Wallowing in divine luxury at newly opened Bali resort

PT Bakrie Nirwana Resort recently invited The Jakarta Post reporter, Sylvia Gratia Mirinda, to visit its new resort in Tabana, adjacent to Bali's sacred Tanah Lot temple.

TABANAN, Bali (JP): As the rupiah continues to plummet, many people are complaining over rocketing prices of food staples and the struggle to survive. For a lucky few, however, it is still business, and pleasure, as usual.

Those in the latter category may find themselves with more opportunities to kick back and relax in the months ahead.

They may get the opportunity to tee off at sunrise against a dramatic ocean backdrop, or sip a cocktail as they visually drink in a breathtaking sunset.

Or they can indulge in invigorating pampering for body and mind at a luxurious marine spa.

The promise of those heady experiences is found at Le Meridien Nirwana Golf and Spa Resort, which opened last month.

Set against the lofty mountains and rice terraces of Bali's Tabanan regency on the southwest coast, overlooking the Indian Ocean and away from crowded beaches of Kuta and Sanur, this new resort offers a natural retreat with world-class facilities.

Yet within easy reach of the hotel are all the attractions of the famed island, including the beautiful sea temple, Tanah Lot, one of the six holiest temples for Balinese Hindus.

The five-star, 278-room hotel is part of the Nirwana Bali Resort. Spread across its 109 hectares is an 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman, 184 exclusive resort homes, luxury villas, cottages and estate lots, 180 time-share suites and the marine spa, claimed to be one of Southeast Asia's largest.

Panoramic views from the hotel's lobby take in the crashing surf beyond, as well as the rice terraces which form a stunning backdrop of the entire resort.

Low-lying buildings incorporate traditional graceful Balinese architecture, and local artifacts and art adorn both the guest rooms and public areas of the hotel.

"At Le Meridien Nirwana, every effort has been made to retain the Balinese heritage," said the hotel's general manager, Gerard Hotelier.

He added that Le Meridien Nirwana Golf and Spa was designed to provide a true Balinese experience for its guests.

Visibly the accent is placed on natural indigenous materials, in the ecologically sound idea which is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. Coconut palm wood, rattan, bamboo, reeds and a specific grass from the area play a major role.

Entrances to the rooms are graced by ponds, contributing to the impression that the buildings float on the water. Water is a predominant feature and is incorporated throughout the hotel.

There are numerous ornamental pools in the grounds. There are three Balinese swimming pools, a 54-meter water slide, and a swimming lagoon with a man-made sand beach.

The US$300 million resort is owned and developed by PT Bakrie Nirwana Resort, a jointly owned company of Bakrie Nusantara Corporation and Bakrie Investindo, both of them are subsidiaries of the widely diversified Bakrie Group.

It is designed by U.S.-based Wimberly Allison Tong & Go (WAT&G), considered to be the leading architectural firm specializing in designs for the hospitality and leisure industry.

It preserves the attractive natural features of its idyllic site. Around 70 percent of the resort is dedicated to lush landscaping and open green spaces.

Dorian P. Landers, CEO of PT Bakrie Nirwana Resort, said that the developer spent about $6 million on landscaping alone.

The developer maintained some 20 hectares of rice terraces at the resort, and locals farm and harvest them. Existing trees, including around 3,000 coconut trees, barely untouched.

Other environmental measures include the treatment and processing of all waste into clean water for use in watering the golf course and the landscaped grounds. This cuts down on water usage and at the same time eliminates the problem of waste disposal.

An outstanding feature of the golf course is the presence of paddy fields, many of which are used as roughs and hazards.

The rice is planted at different times of the year, and at various spots, so golfers can enjoy the different stages of rice cultivation on their round.

Each of the course's holes presents a different test. Holes 7,13 and 14 are located on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The 7th hole requires a combination of skill and concentration. From a tee nestled on one cliff, the golfer must use a middle iron to hit across to the green on another cliff.

Claiming to be the only membership golf course in Bali, it has a limited membership of 550, currently offered at prices ranging from $47,000 to $75,000.

The International Management Group manages and maintains the course.

Controversy

The sense of peace, timelessness and special charm at the hotel is a big contrast to protests which greeted the beginning of construction in early 1994.

Controversy arose because it is within walking distance of sacred Tanah Lot.

The central board of Parishada Hindu Dharma, the highest Balinese Hindu body, had barred any development unrelated to religious needs within a two-kilometer radius of Tanah Lot.

Landers said the problem was settled. The company has renovated and maintained 12 temples within its boundaries, including four located on the coast, as part of the resort's commitment, he said.

"We currently employ more than 1,000 people, of which 75 percent are from surrounding villages and Tabanan regency."

Service by the young Balinese staff is generally efficient and they are eager to please guests. The biggest problem for the latter could be in tearing themselves away from its amenities to see the rest of the island.