Nusa Dua is weird. It’s this gated, hyper-manicured bubble on the southern tip of Bali that feels almost too perfect to be real. You drive through the heavy security gates and suddenly the chaotic, scooter-clogged streets of Kuta or Canggu vanish, replaced by bougainvillea-lined avenues and silent sidewalks. In the middle of this high-end enclave sits The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bali. It’s been around for over 30 years, which in "resort years" is basically ancient. But here’s the thing: while other legacy properties in Bali start to feel a bit dusty and tired, The Laguna just went through a massive glow-up.
It’s not just a fresh coat of paint.
Most people booking a trip to Bali get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices. Do you go for the jungle vibes of Ubud or the beach clubs of Seminyak? If you want the ocean, you’ll likely end up looking at Nusa Dua because the beaches are actually swimmable there—no massive reef breaks or black volcanic sand that burns your feet. The Laguna has always held a specific spot in the hearts of regular Bali travelers because of its seven crystalline lagoons. You can basically swim around the entire resort. It’s a labyrinth of water.
The Post-Renovation Reality
Walking into the lobby now—the Grande Brasserie area—it feels significantly more "Bali Modern" than it used to. Before the 2023 completion of the renovation, it had a very 90s corporate luxury vibe. Now, it’s all about the Sustainability Tree sculpture and stories etched into the walls. They’ve leaned hard into the "Traveler’s Tale" concept. Honestly, it works. The rooms don't feel like generic Marriott boxes anymore. They’ve added nautical touches, like rope detailing and sand-colored palettes, which actually remind you that the Indian Ocean is about thirty feet away.
One thing people often get wrong about The Laguna is thinking it’s just a smaller version of its neighbor, The St. Regis. It’s not. While both are under the Marriott umbrella, The Laguna is more laid back. It’s accessible. You don’t feel like you need to be wearing a linen suit just to eat breakfast.
Those Seven Lagoons (and why they matter)
Let’s talk about the water. Most resorts have a "Main Pool." Maybe a "Quiet Pool" if you’re lucky. The Laguna has 5,000 square meters of swimmable lagoons. If you book a Lagoon Access Room, you can literally step off your balcony and into the water.
It’s addictive.
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You’ll find yourself swimming to breakfast. The water isn't heavily chlorinated to the point of stinging your eyes; it feels softer. Because the lagoons weave through the gardens, you’re often swimming under the shade of massive tropical trees. It keeps the water temperature from becoming bathwater-hot in the Bali sun. However, a pro tip: the lagoons are deep in some spots and shallow in others. If you're traveling with toddlers, you have to be vigilant because that "Lagoon Access" means there is no fence between your bed and the water.
What the Food is Actually Like
Look, resort food can be hit or miss. Usually, it’s overpriced and underwhelming. At The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bali, they have Banyubiru. This is where the breakfast happens. They spent a lot of money redesigning this space to look like a traditional warung (a local Indonesian cafe), but obviously, a very fancy one.
The buffet is intense.
You’ve got the standard omelet stations, but the real winner is the Indonesian section. If you aren't eating Nasi Kuning (yellow rice) for breakfast, you're doing Bali wrong. Then there’s Arwana. It’s their beachfront restaurant. It used to be a bit stuffy. Now, it’s been repositioned as a sleek, modern grill. They focus on seafood. It's expensive for Bali standards—you’re looking at prices closer to Sydney or London—but the setting is unbeatable. You’re sitting right on the sand, watching the tide come in.
Kulkul Beach House is the "cool" younger sibling of the dining options. It’s a beach club vibe but without the obnoxious thumping bass of the clubs in Canggu. It’s where you go for a calamari fritti and a signature cocktail while the sun goes down.
The Lagoon Spa: More Than a Massage
You can’t go to Bali and not get a massage. It’s practically illegal. The Lagoon Spa is interesting because it’s not just about the treatment rooms. They have this whole hydrotherapy circuit.
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Most guests skip it. Don't be that person.
The DNA of this resort is water. The spa incorporates that with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the lagoons. If you get a Balinese massage here, expect a lot of long, firm strokes and skin-rolling. It’s designed to improve blood flow. It’s not a "gentle" massage. It’s a "you will feel like a new human" massage.
Navigating the Nusa Dua "Bubble"
There is a legitimate criticism of staying in Nusa Dua: it doesn't feel like "The Real Bali." If you stay inside the resort walls, you’ll never see the temples, the ceremonies, or the grit that makes Bali amazing. The Laguna tries to bridge this with their "Global Explorer" programs. They can set up tours, but honestly, just hire a local driver for the day.
Expect to pay around 600,000 to 800,000 IDR for a full day.
Go to Uluwatu. It’s only about 30-40 minutes away from The Laguna. You can see the temple on the cliff, watch the Kecak Fire Dance, and then be back in your air-conditioned room by 9:00 PM. It’s the best of both worlds. You get the authentic culture during the day and the insane luxury of a Luxury Collection property at night.
A Note on Sustainability
Bali has a massive plastic problem. It’s heartbreaking to see sometimes. The Laguna has made some visible strides here. They have their own water bottling plant on-site. You won't find single-use plastic bottles in the rooms; they use glass. They’ve also implemented a pretty serious waste management system behind the scenes. Is it perfect? No. No large resort is. But compared to how things were ten years ago, the shift is noticeable.
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Room Choices: Don't Make This Mistake
If you're going to stay here, the room you pick changes the entire experience. The "Deluxe Garden View" rooms are the entry-level. They’re nice. They’re big. But you’re basically in a hotel.
If you can swing it, get the Lagoon Access.
There is something deeply satisfying about waking up, opening the sliding glass door, and being in the water within three seconds. If you’re on a honeymoon or just want to hide from the world, the Villas are located in a separate section of the resort. They come with private pools and a "butler" who is basically a magician. You WhatsApp them, and things just happen. Need a specific type of pillow? Done. Want a private dinner set up on the beach? Done.
Nuance and Reality Check
Let's be real for a second. The Laguna is a massive resort. During peak season (July, August, and late December), it gets busy. The breakfast room can feel a bit like a chaotic airport lounge if you show up at 9:30 AM. If you want peace, go early.
Also, the beach in Nusa Dua is tidal. At low tide, the water retreats a long way, leaving behind seagrass and some rocks. It’s not the resort’s fault—it’s nature. But if you’re dreaming of frolicking in the waves at 2:00 PM, check a tide chart first. At high tide, the water is turquoise and crystal clear. At low tide, it’s for looking, not swimming.
Practical Next Steps for Your Trip
Planning a stay at The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bali requires a bit of strategy to get the most value.
- Check the Marriott Bonvoy rates. Since this is a Luxury Collection property, you can often find "Member Rates" that are significantly lower than Expedia or Booking.com. If you have points, this is a solid place to burn them, as the "point value" per night is usually quite high here.
- Avoid the "Rainy Season" if you want the lagoons. While Bali is warm year-round, January and February can see torrential downpours. The lagoons are still open, but the humidity makes it feel like you’re breathing through a warm, wet cloth. May to September is the sweet spot for weather.
- Book Arwana in advance. Even if you’re staying at the resort, the beachfront tables at Arwana fill up fast, especially on weekends. Email the concierge a week before you arrive.
- Download Grab or Gojek. Even though you’re in a fancy resort, you’ll want to order food or a ride occasionally. These apps work in the Nusa Dua area, though drivers sometimes have to wait at the security gate. It’ll save you a fortune compared to using the resort's private car service for short trips.
- Pack a Rash Guard. If you plan on spending hours in those lagoons, you will get burned. The Bali sun is deceptive because of the breeze. You won't feel it until it's too late.
The Laguna manages to balance that old-school Balinese hospitality with a design that finally feels like it belongs in the 21st century. It’s not the cheapest stay on the island, and it’s certainly not the most "adventurous," but for a high-end, reliable, and unique water-focused escape, it’s still one of the best spots in Nusa Dua. Just remember to watch the tides and eat the Nasi Kuning.