguna Resort & Spa, which is said to encapsulate the best of Bali.
Fronting a pristine white sandy beach is The Laguna Resort & Spa (a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa), one of Bali’s most outstanding properties. The Laguna has something for everyone:
♦ Seven lagoon pools
♦ 287 guestrooms
♦ Suites and luxury villas
♦ Its own temple
♦ Award-winning restaurants and bars
A great deal of care and attention has been paid to the resort’s design to ensure it matches its beautiful tropical surroundings whilst echoing the local Balinese traditions and culture.
In 2022, The Laguna Resort & Spa was subject to a full-scale transformational renovation, translating its grandeur and heritage through new design elements. The year-long transformational renovation of The Laguna created an authentic, comfortably modern destination which retains many elements of traditional Balinese design. The Laguna has incorporated significant upgrades to its 287 rooms, suites, villas, restaurants and meeting spaces – reinforcing the hotel’s reputation as one of the region’s most exclusive and luxurious resorts.
The majestic resort lobby (main image) pays homage to local craftsmanship, featuring a white stone carving above the check-in desk, which depicts the story of the legendary Goddess Danu, the Water Goddess and the wife of God Vishnu. Goddess Danu maintains peace and spiritual harmony over each element in the universe, including forests, water and land – each represented in Laguna’s green gardens, lagoons and courtyard.
As guests approach to check in, a gong sounds to greet them, recreating the Balinese welcome normally reserved for royal families. Once guests enter the lobby, two Balinese female dancers welcome them with traditional dance. The hotel’s original Murano chandelier remains; however, a new grand chandelier is the focal point of the lobby, taking its inspiration from the Balinese flower of the Ylang-ylang tree.
De Bale Bar and Lounge
Situated off the lobby is De Bale Bar and Lounge, a theatrical cocktail place which has been inspired by the centuries of oceanic spice trade. During the day, De Bale is a destination bar for fragrant spice infusions and light cocktails such as an original rendition of the local drink, Jamu. At night, expert bartenders skilfully mix inventive cocktails paired with Balinese snacks. Located at the heart of the resort, this is an iconic part of the arrival experience and a great place to relax for sundowners while watching Balinese performances.
Banyubiru
Inspired by Bali’s fishing villages, the Banyubiru buffet restaurant sits beside one of the idyllic lagoon pools and offers a gourmet breakfast buffet and decadent dinners. Pan-Asian and international cuisine is served, with themed dinner menus rotating weekly. Bamboo and rattan are used as detailing for the furniture, lighting and decorative items. The design of the kitchen, as well as the buffet counter, is inspired by the unique traditional ‘warung’ stalls in the villages, giving character to a unique and authentic Balinese food experience.
Additional Dining Options
- Cornerstone Deli features a private wine room, a traditional sambal corner and a deli highlighting casual dining, homemade treats and daily specialities.
- The beachfront Kulkul Bar features signature cocktails, wines, spirits and light meals throughout the day.
- Arwana Restaurant offers extensive and unrivalled premium coastal cuisine, showcasing fresh seafood and signature dishes. Guests can enjoy a beachfront seafood brunch every Sunday.
Culinary Director, Chef Alexander Chong
Prior to joining The Laguna, Chef Alexander was the executive chef for Rosewood Hotel Group in Saigon, Vietnam, where he oversaw the culinary operations. With more than 20 years of dedicated culinary experience – ranging from 5-star hotels and fine dining — his style can be described as contemporary Asia cuisine.
Chef Alexander is also a WACS-approved, B-grade judge and sits on the World Association of Chefs Societies. Among his many achievements, Chef Alexander has earned coveted awards from FHA Singapore, Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA) King of Kitchen and World Top Gourmet Award, and Top Outstanding Asian Chef 2018 & 2019. Chef Alexander was also the culinary coach for the Vietnam National Junior Team that won the gold medals at the PHM “Malaysia Tiger Cup” 2019.
The Accommodation
The newly designed rooms have all been inspired by Bali’s collective stories and traditions, alongside discrete nautical influences from the resort’s seven lagoons. The Laguna has incorporated the Balinese ‘sulaman’ embroidered headboard as the rooms’ central design feature, choosing colours and materials that echo the art, while the story of the lagoon and the nautical experiences around it are also celebrated with rope and leather detailing and a bespoke selection of lamps and shiplap walls. The rooms all offer unique advantages such as private balconies, immediate access to pools, private pools and large living spaces.
Deluxe
(36sqm | 388sqft)
These suites overlook the radiant gardens or lagoon pool and have indigenous interiors with contemporary amenities. The unique Deluxe Lagoon Access rooms allow guests to move directly into turquoise waters from their private balcony.
Deluxe Studio
(48sqm | 517sqft)
The Deluxe Studio rooms offer generous space with a living area, opening onto a private balcony that overlooks the resort’s lush gardens.
Executive and Lagoon Suites
(60sqm | 640sqft)
With a welcoming reception area, elegant dining room, and separate spacious bedroom, the Executive Suites offer generous space with a residential feel.
The Grande Lagoon Suite
(390sqm | 4,198sqft)
Experience the unrivalled sophistication of the duplex-style Grande Lagoon Suite that blends Balinese design and antique furniture.
One Bedroom Laguna Pool Villa
(360sqm | 3,875 sq ft)
Situated in intimate gardens with private check-in, The Laguna Pool Villas boast captivating décor with contemporary Balinese touches and modern technology.
Two-Bedroom Laguna Pool Villa
(750sqm | 8,073sqft)
Each Villa features a pool with a gazebo and a discrete adjacent outdoor treatment room with a massage table for guests seeking pampering and relaxation.
The Lagoon Spa
Surrounded by azure pools, soft-flowing waterfalls and leafy tropical greenery, the award-winning Lagoon Spa features eight indoor treatment rooms, an outdoor gazebo, and steam and sauna facilities. It offers various treatments, including a signature lagoon Kelapa ritual – a full body 150-minute treatment beginning with a soothing coconut milk foot soak and progressing to a complete Balinese massage using the purest virgin coconut oil.
A state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness centre is located just adjacent to the spa, where highly trained personal trainers are also available for a private class. At the far end of the resort are two tennis courts with an on-hand tennis coach available.
The Lagoon Spa was honoured as the Continent Winner for Luxury Day Spa 2020 in the World Luxury Spa Awards in recognition of the excellent service provided to guests.
Activities
Throughout the week, The Laguna offers a host of different activities such as beach volleyball, sunrise yoga, circuit training, fruit carving, beach soccer, Balinese hat-making and watching films under the stars. Laguna also offers activities for children such as paper weaving, bead-bracelet and mask making, clay-bottle painting, eco-natural Batik printing and treasure hunts.
The Laguna also offers an authentic Balinese evening, which begins with a Destination Discovery hosted by The Luxury Collection Concierge, who explains the Balinese elements of the Resort. Guests will also witness the cultural Rindik and Legong dance at de Balé Bar and Lounge, which is followed by a jamu ritual and an indigenous blessing ceremony at the resort’s temple garden. The experience finishes with a hand-washing ritual followed by the buffet feast at Banyubiru, showcasing the best Indonesian and Balinese cuisine.
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