The Apurva Kempinski Bali: A Cliffside Palace Above the Indian Ocean

Spread across Nusa Dua's cliffs like a modern interpretation of Bali's terraced rice paddies, The Apurva Kempinski Bali commands attention from every angle. This 475-room resort cascades down the hillside in a symphony of stone and water, with a 250-step grand staircase inspired by sacred temples running through its heart.

The majority of rooms come with private plunge pools, breakfast runs until noon, and there's an underwater aquarium restaurant that feels like dining in Atlantis. It's architecturally stunning, culturally grounded, and the kind of place where traditional Indonesian craftsmanship meets contemporary luxury.

Location: Nusa Dua's Quieter Corner

The resort sits in the southeastern corner of Nusa Dua, flanked by the Hilton and Ritz-Carlton. It's about 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The location offers a retreat atmosphere while keeping key destinations accessible: the Bali International Convention Center is ten minutes away, Uluwatu Temple about 45 minutes, and Ubud Village roughly 90 minutes up the coast. The quiet positioning suits those seeking an immersive resort experience.

Inspired by Rice Terraces and Water Temples

Award-winning architect Budiman Hendropurnomo of UK-based Denton Corker Marshall drew inspiration from Bali's iconic rice terraces and their centuries-old subak irrigation system. The result is a resort that flows down the hillside in tiers, mimicking the agricultural landscapes that define the island. Modern Balinese architecture pays homage to natural landscapes and ancient temples through natural stone buildings, bougainvillea-covered terraces, and a network of waterways and shimmering pools.

The centerpiece is the Grand Staircase: 250 steps inspired by the sacred Pura Besakih water temple, flanked by tumbling waterfalls that emerge from the lush landscape. The staircase runs through the resort's center and serves as a stage for nightly rituals, turning functional architecture into theatrical experience.

The Pendopo Lobby: A Soaring Welcome

The pendopo-style lobby sets the tone immediately: a soaring tiered roof draws your eye skyward, while the "Flying High" art installation dominates the center. Hand-carved Javanese gebyok partitions reference Indonesia's Majapahit kingdom, and an angkringan food cart in the Selasar Deli grounds you in place the moment you arrive. It's vast, airy, and unapologetically grand.

At dusk, the building's lighting reveals its theatrical architecture, illuminating why they call it an "open-air theatre."

Bai Yun: Hot Pot and Dim Sum

The hotel's Chinese restaurant takes its name from the Mandarin word for "white cloud," referencing the steam that rises from hot pot. The signature experience centers on Mongolian-influenced hot pot with multiple broth options, from chicken herbal to pork ribs to vegetarian.

You can combine broths for variety. The kitchen also serves dim sum, with the brigade of chefs bringing expertise to their Sichuan-spiced creations.

Izakaya by OKU: Japanese with a Truffle Accent

This is the Bali outpost of the award-winning OKU at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta. The space embraces bistro-chic informality with an open kitchen where you can watch chefs work. The fixed tasting menu features five courses with truffle-forward dishes like cold karasumi pasta with truffle kombu sauce and truffle gyu don beef bowls.

The signature Oku karaage arrives coated in dramatic charcoal-black crust, while aburi sushi rolls deliver spicy togarashi mayo. The Japanese egg cocotte offers silky chawanmushi topped with onsen egg, while black sesame dessert provides a traditional finish.

Cliff Lounge: Breakfast Until Noon

Access to this split-level lounge comes with suite bookings or upgrades. It operates from 6:30am to 9pm, serving breakfast until noon, afternoon tea from 3–5pm, and evening cocktails from 5–7pm. The design contrasts dark wood against white marble, connected by a spiral staircase, with its own infinity pool and hydro jet pool outside. Breakfast offers both buffet and a la carte options: Indonesian kueh, smoked fish, dim sum, and international standards.

The Japanese egg cocotte stands out as a signature dish worth ordering repeatedly. Afternoon tea brings scones, sandwiches, and pastries. Evening cocktails feature local spirits and wines alongside small plates. The terrace tables provide ocean views for those who prefer dining outdoors.

Koral Restaurant: Dining Beneath the Aquarium

Bali's first aquarium restaurant sits partially beneath the hotel's massive aquarium, surrounding you with marine life. The menu focuses on Indonesian coastal flavors built from local ingredients, executed in a bistronomic style that balances casual and refined dining. Set menus and degustation options change seasonally.

The restaurant maintains specific policies: advance reservations required, smart casual dress code, and limited photography to preserve the atmosphere. Tunnel tables sit directly under the aquarium viewing tunnel and are available for adults. Regular tables accommodate all ages during lunch service, while dinner service caters exclusively to adults.

Reef Beach Club: Infinity Pool Meets Ocean

Sprawled across beachfront property with a 42-meter infinity pool, Reef Beach Club embraces tropical leisure. The menu centers on charcoal-grilled meats and seafood, paired with wines and cocktails. You can claim a cabana, stretch out on a sun lounger, access the private beach, or dine indoors. As evening arrives, the atmosphere shifts with bonfires and live music.

Pala Restaurant & Rooftop Bar: All-Day Dining with Indian Specialties

The rooftop bar on the second floor provides views across the resort and out to sea, particularly atmospheric after dark when you can dine under open sky. The venue hosts the hotel's popular "Brunchcation" service and serves as a convenient option throughout the day.

Grand Deluxe Ocean Court Room

The accommodations start at 65 square meters with garden views, decorated in a blend of traditional Indonesian and contemporary styling.

You get a bathroom, balcony, and five-star amenities: air conditioning, coffee and tea setup, walk-in closet, double sinks, separate tub and shower. The rooms are handsomely appointed with attention to both comfort and style.

Cliff Private Pool Ocean Junior Suite

At 100 square meters, these suites include private plunge pools (roughly ten meters long and two meters wide) with ocean views, positioned on the cliff face. The layout includes walk-in wardrobes, bathrooms with his-and-hers vanities and freestanding tubs overlooking the pool, and heated toilet seats with washlets.

The decor blends contemporary and Indonesian elements. Thoughtful touches include pillow menus with options like goose down and spelt, welcome amenities featuring tropical fruit and local sweets, and for birthday celebrations, creative towel arrangements.

The core experience centers on the private pool with Indian Ocean views. The positioning of rooms on the cliff means corridor access is nearby, so the resort recommends appropriate swimwear.

Villa Lounge

Villa guests access their own exclusive lounge, separate from the Cliff Lounge. It provides another tier of personalized service and privacy for those booking the resort's most spacious accommodations.

Nusantara Presidential Villa

The name translates to "Indonesian Archipelago." This two-story, 1,379-square-meter villa sits beachfront with ocean views and direct access to the Apurva Chapel, making it popular for weddings and special occasions.

The first floor holds the main bedroom, living spaces, kitchen, and an 18-meter infinity pool.

Upstairs offers two more bedrooms and another eight-meter infinity pool. The space suits extended families, wedding parties, or those seeking maximum space and privacy.

The villa provides complete seclusion with comprehensive facilities.

Apurva Spa

Built on the ancient proverb "rupasampat wahyabiantara" – the concept that true beauty requires outer beauty harmonizing with inner beauty – the spa overlooks the ocean. Treatments draw from Javanese and Balinese traditions, with offerings tailored to four life stages: teenage, adult, married, and post-adult.

Each stage receives different oil blends and lulur body scrubs (herb and spice combinations). The philosophy extends beyond treatments: sunrise yoga and meditation classes complement the physical therapies. Treatments are customized to individual preferences and needs.

The spa's signature experience uses Nada Yoga, which translates as "union through sound." This ancient Indian practice employs sound vibration and resonances, working to increase chakra awareness and energy. It's paired with a chakra balance massage in wellness packages. The hour-long session provides deep relaxation in a tranquil environment.

A Separate Zone for Young Swimmers

Children have their own dedicated pool equipped with waterslides. It's positioned separately from the main pool, with Pala Restaurant between them. A kids club operates nearby, offering supervised activities and programs designed for young guests.

The 60-Meter Main Pool

The main 60-meter pool stretches along the property, with the kids pool on one end. The pool is popular during daylight hours in Bali's tropical climate. The beach is accessible from the resort, with golden sand meeting the Indian Ocean.

Water sports operate from the beach area, and Reef Beach Club's 42-meter infinity pool provides an alternative venue. The setup offers multiple options: ocean swimming, infinity pools, the main lap pool, or private plunge pools in suites and villas.