The idyllic Island of Bali has no shortage of incredible hotels and resorts and I was lucky enough to stay in several in November of last year. When considering which of the places I stayed was my favourite there was one that kept winning in categories such as service, food, facilities and overall look of the resort. Grand Hyatt Bali is a 5* hotel in Nusa Dua with beach access and some of the most beautiful swimming pools I have ever seen.
Stepping into Grand Hyatt Bali
Although the entrance to the hotel is stunning, surrounded by flowing natural ponds and live traditional music being played, it is only when you walk into the resort itself that you see what the hotel is all about. It is just an abundance of colour, the greens of the trees and bushes, the brightly coloured flowers growing everywhere you look, the deep blue of the sea and white sand and the turquoise blue pools dominating the space. It’s a feast for the eyes and doesn’t feel like a hotel at all.
What are the rooms like at Grand Hyatt Bali?
All the hotel’s rooms and facilities are within walking distance and it is more than pleasant to wander through the resort. My companion and I were led to our room, an Ambassador suite overlooking one of the quieter pools. Adorned with Teakwood and marble, the suite is in keeping with tradition whilst featuring all the modern amenities you’d expect from a modern 5* hotel.
Double sinks as well as showers and a jacuzzi sized bath add a real touch of luxury but we enjoyed the separate desk/workspace and kitchen area and lovely living room. The long balcony and day bed was a lovely spot to admire the incredible view from. The turn down service and daily cleaning was always impeccable, the staff here were always ready to go above and beyond for guests.
Dining options in Grand Hyatt Bali
After checking in we headed straight for lunch and there is no shortage of amazing places to eat at Grand Hyatt Bali. Salsa Verde is an Italian restaurant which strives to bring the beach to the restaurant. Specialising in seafood dishes, grilled dishes and wood-fired pizzas there was an extensive menu with dishes that all sounded delicious.
I enjoyed hot arancini with a side of dressed rocket followed by perfectly grilled red snapper fillet, served on skewers. Another night we indulged in a Carnivoro pizza, a spicey, meaty pizza with a perfectly crisp crust which we paired with beef and tuna skewers from the charcoal grill. We loved this restaurant and visited several times during our stay and we most enjoyed the service by waiter Ardana whose joyful temperament was infectious.
Luxurious Teppanyaki Experience
Another favourite was the Teppanyaki experience at the Japanese restaurant Nampu where we were served by the lovely Ayu. Our personal chef for the evening Bagas was an absolute credit to the resort. His chef skills resulted in some incredible dishes from sashimi, fried rice and lobster to a beautifully cooked Tajima beef rump steak in a Teriyaki sauce. His warm smile, wonderful little giggle and passion for his work made the evening so memorable.
Traditional Balinese food and performance in Nusa Dua
However, the highlight for me (and upon reflection was probably my very favourite meal whilst in Bali) was our evening at Pasar Senggol. Designed as a contemporary Balinese night market you are free to wander through the stalls of chefs offering authentic Indonesian and Balinese dishes as well as local artisans selling their handicrafts. When I tell you I must have had 6 plates of food I’m not exaggerating, it was just so incredibly tasty and there was such a variety to choose from, I wanted absolutely everything and then went back for seconds.
Better yet, whilst enjoying this incredible meal we were entertained in the open amphitheatre with a live Balinese cultural performance depicting the popular story of Barong, a force of good, and Rangda, the force of evil, as they engage in the battle of good and evil.
The service from the pool bar staff was always fantastic, each one remembering our names and our preferences (sweet but refreshing cocktails for me and a spicy marg for Lady Charlotte). For the most part, we didn’t even need to leave our sun loungers, except for when we took a dip in the pool.
Which swimming pool is best?
The pools here were like nothing I have ever seen, they look like a lagoon in a forest, a series of pools surrounded by natural rock and lush gardens. You have a choice of a number of pools ranging from the exclusive grand club pool for club members only, the main pool closest to the pool bar, the bay club pool situated by the gym and spa facilities and finally the one perfect for families, the river pool with a waterslide to enjoy.
Did we, two grown adults, wait in the queue of children in order to go down the slide? Yes of course we did, several times, I would highly recommend it! One thing I will say though is that every pool is very warm, which I know some people appreciate in a hotel pool, however in Bali, where there is a constant tropical climate, it would have been nice to find a bit of relief from the heat.
The incredible spa you must visit
Another feature of Grand Hyatt Bali we thought was the best of our stay on the island, was its spa. Kriya Spa is located further back from the resort in a more peaceful location. Inspired by the magnificent architecture of an ancient Balinese water palace, the spa is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The treatment rooms are separate stone huts with all the facilities you need to feel completely relaxed before your treatment. I was treated to a traditional Balinese massage amidst the sounds of flowing water, local birds and the distant sounds of the sea. It was bliss.
Commitment to sustainability
It was obvious during our stay that the hotel is making every effort to make its operations more sustainable. With a commitment to serving responsibly sourced food, including seafood that is procured strictly from ASC-certified suppliers, as well as eliminating single-use plastic in the hotel it was comforting to know that such a large resort was doing its best to protect the beautiful environment in which it is situated.
I could go on and on about the resort and mention so many members of staff who just made our stay that bit better, the lovely gym facilities (which we actually used one day!), the gorgeous rooftop bar at Salsa Verde and much more but I will conclude by saying that if you want a resort that has absolutely everything in one of the most beautiful countries in the world then visit the Grand Hyatt Bali, you won’t be disappointed.
To find out more and book your stay click here.
Grand Hyatt Bali
Kawasan Wisata
Nusa Dua BTDC
Bali
Indonesia
