The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali

First impressions are everything and this resort makes a fine one. The Laguna sits on a large expanse of of tropical gardens, featuring an enormous network of seven lagoon pools that winds its way through the property. Next to the lagoon pool complex is a spacious deck and artificial beach, though those looking for the real thing are in luck as the resort sits right on Nusa Dua's beach. Inside, guests are greeted with a cold towel and cool welcome drink. Interiors are done in contemporary Balinese style and feature lots of teak wood, high-grade stone, and rattan seating. It's a luxe blend of contemporary and traditional styles, with vibrant fabrics alongside vaulted wooden ceilings an a stunner of a centerpiece chandelier. Many of the public spaces and pools have views of the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. The resort has a selection of children's activities so it's suitable for families, but it mostly draws well-heeled couples, who like the intimate feel and pampering services. 

The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is located in central Nusa Dua on a beach overlooking the Java Sea. The Bali International Convention Centre is right next door, while the Museum Pasifika -- a museum of Pacific island art -- is a five-minute stroll. It's a little over a 10-minute walk to reach the Nusa Dua Theatre, featuring the colorful Devdan dancing and acrobatic shows. The Bali Collection, a high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment center, is a little under 10 minutes on foot from the resort. A 10-minute drive or 25-minute walk away, the Water Blow is a seafront rock formation with a giant "blow up" splash that occurs when it's hit by waves. It's about 15 minutes by car to get to Tanjung Benoa beach, which features water skiing, water jets, banana boat rides, wakeboarding, scuba diving, and sea turtle watching. The local ferry and cruise dock is also a 15-minute drive from the resort. Guests coming from Ngurah Rai International Airport will drive a little under 25 minutes to reach The Laguna.

The 287 rooms, suites, and villas at The Laguna are spacious and have a contemporary Balinese look, with local Palimanan stone walls, teak floors, hand-woven carpets, and burl wood cabinets. Some rooms have decorative elements such as rocking chairs and paintings from local artists. The color palette is a warm beige, tan, gold, and brown. The plush beds are composed of Serta mattresses and cotton linens, and come with evening turndown service. Units all get good natural light, and they're clean and quiet, although some are a little dated and could use refreshing -- in fact the style is a bit traditional and stuffy for a hotel of this caliber. 

All rooms include free Wi-Fi, safes, fruit baskets, free bottled water, free daily coffee and tea delivery, minibars, free and limited light ironing, CD/DVD players, and 42-inch plasma TVs with satellite and English channels. Suites and villas have some combination of kitchenettes, piano rooms, private outdoor swimming pools, stereos, iPod docks, and outdoor Balinese rainfall showers. Some units have private balconies or terraces. Views are of either the tropical garden or lagoon pools, with some offering partial sea views. Twenty-four-hour private butler service is available on request. Bathrooms feature marble walls, premium bath products, waffle-comb robes, and slippers made from native Pandanus leaf. All units are non-smoking. 

The Laguna's centerpiece feature is its enormous network of seven lagoon swimming pools, which wind their way through the resort's tropical gardens. There are also two pools with sand bottoms, a shallow children's pool, a big saltwater pool, and two outdoor hot tubs. In the back of the resort is a white-sand beach with lounge chairs and bale bengong (cabanas). A nearby bar serves light snacks and cool beverages. The sea in the vicinity of the resort is calm and suitable for swimming, and guests can access two neighboring islands directly from the beach. However, the beach does have occasional vendors during the day, which some guests may find intrusive.

A water activities desk at the resort helps guests arrange water sports, dolphin tours, and fishing. The resort's gym overlooks the lagoon and offers fitness classes and personal training. The Laguna also has outdoor tennis and bocci courts, table tennis, and billiards. Children's activities include Balinese music lessons and sarong making. The full-service spa has eight treatment rooms and offers a wide range of massages (including traditional Balinese massages), facials, aromatherapy, and reflexology. The spa also has saunas, a hair and beauty salon, and manicures and pedicures. 

Dining at The Laguna is varied. The signature restaurant, Banyubiru, serves an excellent breakfast buffet (for a fee), buffet dinners (Indian, Balinese, Italian), and a la carte Western and pan-Asian cuisine. A terrace overlooks the gardens and lagoon pool. The beachfront restaurant highlights local seafood, and offers oyster and sushi bars. The resort also serves free afternoon tea and light snacks. Romantic dinners on the beach can be arranged and 24-hour room service is available. While the vibe here is quiet, there is a bar that overlooks the lagoon pool and gardens. It has an outdoor terrace and specializes in mojitos. The resort also has a wine room, deli, gift shop/jewelry and clothing boutique, business center, dedicated concierge, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.