KATE WEBSTER PHOTOS

by Kate Webster

The famed "Island of the Gods," Bali is known as paradise on earth. With its diverse landscape of mountainous terrain, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides, it is easy to see why.

Mix this with its colourful, spiritual and unique culture, Bali is one of the most popular island destinations in the world. It offers something to suit almost every visitor from the backpacking youth to the most cashed up luxury traveller. 

Sometimes, just travelling to a different part of Bali can give that sense of a complete getaway. This is particularly evident when visiting the region of Nusa Dua. The beach resort area of Nusa Dua has an incredible collection of luxury hotels facing a pristine beachfront. These white sand beaches make Nusa Dua an idyllic place to escape for a weekend or longer on a mini-getaway.

Located 20 to 30 minutes by car from the international airport and within easy access to the Kuta area (20-30 minutes) and Jimbaran (15 minutes), everything is still relatively close by. The name Nusa Dua means two islands (nusa 'island', dua 'two'), because there are two islands in the bay. On the southern side lies Peninsula Island, and on the northern side lies Nusa Dharma Island.

Although Nusa Dua is Bali’s most developed resort area, you can still find cultural attractions here. These range from temples, a museum housing arts and artefacts from Indonesia and the Pacific, and unique natural landmarks around its scenic peninsula.

The Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort offers a beachfront retreat with French-inspired luxury, making it a gem for couples looking for romance in Bali. The 5-star resort is set on tropical gardens that intertwine around the massive pool, offering up plenty of secluded spaces to have a private getaway.

Arriving at the resort, you can be quite overwhelmed with its sheer size. From check in to check out, you are spoilt with those little touches that make you feel special. The dedicated check in lounge, a feast of sugary delights in your room at check in and the staff knowing your name after first meetings all adds to the service.

Possibly one of the most romantic resort rooms I have seen, the Luxury Rooms with Pool leads directly out to a pool that winds it way around the lush tropical gardens. It is like you have your own private oasis. Couples will relish in the romance of the secluded setting and luxurious room features including the oversized bed, large bathtub and rain shower.

Stepping out of the room and into the pool, it was time to first explore the resort via the waterways. The pools link up to the main pool which extends the length of the resort straight down the middle. Flowering frangipani trees give off a sweet floral scent and water fountains flow from stone sculptures into the pool, the sound of running water adding to the ambience. Couples relaxed on pool chairs around the water’s edge, lazily dangling their feet in the water while stealing kisses in between sips of cocktails.

Days at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort are an indulgent blur of massages, cocktails, lazy afternoons reading by the beach, romantic dinners and refreshing swims. Even if you do not leave the resort, there is so much variety to choose from. Breakfast is the epitome of variety at Kwee Zeen. The interactive boutique dining with authentic market feel makes breakfast an adventure around the world. The thematic cuisine at Cucina makes for a special night out for dinner. This white table option brings a unique Mediterranean wining and dining experience with Italian Al Fresco amidst the finest decadent Italian cuisine. For a more relaxed vibe, head beachside to Toya Beach Bar and Grill. Here the atmosphere is more leisurely, serving up light snacks, a seafood barbecue buffet and cocktails.

For more, visit  https://sofitel.accor.com/hotel/9078/index.en.shtml

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