72 Hours at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali
“The ideal spot for all those seeking a sophisticated tropical beach holiday in Bali with a bliss of White Lotus”
After immersing ourselves in the lush jungle of Capella Ubud, we were ready for a change of scenery—and some well-deserved seaside serenity. Naturally, we chose to unwind at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali. With its stellar reputation preceding it, adding this resort to our Bali itinerary was a quick and easy decision. And from the very first moment, the property exceeded all expectations.
Located in Nusa Dua and dramatically perched atop a cliff, the resort offers a breathtaking arrival. As you stand at the top of the main building, you’re met with sweeping views of the vast Indian Ocean and the entirety of the resort sprawling beneath you. It’s the kind of panoramic welcome that leaves you speechless. As I often say, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” and The Ritz-Carlton, Bali has certainly mastered this. Despite the resort’s considerable size—home to 313 suites, and villas—the check-in process felt effortless and deeply personal. A staff member welcomed us, offered a cold towel and refreshing drink, and escorted us to a serene spot with a view while handling the formalities. It was smooth, calm, and utterly refined.
Soon after, we were guided to the glass elevators that glide down the cliffside, transitioning guests from the elevated arrival pavilion to the resort’s heart. Awaiting us below was a fleet of golf carts, one of which took us on a brief tour before delivering us to our private villa.
Our villa, one of the closest to the beach, was part of a trio of interconnected units. This layout is perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together. We had booked a Signature Pavilion Villa with a private pool, and I would highly recommend requesting a corner unit for enhanced privacy and additional daylight in the bathroom thanks to its side windows.
As we stepped inside, we were greeted by a spacious entrance hall with two wings. On one side, a large walk-in wardrobe—more than enough storage for a week-long stay. On the other, a stunning open-concept bathroom featuring double vanities, a Toto Japanese-style electric toilet, and a walk-in rainfall shower stocked with a generous array of full-size Diptyque toiletries. This shower connects to the outdoor bathing area, where you’ll find a soaking tub and an alfresco waterfall shower—also stocked with Diptyque products. While I loved indulging in these luxurious amenities, I was a little disappointed to find signage warning that guests who take the toiletries home would incur a charge. As someone who enjoys reliving hotel memories at home through scent, it nearly broke my heart to leave them behind.
The villa’s private pool, accessible directly from the bedroom’s terrace, stretches alongside adjacent villas, separated by large decorative planters to ensure a sense of privacy. The experience of waking up early, taking a swim, and enjoying a rejuvenating outdoor shower in the morning sun was unforgettable—a rare luxury only a few get to enjoy regularly.
The bedroom itself is elegantly appointed, featuring either two queen beds (each a spacious 160cm wide) or one grand king, a comfortable sofa and armchair, and a sideboard with minibar and flat-screen television. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a wooden terrace equipped with a daybed and a small dining table, perfect for private breakfasts or sunset aperitifs.
While most Pavilion Villas and rooms come with garden views, direct ocean vistas are reserved for those staying in Sea View Suites or the exclusive Sky Villas perched atop the main buildings. Personally, I found the lush privacy of our garden setting preferable—shielded from prying eyes and offering a calm, green ambiance. Given the resort can host up to 450 guests at full occupancy, the level of seclusion we experienced was quite impressive. Additionally, the proximity to the beach and main pool meant we didn’t need to rely on elevators or buggies to reach the resort’s central amenities—a definite plus.
Ironically, despite having our own private pool, we only used it once. That’s a testament to the allure of the beachfront, which is arguably one of the most stunning in Bali. We spent the better part of our days lounging under umbrellas on soft white sand, sipping ice-cold Bintang beer and Bellavista Franciacorta—a delightful surprise to find this renowned Italian sparkling wine in Southeast Asia.
The resort’s beachfront is framed by two signature dining venues: The Beach Grill on one end and the iconic Missoni Beach Club on the other. Between them lies a vast T-shaped infinity pool, the architectural centerpiece of the resort. Service here, under the leadership of the attentive and charming Gin (yes, that’s his name), was impeccable. Someone was always nearby to top up our drinks, adjust our umbrellas, or offer fresh towels. One afternoon, Gin polished our sunglasses without being asked, and on my birthday, another team member surprised me with a beautifully arranged fruit platter and a chocolate inscription reading “Happy Birthday.” These thoughtful touches made our stay feel truly special and heartfelt.
Inspired to fully explore the property, we challenged ourselves to dine at every available restaurant during our stay. We began with lunch at the Beach Grill, a favorite of mine for its relaxed, western-style menu and beachfront location. We shared a pizza as a starter, then enjoyed a Korean BBQ burger and grilled beef skewers with pita. The meal was satisfying, and the fresh bread and pizza from the stone oven were highlights.
Our first evening dinner was at the Indonesian restaurant, located at the top of the resort with sweeping views of the ocean. Despite being a buffet, the experience was elevated, intimate, and unhurried. Service was particularly attentive—staff helped us wash our hands at the table and even performed a traditional Balinese dance during the meal.
On our second night, we dined at the Missoni Beach Club, indulging in a “Best of Italy” themed dinner. Everything was excellent, but the standout dish was the Lobster Thermidor—prepared with Dijon mustard and baked cheese. It was one of the best lobster dishes I’ve ever tasted. I still think about it, and my mouth waters.
Breakfast is often a weak point in large resorts, especially those with over 100 rooms. I braced myself for chaos, envisioning long lines, noisy crowds, and lukewarm food. To my delight, none of that materialized. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted and shown to a quiet table. Staff took orders for coffee and egg dishes, and the buffet was impressively organized and high-quality. I never once had to queue—not even at the egg station, where I simply left my table number and had my Eggs Benedict delivered fresh. This clever system helped maintain a calm atmosphere, even during peak breakfast hours.
Part of this relaxed ambiance could be attributed to our timing. We visited in March, which is shoulder season in Bali. Hotel occupancy was noticeably lower than during peak periods, and the overall experience felt more exclusive and peaceful. Apart from a brief rain shower on our first day, the weather was pleasant and dry throughout our two-week trip. Don’t let social media reels or weather warnings deter you—Bali during the so-called rainy season can be an absolute dream. Fewer crowds, smoother traffic, and better rates make it a smart and enjoyable time to visit.
On the topic of relaxation, the resort’s enormous spa is another highlight. To celebrate my birthday, Sebastian and I treated ourselves to a Signature Balinese Massage. Before our treatments, we enjoyed the hydrotherapy facilities, and then indulged in a full-body massage that began with a foot scrub and transitioned into one of the best back and neck massages I’ve had in years. The treatment rooms were spacious—larger than many city hotel suites—and beautifully designed.
The resort’s location is another undeniable asset. Nestled at the southern end of Nusa Dua beach, alongside the Kempinski and Hilton, the Ritz-Carlton enjoys a secluded stretch of shoreline that is inaccessible to the public. This means no beach vendors, no through traffic—just guests and uninterrupted tranquility. One afternoon, we wandered over to the neighboring Kempinski and took a discreet dip in their pool (a cheeky move, I admit). While lovely, it reaffirmed our preference for the serene, refined ambiance of the Ritz-Carlton. The clientele here was more in line with our vibe—understated elegance, international flair, and a shared appreciation for quality.
All things considered, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali may not be the newest property in the portfolio, but it remains one of the finest. With nightly rates averaging around €350, the value for money is exceptional. Between the high standard of service, luxurious accommodations, and unbeatable beachfront location, this resort offers a truly five-star experience that’s hard to match.
After ten stays with the Ritz-Carlton brand, I can confidently say they continue to deliver with consistency and excellence. It’s still my favorite hotel brand worldwide, and I look forward to each opportunity to stay at one of their properties. In a destination like Bali, where the hotel competition is fierce and fabulous, The Ritz-Carlton holds its own. It’s an ideal choice for families, couples, or anyone seeking a beachside escape with space, elegance, and soul.
