Hilton Bali Resort

Perched atop a 130-foot cliff, Hilton Bali Resort takes full advantage of its seafront location. An interconnected set of swimming pools winds its way through the lush tropical gardens and grounds, with a huge lagoon section providing sweeping sea views. The shimmering turquoise pool water, lawns dotted with palm trees and flower patches, and stark-white buildings with clay-tile roofs combine in stunning fashion. Inside, the public spaces and rooms have a contemporary Balinese feel with natural stone and teak wood accents, clean-lined earth tone furnishings, and bright pops of pink and gray. Many couples arrive for the extensive wedding facilities and blissful beach. But the Hilton Bali Resort also stands out among island resorts for its attention to families with kids. The jungle-style playground, with its rock walls dripping in vines, is particularly impressive. The resort also draws a fairly large conference crowd, however, which can upset the vibe among vacationers, according to previous guests. Note that work is ongoing, and guests complain of general wear and tear throughout the property.

Hilton Bali Resort is on a well-maintained road dotted with some of southern Bali’s largest resorts and a handful of restaurants. The area is quite arid and hot, and the land on either side of the road is rather bare. This is the southern end of Nusa Dua, and guests will have to drive to get pretty much anywhere of interest. The resort doesn't offer shuttle service, but does arrange taxis in the lobby. It's a five-minute drive to Pura Geger temple, perched on a cliff overlooking Geger Beach, as well as to Nusa Dua Beach. The major Nusa Dua attractions are a little far from the resort. The Bali Collection high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment center is a 10-minute drive away. The Nusa Dua Theatre, featuring the Devdan dancing and acrobatic show, is just over 10 minutes by car. Both the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center and Museum Pasifika, a museum of Pacific Island art, are a 10-minute drive away. Situated about a 15-minute drive from the resort, the Water Blow is a rock formation frequently pummeled by huge waves. About 25 minutes away by car is Tanjung Benoa beach, which offers water sports and sea turtle watching. Ngurah Rai International Airport is 25 minutes from the Hilton Bali Resort.

Rooms are clean and spacious with an upscale, contemporary Balinese look. A palette of beige and brown sees pops of red, turquoise, gold, and multicolor stripe patterns. There are artful and carved-wood accents in some rooms, and lovely natural light filters through most. However, many guests feel that the room furniture and furnishings could stand an update, complaining of general wear and tear. Rooms, Suites, and Villas are situated in different wings, and come in a wide variety of configurations. The lower-category rooms have balconies or terraces with sea or garden views. Handsome writing desks, air-conditioning, wicker armchairs, and flat-screen TVs up the comfort level and come standard across all categories. There are empty mini-fridges and coffee/tea facilities as well. Marble bathrooms are equipped with separate showers and deep soaking tubs. Cozy bathrobes and slippers are provided, as are safes. 

Pricier rooms may have living and/or dining rooms, and better tech features such as DVD players and iPod docks. These rooms also have upgraded wall art, with interesting canvases depicting Balinese scenes complementing the color palettes in the furnishings and providing a bit of local flavor. Family Rooms come with bunk beds, toys and video games, and children's movies and books. Executive rooms offer access to the Executive Lounge for extras like evening cocktails and a private infinity pool. Premium category Villas offer living and dining rooms, kitchenettes, walk-in closets, lush gardens with private swimming pools, bathrooms with open showers, and 24-hour butler service with limited free ironing services. A stay in the villas provides access to the Villa Lounge with its daily breakfast and afternoon tea, among other bonuses. Rooms are all non-smoking.

There's a lot going on at this large resort, including some stand-out features that guests won't find in many other southern Bali resorts. First and foremost, guests of the Hilton Bali Resort enjoy access to a private beach with lounge chairs and cabanas. Water sports like swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing are available on-site or nearby. 

The pool complex at the Hilton Bali Resort is also a real standout. There are four interconnected pools with a huge lagoon section and waterslide. A separate area features a beach. Kids have their own pool, as well as an indoor/outdoor kids' club, a jungle-style playground, and a variety of activities that range from a rock-climbing wall to a game room with video games. However, all of these kid-friendly features -- with the exception of the pool -- cost extra. There are three covered and lighted tennis courts that guests can use for a fee, and a fitness center that's free. The hotel's sauna and steam bath are fine for a post-workout relaxation session, or there are hot and cold jetted tubs outside. The full-service spa offers Balinese-style treatments in spa villas or beachside gazebos. 

The Hilton Bali Resort serves a breakfast buffet with hot and cold Asian and Western items though it's not included in room rates. Paon Bali is a traditional Balinese restaurant serving dishes like suckling pig and roast chicken or duck. Designed to look like a ship on stilts, The Shore Restaurant and Bar is on the beachfront and serves light Western and Asian dishes, plus smoothies. The authentic Japanese restaurant, Shiki, overlooks the sea, as does the Brasserie with indoor and outdoor dining for breakfast only. The resort also has an Italian buffet restaurant, and a coffee shop and bakery. Lastly, there's a bar with an outdoor terrace. Room service is available around the clock. 

The Hilton Bali Resort offers excellent wedding services and facilities, including beach weddings and a cliff-top wedding gazebo with panoramic sea views. Conference space fits up to 1,5000 guests and includes two ballrooms. The resort also offers camel safari rides along the beach (for a fee), a gift shop, business center, concierge and guest activities desk, and free parking.