Nestled on Bali’s pristine white sand beach of Nusa Dua, The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa has unveiled its first full renovation since opening 30 years ago.
The resort’s transformation boasts a striking new lobby which pays homage to traditional Balinese design, as well as 287 newly designed rooms, suites, and villas, which take reference from the resort’s seven swimmable, crystalline lagoon pools surrounded by tropical gardens. There are also two new F&B spaces: the new De Bale Bar and Lounge and the Banyubiru Restaurant for Pan Asian cuisine.
The year-long transformational renovation of The Laguna created an authentic destination that is comfortably modern, whilst incorporating elements of traditional Balinese design.
The majestic resort lobby pays homage to local craftmanship, featuring a white stone carving above the check-in desk which depicts the story of the legendary Goddess Danu, the Water Goddess and the wife of God Vishnu. Goddess Danu maintains peace and spiritual harmony over each element in the universe, including forests, water and land – each represented in Laguna’s green gardens, lagoons and courtyard.
As guests approach to check in, a gong is sounded to greet them, recreating the Balinese welcome normally reserved for royal families. Once guests enter the lobby, two Balinese female dancers welcome them with traditional dance. The hotel’s original Murano chandelier remains; however, a new grand chandelier is the focal point of the lobby, taking its inspiration from the Balinese flower of the Ylang-ylang tree.
Situated off the lobby is De Bale Bar and Lounge, a theatrical and mystical cocktail bar inspired by centuries of oceanic spice trade. During the day, De Bale is a destination bar for fragrant spice infusions and light cocktails such as an original rendition of the local drink, Jamu. At night, expert bartenders skilfully mix inventive cocktails, paired with Balinese snacks.
Inspired by Bali’s fishing villages, the Banyubiru buffet restaurant sits beside one of the idyllic lagoon pools and offers a gourmet breakfast buffet and decadent dinners. Pan-Asian and international cuisine is served, with themed dinner menus rotating weekly. Bamboo and rattan are used as detailing for the furniture, lighting and decorative items. The design of the kitchen, as well as the buffet counter, is inspired by the unique traditional ‘warung’ stalls in the villages, giving character to a unique and authentic Balinese food culinary experience.
The new design of the rooms is inspired by the collective stories and traditions of Bali, as well as nautical influences from the resort’s seven lagoons. The Laguna has incorporated the Balinese ‘sulaman’ embroidered headboard as the rooms’ central design feature, choosing colours and materials that echo the art, while the story of the lagoon and the nautical experiences around it are also celebrated with rope and leather detailing and a bespoke selection of lamps and shiplap walls. Woven keben baskets, typically used to carry offerings at temples, and low-rise dulang tables that carry colourful spreads of local tropical fruits feature alongside specially commissioned artwork pays tribute to the island’s arts and crafts. The rooms all offer unique advantages such as private balconies, immediate access to pools, private pools and large living spaces.
