Max Kruse
Bali: the extension of Broadbeach boasting better, well… everything. A world of luxury only an arms reach from Australia, it’s the quintessential holiday destination we’ve all come to love. Given the opportunity to visit the newly opened Apurva Kempinski Bali – a luxury 5-star hotel – last month, we just simply couldn’t wait to enjoy the good side of Bali.
Taking inspiration from Indonesia’s lavish Majapahit period, the latest opening from the group spans over 400 hectares, built into the stunning and dramatic cliffsides of Nusa Dua.
Keep up guys, Seminyak was so 2010.
Design
As you make your way through the design-driven lobby – which is grand in all it’s nature – the scene is immediately set at the new Apurva Kempinski Bali resort. A blend of local culture with modern touches are evident throughout, with Kempinski Bali keeping true to tradition without the tackiness often associated with doing so.
Whether it’s the hand-carved wooden walls juxtaposed with mesmerising marble floors imported from Madagascar, it’s a place where thoughtful design comes together seamlessly, thanks to interior designer Rudi Dodo of Trivium Design Group.
On the reverse side facing into the hotels, there’s a clear inspiration from Indonesia’s famed rice paddies. The hotel suites stack on top of each other creating a protruding box-like effect akin to the Brutalist era. The juxtaposition of grassy-green rooftops elevates the space and ties together the best of the natural and man-made world.
Food
The food is traditionally what you’d expect from a 5-star hotel; a mix-mash of international flavours catering for everyone’s needs.
The stand-out was certainly Oku Izakaya, the sister to OKU a famed Japanese restaurant in Jakarta. World-class dishes, both in appearance and taste. The degustation opened with truffle edamame (one of our favourites), which was soon superseded by the black Squid ink Fried chicken; delicious!
If you’re staying in the suites, breakfast is served at the Cliff Club. Sit outside and take in the breathtaking views while enjoying a glass of Jamu, the traditional Balinese juice.
You’ll definitely want to be at Palau for the Sunday Boozy Brunch, with free-flowing alcoholic beverages and a feast fit for the kings – and queens of the Majapahit era.
Amenities
The Apurva Kempinski Bali has state of the art facilities throughout, with no expense spared. Relax and rejuvenate at The Apurva Spa, taking in the stunning vistas over the Indian Ocean, or exercise in the spacious and modern gym. Weights not your thing? What about the daily yoga and meditation at 7 am? Namaste!
There’s a horde of hangout areas and hidden nooks to unwind, play catch-ups and finish that novel sitting idle. Kempinski has everything you could desire; and probably more.
Rooms
While we didn’t have the chance to visit the regular rooms, we can only imagine they’d be great too.
While Bali might not be on the top of your travel list, it’s hard to deny its appeal. Affordable and luxurious are rarely found in the same sentence, however, at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, anything is possible. With Kempinski’s latest offerings, we think this might be the best value to be had on this side of the pond.
—
To find out more information and book your stay at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, head to the website here.
*The Man of Style team were a guest of The Apurva Kempinski Bali