Novotel Bali Nusa Dua Hotel & Residences

Set on over 118 acres of tropical grounds, the Novotel is an upscale resort with a contemporary look and feel. Palm trees and decorative ponds pepper the grounds, and rooms are accessed through outdoor corridors. While the general atmosphere is less authentically Balinese than at many resorts on the island, the occasional thatched-roof hut, flower-covered trellis, and Balinese sculpture adds to the local flair. Guests are greeted with a free glass of fruit juice in the open-air lobby, a lovely space with high wooden ceiling along with modern metal sculptures and marble floors, a couple of boutiques, and a concierge desk. Rooms are spread over 10 somewhat generic four- and five-story buildings with white facades and dark-wood balcony railings, but all eateries and bars are housed in more charming pitched-roof open pavilions overlooking the lovely gardens. The numerous family-friendly activities and facilities make it popular among those traveling with younger kids, though it does attract its fair share of couples and even business travelers.

The Novotel is in the resort area of Nusa Dua, an area known for its many beachfront resorts and golf courses. Though there aren't any major attractions within walking distance of the resort, a variety of restaurants, local shops, and massage parlors can be found just a few blocks away. The hotel's beach is a five- to seven-minute walk away, or under three minutes if taking the free hotel shuttle. The 18-hole Bali National Golf Club is a three-minute walk away, while the Bali International Convention Centre and Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center are each under 10 minutes away by car. The hotel also offers free shuttle service to Bali Collection shopping center, which is about 10 minutes away. Most of the island’s major attractions and points of interest take a fair bit of time to reach, including Ubud, which is about an hour away by car. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel.

This hotel offers a huge variety of rooms ranging from Deluxe Rooms with one king bed or two doubles to Three- and Four-Bedroom Apartment Suites -- some with outdoor hot tubs or private plunge pools. Rooms and suites were renovated in 2015-16 and feature cool, oceanic color schemes with baby-blue accent walls, gray headboards with blue-and-gray swirl pattern accents, and cream-colored soft furnishings with turquoise throw cushions. Big windows let in lots of light and open onto furnished balconies offering garden and/or pool views.

Amenities found across categories include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, digital safes, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Stocked mini-fridges are only available on request, though. Suites add kitchenettes with full-sized fridges, electric stoves, and all sorts of crockery and cookware, plus DVD players and spacious living and dining areas. Bathrooms across categories are large and modern, with separate walk-in rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs. Toiletries, hairdryers, and robes are provided.

There are ample amenities at this Novotel for business travelers and vacationers alike, especially families traveling with small kids. The huge two-level pool is definitely a highlight, and it's surrounded by lots of greenery and lounge chairs. The poolside Gourmet Bar juts out into the pool and serves light meals along with cocktails. Additionally, the hotel has two restaurants, 24-hour room service, and a small coffee and pastry shop, Pause Cafe. The main restaurant, The Square, serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner and often has themed evenings, and the 2.28 Beach Club restaurant serves light meals along with cocktails and romantic seaside dinners.

The hotel’s gym has several pieces of cardio equipment, pulleys, free weights, and exercise balls; the facility also offers yoga (for a fee), stretching, and aqua aerobics classes. Bikes are available for rent and the resort has facilities for beach and pool volleyball. For those wanting a less active vacation, opportunities to chill out abound in the spa, In Balance, which offers a large menu of massages and treatments (including some for kids) and a sauna. There's also a beauty salon and a number of relaxation areas, plus poolside/outdoor massages can be arranged. The kids’ club has a playground, a wading pool, and all kinds of supervised activities for children up to 10 years of age. Babysitting services are also available. A couple of computers serve as the hotel's business center, and there are indoor and outdoor event spaces available for meetings and weddings. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.