The Apurva Kempinski Bali Review 2026: Is This Resort Still Worth It?

Perched on the limestone cliffs of Sawangan in southern Nusa Dua, The Apurva Kempinski Bali isn’t just another luxury resort in Bali. It’s a clifftop resort that reimagines traditional Balinese palace architecture on a scale that somehow manages to be both over-the-top and genuinely impressive. When we first arrived, our jaws genuinely dropped at the sight of the now-famous Grand Staircase at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, a cascading water feature that’s become one of Instagram’s favorite spots in Bali.

The name “Apurva” translates to “unique and magnificent” in Sanskrit, and after spending several days here, we’d say it’s an accurate description rather than marketing fluff. Since opening in February 2019, the Kempinski Bali resort has built a reputation for being one of the best family resorts in Nusa Dua while simultaneously serving as a popular honeymoon destination. The property features everything from Koral Restaurant Bali, the island’s first and only underwater restaurant, to a private beach, three pools including a 60-meter infinity pool, and villas with private pools that could double as your entire apartment back home.

We kept asking ourselves the same question throughout our stay: is The Apurva Kempinski Bali worth it? Given that room rates can feel more like a down payment on a car, it’s a fair question. But spending time in this clifftop sanctuary just 16 kilometers from Ngurah Rai Airport, we started to understand why couples choose this over the St. Regis Bali, Mulia Resort, or the neighboring Ritz-Carlton Bali for their Bali escape.

In this post discussing The Apurva Kempinski Bali review, we’ll share our experience, the rooms, food, pools and more. What we loved, what needs work and if this hotel is still a great choice for your vacation.

Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you book through them – at no extra cost to you.

About The Apurva Kempinski Bali Hotel

The Apurva Kempinski Bali opened on February 1, 2019, and immediately set itself apart from the typical Nusa Dua resort scene. Spread across 14 hectares of terraced tropical gardens, the property houses 465 rooms, suites, and villas, all designed by acclaimed architect Budiman Hendropurnomo of Denton Corker Marshall and interior designer Rudy Dodo of Trivium Design Group. The collaboration resulted in what the resort calls an “open-air theatre,” and that’s not an exaggeration.

The centerpiece is the 250-step Grand Staircase, a dramatic water feature that cascades down the cliffside from the main lobby to the beach below. We counted exactly zero guests who managed to walk past it without stopping for photos. The architecture draws heavily from Javanese palace design, with intricate carvings, ornate gates, and pavilions scattered throughout the property. It’s the kind of place where even the pathway to your room feels like a guided tour through a luxury Balinese palace.

This is a full-scale resort that feels like its own self-contained city. We noticed plenty of guests who never seemed to venture beyond the resort gates during their entire stay, and while we’d argue it’s a mistake to miss out on Bali’s temples, rice terraces, and local warungs just outside, we did begin to understand the temptation. When you have this much at your fingertips, leaving starts to feel like unnecessary effort.

Location

The Apurva Kempinski sits in Sawangan, the southern stretch of Nusa Dua that feels removed from the main tourism complex but still polished enough to justify the Nusa Dua label. For context, Nusa Dua is Bali’s answer to a gated resort community, the kind of place where security checkpoints greet you at the entrance to each hotel and everything inside runs with five-star precision. Sawangan takes that same manicured approach but spreads it along dramatic limestone cliffs instead of flat beachfront.

The location is roughly 16 kilometers from Ngurah Rai International Airport, which translates to about 30 minutes in typical traffic. The drive takes you through Jimbaran and along the Bukit Peninsula coastline before arriving at the hotel’s grand entrance.

What makes Sawangan different from central Nusa Dua is the clifftop setting. Instead of walking directly onto flat sand, you’re perched above the Indian Ocean with views that stretch to the horizon. Geger Beach is just two kilometers away if you want a different stretch of sand, and Bali National Golf Club sits 2.8 kilometers from the resort for anyone who packed their clubs. The Bali Collection Shopping Centre is 3.9 kilometers away, though we’d argue the hotel’s own boutiques cover most immediate shopping needs.

The neighboring properties include The Mulia, The Ritz-Carlton, and St. Regis, so you’re in good company if luxury resort hopping is your thing. When comparing Nusa Dua resorts, Uluwatu Temple is about 12 kilometers away, making it an easy half-day trip if you want to catch the famous Kecak fire dance at sunset. Seminyak’s beach clubs and restaurants are about 20 kilometers north, roughly 40-60 minutes depending on traffic, though getting there requires navigating Bali’s increasingly congested roads.

But Nusa Dua in general, and Sawangan specifically, is insulated. You’re not stumbling into local warungs or haggling at markets here. The area was purpose-built for international tourism, which means pristine beaches, manicured lawns, and restaurants where the menus have English translations and the prices reflect resort-area economics. If you want authentic Balinese chaos, you’ll need to leave the bubble. If you want to relax without worrying about dodging scooters or navigating unmarked roads, The Kempsinki in Nusa Dua’s Sawangan area delivers exactly that.

Getting To The Apurva Kempinski Bali

The hotel is roughly 16 kilometers from Ngurah Rai International Airport, about a 30-minute drive through Jimbaran and along the Bukit Peninsula coastline. The resort offers official airport transfers with two vehicle options:

• Toyota Alphard at IDR 1,210,000 per way per car (inclusive of tax)
• Toyota Innova at IDR 786,500 per way per car (inclusive of tax)

Both can be arranged through the hotel concierge before your arrival. The Alphard is the plusher option with more space, while the Innova works perfectly fine for couples or small families who don’t need the extra legroom.

That said, we opted for a more budget-friendly route and booked our transfer through Klook, which cost us between IDR 200,000 to 250,000. You can book a similar transfer through Klook here. The process was refreshingly simple: head to the Klook desk right outside the airport exit when you arrive, let them know you’re there, and they’ll arrange your driver. Within minutes, we were in a clean, air-conditioned car heading to the resort. The trade-off is you won’t get the cold towels and branded signage, but if you’re comfortable with a straightforward pickup, the savings speak for themselves.

Arrival, First Impressions and Check-In

Arriving at The Apurva Kempinski is nothing short of spectacular. The entrance alone is imposing in the best possible way, the kind of grand statement that immediately signals you’re not checking into just another beach resort. Driving through the covered tunnel with trailing plants cascading from above felt like passing through a portal into another world, which sounds dramatic but accurately captures the transition from regular Bali traffic to this meticulously crafted environment.

We pulled up to the lobby just before 1:00 PM, and the handoff process began immediately. A staff member with an iPad greeted us at the car, scanned for our reservation, and once confirmed, we were passed to another team member who walked us through the lobby to reception. From that first iPad scan, every single staff member we encountered already knew our names and reservation details. We never had to repeat ourselves once. It was impressively choreographed, the kind of well-oiled operation that only comes from serious training and attention to detail.

Check-in was straightforward and informative. The front desk staff provided us with a property map, hotel information, and most importantly, a clear breakdown of what our Luxury Escapes package included. Since we arrived at 12:45 PM, well before the standard 3:00 PM check-in time, they offered us complimentary coffee at the outdoor cafe overlooking the entire property. We accepted, found a table with a view, and started to appreciate just how massive this resort actually is. The view from the lounge is incredible, with sweeping views of not only the resort property but the horizon, beach, ocean and neighboring hotels.

After coffee, we decided to explore and make our way to the main pool. This is where things got slightly less smooth. We weren’t given any directions for navigating the property, and we quickly got lost. We took an elevator down thinking it would lead to the pool level, but instead ended up at the Cliff Lounge. Staff redirected us back up to the lobby, but the signage wasn’t exactly present for first-timers. We wandered a bit more, stumbled upon the Pilates room, and eventually found the correct bank of elevators to reach the ground floor.

It’s the kind of confusion that’s almost inevitable in a property this big, but a bit more guidance at check-in would have saved us some aimless wandering.

Once we finally made it down and exited the level one elevator, we were greeted by a perfectly timed golf buggy. The resort runs a complimentary golf buggy service to help guests navigate the sprawling property, and we happily accepted the ride toward the main pool. After checking out the pool area, we wandered over to the beach and settled in at the Reef Beach Club on the oceanfront to grab some lunch.

Around 2:30 PM, we received a WhatsApp message that our room was ready. We were mid-lunch at the Reef Club on the beach by then, so we asked for our bags to be delivered to the room while we finished eating. When we eventually made our way back to reception and then to our room, we were reminded just how much ground this resort covers. The walk from the beach club to reception, including elevator waits, is not insignificant. If you’re staying here, expect to rack up your daily step count just moving between facilities.

The Property and Grounds

The overall aesthetic at The Apurva Kempinski is luxurious grandeur dialed up to maximum volume. The lobby alone is enormous, an open-air space that lives up to the resort’s “open-air theatre” description. It’s not just a place to check in and move through; it’s a destination in itself, the kind of space designed to make you stop and stare.

The Grand Staircase is the undisputed star of the property. This 250-step cascading water feature is visible from multiple vantage points across the resort, and it absolutely commands your attention. Whether you’re at the lobby level looking down, at the beach looking up, or somewhere in between, the staircase draws your eye. It’s dramatic, photogenic, and unapologetically grand. We watched countless guests pause mid-walk just to take it in or line up for photos at various levels.

The tropical gardens throughout the property are impeccably manicured and maintained. This isn’t the wild, overgrown jungle aesthetic you might find at some Bali resorts. These are luxury resort gardens on a scale large enough to feel like you’re wandering through a botanical garden. The landscaping is lush with tropical plants, palms, frangipani trees, and bougainvillea trailing over walkways. Everything is green, healthy, and clearly tended to with serious attention to detail.

The terraced design means the property unfolds in layers as you move from the clifftop lobby down toward the beach. Different levels are connected by a combination of elevators, staircases, and those helpful golf buggies we mentioned earlier. Water features appear throughout, from small fountains tucked into garden corners to the dramatic cascades that define the property’s vertical architecture. The effect is cooling both literally and aesthetically, especially in Bali’s heat.

The lobby also houses an art gallery showcasing traditional and contemporary Indonesian art. It’s a nice touch that adds cultural context beyond the resort bubble, though we’ll admit we spent more time admiring the architecture than the art itself. The entire property feels cohesive in its design language, pulling from Javanese palace aesthetics without veering into theme park territory. It’s ornate but somehow still elegant, over-the-top but intentionally so.

The Rooms at The Apurva Kempinski Bali

The Apurva Kempinski Bali has 465 rooms, suites, and villas spread across the property, broken down into three main categories. At the entry level are the Grand Deluxe Rooms, all 80 square meters and spread across eight buildings closest to the main pool and beach area. These Grand Deluxe Rooms at Apurva Kempinski are largely similar in layout, though some differ in their views, and 48 ground-floor units have direct access to a shared lagoon pool right off their balconies. Beyond the rooms are 176 suites with private pools at The Apurva Kempinski, and at the top tier are 43 villas, also with private pools.

We booked a Grand Deluxe Room for our stay and attempted to upgrade to a suite at check-in, but the hotel was fully booked due to a wedding. We stayed in the Grand Deluxe Room, and honestly, even at this base level, the space didn’t disappoint.

Our room was located on what’s listed as the fifth floor, though in reality it’s the fourth floor. The number four is considered unlucky in Chinese culture, so it’s omitted throughout the property. You won’t find a fourth floor, fourteenth floor, or even a thirteenth floor anywhere in the resort. Our room faced away from the pool area toward the neighboring Ritz-Carlton, which meant we missed out on ocean or pool views but gained a bit more privacy and quiet.

At 80 square meters, these rooms are genuinely spacious, even by luxury resort standards. The centerpiece is a large, plush king bed positioned in the middle of the room. There’s a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, a sitting area with a comfortable couch, and a separate working desk with another flat-screen TV. The entrance hallway is separate and leads into a large walk-in robe that could comfortably fit several suitcases with room to spare.

The bathroom is equally impressive in size, separated from the main room by heavy sliding doors. A freestanding bathtub sits next to the window, offering relaxing views while you soak, though we’ll get to the window situation in a moment. The double vanity and double mirrors gave us plenty of personal space for getting ready without fighting over sink territory. The toilet deserves its own mention as possibly the most futuristic toilet we’ve encountered in a hotel: automatic lid and seat, bidet functions, seat warming, automatic flushing, dryer, and probably a few other features we didn’t discover during our stay. The walk-in shower delivered excellent water pressure, which is always appreciated after a day at the beach.

However, the bathroom does have one noticeable oversight: the windows aren’t tinted. Anyone outside with a view of our room could theoretically see straight in. There’s a roller blind, but it’s a blackout blind, which means your only options are full privacy in complete darkness or no privacy with natural light. A sheer curtain or tinted glass would have been a more practical solution for maintaining privacy during the day without blocking all the light.

Our room did have a couple of downsides worth mentioning. The lighting was surprisingly dim, especially at night. There simply wasn’t enough artificial light to properly brighten the space, which made reading or getting ready after dark more challenging than it should have been. The air conditioning also struggled to keep up. Despite adjusting the thermostat multiple times, our room never quite reached the cool temperature we wanted, which is less than ideal in Bali’s tropical heat.

Interestingly, our friends stayed in a room on the opposite side of the property in the same Grand Deluxe category, and their experience was noticeably different. Their room had much brighter lighting and better-functioning air conditioning, plus a few other minor differences in fixtures and finishes. This led us to suspect that our building may have been built earlier in the construction process, with improvements made to later blocks. It’s a small detail, but one worth noting.

Overall, we found the rooms quite comfortable and an excellent size for our stay. The space never felt cramped, and there was plenty of room to spread out. One odd inconsistency we noticed was the soundproofing. The walls were well-insulated and we rarely heard neighbors through them, but the front door was a different story. We could occasionally hear people talking or moving around in the hallway, which felt like an unusual oversight given the otherwise high-quality construction throughout the rest of the room.

Amenities & Pools

The main pool at The Apurva Kempinski is the 60-meter centerpiece of the resort’s pool offerings, and the water temperature was spot-on during our stay. Scattered around the pool are sunlounges with umbrellas, though there aren’t quite enough to go around during peak times. By 10:00 or 10:30 AM, most of the prime spots were already claimed. Things freed up a bit from mid-afternoon onward, but if you’re particular about securing a good lounger with shade, an early start is essential.

The pool itself could have been a bit cleaner. We noticed a fair amount of floaties and debris in the water throughout our stay, which was a bit disappointing given the resort’s otherwise meticulous attention to detail. It wasn’t enough to keep us out of the pool, but it was noticeable and didn’t quite match the five-star standard set elsewhere on the property.

That said, the atmosphere around the pool was relaxing. Pool attendants circulated regularly, and ordering food and drinks was straightforward using QR codes that allowed us to charge everything directly to our room. The service was efficient without being intrusive, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to unwind.

The views from the pool are one of its strongest features. From the water, you can see the entire terraced property rising up the cliff, with the Grand Staircase cascading all the way up to the lobby. The infinity edge looks out toward the beach and ocean, creating that classic postcard-worthy perspective that justifies all those Instagram photos.

At the bottom of the Grand Staircase sits the kids’ pool, featuring shallower water designed for younger guests. There are slides, a small water park playground, and some cabanas nearby for parents who want shade while keeping an eye on their children. We didn’t spend much time here ourselves, but it looked well-designed for families and was consistently busy with kids throughout our stay.

Down at the beachfront, the Reef Beach Club has its own separate pool facing the Indian Ocean. The beach club offers sunbeds and cabanas on a first-come, first-served basis, and they fill up fast. If you want one of these prime spots, plan to get there early. Next to the beach club sits the actual beach, lined with rows of sunbeds and cabanas that are exclusive to Kempinski guests. The setup is generous compared to some resorts where beach real estate feels limited, and having the ocean right there adds another dimension to the pool-or-beach debate you’ll face every morning.

Activities

The hotel offers an impressive range of activities, split between complimentary options and paid experiences. The daily wellness and recreation schedule includes beach soccer and volleyball, gym classes, aquarobics, and water polo, all free for guests. If you’re willing to pay extra, there’s reformer Pilates and paddleboard yoga. The reformer Pilates studio has only three beds, so capacity is quite limited.

Beyond the fitness activities, the resort runs daily craft experiences including hand embroidery, watercoloring, and beading. These cultural workshops are a nice touch for anyone wanting to break up pool time with something more hands-on and creative. We didn’t participate ourselves, but it’s refreshing to see a resort offering activities beyond the standard water sports and gym classes.

For families, there’s a kids’ club located next to the kids’ pool, along with an outdoor playground. It’s conveniently positioned so parents can drop off the little ones and head back to the main pool for some child-free relaxation time, knowing the kids are entertained and well-supervised nearby.

The Gym At The Apurva Kempinski

The gym is located one floor below the lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out toward the beach, which makes treadmill sessions considerably more pleasant than staring at a wall. It’s a decent-sized facility, well-equipped for a hotel gym, with numerous treadmills and other cardio machines, dumbbells, benches, and most of the equipment you’d need for a solid workout. For a property this large, the gym is appropriately scaled and doesn’t feel like an afterthought squeezed into a basement corner.

There’s also a dedicated yoga and stretching room in the back, separate from the main gym floor, which is ideal if you want some space for mobility work or a quieter environment away from the cardio machines.

Dining

The Apurva Kempinski offers five main restaurants, each with its own distinct cuisine and atmosphere. Koral is the headliner, Bali’s only underwater restaurant built around a massive aquarium. Pala serves Indonesian and Indian cuisine, while Bai Yun focuses on Chinese dim sum and hot pot. Izakaya handles Japanese dining, and the Reef Beach Club offers beachfront casual dining with ocean views. There’s also a pool bar serving food similar to what you’ll find at the Reef Beach Club, plus in-room dining for those days when leaving your room feels like too much effort.

The variety is impressive for a resort, covering enough ground that you could theoretically eat all your meals on property without getting bored. We sampled several of the venues during our stay, though we didn’t make it to all of them.

Breakfast at Pala Rooftop and Bar

The main breakfast service runs at Pala, the Indonesian and Indian restaurant located in the middle of the hotel grounds. This is the biggest breakfast buffet on property and can get quite busy, especially as it approaches the 10:30 AM cutoff. If you prefer a quieter experience, arriving earlier in the service window is your best bet.

Breakfast is split between buffet and a la carte options. Coffees are ordered from your server, as are eggs prepared any way you like them: scrambled, fried, omelette, or whatever variation you’re craving that morning. The buffet portion is where things get impressive. The spread covers serious ground with stations offering Indian dosas, Indonesian nasi goreng, Chinese dishes, and more. Fresh juices and fruit, a full yogurt bar, fresh breads, freshly cooked waffles, pancakes, and pastries round out the options. It’s the kind of breakfast buffet where you could eat something completely different every morning and still not work through all the possibilities.

While Pala serves breakfast from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, there’s also breakfast available at the Reef Beach Club down by the beach from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM. We found the beach club significantly quieter, with what appeared to be a very similar offering. If you’re after a tranquil, peaceful breakfast with ocean views, that’s your spot.

We preferred eating at Pala, though. Yes, it got busy, but we went a bit earlier around 7:30 or 8:00 AM and found the vibe pleasant. The main reason we stuck with Pala was proximity to our room, but there’s also a practical advantage to the busier venue: higher guest turnover means higher turnover of food at the buffet, so everything tends to be fresher. It’s a small detail, but it makes a difference when you’re eating breakfast there every morning.

For those staying in club level rooms and cliff suites, there’s also breakfast available at the Cliff Lounge, which saves the trek all the way down to the main pool area. We didn’t have a club level room so can’t comment firsthand on this breakfast option, though we’d imagine it offers similar menu and offerings but with a quieter atmosphere, much like the Reef Beach Club alternative.

Dinner at Pala Rooftop and Bar

We returned to Pala for dinner one evening, where the Indonesian and Indian influences that show up at breakfast carry through to the dinner menu. The entire offering leans into these two cuisines, which worked perfectly for us since we were craving Indian food. We ordered curries, samosas, pani puri, and naan bread, and everything was delicious and filling. The flavors were well-executed, the portions were generous, and we left thoroughly satisfied. If you’re a fan of either Indonesian or Indian cuisine, Pala delivers on both fronts.

Izakaya by Oku

Izakaya by Oku became our go-to restaurant during our stay, so much so that we ended up dining there three nights out of our five at the Kempinski. That should tell you everything you need to know about the quality. The dragon roll sushi was excellent, the gyozas were some of the best we’ve had, and both the don bowls and ramen were amazing. The sashimi was notably fresh, which isn’t always a given at resort restaurants. We also tried the red sphere dessert, which was extremely tasty and a perfect way to end each meal. If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, Izakaya by Oku is well worth multiple visits.

Bai Yun

Bai Yun is the Chinese restaurant, located next to the lobby on the opposite wing from Izakaya by Oku. The lunch service features unlimited dim sum, while dinner shifts to hot pot. We went for the dim sum lunch on our second day, and the unlimited offering includes a generous variety of dishes with both fried and steamed dumplings.

The food was good, though I’ll be honest and say it wasn’t my personal favorite, mainly because I’m not a huge dim sum enthusiast to begin with. Jess, on the other hand, loves dim sum and thoroughly enjoyed the lunch. If you’re a fan of Chinese dim sum, you’ll likely find Bai Yun hits the spot. It comes down to personal preference more than execution.

Reef Beach Club

Reef Beach Club sits right on the beach, as the name would suggest, and serves an all-day menu filled with standard dishes alongside some Indonesian twists. You’ll find burgers, pizzas with the Apurva Kempinski’s Indonesian spin on some variations, grilled skewers like BBQ and salmon, slow-cooked ribs, plus rice and pasta dishes. The menu covers enough ground to satisfy most cravings without being overwhelming.

The food we tried here was great. The burger was excellent – perfectly balanced and tasty, hitting that satisfying comfort food spot, and the barramundi was perfectly cooked with the kind of flaky texture you hope for but don’t always get at casual beachfront venues.

In the evenings, live music sets the scene and adds to the beachfront atmosphere. One thing to note: while the beach setting is lovely, you won’t catch sunset views here. The resort sits on Bali’s eastern coast, so sunsets happen behind you rather than over the water. It’s worth knowing before you plan a romantic sunset dinner by the ocean.

The Reef Beach Club also supplies food and drink service to the Reef Club pool area and the beach itself, so you can order from the same menu whether you’re at a table, by the pool, or on a sunbed. Meanwhile, the pool bar handles food and beverage service for the main pool and kids’ pool areas with a similar menu.

L’Atelier by Cyril Kongo

L’Atelier by Cyril Kongo sits on the highest floor of the resort, offering an elevated lounge and bar experience with magnificent ocean views. Created by internationally acclaimed graffiti artist Cyril Kongo, the space embodies what he calls the “Kongo Lifestyle” — a fusion of art, luxury, and refined living. The lounge features Mediterranean tapas alongside crafted cocktails, premium spirits, Cuban cigars, and shisha. Live entertainment from resident pianists, DJs, and saxophonists creates an upscale atmosphere.

We stopped by for cocktails on our first evening, and the outdoor terrace is genuinely nice with sweeping views. Unfortunately, rain started shortly after we arrived, forcing us inside. The indoor space features a piano player singing live, which sounds lovely in theory but was far too loud for us to hold a conversation. We finished our drinks and left, and never returned during the rest of our stay.

The interior is plastered with graffiti-style art installations by Cyril Kongo, including ongoing works displayed throughout the space. If you’re a fan of urban street art aesthetics, you’ll likely appreciate the bold visual approach. It wasn’t exactly to our taste, but we can see it appealing to guests looking for something more contemporary and edgy than the traditional Balinese design found elsewhere on the property. The venue is excluded from most meal packages and is open daily from 5:00 PM to midnight.

Pool Bar

The main pool area has two bars positioned on either side near the beach, servicing the entire pool zone. Unlike the Reef Beach Club, the main pool area has QR codes at each sunlounger and umbrella, allowing you to order directly from your phone without needing to flag down staff. We found this system significantly better than the Reef Beach Club setup, where service could be inconsistent and we occasionally struggled to find someone to take our order when we were on the sunloungers.

The pool bar menu is similar but more leisure-focused, with relaxed pool food like standard burgers, pizza, drinks, and other casual items. While we appreciated the convenience and service efficiency of the pool bar, we still preferred spending our days at the Reef Beach Club for the cabanas and sunloungers, which felt more comfortable and had better positioning despite the slightly less efficient ordering system.

Koral Restaurant: Bali’s Underwater Dining Experience

Koral is The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s underwater aquarium restaurant and Bali’s first of its kind. Tables face large aquarium windows, and there are six coveted tables for two positioned in the tunnel underneath the aquarium, where you can watch fish swimming directly above you while you eat. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to dine at Koral Restaurant Bali as it was fully booked during our stay, which tells you something about its popularity.

This restaurant operates differently from the others on property. It requires non-refundable deposits and only offers set menus, with no option to just pop in for a casual drink. Every guest must be a fully paying patron. Restaurant tables start at IDR 1,200,000 per person minimum spend, while the tunnel tables, with their unique overhead aquarium views, are IDR 3,000,000 per person minimum spend. The restaurant is seafood-forward, with many fish dishes featured across the set menus. If Koral is on your must-do list, book before your stay, especially if you want one of those tunnel tables. Waiting until you arrive likely means missing out entirely.

Service

Service at The Apurva Kempinski was honestly a mixed bag, the kind of hit-or-miss experience that doesn’t quite match the five-star price tag. The arrival service was excellent and set a strong first impression with the seamless handoff system we mentioned earlier. Daily housekeeping and turndown service were provided throughout our stay, which was appreciated.

However, the consistency fell apart after that initial greeting. We called for ice to be delivered to our room and had to call again an hour later when nothing arrived. Our room was cleaned daily, but sometimes it took quite a while even though we’d switched on the “make up room” light at 8:00 AM. On the flip side, when we called maintenance to look at our struggling air conditioner, they came very promptly, so urgent requests seemed to get prioritized appropriately.

Service at the Reef Beach Club was particularly inconsistent. Sometimes it was great, and other times we couldn’t find anyone to take our order for extended periods, which was frustrating when you’re sitting on a sunlounger trying to flag someone down. Restaurant service at Pala, Izakaya by Oku, and Bai Yun was generally decent and more reliable than the pool and beach areas.

The service issues weren’t deal-breakers for us, but they were noticeable enough that we’d suggest the resort could benefit from some attention to staffing levels and response times, particularly in the outdoor dining and pool areas.

The Apurva Spa

The Apurva Spa is located below the lobby on level 15. I had a spa treatment included in our package, which was supposed to be a full-body massage, but it turned out to be quite different from what I expected. The treatment used a “zero gravity chair,” which is essentially just a recliner chair, and the experience was honestly a little odd.

The strangest part was the back massage portion. I had to lie on my side on this recliner chair to receive a back massage, which was awkward and not particularly effective. It’s a very different experience from a traditional massage table, and not in a good way. I was offered the opportunity to upgrade to a regular full-body massage on a proper table but declined because I was intrigued by the zero gravity chair concept. I can now confidently say it’s definitely not worth it. If you’re booking spa treatments here, opt for the proper massage and avoid the zero gravity chair experience.

The spa offers other treatments beyond massages, but we didn’t try them, so we can’t comment on those services. Based on the zero gravity experience alone, though, we’d recommend doing your research and asking specific questions about what type of equipment and techniques they’ll be using before booking.

Is The Apurva Kempinski Bali Worth It? Value for Money

We booked through a Luxury Escapes package, which included daily breakfast, a daily cocktail, the spa massage we just mentioned, and a choice of lunch or dinner each day at one of the restaurants excluding Koral and L’Atelier. The meal inclusions came with restricted menus rather than the full offerings, but we were still able to find good options that we enjoyed. Given that food prices at the Kempinski are quite high, the package represented decent value overall.

That said, if we were to do it again, we’d definitely opt to upgrade to a cliff room with lounge access. The cliff level includes daily cocktail hours from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and private pools in the suites, which would have been a more appealing perk than the restricted restaurant credits. Considering cocktails are also quite pricey at the resort, the included cocktail hours in the Cliff Lounge offer genuinely good value. The lounge access feels like it would offer better flexibility and overall value, especially if you’re planning to spend evenings relaxing at the resort rather than venturing out.

Who Should Book The Apurva Kempinski Bali

The Apurva Kempinski is extremely popular for weddings, with three on-site chapels and the kind of dramatic backdrops that wedding photographers dream about. If you’re planning a destination wedding or attending one here, the property is well-equipped to handle the entire experience.

Families will find plenty to love at this Nusa Dua family resort. The kids’ club, dedicated kids’ pool with slides and water playground, plus the range of activities make this a solid choice for parents traveling with children. The resort clearly caters to families, and there’s enough to keep younger guests entertained throughout the stay.

We met one family on our final day who are regulars at The Apurva Kempinski, and regularly vacation here as they enjoyed the luxury so much. Clearly it’s a favorite among many travelers, and for good reason.

We visited as an adult couple and had fun, but we certainly wished there was a section carved out specifically for adults. An adults-only pool would be highly beneficial, and converting the Reef Beach Club to adults-only would go a long way toward improving comfort for those without children. The main pool and beach areas can get quite family-focused, which may or may not align with what you’re looking for in a romantic Nusa Dua getaway. That said, booking a honeymoon villa Nusa Dua with a private pool helps alleviate this pain point significantly, giving you your own space to relax without the kid-friendly atmosphere.

For those looking for a relaxing resort vacation on sprawling grounds with extensive amenities, abundant dining options, and the ability to rarely leave the property, this is a great option. Just be clear on what kind of experience you’re after and book the right room category to match.

Best Time to Visit The Apurva Kempinski Bali

The best time to visit The Apurva Kempinski Bali depends on your priorities, but for optimal weather, plan your trip during Bali’s dry season from April to October. This period offers sunny days, lower humidity, and calm seas perfect for enjoying the pools and beach. May, June, and September are particularly ideal, delivering excellent weather without the peak crowds and inflated prices of July and August.

Dry Season (April – October): This is when Nusa Dua shines. Temperatures hover around 27-32°C (80-90°F) with minimal rainfall and pleasant ocean breezes. The resort’s clifftop infinity pool and beachfront areas are at their best during these months. July and August are peak tourist season, coinciding with Northern Hemisphere summer holidays and Australian winter breaks, so expect higher room rates and fully booked restaurants like Koral. If you want dry season weather without the crowds, aim for the shoulder months of April, May, September, or October.

Wet Season (November – March): The rainy season brings higher humidity and afternoon showers, with December and January seeing the most rainfall. However, rain typically comes in short bursts rather than all-day downpours, and you’ll often still get sunny mornings. The upside? Significantly lower prices, fewer crowds, and that lush tropical greenery Bali is famous for. The resort’s extensive covered areas and indoor dining venues make rainy afternoons manageable. One notable exception: Christmas and New Year is peak season despite being technically “rainy season,” with premium pricing and full occupancy.

Our recommendation: Book for May, June, or September for the sweet spot of great weather, reasonable crowds, and better value than peak season. If you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind occasional rain, February through early March or late October through November offer excellent deals with still-decent weather.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Apurva Kempinski Bali

How much does The Apurva Kempinski Bali cost per night?

Room rates at The Apurva Kempinski Bali vary significantly by season and room type. Grand Deluxe Rooms typically start from IDR 4,500,000-6,000,000 (approximately $280-$375 USD) per night during low season, while peak season rates can reach IDR 8,000,000+ ($500+ USD). Suites with private pools start around IDR 10,000,000 ($625 USD) per night. We recommend checking current rates on multiple platforms as prices fluctuate and packages often include valuable perks like breakfast and dining credits.

Is The Apurva Kempinski Bali worth the price?

It depends on what you’re looking for. The property is stunning with sprawling grounds, spacious rooms, and impressive architecture including the famous Grand Staircase. However, we found service to be inconsistent, food and beverage prices are high even for Bali, and there’s no adults-only pool area. If you book a suite with a private pool and club lounge access, the value proposition improves significantly. For a base-level Grand Deluxe Room, consider whether you’ll fully utilize the resort amenities to justify the premium pricing. We gave it an overall rating of 8.0/10.

How far is The Apurva Kempinski Bali from the airport?

The hotel is 16 kilometers from Ngurah Rai International Airport, approximately 30 minutes by car depending on traffic. The hotel offers official airport transfers with Toyota Innova at IDR 786,500 or Toyota Alphard at IDR 1,210,000, but we recommend booking through Klook for IDR 200,000-250,000 instead, which is significantly cheaper and equally reliable.

Does The Apurva Kempinski have a private beach?

Yes, the resort has its own private beach exclusive to hotel guests, lined with sunbeds and cabanas. The Reef Beach Club sits right on the beach with a separate pool, dining, and bar service. However, note that the resort is on Bali’s eastern coast, so you won’t get sunset views over the ocean. The beach access is one of the property’s highlights, offering a nice alternative to the main pool area.

Do I need to book Koral Restaurant in advance?

Absolutely yes. Koral Restaurant, Bali’s only underwater aquarium restaurant, gets fully booked quickly, especially the six tunnel tables with overhead aquarium views. We couldn’t get a reservation during our stay despite trying. Book before you arrive at the hotel, ideally when you make your room reservation. Regular tables have a minimum spend of IDR 1,200,000 per person, while tunnel tables are IDR 3,000,000 per person. The restaurant only accepts set menus and requires non-refundable deposits.

Is The Apurva Kempinski good for families with kids?

Yes, this is one of the best family resorts in Nusa Dua. There’s a dedicated kids’ club next to the kids’ pool, a kids’ pool with slides and water playground, daily activities including crafts and sports, and spacious rooms that accommodate families comfortably. Many suites and villas work well for larger families. However, if you’re a couple without children, be aware that the resort caters heavily to families and there’s no adults-only pool area, which can impact the atmosphere.

What restaurants are at The Apurva Kempinski Bali?

The resort has five main restaurants: Koral (underwater seafood restaurant), Pala Rooftop and Bar (Indonesian and Indian cuisine), Bai Yun (Chinese dim sum and hot pot), Izakaya by Oku (Japanese), and Reef Beach Club (international beachfront dining). There’s also a pool bar serving food similar to the Reef Beach Club menu and in-room dining available. We particularly loved Izakaya by Oku and ate there three times during our five-night stay. The gyozas and dragon roll sushi were standout dishes.

Should I upgrade to a suite with a private pool?

If you’re traveling as a couple, we’d strongly recommend it. The lack of an adults-only pool means the main pool can get crowded with families and children. Having a private pool gives you your own peaceful space to relax. Additionally, cliff suites come with club lounge access including daily cocktail hours from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, which offers excellent value given the resort’s high drink prices. The lounge access alone can save you significant money during your stay.

What’s the best time to visit The Apurva Kempinski Bali?

For optimal weather, visit during the dry season from April to October. The sweet spot is May, June, or September when you get great weather without peak season crowds and prices. Avoid July and August unless you book well in advance, as these months see the highest occupancy and room rates. The wet season from November to March offers lower prices but expect afternoon rain showers. December and January are exceptions, with peak pricing despite being rainy season due to holiday travel.

How easy is it to get taxis from The Apurva Kempinski?

Getting transportation from the resort is very easy. There are always numerous taxis parked right out front waiting for fares, so we never had any issues getting a taxi quickly when we wanted to explore outside the resort. The hotel can also arrange private car hire if you prefer, though the readily available taxis at the entrance are convenient and reasonably priced for trips around Nusa Dua and beyond.

Can I walk to other hotels or restaurants from The Apurva Kempinski?

The resort is somewhat isolated in Sawangan, southern Nusa Dua. The Ritz-Carlton is next door, and you could walk to Geger Beach about 2 kilometers away, but most attractions and dining outside the resort require transportation. The Bali Collection Shopping Centre is 3.9 kilometers away. This is designed as a destination resort where most guests stay on property for their entire visit, which explains the extensive dining and amenity offerings.

Have questions about The Apurva Kempinski Bali? We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below if you’re planning a trip.

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