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Nusa Dua is an exclusive and upscale tourist resort area on Bali's Bukit Peninsula, known for its many luxury hotels and resorts. It's home to 8 of the 10 largest hotels in Bali, with every major hotel brand here, including Mercure, Hilton, and nine different Marriott resorts.
It’s not often you get this many incredible hotels in one place, so choosing just one can be a daunting task. We've stayed in several fantastic hotels in Nusa Dua now and have got to know the area pretty well, so this is our ultimate guide to where to stay in Nusa Dua.
In a rush? The ITDC district is the most central area to stay in Nusa Dua, with The Laguna by Marriott being our top pick. To the south, quieter Sawangan is where you can find some of Bali's top ultra-luxury hotels, including our favourite, The Apurva Kempinski.
Is Nusa Dua A Good Place To Stay?
Yes, Nusa Dua is a great place to stay if you're looking to splurge on an indulgent getaway. The area was developed with luxury tourism in mind, and is home to several of Bali's top hotels. From stylish spas and upmarket restaurants to a lavish golf course, it's a haven for indulgence and ideal for a laid-back beach vacation.
While some affordable accommodations exist, we wouldn't recommend staying in Nusa Dua on a budget. If high-end hotels aren't on the cards, consider other areas such as Sanur or Seminyak where you can enjoy luxury for less.
Many of the hotels in Nusa Dua have done a great job incorporating Balinese elements into their design. Some even offer cultural activities onsite. However, Nusa Dua is far from authentic Bali. If you’re staying here, make sure you take day trips away from the resort area to explore more of this amazing island.
Summary: Best Places To Stay
Nusa Dua can be split into three distinct areas, each with its own charm. While none of them can be considered a “bad” place to stay, we do have our favourites. Here's a map of the three areas (descriptions below):
ITDC District (green) – This is the gated area at the heart of Nusa Dua. It's home to most of the areas original luxury hotels. Stay here to have several pristine white sand beaches, some fantastic restaurants, and a handful of attractions within walking distance.
Recommended Hotels: The Laguna, Courtyard by Marriott, The St Regis Bali
Sawangan (orange) – To the south of Nusa Dua, this is where you’ll find the crème de la crème of Bali’s ultra-luxe hotels. Although there's not much to do outside of the large resorts.
Recommended Hotels: The Apurva Kempinski, The Ritz-Carlton, The Mulia
Tanjung Benoa Peninsula (blue) – To the north of central Nusa Dua, the peninsula isn’t quite as picture-perfect, but there are a handful of luxury hotels where your money will stretch a little further. A good place to stay for watersports enthusiasts.
Recommended Hotels: Conrad Bali, The Nest, Amnaya Resort Nusa Dua
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Area and Accommodation Guides
ITDC District
The ITDC district has been at the heart of Nusa Dua ever since it was created in the 1970s by the International Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).
It's a gated area, only accessible via 3 main entrance gates, all of which have 24/7 security - although anyone can visit whether you're staying here or not.
Entering the gated area is like stepping into a movie set. It’s home to numerous high-end resorts surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns, grand fountains and statues, wide modern roads, and pristine white sand beaches.
Within the ITDC District are many of Nusa Dua’s top attractions including the Pacifika Museum, the Devdan Show at Nusa Dua Theatre, the Bali Collection Mall, and the two islands from which Nusa Dua gets its name.
It's also where you'll find the most popular tourist beaches, Nusa Dua Beach and Mengiat Beach. Both are well maintained with plenty of great facilities and places to relax, including Le Bleu by K Club, Kulkul Beach House, and Ayodya Beach Club.
The ITDC has many big chain hotels, including Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt. With some having been around since the 80s/90s, they can be a little dated, but they do their best to maintain luxury standards. The main benefit of staying in these hotels is having so much right on your doorstep.
Hotels in the ITDC District
Top Pick: The Laguna – Right at the heart of Nusa Dua’s ITDC district, The Laguna by Marriott is a huge beachfront resort set around 7 large lagoon pools, making it perfect for water lovers. It has an onsite spa, a small fitness centre, and several restaurants. But no kids' club.
Our Review: The Laguna by Marriot
- Endless swimming pools
- Stunning beachfront location
- Range of facilities and activities
- Generic big chain hotel
If lounging around by the pool and relaxing by the ocean is the main aim of your Bali vacay, The Laguna by Marriott in Nusa Dua is a great choice!
The main draw of this large beachfront resort is its seven huge outdoor lagoon-style pools, which wrap around the buildings and out towards the beach, meaning almost all 287 rooms feature a pool view.
Perfect For Families: Courtyard by Marriott – A large, modern resort offering great value for all ages. Families can enjoy the kids' club, playground, and family pool, while adults can relax at the spa, lazy river, and gym. Though not on the beach, it's a 10-minute walk or a free shuttle ride away. All-inclusive is available with the Deluxe Double Room.
Timeless Luxury: The St Regis Bali – One of Bali’s most expensive hotels and with good reason. The luxurious beachfront accommodation has lavish rooms, 6 different bars and restaurants, a 24-hour butler service for guests, and unique experiences such as beach picnics and evening fire shows. It's next to the golf course or around a 25 min walk to the centre of the ITDC district.
Where To Eat in the ITDC District
Kekeb Restaurant – A cute and colourful beachfront spot with plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the ocean. Serves an all-day menu of tasty and authentic Balinese food, including plenty of meat and seafood skewers.
ㅤNusa By/Suka – Elegant and stylish Mediterranean restaurant located inside the Bali Collection, with delicious wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta, and succulent grilled meats and fish. Has an expansive international wine list and hand-crafted signature cocktails. Don’t miss the pour over tiramisu for dessert!
Sawangan
Once the ITDC district started to get too full, hotels in Nusa Dua continued being built outside the gated area in the southern district known as Sawangan.
Most of these hotels were built in the last decade or so and offer a sleek, modern feel that adds a new level of luxury. Their stunning designs and top-notch amenities help them compete with the more established hotels in the ITDC district.
Each new hotel in Sawangan raises the bar for luxury, with The Apurva Kempinski opening in 2019 and cementing its place as Bali's top luxury hotel. We've heard that a few big-name celebrities have stayed here recently.
While the resorts in Sawangan aren’t within walking distance of central Nusa Dua, most have plenty of on-site amenities and offer complimentary shuttle services around the area.
Sawangan Beach and Geger Beach are much quieter than Nusa Dua’s main beaches and arguably more beautiful. Two of our favourite beaches on the Bukit Peninsula, Pantai Gunung Payung and Pandawa Beach, are also just a short drive away.
Hotels in Sawangan
Top Pick: The Apurva Kempinski – One of Bali’s most luxurious beachfront resorts. The huge hotel has 475 modern and elegant rooms, many of which have private plunge pools, as well as multiple public pools, a luxury on-site spa, and numerous high-end restaurants.
Our Review: The Apurva Kempinski
- Amazing architecture that incorporates Indonesian styles
- Numerous pools with ocean-view
- 8 fantastic on-site restaurants
The Kempinski is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive and luxurious resorts we've ever stayed at in Bali! We were truly blown away by everything it had to offer. Read our full review here.
The massive, multi-level hotel is built into a cliffside and cascades down towards the beach and ocean, inspired by the Balinese "subak” irrigation system.
A Suite Treat: The Mulia – The Mulia does an incredible job at blending modern design with classical features such as marble floors and stunning art pieces. Even the most basic rooms are huge, lavish suites. It’s known for the iconic Oasis Pool with 16 giant statues of Balinese ladies harvesting rice.
Peace in Paradise: The Ritz-Carlton – Renowned for relaxation, The Ritz-Carlton offers a tranquil spa, manicured gardens, and a hydrotherapy greenhouse. Guests can enjoy regular yoga and meditation classes, along with a variety of cultural workshops, demonstrations, and a daily beach bonfire.
Where To Eat in Sawangan
Koral – The first aquarium restaurant in Bali, located inside the Apurva Kempinski Hotel. Enjoy a specially curated seafood menu (vegetarian options available) while surrounded by hundreds of amazing underwater creatures.
ㅤSamabe Cave Dining – This unique high-end dining experience in which you can enjoy a romantic 11-course dinner inside a candlelit cave, right on the beachfront in Nusa Dua.
The Tanjung Benoa Peninsula
To the north of Nusa Dua is the Tanjung Benoa Peninsula. This small strip is best known as Bali’s watersports capital, with everything from wakeboarding and parasailing to jet skiing and banana boats.
The area might not be as well manicured as the ITDC district, but the resorts themselves are still great, and your money will go further here than elsewhere in Nusa Dua.
Although we typically advise against staying in Nusa Dua on a lower budget, if that’s something you are considering, the peninsula is the best area to look for more affordable accommodation, with a few mid-range hotels and homestays.
Aside from watersports, there aren’t many activities along the peninsula and the beaches aren’t quite as pristine. But many hotels offer shuttles around the Nusa Dua region.
Hotels on the Tanjung Benoa Peninsula
Top Pick: Conrad Bali – Large beachfront resort with multiple swimming pools and direct access to the white sand beach in front. Several great on-site restaurants offer Mediterranean, Japanese, and Indonesian food. Provides free activities and classes for guests, including cooking, dancing, and an introduction to the Indonesian language.
Luxury For Less: The Nest – Affordable and modern 4-star hotel with spacious rooms and an amazing rooftop swimming pool and terrace restaurant.
Luxury For Less: Amnaya Resort Nusa Dua – Beautiful beachfront resort on the Tanjung Benoa peninsula that mixes traditional Balinese style with modern amenities and comfort. Facilities include a large pool, gym, yoga room, and on-site restaurant.
Where To Eat on the Tanjung Benoa Peninsula
Raja Bali – Rather than a lavish restaurant, Raja Bali prioritises good local food. The Rijsttafel is a set menu allowing you to try different Indonesian dishes you might otherwise miss. Their original restaurant is on the peninsula, but a second has opened near the ITDC district. Don’t expect warung prices though.
ㅤBumbu Bali Restaurant & Art Cafe - Famous Balinese restaurant on the Tanjung Benoa peninsula and a sister cafe in central Nusa Dua, both run by renowned chef Heinz von Holzen, author of six highly acclaimed Balinese and Indonesian cookbooks.
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