Grand Hyatt Bali is an extensive beachfront resort in Nusa Dua. I was thrilled to be invited to stay at this resort, recently honoured by Condé Nast Traveller, ranking as the #4 Readers’ Choice Best Resort in Indonesia. The Grand Hyatt Bali opened in 1991 at a time when they could score prime real estate on the island, and the trend was for good-sized rooms. This is one of those resorts equally well-loved by families and couples. They cater to all ages, and if there were one word to sum up the other guests I found myself around, it would be happy!
If you are looking for a small, boutique hotel, this isn’t your place. If, however, you are looking for a one-stop destination with everything and more you could possibly think of for a relaxing holiday in a resort that you never need to leave, read on.
Why Bali?
Those who have known and loved Bali for a long time will smile; we keep returning for many things. For me, it starts with the feeling of tropical paradise. I instantly relax in Bali; this island is simply special. I love the Balinese way of life and its people, and I very much like the affordable luxury I find in Bali.
I’m not alone. Bali is one of the most popular destinations in the world and is on track to have its busiest year for tourism on record in 2024.
Why Nusa Dua?
With Bali’s ever-growing popularity, I feel there is an increasing need to ensure your island paradise wisely for a relaxing time; this island is not getting any quieter! Nusa Dua, famed for upscale resorts spread along white sandy beaches, is a great choice. As the beaches face east, this is an area to enjoy the sunrise, not the sunset.
It is located on the southernmost point of the Bukit Peninsula, a quieter area of Bali than Kuta Beach. The resort is 15-30 minutes from the airport (depending on traffic and whether your driver takes the toll route.)
Why Grand Hyatt Bali?
What I liked most about this hotel
Literally, the moment you arrive up the grand driveway, you sense this is going to be good. You walk up an avenue of brightly coloured parasols in the open-air reception pavilion to be greeted by staff in traditional Balinese dress. If you time it right, a seated musician wearing a traditional Udeng turban knocks out melodic notes in front of a lotus pond. You can’t help but grin!
The resort’s grounds are breathtaking, with the inviting, shimmering Indian Ocean in the distance. The Grand Hyatt Bali has 41 acres, it is prime beachfront and offers unparalleled views and access.
Food is truly a standout feature of the resort. With several award-winning restaurants, dining here is about flavour and entertainment. The variety is impressive! During my three-night stay, I dined on Indonesian, Japanese, and Italian cuisines and incredible buffet breakfasts spread throughout the resorts at three restaurants. Each meal was an unforgettable experience.
The Grand Hyatt Bali has plenty of facilities, including five swimming pools and a busy daily activity program; you need never be bored here! The Oceania Kids Club offers different daily programs for children, from cooking to sports and Balinese culture.
Here the staff is so lovely, and they remember your name and what you like—mine’s soda water, no ice, no lemon, thank you very much!
Who is the resort suited for?
Everyone would be the short answer! From multi-generational family holidays to couples retreating to the adults-only fitness area or retirees chatting in the swimming pool, and one, of course, little solo wandering wren!
Families
Families are well catered for; kids love the two waterslides at the Garden River Pool. Spacious rooms are ideal for an extra child, and many room types offer interconnecting options.
The resort is very child-friendly, with Kids’ Clubs for children between three and twelve years old. You are offered two hours of complimentary access to the Kids’ Club during your stay. You can book additional time for an hourly fee; some activities charge extra.
Oceania Kids Club is open from 9 to 8 p.m.
Couples
The resort’s expansive layout offers room for everyone, with thoughtfully designed areas catering to different guests. It is well thought out and designed to offer areas which appeal to families, such as the River Pool area, and for couples, in the adults-only Bay Club swimming pool and gym area. There is so much choice, and it never felt crowded.
Opting for a Club Room gives exclusive access to the Grand Club Pool and the open-air Club Lounge, which offers daily soft drinks, snacks, and evening cocktails, giving additional options for those seeking a Club experience.
Conference attendees
I chatted with guests who were there to attend business events or who were tagging along with partners attending work meetings. Grand Hyatt Bali has twenty-four meeting rooms. If you are here for the B’leisure reasons, you have the best of both worlds. The Grand Ballroom and conference area offer business options from large-scale conferences and annual meetings to personalized incentive events.
Where are the guests from?
The guestlist appeared very international. Australia leads the number of visitors, followed by guests from India and China, along with the French, Dutch, Germans, South Koreans, and a few Americans in the mix.
The Resort‘s Awards
The Grand Hyatt Bali has won many awards since it opened over thirty years ago. I looked at its recent accolades, which include recognition for its all-around excellence as a family resort and its efforts in sustainability.
In 2024, the following awards were received
2024 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards – chosen as number four among the best resorts in Indonesia by Condé Nast Traveller.
Holidays with Kids Reader’s Choice Best Family Resorts Awards.
Top Meeting Hotel in Asia-Pacific by Cvent.
Silver EarthCheck Certification 2024.
“Grand Hyatt Bali strengthens its role as a leader in sustainability, embedding environmental stewardship into every aspect of its operations”.
EarthCheck is the world’s leading certification, consulting, and advisory group for sustainable destinations and tourism organisations. Certification involves being more energy efficient, implementing new waste management procedures, using fewer single-use plastics and more recycling, and implementing water conservation methods.
The Rooms
Choose your village
As I mentioned, this is a huge resort, so it might be worth studying the map to see which of the four villages, North, South, East and West, are closest to the facilities you are most likely to use. For instance, the West Village is closest to the Grand Ballroom and the Kriya Spa for those attending events there.
My room was in the East Wing, which was well positioned for the beach, Lagoon Pool, and three restaurants: Japanese, Garden Cafe, and Salsa Verde. I would say the South Village is great for the beach and the Kids’ Club.
Initially, the size of the property overwhelmed me. I bumped into plenty of other people stopping at maps or asking how to get to the reception. This is one way to get to know the other guests, and you will certainly keep your steps up here!
Choose your room
The resort offers 636 rooms, suites, and two exclusive villas, providing plenty of options to suit different preferences. My room, 2236, overlooked the gardens and was conveniently close to the pool and beachfront.
When I walked in, the room (King Bed Garden View) did not wow me in terms of design. The decor felt a bit dated, with dark wood and bulky furniture of the Balinese aesthetic. It all felt rather clunky and heavy and not as luxurious as I expected. The bamboo blind window furnishings didn’t help —just call me a fussy Wren!
That said, the room was impressively spacious—the smallest rooms are 49 sqm—and well thought out for a restful stay. It included a daybed, a desk, and a television (which I never turned on). There was a large balcony with comfy seats and a peaceful view of the gardens. The bed was excellent, and I slept soundly after my long, sun-drenched days and activity-filled mornings.
The bathroom was a standout, earning a solid 10/10. It was enormous, with a separate toilet, a large shower, a bathtub, and a double vanity. The finishing touch? Luxurious Balmain Paris toiletries —this was definitely my kind of bathroom.
See my Instagram Room Tour below:
With reliable air conditioning (much needed in October) and excellent Wi-Fi, the room became a lovely retreat. Throughout my stay, I grew increasingly fond of it, and by the end, I had truly appreciated the space, comfort, and gorgeous views from this room.
Nusa Dua Beach
The beachfront area at Grand Hyatt Bali is stunning, offering a long stretch of sand, making it a great walking beach. Just beyond the hotel grounds, you will find the charm of local beachside massages and food shacks.
Within the Grand Hyatt Bali section, the beach is shaded by trees. The hotel’s beach clean-up team does a great job ensuring their beach area is pristine. The hotel’s sun loungers are thoughtfully spaced apart. I loved the spaciousness and sitting under the trees listening to the waves.
For an extra cost, you can have your beachfront cabana with a shaded daybed, sun loungers, and staff at your beck and call. It’s the ultimate relaxation by the sea.
Local traders
I had experienced Bali beaches, where local traders’ constant requests for sales, selling everything from sunglasses to sarongs, was a pain when all you wanted to do was chill out and enjoy the view. Here, the friendly Balinese women selling their goods along the beach were respectful and gracious, readily accepting a polite “no” if you weren’t in the mood to shop. Far from being a pain, these chance encounters with the locals were lovely!
Swimming Pools
It’s a hard choice between the beach and the pool! Grand Hyatt Bali has five impressive swimming pools, including one solely for those with Club Room benefits.
Lagoon Pool with jacuzzi
This good-sized swimming pool was closest to my room and was a lovely place to hang out. There was plenty of seating, and the attentive pool towel attendants helped set up your sun lounger just right. At the side, you’ll find a large jacuzzi, with smaller individual jacuzzi’s lining one end of the pool.
River Pool
This pool with two slides and seating under the trees was popular with families. I liked swimming here around the river route.
Bay Club Pool – adults only
The Bay Club Pool, tucked away at the Bay Club, is worth seeking out. It was my absolute favourite for relaxing with a quick dip to cool off; it feels really exclusive. Such a private oasis when I visited, as I had the place to myself. It was a smaller pool than elsewhere, so if you want to swim greater distances, look elsewhere!
Baliinese Feature Pool
The pool is in North Village, and I never got there, although I read a review from a guest who had chosen to stay at North Village because they loved the Balinese feature pool so much—my bad!
Water Sports Centre
The water sports centre provides equipment rental for snorkelling, paddleboarding, etc. Prices vary depending on the item and are charged per hour.
You can also book trips for snorkelling, diving and fishing outside the hotel in different areas.
Restaurants and Bars
I can’t remember when a resort has excited me so much on the culinary front as the Grand Hyatt Bali. It’s partly because of the choice of restaurants and partly because they are so inventive. Whether you’re in the grove eating Indonesian street and banqueting food at the Pasar Senggol cultural event surrounded by the colourful dance performances, being served Japanese dessert with the ta-da of a veil of smoke, or watching the riveting Teppenaki floor show, the food is creatively served and delicious.
You will be spoiled for choice with the option of Japanese, Italian, Indonesian, or Western foods—all of a high quality.
Restaurant awards
The following foodie accolades have been awarded recently:
2024 Exquisite’s Awards, Best Japanese Restaurant – Nampu
2024 Exquisite’s Awards, Best Italian Restaurant – Salsa Verde
Nampu Japanese Restuarant
Nampu offers Japanese cuisine at its very best. This award-winning restaurant showcases its culinary skills with open kitchens, a sushi bar, a Teppanyaki section, and a Tatami room for private dining. It’s a serene and calm atmosphere, well apart from every time someone enters and they shout a traditional Japanese welcome, ‘irasshaimase‘ or if you’re amongst the whooshing flames watching your Teppanyaki being prepared!
I enjoyed two dinners here; both were outstanding and wildly different, and I could see why this restaurant is so acclaimed on the island of Bali.
Nampu serves fresh sushi, sashimi, yakitori and tempura. I let the chef choose, and I was not disappointed. It was lovely and special food.
The dessert was a show-stopper. The KUMIAWASE platter was a selection of green tea sundaes, soya milk pudding, fresh fruits, and desserts, which arrived with much foaming mist! It’s the most expensive dessert on the menu but a perfect sharing plate.
A nod to the humble chopstick, the cover says, “This chopstick will be recycled”, one of the many examples of their sustainability work.
Teppanyaki
This was so much fun! There are two Teppanyaki dining areas, one with the chef in the middle of the table, suitable for larger groups and a smaller teppanyaki dining bar style where food is prepared before you. I joined a family with their two small children.
You are offered the choice of three set menus starting from 795,000++ IDR. My set dinner Washoka included maki rolls, catch of the day seafood and half lobster, garlic vegetable fried rice, Miso Shiro and Chef’s dessert of the day.
For young and old, this is an enthralling way to have your food prepared and grilled in front of you. The show-stopping culinary performance and the delicious food were among the many highlights of my stay.
There is also the optional add-on option for choosing the Hauka Sake Sommelier. These hand-picked sake pairings are designed to match each dish. The Dad next to me was savouring every drop of this Japanese fermented rice wine – Kanpai!
Dress code: Smart casual
Website: www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/dining/nampu
Salsa Verde
Another award-winning restaurant serves the tastes of Italy, exploring regional delights. I loved the casual styling of the restaurant; with the green decor, you can sit inside, overlooking the waterfall of the River Swimming Pool, or outdoors, facing the Lagoon swimming pool and beach.
I enjoyed two lunches here; the first time, I chose a light lunch (there really is much opportunity to overeat here at the Grand Hyatt Bali!) but realised my mistake in not choosing Italian, which is, after all, what they are famed for, I returned to enjoy pasta and pizza. I’m glad I did; this would certainly give any of my favourite Melbourne Italian restaurants a run for their money!
Breakfast at Salsa Verde
I enjoyed breakfast inside at Salsa Verde. This was a smaller buffet selection, perhaps than elsewhere, but with everything and more that I needed.
Garden Café
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with differing culinary themes each month; when I was there, it was Korean food. Garden Café is set amongst the gorgeous landscaped gardens and offers local and international cuisines. You can choose indoor or outdoor dining.
Each month, there is a different culinary feature. It was the Flavours of Korea when I was there.
Breakfast at Garden Cafe
I enjoyed sitting outside in the garden setting at Garden Cafe. This looked to be the most extensive breakfast selection offer on site. Monday’s egg choice, Hollandaise poached egg, was perfect for me; I enjoyed the fresh fruit smoothies and loved trying some local Indonesian specialities.
Watercourt Restuarant.
“Step into the hallowed grounds of Watercourt, where we pay reverent tribute to the legendary water palaces and the serene fountains that have captivated the hearts of Bali’s visitors for generations”
Watercourt was my absolute favourite setting at the Grand Hyatt Bali. There is a clue in the name—this restaurant between the Western and Southern villages is elegantly designed as a water palace. As you walk up the almost secret path to the dining room, it’s one of those pinch me. I’m in Bali moments. You can choose between Asian or Western dining.
Breakfast at Watercourt
I loved this breakfast; it was worth the walk here. It’s one of the fabulous things about Grand Hyatt Bali, and you have so many choices for everything, even breakfast restaurants.
Pasar Senggol
One of the standout moments of my stay was the fabulous evening spent at Pasar Senggol, where ‘authentic Indonesian flavours meet captivating cultural performances’.
Set under the stars in the resort’s open-air amphitheatre, it’s a fun and vibrant atmosphere showcasing the best Indonesian music, dance, and theatre. Your table awaits with its orange tablecloth adorned with marigold flowers and frangipani crisp white serviettes wrapped in a gold napkin roll.
The evening starts with a Tari Panyembrama, a dance to graciously welcome guests, set against the backdrop of the gamelan orchestra.
Food at Pasar Senggol
Your ticket includes an all-you-can-eat Indonesian buffet served from a series of night market-style food stalls. The buffet included lamb cutlets, sizzling pork, prawns, lobster, and bountiful satays, such as the renowned Indonesian delicacy Sate Madura, ‘with its tender meat, smoky aroma and the sweet saltiness of its sauce, embodying the essence of Indonesian Street food’
You will also find Bebek Timbungan. This rare duck delicacy is slow-cooked for 12 hours in herbs and spices, chilli, ginger, and coconut to give an explosion of flavours.
Desserts, fruits and homemade ice creams were kept cool inside the Dessert Cooking School room. Here, you could choose from desserts such as Es Campur, a wonderful mix of coconut tapioca pearls and grass jellies with a topping of shaved ice, syrup and condensed milk. Indonesian desserts are beautifully wrapped in banana leaves and homemade ice creams.
Pasar Senggol Performances
The live performances were terrific. Traditional musicians and dancers brought the stage to life, with highlights including a fiery reenactment of the Hindu struggle between good and evil. The evening ended with a fire dance performance; audience participation added a fun, lighthearted energy to the night.
The amphitheatre’s tiered seating offers a choice of experiences: sit on the top level for quick access to the buffet or the bottom level for an up-close view of the performers. Local artisans displayed their handicrafts as an added touch, creating an authentic cultural village feel.
From the stunning setting and delicious food to the attentive, charming staff, Pasar Senggol was an unforgettable evening—perfect for families and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Bali.
Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Grand Hyatt Bali Bars
There were several bar options, starting with the Poolside Bar, Salsa Bar and Veranda Lounge & Bar.
Salsa Bar
My favourite was the outside setting of the Salsa Bar found up some steps behind the Salsa Verde Restaurant. This was popular with live music and panoramic views of the Nusa Dua coastline.
Veranda Lounge & Bar
The Veranda Lounge & Bar is in the reception area, with spectacular ocean views beyond the lush bougainvillaea gardens. During the day, the Verandah Lounge is a welcome air-conditioned haven serving a variety of treats, from tea, coffee, and smoothies to ice cream, cakes, and full-blown afternoon tea. At nighttime, it transforms, and you’ll find a live band and creative tropical cocktails.
Bay Club Activities
Located under Grand Hyatt Bali’s main lobby, the adults-only Bay Club fitness centre also has a gym, squash courts, a yoga studio, an adult-only swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room, and plunge pools. There are daily exercise classes, including yoga and kickboxing.
I enjoyed the Bay Club’s fantastic range of fitness activities on offer. Check out the daily activities program, some of which, such as bike hire, involve payment. I took as many complimentary classes as possible, starting with 6.30 am Sunrise Yoga and a Stretch Class overlooking the water lily pond and palm trees in front of the beach – a great way to start the day, even at this early hour!
The Bay Club Fitness Centre is open 24 hours daily with a wide range of cardio equipment and machine weights. You will also find tennis courts and mini golf at the resort.
For more on the full range of Wellness at Grand Hyatt Bali – see the separate blog post: Why your next trip could be a wellness retreat at Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua. (Coming Next! )
Grand Hyatt Bali Temple tour
There are two temples on the grounds of the Grand Hyatt Bali. One is for local Balinese people, the other is newer, and guests of the Grand Hyatt Bali can visit. You can join a temple tour arranged as part of the daily activities. To visit a temple in Bali, you need to be temple-ready, which involves being respectfully dressed. This program provides a sarong and a sash to each participant.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning all about the temple traditions in the grounds of the Grand Hyatt Bali.
Dessert Cooking School
If you want to learn to cook Balinese style, you can join the cooking lessons at the dessert cooking school.
Kriya Spa
My stay included an excellent massage at Kriya Spa, discreetly tucked away at the resort’s edge. It’s a splendid setting; by now, I’m well on the lookout for all aspects of ancient Balinese water palaces, and this setting is just this. The open-air reception pavilion is surrounded by water. After your initial consultation, your therapist leads you to your private villa treatment rooms.
“Kriya” means rituals. The spa’s treatments are curated around Bliss, Harmony, Purity and Energy. Each is designed to provide relaxation, rejuvenation, and detoxification.
Wren’s Tip: Book ahead, and if staying in North and East villages, the easiest way to get there is to ask for a buggy ride from reception to the spa.
Hours: 09:00 AM – 9:00 PM, daily
Photography
Guests staying at Grand Hyatt Bali can do a free photo shoot with Bouje Photographers. You can feel like a model for a while and have some beautiful memories of your holiday. You are given a handful of free photos and can buy extra images; of course, I couldn’t resist.
My photographer was Bima, and he knew all the best spots to take photos. This was a popular activity, especially with families, so book ahead!
What to see, do and love close by
The beauty of Grand Hyatt Bali is that this expansive resort offers more than enough to keep you entertained in-house. In the area, you can walk or bike to the following:
Bali Collection Shopping Centre
On Jl. Pantai Mengiat road, running past the hotel), you will find Bali Collection Shopping. This open-air mall offers clothing, jewellery, and souvenir stores. There is also a supermarket and various cafes and restaurants.
Dalem Bias Tugel Temple Nusa Dua
You can see this temple on the peninsula from the beach at Grand Hyatt Bali. It’s a nice walk or bike up there. The views back to the resort are pretty, and I watched some surfers enjoying the waves.
Note: Visitors must wear appropriate clothing or Balinese attire, as well as a sarong and sash. (I was turned away in full-length leggings and a t-shirt, so pack a sarong)
Nusa Dua Water Blow
To catch the best views of this natural wonder, it’s essential to check and time your visit right—high tide in the morning often offers the most impressive display. The Water Blow features a scenic walkway over volcanic rocks, where you can witness waves surging dramatically through a natural rock formation. While there’s a small entrance fee, the experience can vary depending on the tides, as the Water Blow doesn’t always “blow.”
Museum Pasifika
This museum, just a 15-minute walk from the resort, celebrates Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity. It showcases how artists worldwide have been inspired by Bali, capturing the beauty of its people, intricate rituals, and stunning landscapes. With a permanent collection of over 600 artworks, it’s a popular museum for those who enjoy seeing Bali’s artistic heritage.
Travel to Bali
International Flights
If you are Australian, you are blessed with direct flights. European travellers can travel via flights from Istanbul, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, or Doha. Bali is great to combine with a visit elsewhere in SE Asia; you can fly directly from Vietnam, China, and Taipei.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Citizens of 97 countries are eligible for the Bali VOA. This includes the major tourist markets such as Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, China, and many European countries.
To obtain a 30-day 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Bali airport, ensure your passport is valid for six months, have a return/onward ticket, and have proof of sufficient funds (around $1,000).
The VOA costs IDR 500,000 and can be purchased at the airport with cash or card or online as an e-VOA for the same price. It allows stays for tourism, business, or official visits and includes the day you arrive and depart.
Complete the Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD) up to two days before arrival for a smooth entry process.
Denpasar International Airport upgrade
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also known as Denpasar International Airport, has had an impressive upgrade. I arrived on a Domestic flight from Jakarta and was soon impressed by the work done at the Airport; if you haven’t arrived for a couple of years like me, you are in for a good surprise.
Wren’s tip –Taxis on arrival
Whenever I arrive at Denpasar Airport, it always seems chaotic, with a crowd of taxi drivers yelling, “Taxi, taxi.” So I always book a car to meet me. It is always a relief to arrive and find a smiling face with my name on a card. It is better still to splash out for a hotel pick-up.
Alternatively, my recommendation is Bluebird Taxi, which is reliable and metered. You can download their app and use it like an Uber.
Grand Hyatt Bali details
Address: Kawasan Wisata Nusa Dua ITDC – Bali, Indonesia
Website: www.grandhyattbali.com
Last thoughts
I hope you have found our guide to the luxurious Grand Hyatt Bali helpful. With its vast offerings, there are lots to see, do and love here on the Island of Gods. With exceptional dining options, inviting swimming pools, a superb beachfront, and a multitude of entertainment activities, you have everything needed for a relaxing and memorable holiday. I loved my stay here; it’s a wonderful Bali paradise escape for couples, families, and solo travellers.
Disclosure: Little Wandering Wren was a guest of Grand Hyatt Bali, and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A massive thank you to the staff who made my visit so memorable.
Follow us on Social Media: Find more photos of my travels and stories on Instagram @littlewanderingwren
If you have enjoyed this, you might enjoy: Why your next trip could be a wellness retreat at Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua [coming next]
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