Since the opening of Heiligendamm in Germany in 1793, thought to be the world’s first seaside resort, the concept has evolved, taking on a meaning that is sophisticated as well as digitally friendly.
Photo by Antonius Widjaya
In the past, the architectural styles of resorts were done in a mixed style to appeal to those at the high end of the market, including members of the aristocracy. Currently, there are many types of beach resorts that cater to many market segments, from backpackers to the upper class. Design plays an important role in creating such positioning - and this is where The Ritz-Carlton, Bali excels.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is located on an expansive 12.7 hectares with beachfront views and an elevated cliff-top setting in the Nusa Dua area and offers a dramatic landscape with unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean and Bali’s sacred Mount Agung. It is also a fine example of a modern integrated grand beach resort that not only provides comfort through its design, but also offers respect to nature.
Designed by the award-winning architecture and design firm WATG, this grand beach resort is massive, with 313 guest rooms, including 34 cliff-top and ocean-view villas, six food-and-beverage outlets, a spa and various stunning pools (including the signature Hydro-Vital pool, main pool, and the club lounge and its private pool) and a beautifully designed chapel by the beach. With such an incredible natural landscape separated by a cliff, WATG did amazing work in creating a cohesive design that was inspired by Balinese concepts of indoor and outdoor spaces.
The cliff that divides the resort in half was kept as an exuberant piece of background landscape, punctuated by an iconic 70-metre-high glass elevator tower connecting the two levels of the resort. The main lobby on the upper level is perched on the edge of the cliff, offering spectacular and panoramic views of the coastline. The spa at the lower level is nestled at the foot of the cliff while the guest wings, villas, restaurants and the main pool are oriented toward the immaculate beaches.
WATG’s approach in adopting Balinese traditions can be seen clearly in the lobby at the top of the cliff. From this vantage point, we can see the how the resort’s layout reflects the traditional Balinese architectural concept of tri hita karana, or the three causes of well being: Harmony among people, nature and the Gods. A similar approach that drawing inspiration from indigenous culture was evinced by the interior designer, Burega Farnell.
For the interior, Burega Farnell chose muted tones, juxtaposing wooden elements in the background to create the feel of modern luxury. This is evoked in each of the resort’s 313 rooms, which range from the 100-sqm Sawangan JuniorSuite to the 677.3-sqm Ritz-Carlton Oceanfront Villa.. Hand-polished and hand-applied plaster by local craftsmen, traditional Balinese woven fabrics and select traditional artifacts can be found inside rooms, along with the latest technological innovations to create an overall fine ambiance.
Burega Farnell’s design highlights include the Indonesian restaurant, Bejana. Meaning water vessel, Bejana sits on three different levels. The upper level is situated in a natural cave and features an open kitchen with three state-of-the-art cooking stations and a large, wooden chef’s table. Step down and in the middle is the main dining area, which is divided by a gigantic garden right in this high-ceilinged room.
At its end, we can also find a private dining room for 12. The last level is set on an open-air wooden deck, featuring cozy lounge and casual outdoor seating. It is a well-designed outlet where a contemporary approach is infused with local traditional inspirations, all in in perfect balance.
Another unique design feature created by Burega Farnell is the Hydro-Vital Pool, which has becomes one of the hotel’s iconic pieces. Set in a greenhouse concept with high ceiling, this pool area features five sections to focus on back, neck, foot, and leg muscle stress release. It is an interesting design concept that creates a tranquil nuance.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bali has been created with design finesse, where every detail has been executed with care. From its impressive lobby to the amazing sunken bar at The Ritz-Carlton Lounge & Bar as well as many other areas are showcase the characteristics of a great and modern grand beach resort. As one of the latest additional to the roster of Bali’s resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali in Nusa Dua has created an establishment that not only keeps the great tradition of grand beach resort, but also elevates it.
Company Name
Bali Nusaintan
Number of Rooms
313 suites and villas
Room Sizes
The Sawangan Junior Suites (100 sqm)
The Sawangan Junior Suites with lagoon access (100 sqm)
The Pool Pavilion (110 sqm)
The Ritz-Carlton Suites (129 sqm)
The Sky Villa (159 sqm)
The Cliff Villa (281 sqm)
The Garden Villa (360 sqm)
The Ritz-Carlton Cliff Villa (592 sqm)
The Ritz-Carlton oceanfront Villa (678 sqm)
Site Area
12.7 hectares
Gross Floor Area
74,000 sqm
Total Floors
Four
Architecture Consultant
WATG (Singapore) & PT Airmas Asri (Indonesia)
Principal Designer
Roger Gerard B. Gaspar, AIA
Interior Design Consultant
Burega Farnell Pte Ltd (Singapore)
Principal Designer
Richard Farnell
Lighting Consultant
Project lighting Design Pte Ltd (Singapore)
Landscape Consultant
Belt Collins international Pte Ltd (Singapore)
M&E Consultant
Beca (New Zealand) & PT Hantaran Prima Mandiri (Indonesia)
Civil & Structural Consultant
PT Bita Enarcon Engineering (Indonesia)
Main Contractor
PT Tatamulia Nusantara Indah
Construction Started
July 2010
Soft Opening
December 2014
Jl. Raya nusa Dua Selatan,
lot III Sawangan, Nusa Dua
Bali 80363 Indonesia
T: +62 361 849 8988