Awarta Nusa Dua Resort & Villas

Nusa Dua is home to plenty of massive resorts that claim luxury status, but often fail to live up when it comes to style and substance. However, the Awarta Nusa Dua -- thankfully -- delivers on its name. The entire property is luxurious and grand, with lush plantings, beautiful water features, and nice walkways throughout. The owner's plant collection adds special character, and helps make this place feel worlds away from the crazy bustle in other parts of southern Bali. The large lobby is tricked out in gleaming marble floors, a large tree sculpture, and wooden desks on each side with tree trunks for seating. However, the private in-villa check-in only adds to the exclusive vibe. The architecture and design of the buildings across the property make a stunning backdrop, and the Ambiance Pond and its waterfall provides a soothing soundtrack in the middle of the courtyard. It's a peaceful, serene setting that's most popular with couples -- the atmosphere is private and romantic -- but families, groups, and even individuals pass through as well.

The hotel is located in a quiet area on the main road in Nusa Dua. The road is well-maintained and it has nice sidewalks that are great for pedestrians, which is uncommon in other areas in Bali. The hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the beach, and multiple restaurants in the area are a short drive away. Both the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre and the Bali International Convention Centre can be reached in less than 10 minutes on foot. Bali Collection Shopping Centre is a 15-minute walk or a three-minute drive. Kuta and its rowdy nightlife are about 20 minutes away by car. Ngurah Rai International Airport is about a 20-minute drive northwest of the hotel as well. 

Designed in the Peranakan style, which blends Chinese and Balinese influences, the hotel's villas are spacious and luxurious. The soothing neutral color schemes feel perfectly relaxed, while marble floors, teak and rosewood furniture, and canopies over the beds add romance. Large flat-screen TVs hang on the walls, and minibars, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning come standard. Illy coffee capsules and tea are free for use with the high-end coffeemakers, and free snacks are delivered to the villas daily. Sliding glass doors open up to the outdoor spaces, which are elegant and tropical. The gorgeous outdoor pool areas feature waterfalls, lush gardens, and wooden pool decks with cushioned lounge chairs. Another TV hangs outside, and there's a table and chairs for alfresco dining by the pool. Butler service is available around-the-clock. Beautiful spa-style bathrooms lead to the outdoor spaces and feature huge walk-in showers, deep  indoor or outdoor soaking tubs, and a separate outdoor shower. Robes and Ferragamo toiletries are provided. Two-Bedroom Villas have their own massage tables by the indoor jetted tub, as well as a canopied daybed by the outdoor pool. 

For such a small property, the Awarta offers a full list of features. Ru Yi serves Chinese fare for dinner in a casual yet elegant space with white tablecloths, gold-cushioned wooden chairs, red lighting fixtures hanging overhead, and red drapes on the windows. Guests also can opt to dine alfresco by the outdoor pool. The restaurant is known for its bird's-nest soup, sea cucumber, and sweet-and-sour snapper. Serving Western and Asian fare for all meals, the Long Table Restaurant features, as its name implies, a long table where guests can dine communally and watch the chefs in action in the open kitchen. Additional tables seat smaller groups, and there's also alfresco seating. Styled like a vintage British drawing room, the cozy 8 Degree Bar serves drinks and tapas.

The Vana Spa is a lovely space with wood floors, wicker and teak sofas and chairs, and live-edge teak tables. Multiple services are offered, including massage, Kneipp foot therapy, special showers and baths, and beauty treatments. There's also a sauna. The spacious fitness center is open 24/7 and has large windows for taking in the beautiful views outside. It's fully equipped with a variety of cardio and weight training machines, as well as exercise balls, free weights, and yoga mats. 

Called the Ambiance Pond, the outdoor pool is a beautiful space with a waterfall, wooden deck, and lush tropical plantings all around. Bonzai trees that are more than 100 years old sit on the terrace outside the Ri Yu restaurant. The hotel owner collects rare plants, and they are planted throughout the grounds.

The hotel has a partnership with the Taman Bhagawan Beach Club, which guests can use for free, and a free shuttle takes them there. The shuttle also goes to the shopping center and to other local spots. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.