The Best of Bali
—By Paul Zahn
Known for its volcanic mountains, stunning beaches, lush rice paddies, and yoga and meditation retreats, Bali—an island province of Indonesia—is the perfect getaway to beat the winter woes and find your zen.
Bali boasts the best of both worlds when it comes to tourism: a euphoric urban oasis in the city of Ubud, and sheer serenity at the seashore in Nusa Dua. Ubud is known as Bali’s cultural epicenter and features a myriad of dining options, cleansing temples and baths, shopping galore, a bustling nightlife scene (even a monkey forest). Nusa Dua is Bali’s upscale beachfront area, and although just a short ride from Ubud, it feels worlds away.
Bali was recently named one of the top 10 “most Instagrammable places in the world” and between the street art, floating breakfasts, waterfalls, and mountain swings, we totally see why. Deluxe Version Magazine has picked two stand-out resorts to showcase…perfect for Instagram influencers and travel aficionados alike.
The Mansion Resort Hotel & Spa, Ubud
Tucked away in Ubud’s historic artist colony of Penestanan, The Mansion Resort Hotel and Spa is truly one of Bali’s hidden gems, perfectly blending an atmosphere of relaxation with the aesthetic of an eclectically designed art museum.
The Mansion’s sanctuary showcases traditional Balinese life with Indonesian art throughout the sprawling space that includes lotus ponds and multiple infinity pools amongst lush green gardens. The resort’s 150 rooms combine exquisitely designed suites, residences, guest rooms, and honeymoon-worthy villas that are adorned with ikat textiles draped on beds, and include private plunge pools.
As for dining at The Mansion Resort Hotel and Spa, guests have a plethora of options including the intimate Tree House Dining and Plumeria. The Tree House is the perfect spot for honeymooners to enjoy a quiet secluded meal overlooking the serene Heaven and Earth water garden. Servers will treat guests like Balinese royalty as they eat and drink the night away elevated in the skies of Indonesia. Plumeria is the resort’s rooftop dining paradise. The menu specializes in artisan pescatarian cuisine and offers meals that are high caliber on the palate and also perfect for that Instagrammable floating breakfast. The dining area is set within an onsite aquaponic garden where the culinary team sources fresh herbs to craft their masterpieces. Guests can take a dip in the rooftop pool before or after a meal to enjoy a fresh craft cocktail or a detox smoothie.
Ubud is known for its yoga and meditation retreats and The Mansion runs its own Wellness Center on site. The sanctuary is an all encompassing holistic space to heal the body and soul with their full team of holistic and medical healers.
The Apurva Kempinski, Nusa Dua
One of Bali’s newest additions that is ideal for the seashore serenity seeker is the five-star Apurva Kempinski. “Apurva” is Sanskrit for “unique” and “magnificent,” and this title truly fits this oceanic oasis. The resort is set atop the magical cliff of Nusa Dua and showcases the feels of an open-air theater with the backdrop being the glorious Indian Ocean.
A 250-foot walkway down the center of The Apurva was inspired by Bali’s sacred temples and provides the perfect stage for nightly rituals. The Balinese believe harmony is found when combining five elements: ether, air, fire, water, and earth, and Apurva’s modern architecture truly reflects those elements. There are bodies of water at every turn at The ruva…the most Instagram-worthy pool (and the largest) which overlooks the beach.
The property offers 475 guest rooms, suites, and villas, with exquisite views of the best of Bali. The guest rooms are decorated with Indonesian motifs, local fabrics and rich woods that deliver the feeling of both luxury and a traditional Balinese home. Additionally, the resort recently launched a collection of 43 private villas all named after kingdoms that once ruled over Bali.
For the food and beverage connoisseur, The Apurva has six dining options amid its abundant natural setting…the standout being its underwater restaurant, Koral. Guests begin their dining journey at Koral by walking through a glass-roofed tunnel and enjoy their meal amid an enormous aquarium filled with exotic fish. The cuisine offerings include fresh local seafood with the flare of Indonesian spices. An evening of aquatic culinary dining at Koral is an unparalleled Balinese experience. Overall, the experience at The Apurva Kempinski will allow any guest to find, harness and hang on to their luxurious om.
