The St. Regis Nusa Dua delivers exactly what you’d expect from a luxury Bali resort—private villas with plunge pools, 24-hour butler service, and that floating breakfast everyone photographs. But is it worth the price tag?
I’ve stayed at several high-end resorts across Bali, and the St. Regis stands out for its genuine attention to detail and personalised service. This isn’t a resort where you’re just another room number. Your butler remembers your coffee preferences, the spa therapists tailor treatments to your needs, and the staff genuinely seem invested in making your stay special.
Located in Nusa Dua, you’re 20 minutes from the airport and tucked away from Bali’s tourist chaos. It’s perfect if you want a peaceful retreat with easy access to southern Bali’s attractions, though solo travellers should note it’s quite couple and family-focused.
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Why the St. Regis Nusa Dua Stands Out
Part of Marriott Bonvoy since opening in 2008, this resort has maintained its reputation through consistent service rather than flashy renovations. The beachfront location is pristine, the grounds are beautifully maintained, and there’s enough space that it never feels crowded even during peak season.
What impressed me most? The staff-to-guest ratio. You’re not waiting for service or hunting down someone to help. Your butler handles everything from unpacking (if you want) to arranging day trips, and they do it with genuine warmth rather than forced politeness.
The resort works brilliantly for different types of travellers. Couples get romance and privacy, families have space and activities for kids, and solo travellers seeking serious relaxation will find it peaceful and safe, though you might feel slightly out of place given how couple-oriented the atmosphere is.
Accommodation Options
St. Regis Suites
The entry-level option, though calling them “entry-level” feels wrong when you’re talking about elegant rooms with king-sized beds and views of either the lagoon, beach, or gardens.
Some suites include balconies or private plunge pools. If you’re deciding between a balcony and a plunge pool, I’d choose the pool—there’s something decadent about starting your morning with a private swim before breakfast.
Check suite availability and rates
Gardenia Villas
These villas offer complete privacy with lush garden surroundings and private pools. Perfect if you value seclusion over beach access and want your own little sanctuary.
I’d recommend these for couples wanting a romantic getaway or solo travellers who genuinely want to disconnect and won’t miss being steps from the beach.
Lagoon Villas
My personal favourite. You get direct access to the resort’s saltwater lagoon plus your own private pool. It’s like having two swimming options without leaving your villa.
The lagoon is calm and shallow, brilliant if you’re travelling with children or simply fancy a gentle swim without dealing with waves and sand.
Beach Villas
If budget isn’t a constraint, these are spectacular. Steps from the beach, expansive living spaces, and that pinch-me-I’m-actually-here feeling every time you walk out your door.
They’re ideal for families who want space to spread out or groups travelling together who can split the cost.
Compare villa options and book
Dining at St. Regis
Boneka Restaurant
The main restaurant serves international cuisine with Indonesian influences. Breakfast here is excellent—extensive buffet with everything from traditional nasi goreng to Western favourites, plus a chef who’ll make eggs exactly how you want them.
Dinner can feel a bit formal, but the food is consistently good. Try the local seafood dishes rather than playing it safe with Western options.
Dulang Restaurant
This is where you go for traditional Indonesian cuisine in a romantic setting. Book ahead for dinner—it’s popular with couples celebrating anniversaries or special occasions.
The rijsttafel (Indonesian rice table with multiple small dishes) gives you a chance to try various flavours if you’re new to Indonesian food.
St. Regis Bar
Perfect for evening cocktails while listening to live music. The bartenders know their craft, and it’s a lovely way to end the day without leaving the resort.
Solo travellers will find this is the easiest place to chat with other guests if you’re feeling sociable.
In-Villa Dining
Don’t skip the floating breakfast experience—yes, it’s Instagram-worthy, but it’s also genuinely lovely. Your butler arranges everything, and you can have breakfast in your plunge pool without anyone else around.
They’ll also arrange private dinners in your villa or on the beach. Worth it for a special occasion or if you simply can’t be bothered leaving your perfect private space.
Activities Worth Your Time
Nightly Fire Show
Every evening at 6pm in the hotel foyer, there’s a traditional Balinese fire performance. It’s free for guests, lasts about 20 minutes, and genuinely impressive.
Arrive a few minutes early to get a good spot, especially if you’re keen on photographs.
The Spa
The Iridium Spa offers Balinese-inspired treatments that go beyond standard hotel spa fare. I tried the traditional Balinese massage and left feeling genuinely relaxed rather than just going through the motions.
Book treatments early in your stay—popular time slots fill up quickly. Solo travellers might enjoy the couple’s treatment rooms if you’re comfortable with that, as they’re more spacious and atmospheric.
Book spa treatments in advance
Beach and Water Sports
The private beach is well-maintained and never crowded. You can arrange water sports through the resort, though they’re pricier than booking independently elsewhere in Bali.
For serious water sports enthusiasts, you might want to venture to other beaches. But for casual beach time and swimming, the St. Regis beach is perfect.
Pool Time
Beyond your private pool, the resort has stunning communal pools. The main pool area is beautiful for lounging, and service is impeccable—staff appear with cold towels and offer drinks before you’ve realised you want them.
When to Visit Bali
Bali works year-round, but timing affects your experience significantly.
April to September is the dry season—sunny days, minimal rain, and perfect beach weather. This is also when prices are highest and the resort busiest.
October to February brings Bali’s rainy season. Don’t let that put you off entirely—rain usually comes in afternoon bursts rather than all-day downpours, and you’ll get better rates. The St. Regis is gorgeous in the rain, and you’ll probably spend more time in your villa or at the spa anyway.March and September offer the sweet spot—decent weather, fewer crowds, and prices that aren’t quite peak season.
Getting to the Resort
Ngurah Rai International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away, though Bali traffic being what it is, allow 30-40 minutes during busy periods.
The resort can arrange airport transfers—more expensive than a taxi but worth it after a long flight when you don’t want to negotiate fares or deal with aggressive drivers.If you’re planning to explore beyond Nusa Dua, hire a car with a driver for day trips. Driving yourself in Bali is theoretically possible but genuinely stressful if you’re not used to the organised chaos of Indonesian traffic.
What to Do Near St. Regis
Bali National Golf Club
World-class golf course right next to the resort. Even if you’re not a serious golfer, the course is beautiful and they offer lessons.
El Kabron
This cliff-top beach club offers incredible sunset views, a great pool scene, and Mediterranean-inspired food. It’s about 20 minutes away and worth the trip for an afternoon out of the resort.
Book ahead on weekends—it gets packed with both tourists and Bali expats.
Bali Collection
A short drive away, this shopping and dining complex is useful for picking up souvenirs, trying different restaurants, or simply getting a change of scenery.
It’s not particularly authentic Bali, but sometimes you just want familiar shops and reliable cafés.
Uluwatu Temple
About 30 minutes from the resort, this clifftop temple is one of Bali’s most spectacular. Time your visit for the sunset Kecak fire dance—it’s touristy but genuinely impressive.
Seminyak and Canggu
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to experience Bali’s beach club and café culture, these areas are about 45 minutes away. Arrange a driver through the hotel or book a tour that includes multiple stops.
Practical Considerations
Budget: The St. Regis isn’t cheap, and costs add up quickly once you include spa treatments, dining, and activities. That said, if luxury resorts are your thing, this one delivers value through service and experience rather than just fancy rooms.
Solo Travel: You’ll absolutely feel welcome as a solo traveller, but be aware the resort caters heavily to couples and families. I saw a few solo guests who seemed perfectly content, but the romantic atmosphere is undeniable.
Families: Brilliant for families who want luxury without sacrificing kid-friendly amenities. The villas give you space, there are activities for children, and staff are wonderfully patient with little ones.
Travel Insurance: Essential, especially given the cost of this resort. Get covered before you travel—it’s not worth the risk of losing a deposit or dealing with medical issues uninsured.
Getting Around: While the resort is self-contained, you’ll probably want to explore Bali. Having a driver on call makes this easy. Many guests arrange this through their butler.
Is St. Regis Nusa Dua Worth It?
If you’re after genuine luxury with impeccable service in a beautiful setting, absolutely. The St. Regis delivers on its promises without feeling stuffy or pretentious.
However, if you want to experience “real Bali” with local warungs, bustling markets, and cultural immersion, this might not be your resort. Nusa Dua is deliberately removed from that scene—it’s a bubble of luxury tourism.
I’d recommend the St. Regis for:
- Special occasion trips where you want everything to be perfect
- Travellers who’ve done the Bali backpacker route and now want comfort
- Anyone needing proper rest and rejuvenation
- Couples wanting romance without roughing it
- Families wanting luxury with kid-friendly facilities
Book your stay at St. Regis Nusa Dua
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience Bali Luxury?
The St. Regis Nusa Dua offers that rare combination of genuine luxury and warm, personalised service. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply treating yourself to proper relaxation, this resort delivers.
Start planning your Bali escape—check availability and current rates, sort your travel insurance, and prepare for one of Bali’s finest resort experiences.
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