The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali

Situated on the sea in central Nusa Dua, the Westin Resort Nusa Dua is an easy-going hotel with a breezy, tropical vibe. The 28-acre resort is a standout among area properties for its lush gardens and grounds, which include palms and other indigenous trees, hibiscus flowers, lagoons, manicured lawns, and thatched-roof gazebos. 

Guests check into the hotel in a high-ceilinged lobby with pillars and polished marble floors in a white, black, and gray pattern. There are clusters of purple chairs atop purple-patterned rugs facing floor-to-ceiling windows. Yes, it does feel a bit like a Westin -- but that brand standard is why many guests flock here -- and the interiors feature lots of natural wood and a contemporary Balinese look that give the resort a dash of local flavor. 

Those staying here are a mix of families and couples seeking an upscale beachfront experience, though business travelers are also drawn to the resort's proximity to the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center. Many guests can be found relaxing on the private beach, where loungers and covered day beds feature natural fabrics in shades of white and beige. 

The Westin Resort is in central Nusa Dua, right on Nusa Dua Beach, and across from Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center. The Bali Collection high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment center is about a 15-minute walk or four-minute drive, as is the Museum Pasifika, which exhibits Pacific Island art. Other cultural offerings in the area include the Nusa Dua Theatre, about a five-minute drive from the hotel. Situated a 10-minute drive from the Westin, the Water Blow is a seafront rock formation with giant "blow up" splash from waves crashing into it that makes for a great photo op. Nusa Dua is a far more tame and upscale town than some of its Bali neighbors -- those looking for the wild party vibe of Kuta can expect a 25-minute drive, while tranquil and artsy Ubud is a little over an hour away by road. It's a 25-minute drive from the hotel to the island's only airport, Ngurah Rai International. 

Rooms and suites at the Westin have an upscale contemporary look with traditional Balinese elements and sleek dark and light wood-veneer accents. The color palette is a soothing mix of brown, beige, and white, with all-white bedding. Nice additions include Balinese tilework embedded within sharp headboards and polished hardwood floors. The large windows let in ample natural light, and rooms are clean and quiet. 

Regardless of category, all rooms are spacious, with the smallest starting at a generous 409 square feet (38 square meters). The plush beds come with pillow-top mattresses and down comforters, and turndown service is included in room rates. Compact storage units contain minibars as well as electric kettles and snacks. Closets feature ample shelving and hold irons and safes. All rooms have 42-inch flat-screen TVs mounted within in sleek light-wood wall panels, and there are entertainment ports with iPod connectivity. Private balconies or terraces with ocean, pool, or garden views are also nice to have. Some terraces have direct access to the pool. Guests can request sofas or sofa beds in rooms. 

For more space and amenities, it's worth considering a suite, which can come with dining tables, second TVs and DVD players, home theater systems, and outdoor private pools. Bathrooms have sizable soaking tubs with separate, open walk-in showers. All are clean, well lighted, and spacious, with wood flooring and beautiful mosaic and marble tiling in shades of beige and cream. There is ample counter space around the sinks, which feature lighted makeup mirrors. All rooms are non-smoking. Basic Wi-Fi is free, though there's a daily fee for faster service. Noise can be an issue in some rooms, particularly from neighboring rooms.

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua offers a wealth of leisure facilities. The beach has beach volleyball, swimming, surfing, body boarding, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. Private gazebos with day beds are available for rent. Three swimming pools include a family pool, a large lagoon-style freshwater pool with 40-foot waterslide, and a spacious saltwater pool. Two of the pools have adjacent children's pools, and one has a poolside cafe and bar. The full-service spa has 16 treatment rooms, a steam room, Himalayan salt sauna, hydro-pool, and kids' spa. Daily yoga, meditation, and Balinese rituals are also offered in the spa.

For something a little more active, guests can serve and volley on one of two outdoor lighted tennis courts, and also partake in water volleyball, mini-soccer, table tennis, badminton, fruit carving, and Balinese dancing lessons. The 24-hour fitness center features a wide range of weight and cardio equipment plus floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the grounds. The resort has a playground and kids' club with toys and games, crafts, movie nights -- there's also a Teens Zone and toddler area. A shopping arcade offers items like Indonesian batiks, handmade Balinese lace, and custom jewelry. 

Dining and drinking venues include: a restaurant serving Balinese and Mediterranean cuisine plus seafood with live cooking stations; a Spanish tapas restaurant with cocktail lounge and nightly live jazz; an Italian restaurant; Japanese restaurant; and lobby lounge with pool and sea views. A breakfast buffet features Asian and Western hot and cold items, though it's not included in standard room rates. Twenty-four-hour room service is also available. The concierge staff can arrange excursions like temple visits, scuba diving tours, horseback rides, and nature walks. The resort also has a business center and free Wi-Fi, wedding hosting, baggage assistance, and free parking.