It has been a long time since I touched down in Indonesia and even longer since I have been to Bali. So recently, when I was allowed to go back, I naturally jumped at the chance! It has been our “go-to” holiday destination for years, and each time is different! Bali has been our “romantic holiday, family vacation, friends’ birthday celebrations destination“, and much more over the years. 

This time was a little different because we chose to spend the three-day vacation at The St Regis Bali Resort and very little time venturing out into Nusa Dua, which was a nice change, as we had no actual plans and plenty of time to chill. We have stayed in Nusa Dua before, and we have stayed in many hotels and villas over the years, but we have never stayed in a private villa in a hotel, definitely one you should jot down on the bucket list for your Bali. 

Things to know before you go

Best time to travel

I enjoy it all year round in Bali; however, if it is your first time and you prefer not to be there during the rainy season, I would avoid October, January (especially) and February. However, be warned that beaches can be crowded and bars can be packed during peak season, so make sure you make a reservation at your favourite restaurants to avoid disappointment.

How to get there

Singapore to Bali is just under a 3-hour flight; many airlines fly direct, which include Scoot, Singapore Airlines and Jetstar, to name a few. 

From the airport, you can either get a metred taxi or organise a hotel car when booking your accommodation. It is approximately 20 minutes from the airport (depending on traffic). 

About St Regis Resort Nusa Dua 

St Regis Resort Nusa Dua opened its doors on 15 September 2008. It is part of the Marriott Bonvoy group, which includes hotels like The Marriott, The W Hotel and The Westin, to name a few. 

Enjoy first-hand the 24-hour Butler service when staying at this luxury hotel. Understand the true meaning of indulgence when all you need to do is pick up the phone and have all your requests met in minutes. 

Call up room service and enjoy a floating breakfast in your plunge pool, where your Instagram-worthy breakfast photo will have all your friends back home jealous. 

Types of accommodation

St Regis Suites

These beautiful suites include views of the lagoon, beach and gardens. The one thing all of these suites have in common is the same luxurious standard in each room. From lush king beds to beautiful views of St Regis resort, every room is beautifully decorated, and you will feel relaxed when you step into the room. The St Regis pool suite and garden suites come with a balcony with a fantastic view or a plunge pool, jacuzzi and gazebo. 

Villas

Complete luxury in this Bali Collection would have to be the villas, a villa within a hotel. There are a few types to choose from at The St Regis; you could select a lagoon villa, a beach villa or a garden villa. Each of them has something a little unique, and here is why – The one and 2-bedroom Gardenia Villa has a private pool, gorgeous indoor/outdoor space for dining and is surrounded by beautiful Indonesian island greenery. 

The one and 2-bedroom lagoon villa is located right beside the salt water (man-made) lagoon; these villas have their own luxury private pool and lagoon to choose to spend their day in. 

The Strand villa offers a split-level private garden, a large private pool, and a traditional gazebo. However, this special is the direct access through the garden to the beach with its sunbeds, specially reserved for your beachfront villa. 

What to expect in your luxury villa 

Your villa will have a direct line to the butler services and a butler’s pantry, powder room, dining area and lounge room. It is like a home away from home. The interior has that luxury Balinese feel, from the dark timber finishes and gorgeous paintings. Your splash pool and gazebo are even more indulgent, where you do not have to leave your luxury villa if you choose not to, as everything is at your fingertips. 

Restaurants and Bars

Boneka restaurant

For breakfast, the Boneka Restaurant is open Monday-Saturday from 7:00 am-11:00 am and on Sundays from 11:00 am-3:00 pm. Depending on your package and membership level, breakfast is usually included. This buffet-style restaurant has everything anyone would want, with many international cuisines on display.

Gourmand Deli

If your package doesn’t include breakfast, then you should try the Gourman Deli, as it has a relaxed feel with many things to choose from, including cakes, coffees and a few bakery delights. Open every day from 10:00 am-10:00 pm.

Kayuputi

This international restaurant is a real treat, with spectacular views, a romantic ambience and fantastic service. Kayuputi took us by surprise at this beautiful restaurant’s excellent food and presentation. If you are planning something special for this restaurant, then this restaurant ticks all the boxes (I highly recommend the degustation menu). Opened every day from 12:00 pm-3:30 pm and then again from 6:00 pm-10:00 pm

Vista Bar

Whether you are after a casual drink in the afternoon or a drink after a long dip in the lagoon, this bar is perfect for it all. The beachfront swim-up bar also has a backdrop that makes you wish you could stay here forever. Open every day from 10:00 am-6:00 pm.

King Cole Bar

This gorgeous bar is the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks or a quiet nightcap; with the occasional live jazz music and a dark, moody ambience, it is an immersion of western vibes that meets Asian influence, which makes this bar so adorable. Open every day from 6:00 pm-12:00 am.

Things to do at the St Regis Hotel Bali resort 

Regis Pools

If your plunge pool isn’t what you are after, there are a few places to swim in this fantastic hotel. St Regis Bali offers the following options:

Salt Water Lagoon Pool

The Salt Water Lagoon Pool is open 24 hours a day. There are so many places to swim in this massive saltwater lagoon that you will be spoilt for choice. 

The Strand Pool

Unlike other hotels, The St Regis’s Strand Pool is open 24 hours daily. With towels provided by the pool and plenty of places for the kiddies to swim. This pool is a great place for little families to spend their day.

Iridium Spa

You wouldn’t be in full relaxation mode if you didn’t visit a spa on your trip to Bali. The Iridium Spa has everything you would expect at a fabulous St Regis Hotel. Luxury – tick, complete relaxation – tick, feeling like you are on cloud night after you walk out of the spa – tick! The Iridium Spa is probably one of my favourite spas to date (now that is a big wrap), with its outdoor pool experience to begin with, where you move from station to station to concentrate on each part of your body before entering into the treatment room. There is also a sauna for your use, and I highly recommend spending 2 hours, so you can take advantage of everything there offers.

The Fitness Centre

The Fitness Centre is next to the Iridium Spa and is open 24 hours daily. So whether you book in to see a personal trainer (for an extra fee) or enjoy your workout, this gym has all the equipment you need. 

The Beach

This beautiful stretch of white sand is primarily for the residents and guests of the St Regis Nusa Dua. With its crystal clear water and clean white beach, this is the perfect place to spend the day, with uninterrupted views, sun beds and umbrellas for guests. 

Nightly fire show

You can not go past watching the nightly fire show in the hotel’s foyer. This show was one of the highlights of our stay at the St Regis hotel Bali with a starting time of 6 pm every night.

Things to do near St Regis Resort Nusa Dua

El Kabron Bali

Most people do not go to The El Kabron Bali for its restaurant; they stay all day by the pool and enjoy the flowing drinks. However, we specifically went for the sunset (which was terrific) and the food! From fresh Oysters to fish tacos and paella, the menu is extensive. Although some of the food (the ceviche was amazing) was great, others, like the paella, were probably something I wouldn’t order again! But overall, the place was a great night out, and we may choose to spend the entire day there next time. 

Rock bar 

The Rock Bar at the Ayana Hotel Bali has the most fantastic sunset; after that, the fun bar is set literally on the side of the rocks on the coastal shores. You can walk down or catch the funicular (expect queues this way); both have amazing views. 

Jimbaran Bay Seafood

You can visit this part of Bali and not go to Jimbaran Bay for some fantastic seafood on the beach. There are many restaurants to choose from, but they can get busy, so I suggest booking ahead and making a reservation if you can. Then, come at sunset and stay to watch the dancing (that some restaurants have) and enjoy a couple of local artists moving from table to sing. 

Nusa Dua Watersports

Nusa Dua Watersports is a must in Bali; whether you head over there and pick a local company or pre-book online, this is a must on your Nusa Dua bucket list. You can do anything from Jetskiing to Parasailing; there is something for all ages and all adventure types. 

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Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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