VOUK Hotel & Suites

The Vouk Hotel & Suites is housed in two identical off-white buildings separated by a charming wooden bridge lined with manicured strips of grass and flowers. The Love Bridge, as the walkway is known here, runs directly above the pool, providing some shade and keeping the water cool. On either side, lush creepers hang from pots on balconies and colorful plants lend the property a charming tropical feel. Glass ceilings make the lobby sunny and bright, while a small Balinese Hindu statue, rattan furniture, and carved wood accents add local character. Interiors are simple, with white floors and walls, clean lines, wood accents, rattan details, and a soft neutral palette that makes spaces feel fresh. Popular with Chinese tour groups that spend little time on-site, the Vouk Hotel & Suites has a quiet atmosphere that may be a little too hushed for some.

The hotel occupies a long, narrow strip of land off a small back road connecting the southern edge of Nusa Dua to the Bali Tourism Development Complex. Empty lots surround it, as well as a few local homes and roadside kiosks and businesses, but there's little else within walking distance. The hotel offers free shuttle service to Geger Beach, located a five-minute drive away. Some guests prefer to walk there, but the area is not particularly pedestrian-friendly. There is also free shuttle service to Bali Collection, a famous shopping and dining area that's a 10-minute drive away. Those looking for a livelier atmosphere may want to take a cab to Seminyak, 35 minutes north of the property. Both Uluwatu Temple and Jimbaran -- home to lovely beaches and a few nightlife spots -- can be reached in about 35 minutes. Ngurah Rai Airport is a 25-minute drive away.

The Vouk has 172 rooms, all featuring floor-to-ceiling sliding doors opening onto spacious balconies with double daybeds. All units have a similar decor style with white tile floors, rosewood or smoky gray accent walls, and clean lines. Wooden furniture is simple and somewhat generic, but carved wood details add some local charm and padded headboards in off-white hues are stylish. Free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free bottled water, minibars, and safes are all standard amenities. 

Bathrooms are contemporary and attractive, with beige tiles on walls and floors, black ceilings, glass-enclosed rain showers, and oval sinks over white stone counters with wooden cabinets. There have been some complaints, however, of moldy showers and unpleasant drain smell in many units. Deluxe Rooms and Suites have separate deep soaking tubs, and Deluxe units feature glass bathroom walls overlooking the room. Wooden sliding doors separate the bedroom from the living and dining areas in suites.

The long, pleasant pool is located right below the elevated walkway leading from the entrance to the lobby, which means there is plenty of shade. There are several padded loungers and umbrellas around it, and bar service is available from Splash Bar, which also serves food. A shallow area is convenient for those traveling with young children. Chakra Spa is small but cute, with all-white decor, lots of wood accents, and a few local touches such as carved wood ornaments. It offers a nice array of services, including couples’ treatments and foot massages. Located in an underground, windowless room, the fitness center is not quite appealing, but it features cardio and strength-training machines, as well as free weights. 

Rasa is the hotel’s only restaurant, serving a decent international and Indonesian menu in an airy dining room with poolside seating. Orchid Lounge offers afternoon tea service and evening drinks, but it is mostly quiet and some may find it lacking in atmosphere. Food gets mixed reviews, however.

The hotel has eight meeting rooms, including a large ballroom and a striking glass-enclosed wedding chapel. There is free shuttle service to Geger Beach -- where the hotel has a number of loungers for guests -- and to Bali Collection. Rates include an expansive breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, and on-site parking.