The Apurva Kempinski Bali occupies a hillside in Nusa Dua with terraced architecture inspired by Balinese rice paddies, cascading toward a private stretch of the Indian Ocean. Opened in 2019, the resort stacks 475 rooms, suites, and villas across its grounds—a footprint that makes it one of the island’s largest single-resort luxury inventories. This review pulls guest feedback from TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Hotels.com alongside facility data from the property’s own listings to separate verified features from marketing language.
Last checked: 2026-05-30
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Official name: The Apurva Kempinski Bali · Location: Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia · Star rating: 5 stars · Total rooms: 465 iconic rooms, suites and villas (475 per On the Beach) · Unique features: Private beach, 60-yard outdoor pool, aquarium restaurant, Balinese healing spa · Owner: Kempinski Hotels group
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-30.
Sources reviewed: official property site, neutral review platforms (Tripadvisor, Hotels.com, Expedia), travel blogger and reviewer publications, booking aggregators.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
Key facts at a glance
- 5-star luxury, highest tier in Bali
- 475 rooms, suites, and villas
- Praised for extensive amenities, standout pools, and state-of-the-art gym (Expedia)
- 2019, before COVID-19 disrupted Bali tourism
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | The Apurva Kempinski Bali |
| Location | Nusa Dua, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia |
| Star rating | 5 stars |
| Total rooms | 465 iconic rooms, suites and villas (475 per some sources) |
| Unique features | Private beach, 60-yard outdoor pool, aquarium restaurant, Balinese healing spa |
| Owner | Kempinski Hotels group |
| Best for | Families, couples, luxury seekers |
Is The Apurva Kempinski Bali worth it?
The Apurva Kempinski Bali opened in 2019, positioning itself as a flagship addition to Nusa Dua’s luxury segment. With 475 rooms spread across terraced hillside architecture, the resort aims for scale and visual impact. Multiple reviews and the hotel’s own marketing state that roughly 60% of accommodations include a private plunge pool, though at least one travel writer noted difficulty reconciling this figure with the publicly visible room categories (Plane Better).
The main pool complex is a defining feature: a multi-level infinity pool system with additional water features cascading toward the beach, described on TripAdvisor’s hotel feature page as unusually large even by Nusa Dua standards (Tripadvisor). Facilities include a signature spa with a 12-year minimum age policy, a kids club, a dedicated waterpark area, a beach club, and a purpose-built wedding chapel.
What guests say in reviews
Verified guest reviews on Expedia and Hotels.com consistently highlight the private beach reserved for hotel guests, the massive outdoor pools with numerous water features, and a generally relaxing resort atmosphere (Expedia, Hotels.com). Tripadvisor reviews praise staff service and the scale of amenities, though some note that the hillside layout and the property’s size mean considerable walking, and the location sits somewhat remote from central Bali tourist hubs.
“Beautiful hotel. Got upgraded to a suite with a private pool. Excellent amenities. Wonderful staff. Easy access to private beach reserved for hotel guests.”
— Hotels.com verified guest review (Hotels.com listing)
The catch: The resort’s 475-room scale means lots of walking between facilities. Guests seeking the lively restaurant and nightlife scene of Seminyak or Canggu may find the Nusa Dua setting relatively isolated.
The combination of family-friendly amenities—waterpark, kids club—and adults-only spa zone shapes a guest profile that skews toward families with older children and couples seeking relaxation over nightlife. What this means is that the resort is positioned to attract a mix of luxury travelers, but those who prioritize proximity to Bali’s cultural and social hubs should factor in travel time.
Where do the Kardashians stay in Bali?
The Apurva Kempinski Bali has featured in celebrity travel coverage, with the Kardashian family mentioned as guests during Bali visits. The resort’s palatial scale—described by independent video reviewers as “like a modern Balinese palace” with dramatic lobby views overlooking the cascading pool complex toward the ocean—aligns with the luxury positioning that attracts high-profile visitors.
Source context: Celebrity connection claims circulate in travel and lifestyle coverage but direct verification from official sources was not available in research inputs. The resort’s design language and scale are consistent with properties favored by celebrity travelers, but readers should treat such claims as contextual rather than independently confirmed.
What to watch is that while celebrity endorsements appear in travel queries, the property itself does not prominently market celebrity associations in official communications. The implication is that this may be an earned association rather than a paid one—guests recognize the resort’s luxury tier rather than the resort explicitly courting celebrity stays.
What is the nicest part of Bali to stay in?
Nusa Dua is widely regarded as Bali’s most curated luxury zone: a gated, resort-centric area with private beaches, controlled beachfront, and a concentration of five-star properties. The Apurva Kempinski Bali sits within this context, and its hillside site overlooking the Indian Ocean adds a geographical advantage that lower-lying resort areas may lack.
The trade-off is that Nusa Dua’s controlled environment means fewer local warungs, cultural attractions, and nightlife options compared with Seminyak, Canggu, or Ubud. Tripadvisor reviews reflect this tension: guests appreciate the serene, self-contained resort experience but note that guests seeking nightlife or local restaurants may find it relatively remote compared with other Bali areas.
Nusa Dua versus other Bali areas
For luxury travelers prioritizing relaxation, private beach access, and resort amenities over cultural immersion or nightlife, Nusa Dua ranks among the most established options. The area is also closer to Ngurah Rai International Airport than Seminyak or Uluwatu, making it convenient for arrivals seeking immediate resort comfort.
However, travelers who want to balance beach time with Bali’s art scene, rice terrace walks, or vibrant restaurant culture may find Nusa Dua’s self-contained nature limiting without car or driver access.
Is Kempinski better than The Ritz-Carlton?
The Apurva Kempinski Bali is frequently compared to The Ritz-Carlton Bali in luxury positioning reviews. The Ranting Panda notes that Kempinski leads in spaciousness and unique dining across its eight on-site restaurants and outlets, including Izakaya by Oku (Japanese) and Bai Yun (Chinese hotpot) (The Ranting Panda). However, such comparisons depend heavily on individual preferences: Ritz-Carlton tends toward beachfront flat terrain, while Kempinski’s hillside terraced layout offers ocean views from higher floors but requires more internal movement.
Guest ratings and features comparison
Tripadvisor and OTA reviews place both properties in the 4–4.5 range, with Kempinski scoring slightly higher on pool size and variety, and Ritz-Carlton scoring higher on location convenience and consistent noise levels. The Cliff Lounge—a dedicated space on levels 9–10 for suite guests with cliff-top pools—gives Kempinski a tiered exclusivity that Ritz-Carlton’s more uniform room layout may not replicate.
Note: Direct head-to-head ratings comparison should be verified on the respective OTA listings, as ranking algorithms shift with review volume and recency.
The pattern across guest feedback is that Kempinski excels in scale and visual drama; Ritz-Carlton excels in location convenience and terrain simplicity. The bottom line is that “better” depends on whether a guest values expansive pool complexes and hillside views over walkability and flat beachfront access.
How many stars is The Apurva Kempinski Bali?
The Apurva Kempinski Bali holds a 5-star classification, placing it in the highest official tier for hotels in Bali. The rating reflects the property’s amenities—signature spa, multiple pools, private beach, eight dining outlets, wedding chapel, waterpark, and kids club—as well as its service positioning under the Kempinski Hotels group, a European luxury hospitality brand with global standards.
The five-star designation is consistent with independent review summaries on Expedia and Hotels.com, which list the property alongside other top-tier Bali resorts with comparable feature sets.
Pros and cons at a glance
Pros
- Huge multi-level pool complex with ocean views (Tripadvisor)
- Private beach reserved for hotel guests (Expedia, Hotels.com)
- Eight dining outlets including Japanese and Chinese specialty restaurants (The Ranting Panda)
- Suite guests get exclusive Cliff Lounge access with cliff-top pools (The Ranting Panda)
- Adults-only spa zone (minimum age 12, Hotels.com)
- Family facilities: waterpark, kids club, dedicated children’s areas
Cons
- Hillside layout means significant walking between facilities (Tripadvisor reviews)
- Remote from Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud nightlife and cultural attractions
- Some reviews mention noise or crowding at high occupancy periods
- No clear sustainability certifications or environmental practices documented in public sources
Best stays for different travelers
Couples
The adults-only spa with Balinese healing treatments, cliff-top pools accessible to suite guests, and private beach create an environment suited to romantic retreats. The hillside architecture and ocean views add visual appeal. Dining options like Izakaya by Oku provide intimate, specialty-meal settings.
Families
The waterpark, dedicated kids club, and family pool areas keep younger children entertained while the spa’s 12+ age policy maintains an adults-only wellness zone elsewhere. Suite upgrades with private plunge pools give families more space than standard rooms.
Luxury seekers
Five-star classification, Kempinski brand standards, 475-room scale with 60% private-plunge-pool coverage, and eight dining outlets place the resort in the upper tier of Bali luxury. The Cliff Lounge for suite guests adds a tiered exclusivity element.
First-time Bali visitors
Nusa Dua’s gated, resort-centric environment offers a controlled introduction to Bali luxury without the sensory intensity of Kuta or the cultural demands of Ubud. The private beach, pool complex, and standard amenities provide a comfortable baseline. However, travelers expecting to walk to local restaurants or experience Bali’s street culture will need transport.
Price range and value positioning
The Apurva Kempinski Bali positions in the luxury tier, consistent with its five-star classification and feature set. Specific pricing varies by season, room category, and booking channel. The resort’s scale—475 units—provides more inventory flexibility than boutique properties, which may help with availability and promotional pricing outside peak periods.
Booking note: Prices are not published in this review. For current rates, check the official Kempinski website, OTA listings, or hotel booking aggregators directly. Seasonal fluctuations around Indonesian holidays and Western peak seasons significantly affect published rates.
The value consideration centers on what the guest prioritizes: for families seeking space, private plunge pools, and kids facilities, the price supports that use case. For travelers primarily interested in Bali’s cultural and social scene, the remote Nusa Dua location may not justify the luxury tariff.
Location and getting there
The Apurva Kempinski Bali is located in Nusa Dua, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia. The resort sits on a hillside overlooking the Indian Ocean, approximately 12–15 kilometers north of Ngurah Rai International Airport. Most guests arrive by private car, airport transfer arranged through the hotel, or taxi.
[Map embed placeholder: Property location in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia]
Nusa Dua is a planned resort zone with controlled beachfront, making it quieter and more orderly than Kuta or Seminyak. However, this same characteristic means that walkable local dining and cultural attractions are limited. Guests planning to explore Seminyak, Uluwatu, or Ubud should budget for transfers.
Similar resorts to consider
The Ritz-Carlton Bali
Beachfront flat-terrain resort with comparable five-star amenities. Scores higher on walkability and proximity to some Nusa Dua dining. The Cliff Lounge at Kempinski offers tiered exclusivity that Ritz-Carlton does not replicate.
Mulia Resort Nusa Dua
Another large-scale luxury property in Nusa Dua with extensive pool complexes and family facilities. Shares the gated resort environment and private beach access.
St. Regis Bali
Premium beachfront property in Nusa Dua with a smaller footprint. Appeals to travelers seeking more intimate scale within the luxury tier.
Our pick: who should book The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Luxury travelers, families with children aged 5+, honeymooners, and guests seeking a resort-centric Bali experience with maximum on-site amenities will find the most alignment with what the property delivers. The pool complex, private beach, and dining variety are genuine strengths. Couples and luxury seekers who upgrade to suite categories gain access to the Cliff Lounge, adding an exclusivity layer that distinguishes the experience from standard room bookings.
However, travelers prioritizing Bali’s cultural sites, nightlife, or walkable local dining—better found in Seminyak or Canggu—should factor in travel time before committing to the Nusa Dua location. What to watch is that the resort’s hillside layout suits guests comfortable with walking or who plan to use resort transport; it may not suit guests with mobility concerns.
To appreciate the resort’s pedigree, it helps to understand the Kempinski Hotels chain history , which traces back to 1897 in Berlin.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Apurva Kempinski Bali worth the price?
The resort offers a 5-star experience with 475 rooms, eight dining outlets, a multi-level pool complex, private beach, and spa. Value depends on travel priorities: strong for families and luxury seekers focused on resort amenities, less clear for travelers primarily seeking Bali’s cultural attractions outside the property.
Who owns The Apurva Kempinski Bali?
The property is owned and operated by Kempinski Hotels Group, a European luxury hospitality brand with properties worldwide.
What is the most luxurious area in Bali?
Nusa Dua is widely recognized as Bali’s most curated luxury zone, featuring a concentration of five-star resorts, private beaches, and controlled resort environments. Uluwatu and parts of Jimbaran also offer luxury options with ocean views, but have fewer resort-density concentrations.
Does The Apurva Kempinski Bali have a private beach?
Yes. The resort has a private beach reserved exclusively for hotel guests, confirmed in Expedia and Hotels.com guest reviews.
What restaurants are at The Apurva Kempinski Bali?
The resort hosts approximately eight dining outlets, including Izakaya by Oku (Japanese), Bai Yun (Chinese hotpot), and Selasar Deli for pastries and coffee. Full outlet listings are available on the hotel’s official site.
How far is The Apurva Kempinski Bali from the airport?
The resort is approximately 12–15 kilometers from Ngurah Rai International Airport, a transfer of roughly 20–30 minutes by car depending on traffic conditions.
Sources cited
- The Ranting Panda — Room count, opening year, suite features, Cliff Lounge access, dining outlets
- The Travel Temple — Resort layout, spa, kids facilities, chapel, 60% plunge pool positioning
- Plane Better — Critical examination of the 60% plunge pool claim
- Hotels.com — Spa age policy (12+), guest review snippets
- Expedia — Guest feedback on pools, private beach, amenities
- Tripadvisor — User-generated reviews, service and location feedback
- Tripadvisor — hotel features — Pool complex description
- YouTube – independent video review — Palatial design, lobby view description