Ulu Segara Luxury Suites & Villas

Set against the side of a cliff towering over the Indian Ocean, the Ulu Segara makes the most of its location. Interiors are elegant and tasteful, with a classy combination of traditional Indonesian architecture and modern Balinese style. Soaring pitched ceilings, open layouts, and handsome decor that draws heavily on wood, marble, and dark hues set the mood for a luxurious stay. However, it's the sweeping ocean views that really take center stage here. Unlike most of its neighbors, the Ulu Segara is built with its back directly against the rock instead of on a plateau, which allows for jaw-dropping vistas from every room and common space. Located at the top of the cliff, the lobby offers a first taste of what’s to come: huge windows on all sides offer panoramic vistas of the rest of the grounds and the ocean, and an elegant but understated decor style with modern Indonesian flair (think: stylish wooden armchairs with off-white pillows, thick wooden pillars, and marble floors) highlights the outdoors. A golf cart shuttles guests to either the main building where the suites are, or their villa, all of which are situated in the central section of the property and oriented toward the ocean.

Formerly the Sawangan Luxury Suites & Villas, the hotel was still in the process of adjusting to the new brand when we visited in mid-2017, and there were some areas that were either being renovated or about to change. The one place that struck us as still underutilized was the beach. There was a lifeguard and the waters were clear and of a beautiful shade of blue, but there were no loungers for guests, and we seemed to be the only ones that actually went all the way down to the sand. The rest of the guests preferred the hotel’s lovely infinity pool, which has stunning ocean views and a swim-up bar. Halfway down the dozens of steps to the beach, the hotel was building a hip beach club, though, set to open in late-2017. 

With its low room count and secluded location, the hotel feels intimate and the vibe is quiet. We were told the views make it a popular wedding venue, but there were none during our stay and all we could hear was the sound of the waves down below and the songs of birds perched on the side of the cliff. We saw one or two families with young kids, but most guests were couples and honeymooners who seemed more than happy to spend the day around the pool. The hotel offers babysitting services for a fee, but there is no kids’ club, so families may want to check out the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, which is a more bustling property with slightly lower rates and activities for children. For about the same price as the Sofitel, the Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa has a better beach and a more central location within walking distance of the famous Bali Collection. Travelers wanting to go all out may want to compare rates at the neighboring, ultra-luxurious Samabe Bali Suites & Villas, complete with personal butlers, tons of daily activities, and excellent food. 

The Ulu Segara is located at the end of a quiet street in a resort area of southern Nusa Dua. There are a few other properties nearby, and the on-site beach is quiet and pretty, but there is not much else within walking distance of the hotel. The Bali National Golf Club is about a five-minute drive away, and restaurants and shops in central Nusa Dua can be reached in about 10 minutes. Unlike other hotels in the area, the Ulu Segara lacks free shuttle service to Bali Collection, a famous shopping and dining mall that’s a 10-minute drive away. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the striking Water Blow, and beautiful Uluwatu Temple can be reached in about 35 minutes. Ngurah Rai Airport is a 25-minute drive away, and transfers are available for a fee. 

The Ulu Segara has 36 suites and 10 villas, all decorated with a stylish combination of cream-colored marble floors and handsome wood accents. Straw rugs, shell-clad lamps, large cushioned headboards and matching sofas, and wood paneling throughout give rooms an elegant, contemporary feel, while the soft neutral palette and clean lines add to the sophisticated feel. Massive floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views in all rooms (although partially obstructed in some villas), and open to big balconies or terraces with patio furniture. 

Suites have quality king-size beds in the bedroom and comfortable couches in the spacious living areas, along with small kitchenettes equipped with microwaves, sinks, electric kettles with free tea and coffee, full fridges, and sinks. Villas have up to three bedrooms, full kitchens with gas stoves, and seating and dining areas housed in separate pavilions that open onto small private gardens with pools. Other in-room amenities found in all villas and suites include free minibar items, large flat-screen TVs with over 40 international channels, DVD players, sound systems, digital safes, and free Wi-Fi. 

Bathrooms in all rooms are huge and luxurious, with large walk-in rain showers, separate deep soaking tubs (with a window overlooking the room and the ocean in Suites), double sinks, scales, and plenty of toiletries, including body lotion, hair conditioner, and toothbrushes. Villas have similarly massive bathrooms featuring outdoor areas complete with rain showers. 

Located right above the beach, the large infinity pool is a definite hotel highlight. It is perched on the side of the cliff, overlooking the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, and features a small swim-up bar with drinks, waiter service, and free towels. There are plenty of loungers around the pool, and a few more on small, private wooden decks jutting out from the deck. Off to one side of the pool, a long set of steps takes guests all the way down to the beach. The beach club wasn’t completed when we visited (set to open late-2017), but we saw it had a large terrace overlooking the ocean, shaded areas, and a bar with a snacks menu. For the time being, though, the only place serving food is the main restaurant, located adjacent to the pool. We found food there decent but not outstanding, and some may find it overpriced. But with no other dining options around, many guests seemed to stay on-site for some of the meals. Breakfast is included in all rates and offers an array of regional and Western options, including pancakes, eggs, and rice dishes. There is also 24-hour room service.

The spa is located in the main building, and features four double rooms, direct access to the pool, and a long treatments menu that includes nail services, massages, scrubs, and facials. The adjacent gym is small and offers just a small array of cardio and strength-training machines. The hotel also features a small sixth-floor room for intimate weddings, complete with audiovisual equipment and catering services. Ceremonies are held around the pool, with the Indian Ocean as the backdrop.