When we tend to think of Nusa Dua, we tend to think big. That’s because this part of Bali is home to some of the largest international resorts on the island, but The Bale is playing a different game.
There are just 29 pavilions (villas), each with its own pool at The Bale, and they are looking to court an adults-only crowd, which sets it apart again from the family-friendly resorts that line the shores of Nusa Dua beach.
Our team was intrigued by the prospect of something a little different in Nusa Dua, and they were very happy to pack their review kit and head to The Bale, and this is what they discovered.
Our In-Depth Assessment Of The Bale
We always use the same process to conduct all of our reviews. This involves using a standard set of criteria in order to be fair to the properties and to give our readers a consistent method of comparing properties.
Hotel Type: Luxury Villas
Area of Bali: Nusa Dua
Star Rating: 5-star
Typical Minimum Price per Night: 6,500,000 IDR (approx. $400 USD or $650 AUD) per night, this may vary depending on room type of time of year
The Bale Address: Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363
The Bale Website: Lifestyle Retreats
Room Types: Single Pavilion, Double Pavilion, Single Deluxe Pavilion
Facilities: Faces Restaurant, Tapa Bistro, Romantic Dining, Cooking Classes, Gym, Free Gym Training Sessions, Split-Level Pool, Library, Spa
This excellent resort features in our list of the very best adults-only places here in Bali, check it out! It’s also one our selections for the best villas in Bali! And, to add further laurels to the wreath, our reviewers picked it as one of the best places to stay in Nusa Dua too!
Cleanliness and Maintenance
It’s kind of hard to keep villas in an immaculate condition, particularly when you take into account the outdoor areas, but the staff here do a good job of keeping most of the dust at bay.
The maintenance team also appear to be on the ball, and we had no issues that required their attention during our stay.
Sleep Quality
It will depend on the time of year, but in the rainy season, mosquitoes can be a bit of a pain in the bedrooms here.
Otherwise, the beds are big, comfortable, and there’s very little noise or light to interrupt a night’s sleep.
Staff Attitude And Service Culture
The staff are exceptional at The Bale, they’re all focused on ensuring that your every need is met and nothing seems to be too much effort when a request is made.
We never encountered a situation where the staff weren’t empowered to resolve the issue we brought up, either.
Check-in/Check-out Experience
They have their own app at The Bale, and it’s awesome. It handles everything from check-in to booking a car. You can’t go wrong with this, and we’d love to see more hotels in Bali adopt this.
Bathroom Quality & Functionality
The bathrooms are absolutely excellent, and they’re more than big enough, and the water is powerful enough, too.
We liked the provided toiletries and thought the towels were a lot above average.
Value For Money
We thought The Bale represented fair value for money. We weren’t left stunned by amazing value, but nor did we feel ripped off in any way.
Food And Beverage Execution
The restaurant and bistro at The Bale offer a wide range of both Western and Indonesian cuisine, and much to the delight of one of our team, it wasn’t a plant-based menu, either.
We all felt that the food and drinks were good enough that you’d come here just for the restaurant, even if you weren’t staying on the premises.
Location & Immediate Surroundings
The Bale is in Nusa Dua, one of the most attractive parts of Bali. However, it’s very spread out, and it’s not easy to get around without transportation.
We’d also note that it’s hard to get to much of the rest of Bali from Nusa Dua due to both geography and traffic conditions.
Facilities & Amenities Vs Promise
We felt that the facilities and amenities promised were provided and that they were of a good standard without being spectacular.
Overall “Personality”
The Bale concept is really nice, and you’re going to fill your Instagram feed with lots of lovely photos and we think you’ll remember time at this resort long into the future, too.
It feels like Bali and in all the ways that matter.
Summary: Our Overview Of The Bale
The Bale is ideal for a honeymoon getaway, or a Valentine’s Day celebration, or to rekindle a romance that’s been left to one side in the hustle and bustle of working life.
Think privacy, luxury and good times, and you’re thinking along the right lines. It’s important to stress, though, that this isn’t a place for everyone, and if you don’t fall into the target market, you might want to pick somewhere else to stay, or you might feel like the odd one out during social events.
Grading: Excellent/Highly Recommended
You might also want to check out Grand Hyatt Bali and Renaissance Bali, two superlatively good hotels in the same area.
FAQs
Is The Bale Family Friendly?
No, while most resorts in Nusa Dua are family-friendly, The Bale is an adults-only venue, and children will be turned away.
The concept is aimed at couples seeking a romantic break from it all, and kids running around would probably spoil that vibe.
Don’t worry, though, if you have your heart set on Nusa Dua, there are dozens of child-friendly establishments to choose from. This area has most of the major international hotel brands lining the shores.
Final Thoughts On The Bale
The Bale is a really pleasant getaway for a romantic break. The entire resort is tailored to couples, and the individual pavilions offer genuine privacy and a sense of comfortable relaxation.
Having your own pool to share with that someone special is always a nice touch, as is the romantic dining option under the stars.
However, if you’re not in a romantic couple, this is probably not going to be the ideal choice of hotel for you. Don’t worry, there are plenty of other options in Bali for you to enjoy instead.
