The Bale

Hotel details

On Bali, Nusa Dua is a world unto itself, a specially developed area that includes a protected beach, a Western-style shopping complex and a world-class, 18-hole golf course. Some of the most famous hotels in Asia are found here, and among them the most unique is The Bale.

Cascading down a hillside overlooking the Indian Ocean, the resort takes its name from the Balinese word for a thatched garden pavilion. Don’t expect a bunch of Crusoe-style huts though, for The Bale, with its clean lines, stone steps and geometric waterways, is an exercise in modernism. Instead of typical beach bungalows, 20 limestone pavilions are grouped around a shimmering swimming pool.

While Balinese art and objects play their part in the décor, the interiors are minimalist and monochromatic. Each pavilion has an individual lap pool and simple tropical garden with an outdoor shower just off the bathroom. Try to reserve Number 20, which is at the top of the hill and boasts unobstructed sea views.

Under the direction of an International executive chef, the open-air restaurant offers a selection of light and contemporary gourmet meals with an emphasis on locally grown organic ingredients.

Pro or con? To ensure a sense of peace and relaxation, The Bale does not allow children below 16 years old.