As one of Indonesia’s finest five-stars resorts, The Apurva Kempinski embodies excellence and sophistication in every detail. What's New Bali's three-day, two-night retreat was nothing short of extraordinary, perfectly aligning with the resort’s impactful 2025 campaign, Powerful Indonesia to the World. Blending luxury with cultural heritage and world-class gastronomy, this opulent sanctuary offered an experience that was both indulgent and deeply inspiring. Here’s how our magnificent sojourn unfolded...
Blending luxury with cultural heritage and world-class gastronomy, this opulent sanctuary offered an experience that was deeply inspiring.
Day 1: Warm Welcome and Sunset Sips
Our stay began with a seamless check-in at the exclusive Cliff Lounge reception, a privilege reserved for guests of the Cliff Private Pool Ocean Junior Suite. This elegant 100 sq m sanctuary boasts a spacious balcony, a private plunge pool, and breathtaking views of the Reef Beach Club and Apurva Chapel. Meticulously designed to be spacious, artsy, and effortlessly cozy, the room exudes elegance in every detail. The sizable bathroom features a separate toilet and shower, a lavish bathtub positioned across from a large glass window that frames the ocean beyond the private infinity pool. Thoughtful touches, from the welcome amenities and light bites in the mini-fridge to the smart TV and spacious luxury wardrobe, create a sense of perfection, leaving us eager for the blissful days ahead!
After indulging ourselves in the suite’s refined ambiance and luxurious amenities throughout the afternoon, we made our way to Pala Restaurant & Rooftop Bar’s for a sunset cocktail session. This intimate venue, with its dark wooden deck, sleek glass panel accents, and striking'stonefire’ table, provided the perfect setting to unwind. We enjoyed complimentary evening cocktails, including the signature Acaraki cocktail—a pandan leaf-infused arak creation—alongside refreshing mocktails such as Jamu Mojito and Bali Tropical. These were paired with an assortment of crispy canapés and chips, making for a delightful prelude to the evening.
After sunset, we dined at Reef Beach Club, where we were welcomed with a selection of crackers and flavorful sambals before indulging in a seafood feast. The Cold Seafood Platter featured fresh tiger prawns, clams, and crab, elegantly paired with Balinese-spiced mayonnaise. For the mains, we enjoyed the Babi Panggang Meat Platter, a delectable combination of crispy pork, BBQ ribs, and Urutan sausage, along with a rich Nasi Goreng Wagyu Beef. To conclude on a sweet note, we savored the Liegeois, a decadent ice cream creation, and the Bali fruit dessert, featuring tropical fruit and coconut ice cream. A standout of the evening was The Journey of Gebogan cocktail series, capturing the essence of Balinese offerings through bold flavors of snake fruit, tangerine, and mango.
Day 2: Holistic Culinary, Art and Wellness Experiences
Waking up in our (super) plush bed, we indulged in an exclusive breakfast at Cliff Lounge. The spread ranged from Taiwanese Foie Gras Congee to Japanese Cocotte and fresh tartines, ensuring a flavorful start to the day.
Lunch at Koral Restaurant was an ever-captivating underwater dining experience, enhanced by impeccable service. In 2025, the restaurant elevates its culinary journey with Michelin-starred background, Chef Jean-Baptiste Natali, introducing a refined menu that blends innovation, ethical sourcing, and Koral’s signature immersive concept. We savored the Koral Gourmet, a premium 6-course set menu, starting with Gambero Rosso, a bisque-infused carabineros shrimp dish, and Hokkaido Scallop with foie gras and hazelnut. Mains featured slow-cooked Black Cod with coconut foam and Australian Wagyu Beef with peanut-infused Maranggi sauce. Desserts, including Agrumes citrus granita and 70% Cocoa Chocolate, provided a perfect finish.
Once we finished our memorable meal at Koral, we spent the afternoon at Asha Curated Boutique and Gallery. In this quaint space, we explored Indonesian craftsmanship through the intricate art of bracelet making. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, we explored traditional techniques, carefully selecting beads, threads, and embellishments. Each step, from threading to knotting, carried a deeper significance, showcasing the patience and precision required in this age-old craft.
Our wellness journey continued at Apurva Spa with the indulgent Sumatra Treatment, a 90-minute ritual rooted in Batak healing traditions. The experience began with the Martubata massage, a technique designed to restore balance and release tension, followed by a choice of a charcoal or mangir scrub to deeply cleanse and revitalize the skin. As part of Apurva Spa’s 2025 Wellness Program, which seamlessly blends modern longevity practices with Indonesia’s rich ancestral healing wisdom, treatments rotate throughout the year to showcase therapeutic techniques from different regions, spanning from Sumatra in the west to Papua in the east.
As the evening approached, we enjoyed pre-dinner cocktails at L’Atelier by Cyril Kongo, an intimate 17th-floor lounge where art, luxury, and craftsmanship converge. Created by the aforementioned avant-garde French graffiti artist, the space reflects his passion for fine cigars, shisha, champagne, and spirits, complemented by fresh Mediterranean tapas and expertly crafted cocktails. Offering both a cozy indoor setting and an open-air terrace, the outdoor space presents a breathtaking vantage point over Kempinski, where sweeping ocean views enhance the sophisticated ambiance. We savored our drinks with lite bite snacks, all while enjoying a live piano-singing performance that added a touch of elegance to the soiree.
For dinner, we experienced the rich flavors of Bai Yun, The Apurva Kempinski’s iconic hotpot restaurant. Translated as "White Cloud" in Mandarin, the name reflects the steam rising from the bubbling broth, creating an atmosphere of warmth and indulgence. Opting for the Premium Set, we indulged in an exquisite selection of meats, seafood, and poultry, each cooked to perfection in flavorful broths meticulously crafted by Chef Hong Weng Kit. From rich, collagen-infused soup to bold, spicy flavors, each broth enhanced the ingredients, making every bite both nourishing and satisfying. The depth of flavors and comforting warmth of the hotpot created a truly revitalizing experience, leaving us savoring each mouthful. Elevating the meal further, the restaurant’s signature ‘make-your-own sauce’ station allowed us to craft personalized dipping sauces using a selection of high-quality ingredients, including fresh garlic chops, sesame oil, sesame sauce, XO sauce, soybean sauce, and fiery Sichuan chili sauce, adding a customized touch to this exceptional hotpot feast.
Day 3: A Send-Off With Culinary Grandeur
Our final morning began with breakfast at Pala Restaurant & Rooftop Bar once again, this time on its first floor, to indulge in a fantastic selection of day starters, available in both à la carte and buffet settings. Nestled amidst serene ponds and lush gardens, Pala’s white-meets-glass interior exuded a sophisticated yet cozy ambiance, perfectly complementing the resort’s tranquil surroundings. The live cooking stations offered an extensive spread of international and local delicacies, with a particular expertise in Indian cuisine. We enjoyed a delightful mix of Asian flavors, savoring comforting warm dishes alongside an array of freshly baked pastries and vibrant, juicy fruits—a perfect way to start our last staycation day on a high note.
Before our departure, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Izakaya by OKU, a refined yet convivial Japanese dining destination inspired by the award-winning OKU in Jakarta. The restaurant’s bistro-chic setting and open-kitchen concept created an interactive atmosphere, allowing us to engage with the chefs as they masterfully prepared each dish. We opted for the Oku Signature Bento, an exquisite selection featuring Karasumi Ikura, silky Chawan Mushi, delicately seared Oku Aburi, crispy Oku Karaage, and indulgent Truffle Gyu Don. To conclude the meal on a sweet note, we savored the refreshing Mizu (Water Mochi), paired with a cup of premium Ocha, leaving us with a lasting impression of Izakaya by OKU’s impeccable craftsmanship and artistry.
From indulgent dining that awakens the senses to revitalizing wellness experiences and artistic encounters, a stay at The Apurva Kempinski Bali is more than just a getaway—it’s a refined journey through Indonesia’s rich heritage. As we hesitantly checked out, we left not only with cherished memories but also with a deeper admiration for the beauty, culture, and craftsmanship that define this extraordinary destination. It was an unforgettable exploration of Indonesia’s timeless offerings, one that will surely draw us back for more in the future.
Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan lot 4, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Phone: +62 361 209 2288
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