The hype
Travelers rave about the 'new hotel smell,' the incredible staff (especially the 'Navigators'), and the breakfast buffet variety.
Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a stylish, family-friendly Marriott resort with massive pools and a killer kids' club, and don't mind taking a shuttle to the beach.
Why People Love It
- Lava Land Kids Club is one of the best in Bali (free for guests)
- Four distinct pools including a lap pool and a jungle pool
- Lion X restaurant's theatrical 'Flying Noodles' and dim sum
Quick Take: A polished, 'theatrical' mega-resort that feels like a fashion show in the jungle, but it's a 15-minute shuttle ride from the actual ocean.
Reviewed by @Travelholicday: Staying here felt like living inside a work of art. The symmetry of the bridge and the massive pools were unreal. I spent my whole trip just wandering the gardens and lounging by the water—it's a total paradise for design lovers.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The beach club experience is underwhelming compared to beachfront resorts—shuttles run hourly and the area is shared/crowded.
- You have kids who will spend hours in the pool and Lava Land
- You are a Marriott Bonvoy member chasing status/points in a new property
- You prefer modern, 'industrial-chic' design over traditional thatched-roof Bali vibes
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Daily service is thorough, and the 'new hotel' feel is still very present.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless. Grout is fresh, glass is streak-free. No signs of the 'Bali mold' often found in older resorts.
- Maintenance: Excellent. Everything works, from the automated Toto toilets to the Bluetooth speakers.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, and high thread count. Pool towels are plentiful and fluffy.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of a signature 'shiso & leaf' scent; rooms are fresh with no mustiness.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Daytime pool noise for inner-facing rooms
- Occasional road noise for rooms facing Jalan Siligita
Before you book
Good to know
- The beach shuttle runs hourly; plan your day around it or use Grab (cheap and easy)
- Breakfast at Backstage Food Theatre is huge but gets chaotic at 9am—go early
- There is no 'Resort Fee' per se, but the 21% tax/service charge is standard in Bali
What to pack
- Mosquito repellent (lush jungle landscaping = bugs)
- Universal power adapter (though many rooms have USB ports)
- Grab app installed on your phone for easy transport to local warungs
Room Genie
Best picks
- Executive Suites (Ground Floor) for direct pool access if you have kids
- High-floor 'Sea View' rooms in the West Wing for the quietest balcony time and distant ocean glimpses
Rooms to avoid
- Low-floor rooms facing the main driveway/road (Jalan Siligita) due to traffic hum
- Rooms directly next to the elevators in the main block (high foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a room in the West Wing on a high floor for the best view and quiet. Please avoid rooms facing the main road/driveway. If available, a room with a solid wall bathroom separation would be preferred over the curtain setup.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it really not on the beach?
Correct. It is on a hill about 2km inland. They have a designated beach area near the Grand Hyatt/Courtyard, accessible via a free hourly shuttle.
Is the pool heated?
No, but in Bali's climate, the water is refreshing. The kids' pool is shallow and warms up in the sun.
How is the breakfast?
Excellent. 'Backstage Food Theatre' offers a massive buffet with fresh juice stations, Asian specialties, and western classics. Costs ~IDR 280,000++ if not included.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Yes, unlike the gated ITDC resorts, you can walk out the driveway to Jalan Siligita for local eats like Warung Kampungku or Babi Guling Pak Dobiel (10-15 min walk).
Is there a kids club?
Yes, 'Lava Land' is free, huge, and has its own pool. It's a major highlight for families.
Does the room have a bathtub?
Most rooms have a freestanding tub, but be warned: in many standard rooms, it's separated from the bedroom only by a curtain.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask the 'R Navigator' (concierge) for a table at Lion X to see the 'Flying Noodles'—it's a showstopper dish.
- ✨
The 'Mixologist' at the Spa isn't for cocktails—they blend custom massage oils for your treatment.
- ✨
Walk 10 minutes down Jalan Siligita to 'Warung Babi Guling Pak Dobiel' for one of Bali's best authentic suckling pig lunches (go before 1pm).
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Beach Club' has no kitchen—you can only get cold snacks and drinks, so don't plan a full lunch there.
💡The 'Balinese Dancer' gobo light in the room projects a head onto the wall—some find it cool, others find it creepy at night.
💡The lobby bar 'R Bar' has a panoramic view that beats most of the room views—go there for sunset.
💡You can hear the 'sound of the resort' (music, pool vibes) from the balconies of inner-facing rooms; it's not a silent retreat.
💡The elevators are fast and modern, a rarity for Bali resorts where you often wait forever.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort is located and what's nearby.