The Apurva Kempinski Bali Hotel Review
Nonstop Dan rating
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
One of Bali's finest — a grand resort that delivers on almost every front, with only the beach falling short
What To Expect At Apurva Kempinski Bali?
Did we just find our new favorite hotel in Bali? Possibly. The Apurva Kempinski Bali was the second stop in our four-hotel series, and it is a serious contrast to the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort just down the road. Even though the two properties are not that far apart in price, they feel worlds apart in almost every other way.
This is a large resort with 460 rooms and suites, and in almost every measurable way it punches well above its category. The architecture and landscaping alone make it one of the more visually striking hotel properties I have encountered. Add to that one of the strongest breakfasts in this review series, a thoughtfully designed pool complex and a service culture that felt warm and engaged throughout, the result is a resort that delivers a remarkably well-rounded experience.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali hotel overlooking view
I booked this stay through a travel advisor, which at this property unlocks a meaningful set of perks for eligible bookings: a complimentary room upgrade, a $100 property credit, daily breakfast, early check-in, and late checkout. I booked the cheapest available option, a Cliff Private Pool Junior Suite, at $722 for one night. The suite premium over the base room is roughly $220 per night, and for that you gain lounge access, complimentary minibar, free snacks, and the private plunge pool. The upgrade felt reasonable in value even at a higher absolute rate compared to the Sofitel Nusa Dua.
For context, the base Grand Deluxe room at this property averages around $300 per night across the year, with a typical range of $227 to $417 depending on the season. One night here felt inadequate. It is the kind of resort that rewards guests who give it two or three days.
Want free breakfast, a room upgrade, and $100+ in credit?
Book through our travel advisor link and get the same rate as booking direct, plus meaningful extras at no additional cost.
- $100+ property credit
- Complimentary breakfast for 2
- Room upgrade, subject to availability
- Early check-in & late checkout, subject to availability
* More benefits may apply at select properties
The Apurva Kempinski Bali Lobby and Check-in Experience
We were escorted from the drop-off area to the lobby, and the lobby itself is arresting space. The lobby is open-air, built on a scale that few hotels attempt, and framed by views straight out to the ocean and down through the resort's terraced gardens.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali drop off area
As Cliff Private Pool Junior Suite guests, check-in took place in the Cliff Lounge rather than at the main front desk, which added some privacy and calm to the process. Our check-in host, Imelda, sat across from us and walked through every benefit included with the suite booking, one by one, explaining how each worked and where to find it. It was thorough, unhurried, and set a tone for the stay that the property largely maintained.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali lobby entrance
The Apurva Kempinski Bali lobby
The Apurva Kempinski Bali welcome amenity
The Apurva Kempinski Bali hotel information
The Apurva Kempinski Bali check-in area
The Apurva Kempinski Bali hotel exterior
The Apurva Kempinski Bali night view
The Apurva Kempinski Bali exterior view at sunset
The Apurva Kempinski Bali Cliff Private Pool Junior Suite Features and amenities
The room was a junior suite on the garden level of the property, designated zone 10 on the resort's map. The property is large enough that guests are issued a printed map on arrival, which gives a reasonable sense of scale. The interior used dark wood throughout, which here, unlike at Sofitel, worked well. The TV was positioned to one side rather than directly facing the bed, which I took as a deliberate choice to encourage looking outside instead. Free Wi-Fi was available but slower than ideal for any work use.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali Cliff Private Pool Junior Suite
The Apurva Kempinski Bali Cliff Private Pool Junior Suite
The Apurva Kempinski Bali room view
The Apurva Kempinski Bali TV
The Apurva Kempinski wifi speed
The room includes desk, a corner seating area, and a closet section off the entry hallway and a built-in wall safe. The hotel provides complimentary beach hats, one styled for men and one for women.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali couch
The Apurva Kempinski Bali walk-in closet
The Apurva Kempinski Bali desk
The Apurva Kempinski Bali room outside view
Near the entry was a minibar area that felt well thought out, with a generous selection of complimentary snacks and refreshments included as part of the suite. While not a feature that would make or break a stay, it was a nice touch and added to the sense that the hotel was trying to offer something beyond the basics.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali snacks
The Apurva Kempinski Bali drinks
The room was also equipped with modern charging options, and the air conditioning worked exceptionally well. Importantly, the vents were positioned so that cool air wasn't blowing directly onto the bed, making for a much more comfortable sleeping environment throughout the stay.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali charging ports
The Apurva Kempinski Bali room comfort menu
The Apurva Kempinski Bali room comfort menu
The welcome amenity delivered to the room later was a thoughtful personal touch and was arranged with care. We had noted our dietary preferences in advance, and the kitchen had clearly taken that into account.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali welcome amenity
The private plunge pool terrace was undoubtedly the standout feature of this suite category and the main reason many guests would consider booking it. One thing I particularly appreciated was the level of privacy. Unlike our experience at Sofitel Nusa Dua, where the plunge pool area was visible from neighboring rooms and balconies, the terrace here felt genuinely secluded, allowing for a much more private experience.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali private plunge pool
That said, the private pool wasn't a feature we ended up using as much as expected. The water remained quite cold throughout our stay, which made it less inviting for extended periods. Combined with the fairly limited outdoor seating, we often found ourselves toward the resort's main pool instead. While the private terrace certainly added to the appeal of the suite, it wasn't quite as usable in practice as I had initially hoped.
The bathroom was one of the strongest in this review series and felt very much in line with the rest of the room’s design. More than anything, it was a comfortable and easy space to use, with a layout that worked well for two guests without ever feeling cramped or awkward.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali Cliff Private Pool Junior Suite bathroom
The Apurva Kempinski Bali Cliff Private Pool Junior Suite bathroom
The Apurva Kempinski Bali bath amenities
The Apurva Kempinski Bali amenities
The Apurva Kempinski Bali bathroom sinks
The shower setup offered a good range of options and was easy to adjust depending on preference, while the bathtub added a sense of visual weight that reinforced the premium design used throughout the bathroom.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali bathtub
The standout feature was the Japanese-style toilet, which far too few luxury hotels invest in.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali Japanese TOTO toilet
The Apurva Kempinski Bali Japanese TOTO toilet
Apurva Kempinski Bali Dining Experience
The main restaurant offered an exceptionally broad breakfast buffet covering a wide range of international cuisines, with multiple live cooking stations and dedicated sections for different dietary preferences and regional styles. The selection was extensive enough to feel more like a curated global dining experience than a standard hotel breakfast, with strong representation across Asian, Middle Eastern, and Western influences, along with fresh juices, pastries, and desserts. Of course, nothing will beat the likes of the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali breakfast
The Apurva Kempinski Bali breakfast
The Apurva Kempinski Bali breakfast
A chef personally walked us through the entire buffet, item by item, taking the time to explain what suited our dietary preferences. While we mentioned we were happy with the available selection, the offer extended further, with anything we wanted prepared fresh to order on the spot. We took him up on it. It was one of the most accommodating breakfast experiences we have had at any resort property.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali breakfast menu
The Apurva Kempinski Bali vegan breakfast
The Apurva Kempinski Bali vegan waffles
The Apurva Kempinski Bali fruits
The Apurva Kempinski Bali mapo tofu
Suite guests have the option of taking their included breakfast in either the main restaurant or the Cliff Lounge. For guests with dietary restrictions or a preference for a wider selection, the main restaurant is the better choice. The lounge is quieter setting but with a smaller buffet. We opted for the main restaurant.
We had lunch at the Reef Beach Bar, an open-air venue at beach level accessible to both hotel guests and day visitors. The kitchen was attentive throughout, carefully reviewing each ingredients in detail to ensure it aligned with our dietary preferences, and proactively adjusting elements where needed without hesitation. Service was thoughtful and precise.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali reef beach club
The Apurva Kempinski Bali reef beach club menu
The Apurva Kempinski Bali reef beach club menu
The Apurva Kempinski Bali lunch at reef beach club
The Apurva Kempinski Bali lunch
The Apurva Kempinski Bali lunch
For dinner, we opted for the on-site hot pot restaurant, Bai Yun, which was fun and tasty, albeit very expensive.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali Bai Yun hotpot
The Apurva Kempinski Bali sauces
apurva Kempinski bali Pool, Beach, Gym, and Spa
Before getting to the individual facilities, it’s worth noting the layout of the resort. The grand staircase descending from the clifftop lobby all the way down to the beach is one of the most memorable things we have experienced at any hotel. It feels extravagant in the best possible way.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali grand staircase
The Apurva Kempinski Bali grand staircase
The Apurva Kempinski Bali grand staircase
The Apurva Kempinski Bali grand staircase
The Apurva Kempinski Bali grand staircase
The main pools were structured around a series of recessed mini-enclaves, each with its own set of sun loungers that faced inward rather than poolside. This gave the pool an unusually private feel for a large resort: even with guests present, you did not have the sense of being watched from all sides.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali kids pool
The Apurva Kempinski Bali adult pool
The Apurva Kempinski Bali coconut
The Apurva Kempinski Bali adult pool
The Apurva Kempinski Bali submerged sun chairs
The Apurva Kempinski Bali adult pool
The Apurva Kempinski Bali complimentary water
The Cliff Lounge, accessible only to suite guests, had its own dedicated pool in a more secluded setting with generous lounge seating and a bar. NIVEA sunscreen was available complimentary at the lounge and throughout the resort.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali cliff lounge pool
The Apurva Kempinski Bali cliff lounge pool
The family pool area had a separate section with a playground and water slides for older children. The pool opened at 7:00 AM, which we loved!
The Apurva Kempinski Bali family pool
The Apurva Kempinski Bali slides
The Apurva Kempinski Bali sun loungers
The Apurva Kempinski Bali sun loungers
The beach probably the best on the entire Nusa Dua coastline, with gorgeous views of Mount Batur on the horizon. That said, the swimming situation was heavily tide-dependent. During low tide, the water receded significantly and the seabed was largely exposed, making it more or less unusable. At high tide, it was a different story. Free kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available when sea conditions permit.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali pathway to the beach
The Apurva Kempinski Bali beach sun lounger
The Apurva Kempinski Bali beach at low-tide
The Apurva Kempinski Bali beach sand
The Apurva Kempinski Bali beach mountain view
The Apurva Kempinski Bali beachfront
The Apurva Kempinski Bali chapel
The gym was a relative weak point for a resort of this size. It had the essentials, though the space felt somewhat compact and the equipment selection was fairly limited. That stood out in particular when compared to properties like the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, with a much larger variety of equipment, dedicated training zones, and an overall setup that feels more like a premium fitness club.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali gym
The Apurva Kempinski Bali gym
The spa, by contrast, was a standout: the space was beautifully designed and clearly had been given the same architectural attention as the rest of the resort. A cold plunge pool and a hot pool with ocean views were available adjacent to the spa, both of which were in good condition. There’s also a proper wooden sauna which we’ve found to be quite rare in Bali where most hotels favor steam rooms.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali hot and cold plunge pool
Where is Apurva Kempinski Bali located?
The Apurva Kempinski sits in Nusa Dua on the Bukit Peninsula in southern Bali, on a clifftop position that sets it apart from most of its neighbors. The Apurva's architects chose to build a dramatic cascading structure down the hillside, with a grand staircase, water features, and tiered gardens connecting the lobby to the beach far below.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali hotel exterior
For guests focused on a beach and pool holiday, the location is an advantage. For those hoping to explore Seminyak, Ubud, or the broader island, taxis and rideshares via Grab are the only practical options. Ngurah Rai International Airport is approximately 20 to 30 minutes away by car under normal traffic conditions.
One practical note: at the time of our stay, construction of what appeared to be a new hotel was underway on an adjacent plot. Construction noise was noticeable from 9:00 AM onward, including on a Sunday. Guests planning to sleep past that time should be aware that this is likely to continue for the next year or two.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali construction area
Is the Service Good at the Apurva Kempinski Bali?
Service was one of the stronger aspects of the stay. The check-in with Imelda in the Cliff Lounge set a high standard: thorough, personable, and unhurried. Staff throughout the property were warm without being scripted, and there was a clear sense that team members had been given the latitude to make decisions rather than refer everything upward. That kind of operational trust tends to produce better guest interactions, and it showed here.
Turndown service was performed in the evening. The bed was prepared with slippers and a mat, a small plate of jellies was left on the nightstand, and a bottle water was placed bedside. A laundry-before-departure card was also left on the bed, offering express laundry at 200,000 Indonesian rupiah per kilogram.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali turndown service
The Apurva Kempinski Bali turndown service
The Apurva Kempinski Bali turndown service
The kitchen's handling of our dietary requirements was a particular standout. From the welcome amenity to the breakfast walkthrough to the careful ingredient check at the Reef Beach Bar, every food interaction felt attentive and informed. Requests were acted on without repetition or delay.
There were a few rough edges reaching the operator by phone sometimes required ten to fifteen rings before anyone answered. Service by the main pool was inconsistent: getting someone to bring water or take a drinks order required effort rather than arriving naturally. These are not unusual gaps at a large resort, but they were noticeable against the otherwise high standard set elsewhere during the stay.
The TV switched on twice during the night, apparently a technical glitch rather than a systematic issue. It disrupted sleep on both occasions and was worth flagging to the front desk, though it did not appear to be a recurring property-wide problem.
Is Apurva Kempinski Bali Worth It?
The Apurva Kempinski Bali is one of the more architecturally striking resort properties I have stayed at. The grand staircase descending from the lobby to the beach, the tiered water features and tropical gardens, and the scale of the lobby itself are all distinctive. The property does not feel like a standard large resort that simply happens to be well-decorated. Compared directly to the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, which sits a short distance down the same coastline, this is a meaningfully different experience in almost every category.
Beyond the visual impression, both the breakfast and dining quality were strong, the pool complex was thoughtfully designed, and the service culture felt engaged rather than impersonal. At the base room rate, this property makes a compelling case for staying in Nusa Dua. At the junior suite rate we paid of $722 for one night, the value largely comes down to how much time is spent enjoying the resort’s public spaces versus the room itself. Given how much there is to explore, the private plunge pool perhaps isn’t necessary.
A few things to be aware of before booking include construction noise on the adjacent plot, which was present from around 9:00 AM onward, including weekends. The hotel also hosts several weddings per month, and the sound can carry to pool-adjacent areas during ceremonies. Neither had a major impact on our stay, but they are worth noting for those sensitive to noise.
We would certainly consider returning to this property. Next time, we would likely book a base room for at least two nights.
Apurva Kempinski Bali Scoring Breakdown
Room(9/10): The junior suite was well-designed, with dark wood that felt considered rather than dated, a functional desk, ample storage, a cohesive aesthetic throughout, and a minibar stocked with suite-inclusive snacks and drinks. The private plunge pool terrace was clean and private, a meaningful improvement over similar offerings at neighboring properties. The pool's cold temperature and limited terrace seating were the main reasons this did not score a 10.
Bathroom(10/10): A full 10. Double sinks, a TOTO Japanese toilet, multi-jet shower, a substantial stone-clad bathtub, Botanical Essentials toiletries, and excellent use of space throughout. The only minor gaps were the absence of a tissue box and dedicated towel hooks.
Night's Sleep(8/10): The bed was comfortable and the AC was well-directed. The score was brought down by a TV that switched on twice during the night without explanation. A construction noise audible from 9:00 AM and a wedding audible from the pool area .
Value(8/10): At the base room rate of around $300 per night, the Apurva Kempinski represents strong value for what is on offer, particularly given the outdoor facilities and overall scale. At the $722 junior suite rate we paid, the value is more conditional and depends on how much use you make of the suite-specific benefits.
Breakfast(10/10): One of the best hotel breakfasts in this review series. The range covered a broad selection of cuisines, the quality was consistently high, and the level of service behind the buffet, including a personal chef walkthrough and made-to-order options, elevated it considerably. A clear 10.
Condition(9/10): The property is well-maintained at a macro level. On very close inspection, minor signs of wear were visible in places, but nothing that affected the experience in any meaningful way.
Service(4/5): The check-in experience, the kitchen's dietary attentiveness, and the general warmth of staff interactions were all strong. The score fell short of five due to inconsistent pool service, slower-than-expected phone response times, and turndown that was complete but lacked more luxury personalized touches.
Dining(5/5): The tempeh and pumpkin skewer at the Reef Beach Bar was the standout dish of this review series. The breakfast was delivered on every level. The dietary attentiveness in the kitchen was among the most thorough experienced at any hotel. Coral, the property's signature restaurant, was fully booked during our stay, which was the only gap in what was otherwise a clear five.
Amenities(5/5): The in-room amenities booklet listed an extensive range of requestable items, from horsehair pillows, chargers, tailoring service, and baby cots, air purifier and so on. The minibar, included with the suite booking, covered both drinks and snacks. Global charging with USB-C was available. A full five.
Wellness (4/5): The spa was beautiful and benefited from the same architectural attention as the rest of the resort. The hot pool with ocean views was a highlight. The gym was a weak point: small, modestly equipped, and out of scale with the rest of the property.
Pool (5/5): The main adult pool was one of the most thoughtfully designed resort pools in this review series. The recessed mini-enclaves (NOOKS) created a sense of privacy rarely found in a communal pool of this size. A full five.
Beach(3/5): The view from the beach was among the best in Nusa Dua, with Mount Batur is clearly visible on the horizon. Swimming was heavily dependent on the tide, and during low tide, the water receded to the point where the beach was essentially unusable for swimming. The setting earned it, but the tidal limitations kept it at three.
X Factor (10/10): The Apurva Kempinski has an X factor that very few hotels in this review series have matched. The grand staircase, the water features and tiered tropical gardens, the scale and ambition of the architecture, and the way all of it comes together as a coherent guest experience is what sets this property apart. A clear 10.
Total score: 90/100. See how it compares to other properties in our full luxury hotel rankings.
Key Takeaways
Architecture and resort design (grand staircase, tiered water features, and clifftop lobby are among the most distinctive in Bali)
Breakfast buffet (exceptional range, made-to-order options, and thorough dietary attentiveness from the kitchen team)
Pool complex (recessed enclaves, submerged seating, and a layout that provided privacy in a large communal setting)
Tempeh and pumpkin skewer at Reef Beach Bar (standout dish of the review series)
Check-in experience (thorough benefit walkthrough in the Cliff Lounge, warm and unhurried from the start)
Dietary attentiveness throughout (kitchen checked every ingredient proactively and made substitutions without being asked twice)
Japanese TOTO toilet in the bathroom
Botanical Essentials toiletries with lemon and ginger scent
In-room amenities booklet (one of the most extensive requestable lists encountered in this review series)
Minibar included with suite booking, covering both drinks and snacks• Suite-exclusive Cliff Lounge with dedicated pool and complimentary beverages
Beach view (clear sightlines to Mount Batur and a stretch of coastline that rivaled any in Nusa Dua)
Hot pool with ocean views adjacent to the spa
Complimentary beach hats loaned from the room closet
Needs Improvement
Gym (small and under-equipped relative to the scale of the property)
Pool service (difficult to get attention from staff for drinks or water at the main pool)
Phone response times (ten to fifteen rings before an operator answered)
Private plunge pool not heated (cold water limited practical use throughout the stay)
Outdoor terrace seating limited to one small lounger for two guests
Construction noise from adjacent development audible from 9:00 AM, including on weekends
Wedding noise audible at pool level on event evenings
TV switched on twice during the night (apparent technical glitch)
No dedicated towel hooks in the bathroom
Allergens not listed at the breakfast buffet (relies on chef walkthrough instead)
Turndown service complete but lacked personalized finishing touches
Want free breakfast, a room upgrade, and $100+ in credit?
Book through our travel advisor link and get the same rate as booking direct, plus meaningful extras at no additional cost.
- $100+ property credit
- Complimentary breakfast for 2
- Room upgrade, subject to availability
- Early check-in & late checkout, subject to availability
* More benefits may apply at select properties
