The hotel began operating since December 2018 but officially opened to public in February 2019. I was lucky enough to be able to experience the hotel during their pre-opening in December 2018 where only some exclusive groups were invited and hosted to get a feel of the hotel. We were given the full experience from accommodation, dining to spa. I had a very good impression and fell in love with the hotel. Exactly a year later in last December, I decided to come back.

One of the most memorable experiences at this hotel was its grand hotel lobby. The drop-off area was not that spacious but as you walk into the lobby, you would feel as if you're walking in a traditional royal residence. The main lobby was stunning with high wooden pillars. I was told that they were inspired by the Javanese history, Majapahit. For me, however, that majestic, elegant interior somehow told me as if I were in Middle East. The lobby was very spacious and without their Guest Relation Officer (GRO), we might be lost not knowing where to do the check-in etc.

The GRO was equipped with a tablet where they could immediately check your booking on the spot to ensure where they should escort you to check-in. For suite guests, the walk was quite long. From the lobby, I was escorted to the special elevator, went down to level 14 (if I'm not mistaken) to check-in. While waiting for the my room key, a dedicated 'Lady in Red' once in a while came to me to ensure everything was okay and I was comfortable. The check-in counter was at the Cliff Lounge - a place where suite guests could enjoy afternoon tea and free flow beverages. Click here to see the full schedule and what they offer at Cliff Lounge. Apart from the dedicated concierge and Lady in Red to cater to your individual needs, suite guests would also have access to the Cliff Lounge and Cliff Lounge Infinity and Hydro Jet Pools.

I booked the Cliff Private Pool Ocean Junior Suite which offer 100 sqm of premium accommodation with a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean. It was spectacular and actually too big for two. The bathroom was about one fourth of the whole suite. The bathtub was just next to the glass window perfect for those who would like to take Instagram-worthy images during the golden hour. And the view, ahh, it made me fall in love. The room and the pool was separated by a glass sliding door and hence, I was able to enjoy the ocean view right from my bed. On the outside area, there were two pool chaise lounges. With all of these, I cancelled all of my plans outside the hotel and just spent the rest of the day inside the property.

The main pool was very crowded in the afternoon. Although there are so many pool chaise lounges in every corner which seem to be enough for everyone, it's just not really comfortable to hear children screaming while you're planning to enjoy the sunset skies by the pool with your favourite book. In the centre area of the pool, guests were like queueing to take photos with the background of the 'never-ending' staircases - inspired by the largest and most holiest temple in Bali, Pura Besakih. Come in the morning at 8 AM and the pool is all yours.

The beach was not that compelling to me. I am such a beach person. I very adore Geger Beach and knowing that the hotel is still on the same shoreline with Geger Beach, at first I was so excited and planned to spend time by the beach. However, I changed my mind after seeing the beach situation which was totally different from Geger Beach.

As I had cancelled my plans and already asked the driver to go home early, I booked Pala Restaurant for dinner. It's an international buffet restaurant which was the most perfect solution for me. Actually, I wanted to experience their newly opened underwater restaurant - Koral. However, the set menu was all seafood and they could not really change the menu for guest with special dietary request - I do not eat seafood. Sad. Breakfast was also good; we could enjoy buffet and order a la carte menu. The options, however, are not that many but it was enough. My overall dining experience was just o-kay. 

NEVERTHELESS, my stay experience was great. When it comes to the hotel design, The Apurva Kempinski won my heart. I always love a brand that has stories behind it which make them to be who they are. Will I come back to the hotel? Yes, definitely for sure. 

The Apurva Kempinski Bali contact details:

Website: https://www.kempinski.com/en/bali/the-apurva-kempinski-bali/

Reservation Agent Email: reservation.bali@kempinski.com 

Phone Number: +62 361 209 2288