I’ve never seen anything quite like this. Not that the property rendered me speechless. Rather, I marvelled at how a resort could so adeptly cater to every age, and expertly execute an all-inclusive within the context of luxury. The revamp of Meliá Bali into Paradisus by Meliá Bali is more significant than making a name longer and fancier.
Besides denoting expansion, upgrading, and elevated hospitality; it’s meaningful that the first outpost of the brand in Asia now holds the title as the first Paradisus in the region. The lobby’s majestic Balinese ceiling artwork is retained from day one in 1985.
Guests like it here so much that a dedicated Facebook group for them exists. An Aussie gentleman allegedly visits annually 40 years and counting (lore has it that he created said group). It’s a huge establishment spanning 492 suites, including seven garden villas; made only larger with the massive variety of facilities.
Most notably, its own waterpark. A karaoke room, a spa with a hot jacuzzi and cold plunge–on top of steam and sauna rooms–, a number of sports courts, and a daycare with nannies. A total of eight dining venues and three bars. Pro tip: should you feel lost, there’s a map by the main pool.
All-day dining Malva does classic international (equipped with a playroom for the little ones). Kanna Beach Restaurant plates up South-American-inspired flair on its rooftop terrace and beachfront locale. Samira marks the only Middle Eastern joint in this town serving authenticity, complete with shisha lounge; while sushi and robatayaki are the specialties for Tokimeku. Arum pairs local cuisine with daily cultural performances and The Shack provides light poolside bites.
Kopi Petani is where you grab coffee and pastries. The Ginger Bar, The Mixton Bar, and The Deck Beach Bar essentially offer boozies throughout the day to evening, just at different spots. Not that it’s a competition, but Peseta wins hearts and stomachs for traditional Spanish recipes (oh the Iberian Charcuterie Board! The Pintxo! The Manchego & Jamon Croquetas!).
Have you lost count yet? It’s a useful touch that you can access all menus from your hotel TV guide. Finally, Sante devotes refined fare for The Reserve guests, and as beneficiary I’d say it’s chef’s kiss. Apart from peaceful dining, The Reserve also grants access to adults-only pool and cabanas.
This is likely because families are at the forefront here. Family Concierge, as one might guess, is a service specially designed for families. Its exclusive check-in area doubles as an afternoon tea lounge with a children’s playground. Teenagers aren’t stragglers with a Teens Club that houses a bowling alley (yep) and physical games to foster real-life interactions in lieu of the screens they’re usually saturated with.
Three timetables of daily activities run simultaneously: kids, teens, and adults. The Destination Inclusive® program features curated activities both inside and outside the resort. Altogether, this means a household can pretty much just show up without having to worry about itinerary, keeping each family member entertained, or the most crucial—running out of food options.
Rooms spare no expense proving this point. Family Concierge suites are fitted with bunk beds or a decked out tent; while The Reserve rooms keep you away from other people’s offspring screaming and splashing in the shared lagoon. Between that block and the private villas is a quiet spot to catch a tan, albeit oddly placed for directly facing the guest rooms.
An alternative spot to chill is hidden in plain sight. Best enjoyed in the evening, take the stone pathway that crosses over the central ponds. You’ll find simple benches to sit and soak in the unique ambience of a Paradisus hotel.
