Apurva means “unique and magnificent” in “Sanskrit”, and that is exactly what we found at Kempinski in Bali, a resort like no other, a destination in itself, a gigantic piece of art that bewitches us from the first second, without hesitation we can say that The Apurva Kempinski Bali is one of the most memorable and spectacular hotels we have visited to date, and believe me, there have been many.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali takes the form of a majestic open-air theater, where centuries of Indonesian culture are honored and brought to our presence in every corner, style and detail, a tribute to the present and the future, everything that characterizes a work of art including its timelessness. It is located on top of a cliff in the Nusa Dua area, a tourist area where hotels from several national and international chains are located, stunning views of the ocean, tropical gardens, tradition combined with refined contemporary style and award-winning architecture, are its first business card. It is approximately 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, close to numerous points of interest, shops, entertainment and the International Convention Center, this location makes the hotel an obvious choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Entering The Apurva Kempinski Bali for the first time is a memorable experience, the scenic entrance that culminates in the most spectacular lobby we have ever seen, full of works of art, the ceiling reminiscent of a temple, the gigantic open space that despite its size manages to being comfortable and that balcony that allows us to have a first impact on the entire length of the resort, there is no one who can remain indifferent, every nook and cranny brings us a new surprise which makes us question, how is this level of detail possible and service in a resort of this magnitude.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali has 475 rooms and suites and a series of villas with dedicated services that surprise even the most experienced traveler. The rooms and suites are located in the central building and in the two side buildings that follow the green and pool areas to the ocean. The villas are strategically located on the sides of the resort, before the reception and main lobby, and are sanctuaries of tranquility, a well-kept secret in those parts.
The Villas are named after the powerful kingdoms that once ruled Indonesia. We stayed in one of the two-bedroom villas, a Sriwijaya, which in “Sanskrit” means “brilliant victory”. There are two bedrooms divided over two floors, a king size bed on the ground floor and two single beds on the first floor, perfect for families, two hundred square meters complemented by a private pool and an outdoor lounge. The decoration featured wood and stone coverings and typical Balinese “rattan and bamboo” furniture, Sumba fabrics and handmade sculptures in Bali and Java, which gives them personality, exclusivity and a glimpse into the rich history of design and creativity of the Indonesian people.
In addition to the privileged location, staying in the villas has added a set of unique services such as exclusive access to the Villa Lounge, a place where we can check in and out, have a high quality breakfast in complete tranquility, as well as access to refreshments during all day and a sumptuous tea at the end of the afternoon that looks like a treat from the gods on the island of the gods!
And yes, the “Lady in Red” are present at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, as well as in all units of the group, they are the “guest services” that perform all the miracles that customers need, The Apurva Kempinski Bali has six different looks for their “Lady in Red”, each representing different islands of Bali and designed by different designers.
Life at the resort is very simple, between the 60-meter central swimming pool, bathing and walking on the beach, walks through the lush gardens, reading or simply relaxing in one of the many lounges, visits to the award-winning spa and meals in one of the six restaurants, some of them surprising and highly unlikely. The place is a sanctuary chosen by many for the most important day of their lives, the wedding, during our stay we attended several, a perfect place with immaculate service, it made us want to renew our vows, perhaps on a next visit. The gastronomy is rich, diverse and surprising, themed restaurants with various types of cuisine without ever forgetting the ingredients, techniques and local customs, there are six restaurants and two bars that delighted us, we leave three highlights that deserve a (mandatory) visit.
The “Koral” Restaurant is the first underwater restaurant in Bali, in an aquarium teeming with marine life, a true attraction where there is no shortage of sharks of various species, rays and multiple species of fish that fill the space with color and animation! The kitchen, led by Chef Andrea Astone, excels in the use of fresh and seasonal ingredients, served as an exclusive tasting menu. The menus are varied and there is no shortage of carpaccios, lobster, different types of fish and premium cuts of meat, always with the creativity and presentation that the space demands, a must-see for anyone visiting the resort. “Izakaya by Oku” Restaurant is probably the best Japanese restaurant in Bali and one of the best in Asia. It offers a unique gastronomic experience in a chic environment and an open kitchen concept. We strongly recommend choosing one of the tasting menus that allow you to take a journey through the best Japanese flavors and OKU signature dishes. The consistency of all the dishes on the Izakaya menu is impressive, a place we returned to every day. Finally, the Reef Beach Club, located on the seafront, was where we had our lunches, a relaxed, fun and family-friendly place, with an infinity pool, cabanas, sun loungers and indoor and outdoor lunch areas. Charcoal grills and the most typical Balinese dishes are the honors of the house, combined with the best cocktails, some of them signature.
Perhaps the biggest challenge in a resort the size of The Apurva Kempinki Bali is the consistency of service, something that this team achieves with distinction, true Balinese hospitality taken to the limit, whatever the role, it seems that everyone fits into a perfectly oiled machine that aims to provide the best moments of our lives in one of the best places on the planet. It was incredible how every day they addressed us by name and gave us that smile that only those who visit that geography know and can understand, thank you all, without exception, for this wonderful passage that opened the door to inevitable visits in the future, see you soon The Apurva Kempinski Bali!
By Edgar Correia
INFO: www.kempinski.com