Do you ever feel stagnant or a bit messed up in the head? That neither are you able to focus on your work, nor on the kids? Well, sometimes you need to unclog your brain. To breathe, relax and to set your senses free.
I was going through a similar midlife crisis recently. So, when I got a chance to review The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, I literally leaped for joy. After all, here was a place where where we could just chill or soak in the sun or attempt some crazy water sports with family, without as much as moving a limb. So did we have fun? Check out our itinerary:
Day 1:
11 am– Arrival at Denpasar International Airport. Took us around 2.5 hours from Singapore to Bali. Pleasantly surprised to find flowers in the toilet! We had already made arrangements with the Westin Resort Concierge, for a hassle-free pick up from the airport.
12 pm– Finally, at the Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali. It took us around half an hour to reach the resort. Impressed by the service of the staff. Very warm and welcoming check-in experience. They walked us to our room and showed us how to use the various facilities. They also gave us a map if we needed to travel out of the resort.
Our room was perfect. It was a one bedroom suite with a big living area with TV, dining area, kitchenette, mini bar, a separate bedroom and bathroom with shower and bathtub. The feel was luxurious and the tones, rich. We even had a balcony with swimming pool view (some come with garden view). The bed itself was large and comfy with a selection of pillows available on request.
(For those with infants, the Resort provides Baby Cot based on guests’ request in advance,and it’s free of charge. They also have Family Suites and interconnecting rooms based on advance requests).
1pm – Cranky kids and crankier mummy meant that lunch time had arrived. To sample a taste of the local cuisine, we headed off to Ikan Restaurant & Bar. With the glorious white sand beach of Nusa Dua right in front of you, this restaurant proved to be a heaven on earth experience. Whether you are looking for Authentic Balinese cuisine or fresh seafood, or would rather just stick to Western cuisine, this is the place for you.
More on the next page!
3 pm – There was just no tiring these kids, so off they went swimming with their daddy. There are 3 pools including a large saltwater pool in a tropical setting that makes you feel like you’re swimming in the sea. There is also a 12-meter waterslide in a freshwater pool for kids. Fun activities galore in the pool, from complimentary aquacise movements, water volleyball, snorkeling exercises and a scuba diving demonstration.
3:30 pm – While the rest of the family was splashing around in the water, I decided to try out the Heavenly Spa by Westin™.1 hour full body massage. Cosy room and perfect ambience. I even got served almonds, dark chocolate and strawberries after the treatment. Beat that.
Guests have access to the whirlwind pool (separate for men & women) and luxurious his and hers thermal facilities. We were advised to arrive 30 mins before our treatment to enjoy the steam room, Himalayan salt-sauna, hydro pool or a warm shower.
5 pm– After all that activity, the kids were famished. We tried the afternoon tea at Kites Bar & Lounge – light snacks, canapes, cookies, coffee, tea, juices, sandwiches and a most lovely view of the tropical garden. Yum!
6pm – We had already had enough of physical exertion for the day. So we headed off to the gorgeous beach, lay down on those dreamy lounge beds and watched the kids play.
7 pm– By, now we were exhausted, so we just ordered some room service and flopped onto the bed and off to slumberland.
Go to the next page to find out how Day 2 went!
Day 2
6 am – I woke up feeling fresh and raring to go. So I decided to try the Yoga held by the resident Wellness Specialist from India, Jitendra Pokhriyal. Rejuvenating and recommended much!
8 am– Time for some much needed breakfast. From the exotic flavours of Asia to a healthy dose of the Mediterranean, be prepared to indulge in some mouth watering food.
10 am – All that food got us feeling brave so we decided to try out some of the water sports. We booked a jet skiing experience on the Westin beach itself. You can bargain for the price (for 15 mins or 30 mins ride). You can ride it as a couple or on your own, or have an instructor with you on each jet ski (price will then be for 2 jet skis). Really fun and exhilarating experience. I rode it for 5 mins on my own, it was that simple.
Life jackets of course, is a must and there’s a designation area in the water to ride it. The instructors will ride you there and leave you to it (they even will take videos for you upon request)- You might want to tip them a little. We did the 15 minute one on our own for INR 700, for 2 people on 1 jet ski.
12: 30 pm- By now our tummies were rumbling, so off we dashed to Italian eatery Prego, where we feasted on liberal portions of classic pasta dishes and pizzas. (Useful Info: Prego’s weekly highlight is FunDay Family Brunch every Sunday.)
3pm – A trip to Bali is incomplete without tripping in nature. So we got the Concierge team to organise a jungle trek for us. My little monkeys were thrilled to bits and savoured the entire experience.
7 pm– After all that physical exertion, we decided to reward ourselves with a sumptuous dinner at Hamabe Japanese Restaurant. It featured a robata grill, a traditional cooking method used by the fishermen of northern Japan. We had a meat grill platter and a seafood grill platter. Very tasty and light to the palate. You simply have to sit at the counter and the chef prepares it right in front of you and serves you. There’s also a counter for sushi and sashimi (though we did not try that).Very casual and relaxed ambience overall, and quite a fun experience for the kids.
Useful Info: Westin has teamed up with the experts at SuperChefs™ to offer the Westin Eat Well Menu for Kids. Comprised of doctors, dentists, chefs, dieticians and other experts, SuperChefs is dedicated to educating kids on the importance of eating smart. Each of their special menu offerings is as delicious as it is healthy.
How did Day 3 go? Go to the next page to find out!
Day 3
6 am It was our last day at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali. I felt a little guilty about hogging away for the past 2 days so I decided to try out the WestinWORKOUT® gym facility. Lovely, motivating views everywhere and top class equipment too.
10 am – Dropped off the kids at The Westin Family Kids Club- a supervised centre, with games, toys and enriching activities to give parents complete peace of mind. The spacious outdoor playground caters to children between the ages of 4 – 12 years. Kids will be spoilt for choice here, with events ranging from fun activities like face painting and kite making to even fishing, movie night and stargazing.
(Do note that, as a hygiene measure, children under the age of 4 years, including toddlers who are still wearing diapers, will not be allowed access to the facility even with adult or parental supervision. As an exception to this rule, children between 2-4 years who are toilet trained and no longer need diapers will be welcome to visit the Kids Club when accompanied by an adult.)
4 pm- Time to go back to Singapore. It was with a heavy heart that we bid adieu to The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali. On the way to the airport my little monkey started wailing, “I want to stay back in Bali, Mummy !”. Mummy felt like crying too.
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