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Dramatic panoramas, spacious gardens and a stunning golf course make the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali one of the most unique and spectacular resorts in Indonesia.
Built atop a sheer cliff and with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Tanah Lot, the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort offers a remarkable experience. In keeping with the relaxed atmosphere of the island, the resort in the heart of Bali’s magnificent south west coast is removed, yet not remote.
With a wide choice of rooms, outstanding leisure and dining facilities and an 18-hole championship course designed by Greg Norman, this 103-hectare resort has plenty to keep visitors happy.
Around an hour's drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, the south west coast of Bali is an area rich in custom and peaceful in its vibrant natural surroundings. Here guests will discover the renowned culture of Bali, with sloping rice fields, romantic sunsets and friendly people.
THE COURSE
Nirwana Bali Golf Club is a visual masterpiece, combining dramatic Indian Ocean views and lush Balinese landscapes. Designed by legendary Australian golfer Greg Norman, the 18-hole layout is one of the most photographed and challenging courses in the world.
“When I first saw the site, I was immediately taken by the dramatic location, the fascinating local culture and the rolling hills covered with rice paddies,” commented Norman. “I was determined to keep all these features while building a golf course that would challenge even the world's best”.
With three holes running along the cliffs and terraced rice paddies providing unique hazards, the course will test the accuracy and consistency of a low marker yet still be enjoyable for the high handicapper, particularly as the course has four different tees (shark, championship, resort and forward). Opened in July 1997, the par-72 course measures 6,223 metres off the back plates but a more manageable 4,716 off the front.
Norman nominates the seventh as especially challenging, “requiring the golfer to hit a middle iron from the cliff-side tee across a piece of the ocean to a scenic and well-guarded green. Hole 13 will require all a golfer's skill and concentration as it plays along Indian Ocean cliff tops. Hole 14 is a dramatic par three, with the ocean thundering below.”
One of only four courses on the island and the only one attached to a hotel, Nirwana possesses an intricate network of streams, ponds and rice terraces to make for a demanding but rewarding game. Many of the rice fields are incorporated as roughs and hazards and lend a Balinese flavour to the course. The rice is planted at different times of the year in various parts of the property so golfers can enjoy the different stages of cultivation as they play. This makes it not only a unique experience but distinguishes the resort from other developments in Bali.
Testament to its obvious class, Nirwana has been voted the number-one course in Asia by both Asian Golf Monthly and Golf Digest while the property was named Indonesia’s Leading Golf Resort for five years in a row from 2004–2009 in the World Travel Awards.
After the game, relax in the magnificent Balinese-style clubhouse with a restaurant, halfway house, fully stocked pro shop and exquisitely furnished locker rooms. Carts and caddies are compulsory and a drink service is provided. The club also has a driving range and lessons are available with the resident pro.
ACCOMMODATION
Decorated in warm earthy tones and built with rich timbers, the Nirwana occupies a tranquil setting that allows guests to feel connected to the surroundings before the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean lulls them to sleep.
The resort’s 245 spacious Deluxe rooms are divided into four categories. Garden View rooms face the stunning tropical landscape, the Pool View rooms overlook expansive pools and the Garden Ocean View rooms offer spectacular vistas of the Indian Ocean and beautiful gardens. The Sunset Ocean View rooms overlook the golf course and out over the ocean, giving a bird's-eye view of Bali’s amazing sunsets at the sea temple in Tanah Lot.
For something a little more spacious, there are 20 tastefully decorated Executive Suites that come with king or twin beds. Interconnecting rooms are also available.
Or, try the chic comfort of the one- and two-bedroom Balinese villas, complete with a private plunge pool, outdoor shower and personal butler service. Guests staying in the villas will enjoy a private outdoor living pavilion and a landscaped Balinese garden. The 250-square-metre one-bedroom villas are ideal for honeymooners while the 400-square-metre two-bedroom villas are well suited for families.
DINING
A sumptuous breakfast buffet is served daily at Cendana Restaurant. It is an ideal spot for dinner on the terrace, where you can enjoy international or local favourites while watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
During the day, Pool Grill serves succulent seafood, pizzas and fresh salads prepared in local and international styles. Come sundown, candlelight transforms the outlet into a romantic dining option.
Sit back and relax at Nautilus Pizzeria & Pub. Hone your skills in a game of darts or snooker. Alternatively, unwind with a drink as you soak up the entertainment with worldwide sports on the big screen.
Golfer's Terrace offers a selection of Western, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Indonesia cuisine, catering for up to 130 people. This is the place for casual dining before and after your round of golf.
OTHER FACILITIES
The basis of all treatments at the Nirwana Spa is a fusion of Western technology with traditional Eastern wisdom. Western products and technology are combined with the Balinese Hindu ‘Usadha’ philosophy for integrated physical and spiritual relaxation.
The resort's four magnificent pools include a shallow wading pool for kids at the Children's Activity Centre. Pools are integrated with water slides, cascading waterfalls and soothing Jacuzzis. The main lagoon boasts a 54-metre water slide.
There’s also a gymnasium, business centre, wireless Internet access, tennis and squash courts, beauty parlour and gift shop and an array of activities such as cycling and learning the intricacies of Balinese dance.
* Pictures courtesy Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali
Resort & Hugh Fitzhardinge
at a glance
Getting there: Garuda, Jetstar and Pacific Blue fly daily between major Australian cities and Denpasar.
Garuda. 1300-365-331; garuda-indonesia.com
Jetstar. 131-538; jetstar.com
Pacific Blue. 136-789; flypacificblue.com.au
Green fees: US$165.
Accommodation: 278 room types consisting of Deluxe Rooms, Executive Suites, one- and two-bedroom Villas.
Facilities and recreation: Health spa, fitness centre, squash and tennis courts, conference centre, business centre, children’s adventure club and playground.
Local attractions: The artist colony of Ubud, Sangeh Monkey Forest, Mengwi Temple, Lake Bratan, retail therapy in Kuta, shops and restaurants in Seminyak, Tanah Lot temple.
For more information, contact Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort. E-mail enquiry:
ppdps@panpacific.com; panpacific.com/bali; nirwanabali.com
For information on Bali, visit balitourismboard.org
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