A profoundly rich and spiritual island in the Indonesian archipelago, much of the legend surrounding ‘The Island of the Gods’ began nearly half a millennium ago. The long journey of the famous Brahman priest, Danghyang Nirartha, wandering from Java to Bali at some point in the 16th century, settled in a small coastal pocket, some 20 kilometres northwest of Denpasar, and laid down to rest. Upon awakening, he was so struck by the beauty of the site that he implored the Balinese people to build a temple there, now included among the sad kahyangan, the holiest shrines of Bali. Tanah Lot, the result of the priest’s recommendation and the work ethic of the Balinese, today stands modest but graceful as the island’s spiritual connection to the Hindu and Buddhist concept of “shanti,” and as the island’s most awe-inspiring sight.

Five centuries later, this place that T.S. Eliot once described as “the place which passes all understanding” is now respectfully flanked by one of Indonesia’s finest resorts, the Le Meridien Nirwana Golf and Spa Resort. The spirit of the people, and the ebullient pride they display for their homeland, commingle in harmony with stunning black sand beaches and the gentle indigo surf of the Bali Strait. The tranquil, placid nature of the Balinese and their land is on full display here, from a cliff top location overlooking calm and soothing coastal wash. For a country cherished by its nationals for its beauty and opportunity, no better location could have been chosen to convey these sentiments than the Nirwana Bali's fully integrated 100-hectare property, where culture and spirit are embodied in dramatic decorative accents and authentic Balinese edifices. 

The resort is set amid softly landscaped foothills and staccato rice paddy plantations. Trade winds off the Indian Ocean sweep gently across and through the stands of delicately woven, thatched Balinese roofs that dot the property. Reprieve from the tropical air can best be found under their shady shelter, or in the cool elegance of the resort’s 278 guest rooms, where marble and native wood highlight each accommodation’s spacious elegance. The deluxe rooms and executive suites each feature ensuite bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, which open onto tropical gardens and provide breathless views of the ocean beyond. For the ultimate indulgence, a selection of villas are also available upon request. Ideal for larger or close-knit groups, these luxury villas exist in their own private village, complete with plunge pools, extended outdoor private space, and an on-site village chef to pander to your every culinary need.

For those guests without the services of a private chef, there is no need to despair. Five exceptional restaurants on the property combine just the right combination of authentic Indonesian and Asian fare with contemporary international cuisine. All four corners of the continent are charmingly represented on the menu at Nirwana, as well as the local rijstaffel culinary tradition, which is essentially a rice bowl centerpiece. The accompaniment of traditional Balinese gamelan music makes the resort’s namesake restaurant a terrific choice.. The Cendana restaurant, with its accessible international menu and terrific views of the Tanah Lot temple and the Indian Ocean, is a popular choice, as is the Mediterranean-flavoured Pool Grill, where fresh seafood and jazz on a warm evening is par for the course. The Lobby Lounge offers cocktails in a casual but impressive environment, and the Nautilus Pub is the venue of choice for billiards, darts, and good conversation over a cold pint.

For the heart and the spirit, there is much more than the tranquil views of the Tanah Lot temple at sunset, or the distant view of the Agung volcano. Just a half-hour’s drive from the town are the compelling old art colonies at Ubud, Mas, and Celuk, and the temple of Pura Tirta Empul is built around a sacred spring at Tampak Siring. To experience the true wild of Bali, head to Sangeh Forest, or stay on site at the Nirwana Bali and allow your energies to flourish there. In addition to the Indian Ocean and three swimming pools (one equipped with a 54-meter water slide, the resort boasts floodlit tennis courts, squash courts, a fully-equipped fitness center with weights and cardio equipment, the Greg Norman-designed golf course, and extensive spa facilities featuring many traditional Balinese treatments and conventional massage therapy. With complimentary shuttle service both to and from the airport and other popular destinations around the island, enjoying the peaceful spirit of Bali is as easy as ever. At the Le Meridien Nirwana Bali, the ‘home away from home’ concept is redefined—leaving is the hardest decision you’ll ever have to make.