Ritz Carlton Nusa Dua, Bali [Master Thread]
 

A new property in Bali, wonder how much points/night, the paid rate is expensive. Is it a brand-new property or is it re-branded from some other existing hotel?

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Proper...li/Default.htm

The pics look like architectural renderings, so maybe new?

Cheers.

Brand new property though sadly in the most souless palce on the island of Bali. It looks like a tier 4 so 60K a night. Ritz is also building a resort in Maldives that should come up soon. Maybe we will also get the JW there soon.

60K per night? zzz...

By the way, I look at the Ritz Carlton corporate website regarding upcoming properties, Maldives is not listed among one of them, it seems that there's still a long time to go...http://corporate.ritzcarlton.com/en/...ns/Default.htm

Here is the project page: http://www.watg.com/index.cfm/page/t...erve-maldives/

These are the same guys who also did bali, Bali did not get posted until a few months ago, I expect the same for Maldives when it gets closer to opening hopefully in 2k15.

Here is their bali page
http://www.watg.com/index.cfm/page/t...z-carlton-bali

They seem to be doing few Ritz properties in Asia. Hopefully Maldives does not become a reserve property. Bali was originally suppose to be a reserve property as well.

I've booked an anniversary stay at the Bali RC for February 2015 for 50,000MR/night, but as far as I can tell it hasn't opened yet. I'll be at the CY Bali Nusa Dua for Christmas so hope to get an update then, unless anyone posts an update sooner. And I have friends at the CY Seminyak this week, maybe they will have an update as well when they return.

Any news? RC Bali isn't taking any reservations before 1 February 15. What's the latest word on the likelihood they'll be complete by then? We're booked there for 5 nights in May. Just curious if I need to make Plan B reservations somewhere else?

You should be fine, it seems to be opening on the 15th of Dec.

Anyone stayed yet? Is it open? Continuing to do google searches and not a single update in months.

It's open since you can book a room for right now on the Marriott website. 580 for tonight/tomorrow, then seems to drop to normal rate of 430 for most dates. No reports yet though.

Cheers.

Thanks. At this rate i'll be the first reviewer when we're there in May! :(

First real photos
 

Found this update today.

http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/20...Bali,_Now_Open

A FTer mentioned to me that "location of this new prop is on the east side of the peninsula so no sunset views". Presumably if one is awake early in the morning there might be some nice sunrise views?

Cheers.

The first aerial picture make it look very busy and unfinished. Especially on the upper right corner, is that a building under construction or being destroyed. Doesn't feel very peaceful and resort-like yet.

I'm checking into the Ritz-Carlton Nusa Dua tomorrow.

Sawangan Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom Junior Suite, 1 King or 2 Queen, Resort view, Balcony.
3 nights at 350.00 USD.
1,270.50 USD (incl. est. taxes) total.

Rate includes airport transfers both ways and buffet breakfast. Will make decision on Club access onsite (+$70 per day).

Will post pics and my thoughts here.

Awesome! Looking forward to hearing all about it. I can't decide between the same room as what you've booked - but I've a choice between resort view balcony and the ocean/pool access. Your input would be welcome. :)

First impressions:

The Ritz-Carlton luxury van picked is up on time and had captains chairs on every row, brand new. We were greeted by name by eight people on arrival after quick x-Ray security check.

Resort has been open since mid December but the actual official launch-promotion starts today. Occupancy level is 4% today (!) so we are almost alone here.

Resort has six wings, oddly named 1,2,3,5,6,8 plus pool pavilions and private villas. We are in wing 3 close to Club Lounge (actually it's a separate house) and its a fair walk to the beach. They have offered us buggy rides both ways. We are bringing two kids and the area is not well suited to prams/strollers - lots of stairs.

Club Lounge has private pool and a manned cocktail bar and currently serves breakfast to the whole hotel since the main restaurant is too big for the small amount of guests.

Work is ongoing all over the place, seems about 95% finished with a few months until plants and trees have grown into perfection.

Our Junior Suite is beautiful - pics coming when I have time to upload from computer. Lagoon access rooms have direct access to small lagoons connected to each wing but not together. You can splash and swim a bit near the room but can't get to main pool. Rooms without Lagoon access can't use lagoons at all.

Thanks for the update. Looking forward to more & pics.

Cheers.

I just booked this property for 5 nights in April for 200K points. I have never stayed at any Ritz Carlton property before. I am excited to see what it has to offer!

I have platinum status with Marriott, hopefully that can get me a nice upgrade (if available, of course).

Officially open according to Marriott news section; details here:

http://news.marriott.com/2015/02/the...spitality.html

Looking forward to more reports by those who are staying there.

Cheers.

Not a single quality Flyer Talk community review of this place yet. A few typical RC reviews have popped up on trip advisor. Not too many photos. No real detail. Would very much appreciate anyone who takes the time to do this between now and May. I promise to write a good trip report during our 5 days there in May.

Any update on this property? Will be there in May.

I'm curious as well, I am thinking about a week in early July. It seems there is some major construction going on right next to the completed section of the property. I would prefer that it were complete by then and it may well be.

A friend of mine just returned from a stay at the RC in Bali, here is some updates he gave me.
- Resort is still in soft opening mode - still lots to finish.
- Spa is not open but guest room is being used for limited spa treatments.
- Gym is not open but guest room is being used as makeshift gym with limited equipment.
- Some restaurants are still not fully open.
- Still lots of small construction going on throughout the resort.
- Very massive construction going on next door.

Based on this I'm switching my stay to the St Regis which looks amazing.
Also my email communication with the RC staff has been quite annoying. Lots of back and forth emails to answer very simple questions regarding rooms and what is open and what is not.

Will definitely be staying at the RC Bali at some point but might wait a year for that. As the St Regis is pretty close I'll try and visit the resort and see if there any changes when we're there in 2 weeks.

Ok folks, looks like it'll be on me to write up a comprehensive review. We arrived in Bali two days ago and have spent the time at the Conrad Suites (excellent property by the way) getting over the jet lag from Los Angeles. I'll block some space here for the 5 day stay at the Ritz that begins this afternoon.

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

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...pspfdkzqap.jpg

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.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2nrapqsz.jpg

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.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psoc4zzsfx.jpg

Beach Level Property Views

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psswwsuvue.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psy4ilk7rn.jpg

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.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...ps953urrdz.jpg

- 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

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psipu8grpy.jpg

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http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psxedlnvbo.jpg

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.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psdwj3vcle.jpg

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.


http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...ps76nk7ist.jpg


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!

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psl2v6qigl.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4ruidqzm.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...pspzzchikk.jpg

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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.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psrpekn00s.jpg

I'd never seen this before (outside of the Middle East)

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psvkhszd39.jpg

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.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psn6eg2kdy.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psggoi49b8.jpg

Outside Shower and Tub

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psnajcgsry.jpg

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.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psrx1x4de5.jpg

Ritz Carlton Bali 2 Bedroom Sky Villa


http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psdcjdj7fq.jpg

Sky Villa Infinity Pool. Pools were a very comfortable temperature and clean.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psq5jh0qdf.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psyvj48usu.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...ps66rkoezf.jpg


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.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...pswl4lawdi.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0cyyquby.jpg

The grounds looked rough. But the Villa was not completed yet, so I'm sure this will be addressed.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...pseiw8cctm.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...pskdpicpzp.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...pseczinms2.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psgmurrw8p.jpg

Ritz Carlton Bali 3 Bedroom Oceanfront Villa

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psa4lb1b5q.jpg

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.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psuhpqjpzg.jpg

Spa/Gym still under construction. (June/July '15 completion?)

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...pspragddm2.jpg

Main Pool / Pool Side / Beach Views

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4ijreqaz.jpg

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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.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psl3jdoerr.jpg


Beach

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psw89dmjjr.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psoxtgmobu.jpg

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.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5drraprh.jpg

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http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0ijlaqdo.jpg

Romanic lunch or dinner opportunities.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...pskrncqnyp.jpg

Grand Nikko Camel Rides. (Indonesian Camels???)

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psenxcnfkn.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...ps07lvnwon.jpg

Beachside lunch (every meal we had on property was outstanding).

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8xofulc4.jpg

Beachside Gelato / Ice Cream Bar

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psy0tul4yt.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psretkr4dn.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...psgdxbt71e.jpg

Wedding Chapel Views

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4tkxuodx.jpg

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Held for future use.

I'd be interested to read your review. Can't say anything else about the RC but the St Regis is absolutely amazing. The best resort I've ever stayed at no doubt about it! It's making me rethink my loyalty and relationship with Ritz Carlton and Marriott. The resort is not only beautiful but the staff and the level of service is something I've never experienced anywhere before and I've stayed at many Ritz Carlton properties throughout Asia which have been excellent but this one is at another level!
I'll be posting a trip report with pictures for anyone who is interested in the Trip Report Forum at the end of our vacation next week.

Hey there. Just getting around to uploading photos and reporting. We had an awesome time at the RC and glad we stayed there. Obviously from a price point (we stayed on points), it was very inexpensive for us to stay in an $1100/night suite, and my wife was THRILLED that the property was so quiet. We were looking for total R&R. It was perfect.

Thanks for the pictures and review!

Any updates? We're staying there for a few nights over our honeymoon. Never been to Bali and we're spending a few nights at the Ritz in Nusa Dua and a few nights in Ubud. Are there any local restaurants or anything walking distance from the Ritz? We'd prefer not to fly halfway around the world to just sit at a resort! Plus, prefer to take advantage of cheap Bali prices and not have every meal at resort prices.

have been to Bali every year for the past 5 but stayed over on the west coast (sunsets, vrs sunrises, and easier to get to tourist sites like Tanah Lot) at the Stones (switching over from our initial stays at the Conrad) which has dozens of places nearby to eat along with shopping galore.

think you'll find that restaurants in your area are nearby the Nikko Hotel more so then the Ritz, but to list potential places, what type of food would you be looking for?

BTW, you didn't state when your trip to Bali is scheduled for but hopefully it's not in November (I found out the hard way on my first trip) as it rains over 50% of the month being in the southern hemisphere (I've now learned to schedule our yearly return for the last 2 weeks in August and haven't seen any rainy days)

We're looking for any types of restaurants, anywhere from local hole in the walls to a nice dinner out. We know the hotels all have restaurants but always prefer more authentic dining experiences. If we can't get them by the Ritz then we'll get them in Ubud, but I figured i'd ask to determine how many nights in each place.

You are basically staying at the equivalent of Waikiki and are asking about 'authentic' Hawaiian food. It's not gonna happen in hotels around Nusa Dua I'm afraid to tell you. That isn't to say there aren't GREAT restaurants there, but they are all within the confines of the hotels in the area, and are priced accordingly. If you want to go a tad further afoot, head to Jimbaran Bay and the many seafood restaurants there. Alternatively, Bubu Seafood and Chinese Restaurant is close by the Ritz and was excellent. We visited there twice before heading to Ubud/Four Seasons.

How does the RC compare to the GH Bali?

My gf and I are looking to take a trip to Bali in March (neither of us have been before) and the options are:

1) 200k Marriott points for RC Bali
2) 30k Hyatt Points + $375 for GH Bali
3) $847 for GH Bali

RC was the clear winner but after the recent Hyatt Diamond Twitter status match I now have Hyatt Diamond and DSUs to burn to Hyatt is now on the radar as an option (and then obviously saving Marriott for later and potentially some SPG properties post merger).

Thoughts?

Just a quick update, we LOVED the RC Nusa Dua. It helped that as a Marriott Gold (and on our honeymoon) we were upgraded to a Pool Pavilion Villa: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Proper...l-Pavilion.htm. We found the hospitality outstanding, the concierge fabulous, the rates for using their private drivers (contracted out but cars RC branded) very reasonable. It was hot as Hades but the private pool certainly helped that!

Drinks and food are very expensive by Balinese standards of course but for redeeming our two free RC credit card nights there we were beyond pleased. It was by far the nicest room upgrade I have ever gotten, with the pool villas going for $800 a night or so. We were considering asking at check-in to pay for a lagoon access suite so to get a big jump in room for free we were quite, quite happy!

ETA: It was quite isolated though in Nusa Dua so we were very happy we moved to Ubud for a few days as well. But we found some restaurants (including Bali Cardamom) were happy to arrange for someone to pick us up, and drop us off. We tipped the driver each way still, however.

Has anyone stayed at the RC Bali lately? I will be staying at the hotel next month and I am concerned about the construction next door. Any feedback will be much appreciated. Thanks!

Anybody know if alcohol is complimentary in the club lounge?

All RC's worldwide on club have complimentary alcohol. This is a RC brand standard and not subject to variation by property.

Great to know - I thought I read somewhere in property description that alcohol was paid at this property. Thanks!