“OMG.”
That’s all I can say as I sashay through the 2000sqm lobby of the Apurva Kempinski Bali, half an hour’s drive from the international airport on the Nusa Dua beachfront, Bali’s Billionaires’ Row.
Perched on a 55m clifftop with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views, this grand hallway is almost a religious building — something archaeologists centuries from now may reckon to be an ancient portal on par with the Pura Besakih or Mother Temple, on the slopes of Mount Agung volcano, the largest and holiest religious site in Bali.
The floor is covered with black marble from Mongolia embedded with swirls of white and blue stone that capture and reflect light like precious stones.
“This lobby represents the architectural styles of Hindu, Islam and Buddhist empires that swept across Indonesia through the centuries and their peaceful coexistence today. It’s a statement of enormous pride to the Indonesian people,” says Vincent Guironnet, the general manager, a Frenchman who’s lived in the country for 35 years.
A Grand Stairway to Paradise
From the lobby, I float down a 250-step stairway; the immense face of a modern Aztec pyramid, stepped with plunge pools and luxury suites, to ground level and the centre of the resort.
The Kempinski's Breathtaking Design
A paradise of tropical gardens, water fountains, bougainvillea trees peppered with flowers and immaculately tended lawns where not a leaf or blade of grass is out of place.
The owners appeared to have as much money as taste when they envisioned this hotel, which is more of a small city than a resort. “The entire project took 12 years to build,” Vincent says.
“You should see the back end, where all the engineering is; it looks like the engine room of a giant ship.”
A Resort Like No Other
With 475 rooms, the Kempinski is the second biggest hotel in Bali after the Mulia, which has 526 rooms, double the acreage and towering white statues set in reflective pools, and is also situated in Nusa Dua.
But the Kempinski is regarded as the best in terms of rock-star features, including a seafood restaurant set inside a giant aquarium with 15cm thick glass and a Michelin-starred chef from France manning the pans.
“Fifteen percent of our guests are from Australia, and once they arrive, they usually don’t leave the resort during their holiday in Bali,” Vincent says. And why in the hell would you?
An Indulgent Escape
The Kempinski is a testament to the opulence that Bali has to offer. From its stunning lobby to its luxurious accommodations, the resort provides an unparalleled experience for its guests. The attention to detail and commitment to service are evident throughout, making it a true oasis of luxury and tranquility. As you explore the vast grounds, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking views, meticulously manicured gardens, and unparalleled amenities. The Kempinski is a destination in itself, offering everything you need for a truly unforgettable escape.
*Dave Smith was a guest of the Apurva Kempinski Bali. They have not influenced or read this story before publication.
