Nusa Dua can often be overlooked as a great place to stay in Bali. Admittedly, it isn’t brimming with the culture of Ubud or the restaurants of Seminyak, but it has its own special qualities. Nusa Dua has nice swimmable beaches, which can be hard to find in Bali. Start your day with a morning walk on the beach boardwalk, enjoy the numerous water sports available, or relax in the luxury spas. Nusa Dua has amazing luxury hotels lining the beach, often with their own private beaches. It’s a particularly safe area to stay in Bali, especially if you choose to stay in luxury hotels with security. So where to stay in Nusa Dua? In our accommodation guide, you will find the best places to stay in Nusa Dua including our favourite resorts, hotels, and villas, along with the best locations.
CONTENTS
- Where To Stay? Best Locations.
- Should I Stay In Nusa Dua?
- How Many Days Do You Need?
- Booking Accommodation
- Accommodation Guide
Where To Stay In Nusa Dua? Best Areas.
Nusa Dua is located along the eastern coast of Southern Bali, only a 20 – 30 minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. A lot of accommodation options are located along the beach. But some are located further inland.
So where to stay in Nusa Dua? I think it’s pretty important to stay either on the beach or not too far from it. After all, the beach is one of its best qualities.
The northern area is called Tanjung Benoa. Here there are lots of water sports and an excellent Balinese restaurant, Bumbu Bali. The middle area is the most central in terms of shops (although there aren’t that many shops). The south area is closer to Pandawa Beach, a beautiful beach with clear blue water, and is a little more remote.
If you want to be able to explore the area around your hotel on foot, then I would definitely stay in the middle, more central Nusa Dua area. If you are planning on spending most of your time in your resort relaxing, potentially wanting cliff-top views, then the more secluded southern end of Nusa Dua would be great, as would the central middle section. If staying in Tanjung Benoa, we prefer the more southern end closer to the central Nusa Dua area, as you can explore more easily by foot.
Overall, we think the best area to stay in Nusa Dua is the central middle area, as it has beautiful resorts yet you can still explore your surroundings on foot.
Is It Worth Staying In Nusa Dua?
Staying in Nusa Dua is a great option for those looking for a luxury stay, relaxation and beautiful swimmable beaches.
It’s perfect for families, with facilities for kids at luxury hotels like kids’ clubs, as well as access to on-site restaurants, swimming pools, tennis courts and water sports.
It’s also a great choice for honeymoons and couples who want to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches and luxury resorts.
Nusa Dua can also be used as a base for day trips to other areas of Bali, which we would definitely recommend to experience more of Balinese culture and traditions, as well as other sides of Bali. However, we actually think a stay in Nusa Dua is best combined with a stay in another area, to get a more well-rounded experience of Bali.
And if you’re on more of a budget, although Nusa Dua wouldn’t be our first pick for a budget stay, there are still some affordable options too.
On the other hand, Nusa Dua is not for you if you only want to stay in one area in Bali, and you came for the culture and local experiences.
How Long To Stay In Nusa Dua?
How many days you need in Nusa Dua is pretty dependent on your Bali trip. If you’re planning on having one base and doing some day trips to explore more of Bali, then staying in Nusa Dua for the entirety of your trip is possible.
If you’re combining a stay in Nusa Dua with a stay in another location in Bali, which is what we would recommend, then I feel like 2 – 3 nights would be a minimum to be able to take advantage of ‘relaxing’.
Deciding how long to stay is less about how long it would take for you to tick off all the things to do in Nusa Dua, and more about how long you want to spend relaxing, swimming at the beach etc.
Booking Accommodation
Booking.com
We love using Booking.com, it’s one of our favourite ways to book Nusa Dua accommodation and they have a great range of options, from luxury hotels, boutique hotels, villas and homestays.
Airbnb
Airbnb tends to have a lot of villa options for Bali, so another good option if looking to stay in a villa. Often have discounts for stays of a week or more.
Nusa Dua Accommodation Guide
Our accommodation recommendations below are based on our favourite resorts that we have stayed in, knowledge of Nusa Dua hotels and their specific locations, research, hearing from you and putting this all together with our own experience of Nusa Dua.
So here are our favourite picks for where to stay in Nusa Dua…
Please note: Prices are per night in AUD and were accurate at the time of this post.
Splurge: Luxury Accommodation In Nusa Dua
Samabe Bali Suites & Villa’s | from $578 AUD | Check Prices
With ocean views from all suites and villas, Samabe Bali is definitely one of the best luxury hotels in Nusa Dua. Some of the suites have a private pool, as do the one and two-bedroom villas. This 5-star resort is located in the more secluded southern end of Nusa Dua.
You will find a lot of inclusions in your stay, including a free flow of non-alcoholic drinks, 24-hour butler service and unlimited use of non-motorised water sports. You can also choose an all-inclusive package here too.
At the resort, you have access to two restaurants and two bars, a spa, a fitness centre, and an outdoor pool. You can also spend your days relaxing at the beautiful white sand beach.
Kayumanis Nusa Dua Private Villa and Spa | from $552 AUD | Check Prices
Kayumanis Nusa Dua is home to beautiful one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas with private pools and kitchens. You can choose to eat at either of the two on-site restaurants or stay in and enjoy room service. You can also access their private beach area or unwind at their spa.
Even though the villas themselves are very private and tranquil, Kayumanis is located in the heart of Nusa Dua. They also offer free shuttle services around the area.
The St. Regis Bali Resort | from $903 AUD | Check Prices
The St. Regis Bali is a luxurious resort in Nusa Dua. This stunning beachfront resort has extremely spacious suites, with entry-level suites starting at 92m², some with plunge pools.
They also have villas with private pools, some of which also have access to the lagoon pool as well. Villas range from one-bedroom villas to four-bedroom villas. If that’s not enough, The Strand beachfront villas come with direct access to the beach and a private pool, available in one-bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom.
There are three swimming pools, including the large saltwater lagoon pool, a heated outdoor pool at the spa, and another pool with a swim-up bar. But you also have the option to spend your days at the secluded stretch of sandy beach perfect for swimming or relaxing.
Here you will find ample dining options with six different restaurants and bars, including both International and Balinese cuisine. A beautiful spa and fitness centre are also on-site. Daily yoga classes are available in their beachside pavilion. Or you could try stand-up paddle yoga in the pool.
Although it is a fabulous place to stay for couples, I’m really impressed by the attention The St. Regis Bali also gives to families. There is a children’s learning centre onsite where kids can take part in yoga, cooking classes, learning how to play Balinese musical instruments and hands-on conservation. They also have welcome rituals and turn-down rituals catering to younger guests. Along with tiny afternoon tea and evening outdoor cinema and children’s pools.
The Ritz-Carlton Bali | from $407 AUD | Check Prices
A luxury resort perched on the cliffside with views of the Indian Ocean, the Ritz-Carlton is a special place to stay in Nusa Dua.
They have spacious suites starting from 100 square metres, some with pool access. One-bedroom villas have either pool access or private pools. Whilst the two and three-bedroom villas all come with private pools.
Enjoy the beachfront infinity pool and a range of complimentary experiences, like an evening beach bonfire.
There are plenty of incredible dining options here, with two standout restaurants. The Beach Grill is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood in a beachside setting. And Bejana is a beautiful cliff-top restaurant with delicious Indonesian Cuisine, which we absolutely loved.
Amarterra Villas Bali Nusa Dua – Mgallery Collection | from $529 AUD | Check Prices
This beautiful boutique hotel has a collection of private pool villas, including one, two and three-bedroom villas, in front of their private beach. You can also access in-villa dining, an on-site restaurant, a gym and a resort pool.
The location is super central, a short walk from the Bali Collection shopping centre. Or you can use their free bikes to explore.
The Royal Santrian | from $630 AUD | Check Prices
The Royal Santrian is an exclusive collection of one-bedroom pool villas. With only twenty-two villas within the luxurious grounds, tranquillity and privacy are paramount. Each villa has its own beautiful private pool, gazebo and lush garden. The interiors have a refined traditional feel.
In-villa dining is available, or you can dine at their on-site restaurant and ocean terrace. There is also a stunning pool near the beach that you can enjoy. Spa treatments can be experienced at The Royal Spa or in the comfort of your own villa.
The Royal Santrian is located along Tanjung Benoa beach yet in the more central southern end. A stay here is sure to be a memorable one.
Luxury Hotels For Less
The Apurva Kempinski Bali | from $348 AUD | Check Prices
The Apurva Kempinski Bali is a 5-star hotel with striking architecture and design. It’s located in the quieter southern end of Nusa Dua. The grounds are dotted with palm trees and include a large pool and beachfront location.
Here you will enjoy spacious rooms, some with access to the lagoon pool. You can also stay in a range of suites and villas, some with private pools. Facilities for kids are also on-site.
The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa | from $350 AUD | Check Prices
A stunning 5-star beachfront hotel with beautiful tropical gardens and seven lagoon pools, including one children’s pool. The Laguna has spacious rooms, some with lagoon pool access. You can also stay in one-bedroom and two-bedroom private pool villas.
You can dine at one of their six restaurants and bars or make use of their 24-hour room service. Other facilities include an onsite spa and fitness center.
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort | from $267 AUD | Check Prices
We loved our stay at Sofitel Bali, a luxury beachfront 5-star hotel. The beautifully designed rooms were a highlight, some have pool access or private plunge pools. They also have private pool villas available.
Another stand-out feature was the large lagoon pool wrapping around the resort amongst lush tropical gardens.
Resort facilities include an incredibly relaxing spa and wellness centre, tennis court and kids club. There are 5 great restaurants and bars on-site, including a swim-up bar.
Read More: Why We Loved Sofitel Nusa Dua
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali | from $221 AUD | Check Prices
The Westin Resort has a central location, with its own private white sand beach. This 5-star resort has six on-site restaurants, beautiful pools, tennis courts, and a spa.
It’s a great place to stay in Nusa Dua for families, with a focus on facilities for kids.
Conrad Bali | from $272 AUD | Check Prices
Conrad Bali is a 5-star hotel located on the beachfront in Tanjung Benoa. There is a range of rooms to choose from including oceanfront rooms and pool access rooms, along with private pool villas. A highlight of the hotel is the multiple large pools open 24 hours.
Hotels In Nusa Dua For Under $200/night
Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua | from $144 AUD | Check Prices
We loved our stay here, with nice modern rooms and a beautiful pool area surrounded by greenery. The location is central, although not on the beach. However, you still have access to their private beach club which you can walk to in 20 minutes or get the free 3-minute shuttle.
There are a few restaurants on-site, room service and kids club. Courtyard by Marriott is a great option if you’re looking for a 5-star hotel in Nusa Dua at a more affordable price.
Read More: Our Stay at Courtyard by Marriott Nusa Dua
Merusaka Nusa Dua | from $197 AUD | Check Prices
Formerly known as the Inaya Putri Bali, Merusaka is a luxury hotel located along Mengiat beach.
This beachfront property has rooms and suites, some with pool access, and some with ocean views. They also have one and two-bedroom villas with a private pool, that also connects to the resort’s river pool.
Here you will find multiple outdoor pools, on-site restaurants, a fitness centre, a spa, room service and free wifi.
Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa | from $153 AUD | Check Prices
The Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa is a beachfront hotel with simple modern rooms, multiple outdoor swimming pools, a few different dining options and a spa. It’s located on Tanjung Benoa beach, in the more central southern end.
Although it is a 5-star hotel, it has a more casual feel without the grandeur of some of the other luxury hotels in Nusa Dua, but the price reflects this too.
Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa | from $159 AUD | Check Prices
Centrally located, this beachfront hotel offers great value for money. Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa has charming traditional Balinese design features that I love in established Bali hotels. This extends to the beautiful grounds full of trees and plants and expansive grass areas.
We will be continually updating this post with any new places we stay and love, to make sure we are recommending the best hotels in Nusa Dua.
Read More:
The Best Places To Stay In Bali: Our Favourite Areas, Hotels & Tips
Where To Stay In Seminyak: Best Hotels & Locations
The Best Places To Stay In Ubud
The Best Areas To Stay In Canggu & Our Favourite Hotels
What hotel is the swim up bar located at the top of the “WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA DUA: OUR NUSA DUA ACCOMMODATION GUIDE” page?
Thanks!
Hi Ashley the swim up bar at the top of the page was taken during our stay at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua. You can see our hotel review here: https://almostlanding-bali.com/sofitel-nusa-dua-review/ If you stay at Sofitel you will love it, have a great time in Bali :)
Where abouts is the picture of the swim up bar taken?
The first photo in this article with the swim up bar was taken during our stay at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua. You can see our hotel review here: https://almostlanding-bali.com/sofitel-nusa-dua-review/ Have a great time in Bali and if you stay at Sofitel you will love it :)
14 day trip– Need help
Night 1,2,3 in Ubud River Moon, Night 4,5 in Karma Kandara-
We want to scuba and finish at the beach for 4-5 nights. And our friend is leaving Feb 25th so need to somewhat near the airport for a 9:00 pm flight. I can’t figure if we can do Gili or out islands? Not interested in touristy areas. Please help– Daughter is meeting us from Iraq- want to make it memorable!!
Hi Jen, Jimbaran is a great spot to spend your last night as its close to the airport. If you go to the Gili’s I would stay at least 2 days, as the boat there/back can be tiring. One thing is I would recommend spending your last night back on Bali. Just in case your boat is delayed. You can scuba in the Gili’s and another scuba option could be Nusa Lembongan and those islands too, which are a little closer. That will be great meeting with your daughter! The beach where Karma Kandara is, is really nice! Wishing you a memorable trip! Let us know if you need any more help, Chris + Mandy :)
hi
we are going to Bali in April’18…… we are hoping the weather is good at this time of the year.
we will be saying at the Melia Bali In Nusa Dua, do you know of this hotel.
we are travelling with a 25, 32 and 30 year old.
we are hoping that there will be lots for them to do. we of course will explore the islands and not just stay at the resort.
I would like to relax a little while they will want to e on the go all the time.
thanks for the blog
Joanne
Hi Joanne, April is a great time of year to be in Bali :) Yes we know of the Melia, we haven’t stayed there but walked passed and it looks great! Nusa Dua has access to many types of water sports if that’s what they like, in terms of other activities there is less in Nusa Dua than say, Seminyak or Ubud, but you can always head out of Nusa Dua for activities (you can reach a lot of places easily from Nusa Dua) :) You can certainly spend your time enjoying the Melia’s hotel! Have a great trip!
how is peninsula beach resort can you guide n suggest
Hi Ravi, we haven’t stayed on that side on Nusa Dua before so not 100% what it would be like, but the hotel itself looks nice. It seems to be near Bumbu Bali (one of our favourite Balinese restaurants) so that’s a plus!