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Uncover serene affordable luxury at the Merusaka
Bali, one of the worlds most popular vacation destinations. Many visitors are drawn to the island’s lively streets, ancient temples, and picturesque rice terraces. Beyond these popular attractions, there lies a hidden treasure on this island which, notably, presents a contrasting ambiance. This side of Bali exudes luxury, serenity, and an unmistakable air of elegance. Welcome to the Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) located in Nusa Dua. In this post we share an in-depth accommodation review of the Merusaka Resort Nusa Dua.
Nestled on the south-eastern coast of Bali, Nusa Dua is a haven for those seeking a modestly upscale travel experience. The ITDC is a government-owned entity responsible for developing and managing the tourism infrastructure in the area. Within the ITDC Nusa Dua complex, you’ll find several high-end hotels and resorts, including the stunning Merusaka Resort.
If it’s a first trip that you’re planning, or simply reminiscing about past travels, join us as we uncover the charm of this stunning resort.
Getting to the Merusaka Resort Nusa Dua
To reach the destination, you’ll have to fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport, commonly known as Denpasar International Airport, in Bali. How you get there by flight will differ depending the region of the world you’re flying from. At the airport, you can approach the official taxi stand; or use taxi apps like Bluebird; or ride-sharing services like Grab or Gojek. The subsequent drive usually lasts between 20-30 minutes, subject to traffic conditions. You can consider renting a car or pre-booking your transfers with specialised transport companies.
As we meticulously mapped out our escapade, we aligned with Discova, a globally recognised destination management company, to handle our hotel transfers. Discova’s widespread influence and reputation cements its status as a trusted travel orchestrator. They craft bespoke journeys, ensuring their clients experience fluid, uninterrupted adventures. All three of our drivers were local experts, and an absolute treasure trove of knowledge. Inter-regional drives can start to feel long, yet, our time with them felt well spent given their local wisdom. Our post on the 5 best ways of getting around in Bali.
Accommodation at the Merusaka Resort Nusa Dua
We often seek luxury, yet realistically, we travel on a modest budget. As such, we’re always searching for that sweet blend where affordability meets luxury. The Merusaka Resort Nusa Dua was a delightful treat that ticked all the boxes. The resort’s clean streets, manicured lawns, and pristine views are a stark contrast to Kuta’s bustling vibe.
The Merusaka Resort Nusa Dua offer a range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. Our choice of the basic Deluxe room was spot on – spacious, contemporary, and subtly luxurious. A clever infusion of contemporary meets Balinese tradition.
From the moment we arrive, everything felt personal. Upon entering our room, we were welcomed with a special note from the manager wishing us a happy anniversary and enjoyable stay at the resort. Accompanied by this was a personalised chocolate cake for sharing, along with drinks vouchers. Needless to say, this type of service is what makes up 5-star quality in our view. The bed was large and comfortable. Perfect for those who prefer to sleep like star fish (hehe). Save to say, Anton had his best rest here! The bathroom was a couple’s delight, boasting a shower and separate bath. The dedicated staff and daily housekeeping ensured a refreshing stay throughout.
The Merusaka Resort Nusa Dua is one of those accommodations where you don’t have to stress about forgetting your toothbrush or any other toiletries for that matter. They provide a host of toiletries including toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary towels, soaps, lotions, shampoos, conditioners and more. We ended up taking the complimentary toiletries home given we had our own items there. They were simply too adorable to abandon. Admittedly, we’re that kind of travellers. Share your thoughts in the comments. What’s your stance on taking hotel amenities that are provided for guests? Is it a thumbs up or thumbs down for you?
The room was equipped with a compact workspace, complete with a desk and chair, catering to any potential work needs. For us, securing accommodations with dedicated work areas becomes paramount, as, on many occasions, we seamlessly merge travel with our work commitments.
The best part about the accommodation were the personal touches. Uponlike the welcome chocolate cake and drinks vouchers, and a special note from the manager on our anniversary, made our stay memorable. The dedicated staff and daily housekeeping ensured a refreshing stay throughout.
Culinary experiences At the Merusaka Resort Nusa Dua
The Merusaka Resort Nusa Dua offers a variety of on-site restaurants. We were spoilt for choice between the Gading Restaurant, Homaya Restaurant, Ja’Jan by the Sea, Ja’Jan Bistro, Bar Lounge, and the Beach Bar located in the main pool. Each establishment promises a unique culinary experience, making dining a delightful affair every single time.
Breakfast was served at Gading Restaurant, and what an affair it is. The options are endless, from the western basics that we’re all familiar with, to traditional Balinese dishes, sushi, pasta, and everything in-between. To be honest, the breakfast menu included everything from breakfast to dinner. It was an absolute delight for the senses.
Ja’Jan by the Sea is where we mostly hung out. Being right on the beach, it was a great spot for lunch and snacking. Although not authentic Balinese, the chicken wings and ribs at Ja’Jan by the Sea were our favourite.
Adventures/Activities/Attractions at and around the Merusaka Resort Nusa Dua
Water Sports:
From banana boat rides, stand-up paddle-boarding, snorkelling, jet-skiing to parasailing, there’s a plethora of water activities to indulge in. The best part? Everything is within walking distance from the resort. The resort offers private access to Mengiat beach where you’ll find different suppliers of offering a variety of water sports and other adrenaline activities.
Peninsula Island:
This prominent attraction in Nusa Dua is renowned for its lush greenery, well-maintained park, picnic areas and cultural statues and artworks. It provides a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist areas. If you’re the type that likes to exercise on vacation, then a jog, cycle or even yoga in this area is a perfect alternative to the fitness centre offered at the resort. Or take a slow stroll as absorb the natural beauty around you.
Water Blow:
Located on a narrow, rocky peninsula, the Water Blow attraction truly lives up to its poetic name. As immense waves from the boundless Indian Ocean fiercely collide with the limestone cliffs, they create majestic sprays that seem like water being “blown” skyward. From the designated viewing deck, visitors can intimately experience the refreshing mist and the echoing roar of the waves. It’s not merely the visual wonder of these surges that enthrals, but the harmonious dance of nature — the rhythmic ebb and flow, the meeting and parting of water and rock.
While the Water Blow might not resonate with every traveller, its sheer drama makes for an extraordinary photo-op. Considering the low cost of entry, we believe it’s an essential sight to behold. Adjacent to this marvel is the Water Blow Promenade, perfect for a relaxed walk, especially refreshing during the early morning hours. Do note there’s an entrance fee of IDR 25 000, and typically, visitors spend between 30 minutes to an hour soaking in the spectacle.
Golf:
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the Bali National Golf Club’s 18-hole championship course.
Shopping:
Bali Collection within the ITDC area is a shopper’s. As you meander through its open-air pathways, you’re greeted with a curated selection of boutique stores showcasing local handicrafts, international brands, and unique souvenirs. However, it’s not just a shopper’s paradise; the Bali Collection also boasts a diverse array of dining options, where you can savour both local Balinese delicacies and international cuisines. As the sun sets, the vibrant atmosphere comes to life with cultural performances and live music. The Bali Collection is more than just a mall, it’s an experience encapsulating the essence of Bali’s charm with the modern luxuries travellers seek.
Sunsets and serenity at the Merusaka Resort Nusa Dua
The resort offers an array of sparkling blue pools to appease the needs of every traveller. The main pool is large and has two different levels to it. One of our favourite things was the designated diving pool. This feature added a fun element to the resort, and we sure loved it!
The Merusaka Resort Nusa Dua offers direct private access to Mengiat beach and ensures comfort with loungers, umbrellas, and even a stand for fresh beach towels. Sunsets here were a dream with the sky lighting up in hues of red, purple and pink. We spent hours swimming in the ocean well past sunset. The on-site traditional markets, daily yoga and activity sessions, spa, and fitness facilities add to the serenity.
Conclusion
Nusa Dua exemplifies a perfect fusion of relaxation, adventure, cultural richness, and opulence. Whether you’re chasing exhilarating experiences or seeking a peaceful retreat, Nusa Dua effortlessly accommodates every traveler’s desires. Furthermore, as previously highlighted, our sojourn at the Merusaka Resort Nusa Dua was reminiscent of a tropical paradise dream. Regardless of traveling solo, with a partner, or with family, this resort distinctly showcases Bali’s unparalleled talent in merging lively ambiance with serene opulence, all conveniently located within close proximity. Furthermore, if you’re contemplating exploring multiple areas, you may find it helpful to read our respective accommodation reviews from our stay in Kuta and Ubud.
Final recommendations
For those seeking a reliable and hassle-free method to secure their preferred activities and attractions in Bali, it’s worth considering GetYourGuide. This platform presents a vast selection of meticulously curated tours, activities, and experiences, designed to cater to the unique tastes of every traveller.
If you’re inclined to wander amidst the grandeur of ancient temples, are eager to immerse yourself in the vivid marine life, or seeking the adrenaline of water sport activities, GetYourGuide provides a streamlined approach to identifying and reserving Bali’s finest offerings.
With its intuitive interface, candid reviews, and competitive pricing structure, the platform ensures that travellers can effortlessly pinpoint and book experiences that resonate with their individual preferences.
Find your next adventure here!
Would you choose the Merusaka Resort Nusa Dua as an accommodation option? Have you been here before? If so what was your experience like? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Until our next post, keep #roamingwiththekolbes
With love and appreciation,
The Kolbes
These tips are based on our personal experiences during our travels. You may have different experiences and alternative opinions based on your own travels. These are not meant to act as directives, instead they are suggestions which may be helpful to someone planning their first trip.
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While there might be affiliate links in this post, it’s important to note that our articles always provide a genuine and authentic account of our personal experiences. Our travels remain unsponsored, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Your trust in our authenticity is our top priority.
Destination: Bali, Indonesia
Accommodation: Merusaka Resort Nusa Dua
Accommodation type: Resort
