There are only a handful of hotels I have stayed in that have truly taken my breath away, The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Nusa Dua, Bali, was most definitely one of them. No photos of the resort, videos of me leaping into our swim-up lagoon pool or even this review can come close to showing how absolutely beautiful this place is, but I’ll give it a good go…
Checking into paradise
The reception of Laguna is a vast open space of dark wood, intricate decor, marble floors and filled with the sound of traditional music playing. After refreshment and a speedy check in we are escorted to our room, a Studio King room with Lagoon Access.
The rooms at Laguna
It is one of the loveliest hotel rooms I have ever had the pleasure of staying in. Beautifully modern yet in keeping with the traditional decor of Bali with teak wood and earthy colours, the furniture is stylish and practical. An elevated king-sized bed is surrounded by clever lighting underneath and a simple mural behind to give a chic feel to the space. The room has its own bar area, work desk, table and chairs and futon. The bathroom is fantastic, with a separate toilet and shower room for added privacy, a gorgeous free-standing bath and well-lit double sinks with plenty of storage (ideal for two high-maintenance girls travelling around Bali!).
Is it worth getting a lagoon access room?
Just when you think it sounds like the perfect room, it gets even better. Through the sliding doors you access your balcony, more than just a lovely space to enjoy the warm night air; it has a gate and steps leading down into the lagoon pool right outside the room. This isn’t just a small pool for a quick dip, I’m talking about a huge pool with islands, a bridge over it, shallows with white sand and the whole thing wraps around the section on the hotel and is surrounded by luxurious sunbeds.
In the morning you can literally slap on some sunscreen and get straight in the pool. The first time I did this I wanted to get out and lie on a sunbed, no sooner had the thought popped into my head than an attendant appeared and asked which bed I would like so he could lay a fresh fluffy towel and provide some cold filtered water. This is what 5* service is all about.
Is there beach access at Laguna?
Don’t worry if you’re more of a beach person, because the resort has its own beach as well, with shaded cabanas and comfy beds to enjoy the view and sound of the waves whilst you browse the cocktail menu. Though do be warned, the water at Nusa Dua is very warm, so if you’re hoping for a refreshing dip as relief from the hot sun, the sea is not the place to find it. Thankfully there was butler service from the beach and we cooled down with a mojito and spicy margarita instead.
The swimming pools at Laguna
There are a total of six swimming pools at Laguna, so you’re very much spoiled for choice. Each one just as inviting as the next, I would implore you to simply wander through the resort when you arrive and judge for yourself where you would like to sit and enjoy the view and take the occasional dip.
The saltwater pools are clear and vast, many having their own man-made sandy beach leading into it and others having gushing waterfalls flowing in. They are surrounded by lush greenery and native flowers and plant life as well as grass underfoot. There are also shallow pools perfect for families, jacuzzis, and a volleyball net and all are surrounded by bars and restaurants with a button on each sunbed where you can call a member of staff so you don’t even have to move when it’s happy hour!
Needless to say, we spent all day, every day by the many pools during our stay.
Restaurants at Laguna
All that laying around working on your tan certainly builds up an appetite and Laguna has no shortage of places to eat with 6 restaurants and bars on the resort. We enjoyed a fabulous meal at the beachfront grill restaurant Arwara where our server Pranala suggested some of the most popular menu items for us which we absolutely loved. I opted for Prawn Tempura to start followed by Dry Rub Pork Ribs where the meat slipped so easily off the bone and was smothered in a smokey barbeque sauce.
We had a fabulous lunch at Kulkul Beach House, which has its own pool and overlooks the ocean, which serves local dishes and international favourites. The lovely Purna suggested some of her favourite menu items to us so we opted for a bit of variety with a classic quarter pounder burger and fries, chicken satay with peanut dip and a traditional nasi goreng. We then let our food settle while taking in the view and skipped dessert in favour of a few cocktails and a refreshing dip in the pool.
The all-important Breakfast buffet
It’s not often I would focus on a breakfast at a hotel because when you have been to as many as I have they tend to all be a bit similar. But the breakfast buffet at Laguna was truly sensational. The Banyubiru restaurant itself was a beautiful setting for breakfast and plenty of staff are on hand to keep your coffee full, make you a fresh juice or smoothie or practically bring you anything you like to eat.
I am one of those who likes to look at all the options available before I decide what I want but walking through the options here takes a good 10 minutes as there is just so much! At least 6 stations are all manned with chefs creating fresh dishes from traditional Indonesian rice dishes, to omelettes, waffles, fruit platters and so much more. One morning I just had pastries with about 4 different jams followed by boiled eggs and soldiers and a fruit salad. It’s just my idea of heaven! It is after all, the most important meal of the day so make sure you take full advantage of a good buffet.
Lagoon Spa
The spa at Laguna is surrounded by soft flowing waterfalls, azure pools and tropical greenery and is a lovely place to spend an hour or so reconnecting with your body and releasing stress and tension. An array of treatments are on offer here and we were given a Dewi massage.
Starting with the washing of the feet, the therapist then uses a combination of gentle stretches, acupressure, reflexology, and aromatherapy to stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body to make you feel rejuvenated. This was absolutely the case as my companion and I both remarked on the techniques used making us feel fantastic afterwards. Well worth a visit during your stay, a couples massage would be a lovely treat to make your stay extra special.
Is the Laguna the right resort for you?
Some people visit Bali to find themselves spiritually, some for surfing opportunities or hiking through the lush forests and water sports. But the majority of us want to explore the beautiful country but also stay in a beautiful, picturesque hotel that will remain in our memories for the rest of our lives. If you want a truly memorable stay in Bali, book your stay here.
The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali
Kawasan Pariwisata
Nusa Dua Lot N2
Bali
Indonesia
80363
