Bali dream holiday: Kayumanis, Nusa Dua review
When you work in travel it’s really difficult to sell holidays in beautiful destinations without splurging and booking one (or two) for yourself. You’ve got to learn about what you’re selling, right?! My recent ‘research’ trip was a 10-day jaunt to Bali, Indonesia.
I’ll go into detail about the first half of the trip in my coming posts, but first let me tell you about an incredible resort that I had the pleasure of spending time (and money) in.
I didn’t realise when I booked, but the Kayumanis brand is kind of a big deal. With properties in Ubud, Sanur, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua, Kayumanis is well-known for being super lush. Having stayed there I can see why so many couples choose it as their wedding (and honeymoon) venue.
Here are my top reasons to book a dream holiday at Kayumanis, Nusa Dua:
The villas
I’d better start by saying that we get an upgrade, but it wouldn’t matter which villa we stay in because they’re all beautiful. We’re led into Merbau (a native Indonesian tree) to find two straw-roofed huts: one our bedroom and bathroom, and the other our living room. What has my attention, though, is the huge pool that’s all ours for the next week! A very welcome addition, as it’s 34 degrees and super sticky outside.
Our butler Samuel gives us the grand tour of the villa. There’s a large outdoor bathroom complete with rain shower, while inside is a huge four-poster bed that’s exactly what’s needed after an exhausting day of massages and drinking cocktails. There’s also a complimentary minibar that’s restocked daily, as well as a bowl of local fruit, homemade cinnamon cookies, and peanuts to snack on.
The bathroom
Our living room
The best thing about our stay is the privacy. High walls enclose our villa and guarantee no sticky-beaking from neighbours – although, with the resort being so well-designed, we hardly notice the other guests anyway.
The facilities
Another ‘wow’ moment is when we discover Kayumanis’ beach club. Nestled between Sofitel Bali and The Westin Resort, the club is smaller in comparison, but with massages, cold drinks and comfy sun lounges on offer, what else could you possibly need? We spend countless hours here reading our books, drinking cold Bintangs and admiring the view.
Yes, someone is getting a massage out there
After breakfast (complimentary and a la carte, in case you were wondering), we borrow a couple of bikes from reception and hit the road. We ride around the main part of Nusa Dua and along the shoreline, which takes about an hour. The beach seems endless – the white sands and clear blue water are stunning, and it’s a nice, flat ride past all beach clubs and friendly massage ladies.
Hot tip: Wear sunscreen! Even though we leave at 7am to beat the heat, we still get scorched. Oops.
Mr LML goes biking
If you’re feeling hungry, Kayumanis Nusa Dua has two restaurants: Piasan, which serves Italian, and Tetaring, which serves Indonesian. You can dine in at either or order room service. We did both, and highly recommend trying both restaurants.
Piasan
Not a bad spot
The daily high tea is also worth a mention. Available between 2:30pm and 5:30pm each day, you can indulge at the restaurant or in your living room. We’re excited by the selection of local treats that changes daily – no menu fatigue here!
Yum!
The staff
From the moment we arrive to when we leave, the staff are great. At check-in we’re given some basic Indonesian words and salutations that the staff will use with us and vice versa. It’s encouraged that all guests of Kayumanis immerse themselves in Indonesian culture – a bit of a change from touristy Seminyak. Throughout our stay we are constantly greeted by smiling staff as we walk through the resort.
Main pool area
The other residents of Nusa Dua are just as friendly. I must admit I’m a little surprised when I first spot the squirrels – and there are loads of them. You only have to look up to spot them playing in the trees. They’re super cute and very happy to pop by to say hello.
We have a visitor!
Proximity to everything
You could be mistaken for thinking you’re in the middle of nowhere when you stay in Nusa Dua, but it’s actually quite central to a lot of places. Not only is it a 15-minute drive from the airport and a 30-minute drive from Seminyak, but it’s also close to tourist faves Jimbaran and Uluwatu.
Plus did I mention that Kayumanis offers free airport transfers and has a complimentary shuttle that will drive you anywhere around Nusa Dua and Jimbaran? That’s value right there.
A perfectly timed sunset shot
I recommend enjoying some local seafood on Jimbaran Beach as you watch the sun go down. It’s true what they say about sunsets in Bali – you never get tired of them. Another favourite of ours is Blue Point in Uluwatu. Again, visiting at dusk is pretty special, but it’s also a hot surfing spot if you’re that way inclined (one day I’ll learn).
A delicious spread!
Hot tip: It’s tricky to get taxis out of Uluwatu, so your best bet is to ask your driver to wait for you. Make sure your driver uses the meter – the waiting charge should cost 40,000 IDR/hour (approx. AU$4).
Single Fin, Uluwatu
Sunset in Uluwatu
I could keep going all day, but I think I’ve pretty well summed up Kayumanis, Nusa Dua for you. So, what are you waiting for?
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