When Culture and Modernity Meet: Melia Bali Resort

 

Nusa Dua is no different than many other tourist destinations. A carefully orchestrated dance of resorts, tour operators, and shops vying for tourist dollars. Largely devoid of any true culture or authenticity. But tucked away within this vacuum, is Melia Bali Villas & Spa Resorts. A resort which not only offers guest fantastic value, but a look at true Balinese hospitality.

As the first hotel in Asia to achieve EarthCheck Platinum for environmental management and sustainability, Melia Bali not only is great for your vacation budget, but for sustainable tourism as well. Which is all the more impressive given they have 494 rooms, which includes 56 Lagoon Suites and 10 Private villas spread across 24 acres of stunning landscape. Melia Bali is an excellent value for Bali vacationers offering outstanding accommodations, customer service, and cultural experiences. And their leading product is the outstanding experience at The LEVEL.

 

The LEVEL Experience

Designed for those with discerning taste, The Level experience combines customized service with superior amenities to create a unique experience. The highlight of which is located at The Level lounge. The Level Lounge acts as a hub for all of the Level services. From event and tour booking through a personal concierge, to complimentary cocktail hours each day. This is the way to experience Bali.

 

Our host at The Level was fluent in five languages including English and German. One of the attendants had recently returned from hospitality training in the US and it definitely showed. Top shelf service from start to finish. The Villas and Lagoon Duplex Suites come with personalized butler service as well. 

 

Some other services include a private Villa pool on property (adults only), private beach and cabana access, tea time at the Villa Pool, and your choice of three different breakfast locations. Bali is a truly wonderful place on its own. But The LEVEL adds to an already excellent experience. 

 

My Lagoon Room

I’ve stayed in some really cool rooms over the years but this one is near the top. You have direct access to your own private lagoon. No, you aren’t walking out of your front door. You just walk off your patio into the water. Combine that with the exclusivity of the Level experience and you have a recipe for serenity.

 

 

Lagoon Rooms act almost as a double room. They include an impressive office area, complete with espresso bar and pull out sofa bed, which is almost the same size as the main room area. This offers convenience for those with children or like me who work remotely. Complimentary turn down service and VERY fast wifi for Bali, complete an excellent room offering.

 

Balinese Service

Unfortunately I wasn’t very well acquainted with Balinese service prior to arriving at Melia Bali. That changed quickly. What may surprise some western guest is how overly enthusiastic Balinese are when helping guest. It’s quite endearing. A level of service only matched by Thai hospitality. The team at Melia Bali place customer service above all else. From the concierge to the maintenance crew, you feel that everyone truly cares about your comfort at Melia Bali.

 

 

This point can’t be understated because a quality staff is the foundation of a great vacation property. For English speaking natives you’ll have little issues with a language barrier as the staff speaks several languages proficiently across the property.

I was especially impressed with the restaurant teams across the property. If anything was wrong or not to the guest liking, it was immediately addressed. Rare at a property of this size and much appreciated. 

 

Villa Access and YHI Spa

Let’s start with my favorite additional facility. YHI Spa. I won’t go into all the details here, as I have a separate review coming, but to say I was impressed would be an understatement. This was only my second Balinese massage and it was just great. Relaxing environment, private room, and great service. The real highlight was the room. Instead of the often cheesy “massage” music, they have a large waterfall in the room. The sound just transports you away. With your choice of three soothing oils, your therapist uses just the right amount of pressure to loosen up those muscles.

 

 

More like a room type, the Villas are a sight to see. Set up as individual residences on a private part of the property, Melia’s Villas are an exclusive retreat for those willing to pay the price. Set up similar to a traditional Balinese home, at 350 square meters, these rooms are massive. Including full access to The Level service, in addition to a private pool within the Villa grounds, guest definitely get their money’s worth.

 

Who Should Stay Here?

One of the few properties where I can honestly say everyone. From families on their first holiday, to couples on their honeymoon. Melia Bali has something to accommodate everyone for the most part. Even 20 something partiers will find plenty of places along the beautiful Nusa Dua coastline to party into the night. Melia Bali is truly a gem among Nua Dua luxury resorts.