Apurva Kempinski – Hotel Review

Cascading down a cliffside of south-east Bali, Nusa Dua’s Apurva Kempinski impresses from the get-go, thanks to the grand communal spaces, exceptional on-site dining and impeccable service. Read on for the full review.

It begins with a jewel of a lobby, crowned with a soaring, gilded ceiling and a spectacular, elevated aspect out over the ocean. The central external staircase, which seems to trickle all the way from the entrance to the shoreline, is further proof that this is a place that doesn't skimp on style. Spend an hour at the spa or simply lounge around the sprawling lagoon-style pool and find your own version of luxury.

Where is Apurva Kempinski?

Apurva Kempinski sits above Samabe Beach in Nusa Dua, on the east coast of south Bali. It’s about half an hour (in good traffic) from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

What’s near Apurva Kempinski?

Nusa Dua is resort territory. The ocean is the obvious focus of both Apurva and the rest of the area. While guests can journey to Bali National Golf Course and fascinating worship site Puja Mandala, some seven and 13 minutes away by car respectively, the Apurva universe is varied enough to warrant never leaving the site.

Room types

Classic, elegant design leads the interior theme for rooms, suites and villas, with chocolate-coloured wood flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows leading onto balconies and enormous bathrooms with roomy soaking tubs taking in landscape or ocean views. Suites have seating areas and infinity-style plunge pools with stunning views from their position perched on the upper levels of the hotel.

Restaurants and bars

Koral, a fine-diner hidden under the pool area, is a highlight. The restaurant, built inside an aquarium teeming with tropical fish, tiger sharks and stingrays, is a unique “deep sea” dining experience The sights are mesmerising (especially for kids) but the food is exceptional: the degustation menu with wine pairing deftly showcases seafood such as slow-cooked mutiara spiny lobster, black cod with crispy herbs and white coconut mousse. Not surprisingly, Koral is a favoured place for special occasions and proposals (evening bookings are adults-only) but for families who struggle to get little ones to sit still, it’s an excellent option.

Dining alternatives include Izakaya by Oku, a sleek Japanese eatery with rattan loungers and a roaming cocktail cart, and Bai Yun, an elevated pick ‘n’ mix-style hot pot experience where everything but the kitchen sink — from frosted Wagyu strips to tendrils of fresh pea shoots — can be joyfully cooked to your liking in a boiling, flavourful broth at your table.

Travel for work

Many a digital nomad can be seen tapping away at the communal lounging areas overlooking the sea, as wi-fi is free and plentiful throughout the property. The Cliff Lounge, a separate level dedicated to guests staying in suites, is a comfy place to send some emails, especially during the early evening when cocktails are complimentary.

Spa, gym and pool

Based on Javanese principles of something akin to holistic wellness, the expansive Apurva Spa completes the Apurva luxury, with attentive staff and glamorous treatment rooms. There are restorative massages and facials but also deeply calming guided meditations and chakra realignments, with some harnessing the soothing powers of singing bowl sessions.

What you need to know

Keep doors to balconies closed and locked at all times — visits from banana-hunting monkeys aren’t uncommon and they aren’t at all deterred by your presence.

SEE ALSO: 18 of the Best Luxury Villas in Bali to Bookmark