Cradled by emerald-clear waters and warm golden sands, Nusa Dua is a picturesque pocket that is home to Bali’s finest beach resorts, cultural treasures and bountiful, landscaped gardens. Its name, which translates to ‘Two Islands’, refers to the two small headlands that lie just off the peninsula’s coast. Unlike other regions of Bali, this coastal strip is a gated community with security measures in place, occupying several upscale properties and international hotel chains.
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Along the scenic stretch of Sawangan Beach in Nusa Dua, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali recasts the concept of a grand beachfront and cliff-top retreat, offering not only paradise-like vistas but also embracing its lush outdoorscape at every turn. Of all its architectural feats lining Nusa Dua’s southern tip, the 180-degree unobstructed sweep across the vast Indian Ocean is truly panoramic, bridging the natural beauty of land and sea. A 70m glass elevator tower connects the two levels of the resort, ensuring that the sprawling scenery is always in sight. Inside the property, the Tree of Life motif (or Kalpataru in Indonesian) is prominently featured as a central theme to represent the values of strength, wisdom and beauty. This design element is expressed by using locally sourced wood and handwoven fabrics, reflecting the resort’s valuation for cultural depth and life-affirming experiences.
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Across many cultural contexts, water is a universal symbol of purification and renewal. In Bali, the ocean’s influence is deeply embedded in this belief, and the resort’s spa incorporates this concept with treatments infused with oceanic elements such as pearls and seaweed, alongside hydrotherapy stations and plunge pools. To maximise the experience, guests are welcomed to indulge in a pre-treatment ritual to heighten the restorative benefits. The Hydro-Vital Pool, tucked away on the spa’s lower floor, enlivens this regimen with several jet configurations, stimulating air bubble benches and waterfall showers. However, what takes holistic healing to new heights is the Wet Lounge, where the sauna, steam room, whirlpool and cold plunge are all integrated into one space—providing a fluid transition from hot to cold.
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As rewarding as it is to bask in the indulgent pleasures, gaining an understanding of Balinese culture enlighten one’s perspective on the destination. The resort accommodates this balance by introducing the cultural practice of creating Canang Sari, a symbolic Balinese daily offering made from young coconut leaves and colourful flowers, used as a token of gratitude and sacred blessings. During this hands-on private workshop, guests are personally guided by the resorts’ Ladies and Gentlemen (a hallmark term for Ritz-Carlton’s service team) through a step-by-step demonstration in assembling the square-shaped ceremonial basket, enriched with historical anecdotes and local tales.
Reserved for resort guests, the private beach is a cut above public beaches, with its polished upkeep and enclosed perks, packaged with silken sands, beachfront infinity pool, a glass-clad chapel, and The Beach Grill that overlooks the open terrain. Now, the beachfront adopts a fresh new look with the first-ever Missoni Resort Club in Southeast Asia. This one-year joint venture intends to expand the global reach of the Italian fashion house by personalising select destinations, where guests can get a taste of Missoni’s lifestyle philosophy.
The perimeter has been stylishly revamped with the creative touch of the fashion house, bringing turquoise and emerald-hued patterns on furnishings across sun loungers, beanbags, umbrellas and other shared spaces. Missoni-themed buggies can be spotted cruising through the grounds, while Missoni-branded items—such as kites, yoga mats, and beach accessories—are available exclusively on-site. In between sunbathing, the Mediterranean-inspired menu fuels up with fresh catches such as scallops, lobsters and king prawns, alongside classic staples such as pasta, burgers, and Asian comforts. One unmissable highlight is the Malfy x Missoni Spritz, a refreshing tipple served in a large glass decorated with Missoni’s zigzag emblem. This thirst-quenching pour combines the limited-edition Malfy Gin Rosa, infused with peach syrup, lemon juice, Angostura bitters, sparkling wine and soda water.
A Missoni pop-up boutique can also be found in the resort’s lobby, where in-house guests are granted exclusive access to a curated collection of Missoni’s resort wear, including the first release of beachwear made from archival fabrics. A second drop, set for June 2025, will spotlight a new custom pattern designed exclusively for this collaboration, offering ready-to-wear pieces, bath wear and accessories made with Missoni’s raschel textile. Each piece carries a special collaboration tag.
Although the 12.7ha grounds of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali are grand and impressive in size, it’s the heartfelt hospitality that leaves the most lasting impression. From the attentive restaurant staff to the friendly buggy drivers and skilled spa therapists, the service team goes above and beyond to ensure every guest is treated with care and respect. This dedication to exceptional service and personalised attention is what truly makes your stay unforgettable, proving that the resort’s true crown jewel lies in its people.
