I'm not much of a travel blogger (actually this is my first attempt), but I do enjoy taking photographs thus you can give me a hard time about my photos but not my prose. :-)
(Note - I'll keep adding more detail in a few days). Wanted to get this posted today.
About the trip:
1) We spent nearly two weeks in Bali (between Nusa Dua and Ubud), and wanted to try the new Ritz Carlton in Nusa Dua. We stayed using Marriott Rewards Points (200,000) for 5 nights from May 19-24, 2015.
2) About us: Couple from Los Angeles, CA on our second trip to Bali. Purpose of the trip was to dump pre-devaluation UA mileage plus miles (flying F on an OZ A380) and have a nice R&R vacation. No sightseeing; just going to spas, eat, visit friends, relax;
3) All photos taken with a Nikon D800 with 14-24mm f2.8 and 24-70mm f2.8 lenses. I chose to present more commercial style photos vice our 'Vacation Snap Shots' (But I did appreciate Mrs. daberlin's shot of me with the coconut).
4) Reservation was for a 'Sawangan Lagoon Access', but stayed the 5 nights in a 'Sawangan Pool Pavillion' (explained below);
5) The property was maybe 10% occupied during our entire stay;
6) Overall impression was great. People, food, property all wonderful. Well worth the time spent here vice the many other options in Nusa Dua. Wife was thrilled at how quiet it was. We felt we had the property to ourselves.
Main Entrance - Very typical Nusa Dua
The area immediately external to the property is under heavy construction and not nearly as pretty as the street views in front of the Nikko or the Mulia which are in close proximity to the Ritz.
The lobby itself looked quite plain during daytime hours (seating areas here and there), but was really amazing at twilight and in the evening. View of the beachside from the lobby.
Beach Level Property Views
The landscaping was really well done. But, it will certainly be several years before the palm tress, rice fields, plants, and flowers all fully bloom. I thought the white stone in the shape of the tiered rice fields was a nice touch. It will look amazing in the future.
- Villas -
I had a chance to walk through many of the different suites and villas at the property. They are all beautiful with typical RC amenities.
Sawangan Lagoon Access Jr. Suite
Didn't like these heavy gauge aluminum privacy dividers used for the bathroom and the bedroom found in the Jr. Suites. They are hung on ceiling tracks and felt quite flimsy. I can't image they will survive a great deal of wear and tear. In the Jr. Suite we were briefly in while waiting to move to the Pavillion Suite, the doors and walls were already showing signs of minor damage.
Our only 'are you kidding me moment' during the entire 6 days and 5 nights at the RC occurred within the first 15 minutes on property. Without warning, the sky filled with smoke accompanied by the noise of a loud machine. When we figured out what was going on, we booked it out of the pool, slammed the doors shut and let the fog clear. Seriously? 4pm bug spraying? Not a great first impression, guys. Glad this only occurred once and was the only grumble (and I mean the only one) we had during the whole stay.
Sawangan Pool Pavillion, 1 Bedroom Suite.
We were upgraded to a Pool Pavillon Suite (7803) from the Sawangan Jr. Suite which was quite a nice upgrade (nearly $600/night difference between the two rates). Besides the private pool (a divided wall separates your pool from the other two), the Pool Pavillon Suite is in close proximity to the main resort pool, beach, club, and pool side restaurants.
Under the addage of 'You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar', I simply handed the front desk staff on check-in my Ritz Carlton Platinum card and asked about a 'comp upgrade'. They seemed confused by this (I was on a point stay after all...) and after some very polite and friendly back and forth with the reservations manager, she obliged and said 'just this once' she's willing to let us upgrade to a Pavillon suite. Wonderful!
Lots of international TV stations to choose from; CNN, NBC International and found the Formula 1 race with little problem. 110/220 outlets and adapters were available. Hot water worked well and nice water pressure in the rain shower bathroom inside as well as outside. No problems with flying or walking critters. Only comment was that it was difficult to keep the AC balanced. We either had it on or off.
I'd never seen this before (outside of the Middle East)
These Toto toilets (in all suites, villas, and main property bathrooms) were AMAZING. Pools weren't heated, but these toilet seats were. Infrared seat popped up upon entering bathroom, and closed on exit. Was so impressed that I priced one as soon as we were back in LA. $6,500. I guess I'll just have fond memories of it from vacation.
Outside Shower and Tub
Transportation
We used these 'buggies' extensively during our stay and loved it (talk about a lazy way to get around). We never waited more than 5 minutes for any pick up and the staff were wonderfully accommodating. There is a road currently under construction that will add more convenient access from the lobby to the beach side areas. I'm guessing this will primarily be used for luggage transfer, but I hope we could use it to skip the elevator to the lobby.
Ritz Carlton Bali 2 Bedroom Sky Villa
Sky Villa Infinity Pool. Pools were a very comfortable temperature and clean.
Ritz Carlton Bali Cliff Villa.
I received a tour of this beautiful Villa before it was completed. Upside is the privacy and beauty of the amenities and rooms in this villa. Downside is the location. You really don't have a cliffside view, and access to the main property would be a pain. But maybe, this was just my 'American' perspective....
What was explained by my trusty tour guide Gatot, the resort was designed for all different cultures. Western Europeans/Americans, Chinese, Japanese, and Russians etc. all seek different accommodation types while on vacation. The RC Bali has taken this into consideration and created many different suites, and villa types to please each of these different cultures. It was impressive to say the least.
All of the woodwork on the property was beautiful.
The grounds looked rough. But the Villa was not completed yet, so I'm sure this will be addressed.
Ritz Carlton Bali 3 Bedroom Oceanfront Villa
Kempinski brand hotel under construction next door. The noise never bothered us nor was ever loud, but I wasn't too impressed at the sheer size and what will no doubt look like something straight out of Las Vegas once it's complete. Definitely the 'downside' of Nusa Dua.
Spa/Gym still under construction. (June/July '15 completion?)
Main Pool / Pool Side / Beach Views
Drinking coconut juice in the main pool I shared with maybe two or three other couples. Never had a difficult time getting a beach side or a pool side bale or bed. Mrs. daberlin appreciated this more than I expected. She was honestly thrilled that the resort was still in it's 'soft' opening.
Beach
Indonesian Army Foot Patrol. Overall, we felt very safe in Nusa Dua. People visiting Bali for the first time might be alarmed by the presence of armed military/police/security but I've always felt their visibility is quite balanced given Bali's recent history.
Romanic lunch or dinner opportunities.
Grand Nikko Camel Rides. (Indonesian Camels???)
Beachside lunch (every meal we had on property was outstanding).
Beachside Gelato / Ice Cream Bar
Wedding Chapel Views
