There is nothing quite like swapping out back-to-back meetings and chasing deadlines from a cold office building for lazing around on the beach, swimming in warm waters, exploring quaint towns and tasting local delicacies to restore the mind, body and soul. After all, a change of environment is always good to break the monotony and reignite passion for your profession. Plus, who does not love bright skies, long days and open schedules?
But can tropical holidays get any better? With the all-inclusive concept in place, they certainly can. Travellers are able to partake in an effortless, value-for-money getaway — think unlimited food and drinks, along with access to exciting activities and amenities — without having to swipe their card at an in-house eatery or personally make reservations for a cultural performance happening outside the premises. Everything will be taken care of by your accommodation.
While this format is already popular in places such as the Caribbean and Mexico, it is gradually finding its way to Southeast Asia as hotels in this part of the world begin to introduce such a low-hassle arrangement.
For the Spanish-origin Meliá Hotels International, the recent conversion of its iconic Meliá Bali in Nusa Dua into Paradisus, an all-inclusive luxury resort, was necessary to reflect the brand’s progression.
“The hotel is very special to us for a couple of reasons. It is the first location we had outside of Europe, which opened in 1985. So I think the company’s history, vision and evolution have been well represented in the last 40 years, from Sol to Meliá, and now Paradisus,” says the group’s chief operating officer André Gerondeau, who has been with the corporation for almost three decades.
See also: Chicago airports cancel hundreds of flights as storms swirl
André Gerondeau, COO of Meliá Hotels International
This transformation was also largely influenced by the current tourism market that prioritises slower and more intentional travel.
“During the Covid-19 lockdown, we saw people with a lot of economic resources stay contained for weeks and months but had nowhere to spend. You couldn’t do anything with your money. I think they now want to take advantage of open spaces and building connections. We believe our all-inclusive experience can provide that opportunity,” he says.
See also: Wrought in stone
“The pandemic gave us a sense of what’s truly important and less important in life. We have not learnt enough, but at least for some years, we decided to focus on what was really valuable, like time with your loved ones,” he adds.
Made for all
Different brands boast unique packages for their all-inclusive stays, and Paradisus Bali prides itself on creating meticulously planned programmes that cater for individuals of different interests.
Gerondeau explains, “When you see the property, it’s like there are three hotels in one, with our Reserve, Family Concierge and usual bundles. I think it’s somewhere people aged five to 85 can genuinely enjoy. Whether you come on your own, as a couple, a family or with colleagues, you can expect high-quality gastronomy, wellness and many other things to do.”
He says the comprehensive package is designed to keep guests occupied and ensure a satisfying stay for everyone. “Travellers nowadays are becoming more educated. They want to understand and connect with the destination, its history, culture and gastronomy. As a result, we see fewer holidaymakers booking just one or two nights. Instead, they are extending their visit for at least three to five days to really get acquainted with the site.”
The perks at Paradisus Bali are endless. Some can even be enjoyed from the comfort of one’s room. Each of the well-appointed 492 suites — including seven private garden villas — benefits from the 24-hour room service. The minibar in every unit is lined with snacks and select beverages replenished daily (premium alcoholic drinks are available at a discounted rate). Food aficionados can indulge in cuisines from all over the world via the all-inclusive programme, which covers a breakfast buffet, lunch, teatime and dinner at the on-site eateries.
For more lifestyle, arts and fashion trends, click here for Options Section
The resort transforms into a peaceful hideaway when the night falls
One of Meliá Hotels International’s signature offerings is its Yhi Spa. At Paradisus Bali, the wellness space invites you to immerse yourself in a peaceful oasis surrounded by elegant Balinese architecture and verdant plant life. Each therapy room features soothing music, gentle lighting and a comfortable setting for a wide range of treatments, including traditional massage, beauty salon and rain shower. The facility also has a sauna, steam room, as well as hot and cold plunge corners. All-inclusive customers are entitled to 20% off for any treatment that exceeds 50 minutes.
While most people prefer to just relax and unwind, those with an active lifestyle might still want to work up a sweat. As such, the resort offers various water sports for the adventurous, such as snorkelling, canoeing and paddleboarding, all of which can be reserved up to an hour per day. Venture to the outdoor fitness area and find tennis, paddle, futsal and basketball courts. To explore cafés or retail stores nearby — Nusa Dua’s largest open-air mall is only half a kilometre away — take advantage of the complimentary one-hour bicycle rental.
The hotel rebranding also comes with The Reserve and Family Concierge packages. The first, limited to lucky occupants of fewer than 70 rooms, including suites and villas, has an exclusive section for adults only. Here, the grown-ups can enjoy total peace in the private lobby, lounge, pool, restaurant and beach. The second was introduced to enhance Paradisus’ family-friendly offerings, featuring the Aqua Zone water park as well as dedicated areas for toddlers and teens respectively.
Moreover, the property is equipped with functional venues to accommodate professional gatherings. “We’ve added a lot of meeting and event facilities. We believe this is the perfect retreat for the executive community. For example, if you are a CEO planning a company trip followed by a board of directors meeting, Paradisus Bali is the best location for that,” says Gerondeau.
Setting it up
Nestled along the sun-soaked shores of Nusa Dua, a coastal town celebrated for its manicured lawns, pristine white beaches and pedestrian-friendly streets, Paradisus Bali has gained widespread fame among globetrotters for its proximity to the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, just a 20-minute drive away without the infamous Bali traffic. It is also a short car ride to tourist honeypots such as Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot and Taman Ayun Temple.
Considering its vicinity to most of the important addresses on the “Island of the Gods”, the resort decided to highlight the sacred land as part of its added value.
“Bali has always been magical. It’s the perfect place to explore what we are trying to promote and achieve with the brand, given it is very well positioned geographically, whether to Australia, Europe or Asia,” says Gerondeau.
“Bali has many things to offer. Within the all-inclusive programme, we can take you to the temples, museums or sunset cruise. When you arrive at Paradisus Bali, you disconnect from wherever you come from and connect with the place and its surroundings, be it the facilities or the environment.”
The Destination Inclusive bundle comprises curated experiences both inside and outside the resort, including cultural performances such as the Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre and village visits near Mount Batukaru. The latter is a one-day agenda specially designed for guests of The Reserve, where they can embark on a journey to discover authentic Balinese lifestyle. Participants will get to try their hand at preparing jamu, a traditional herbal beverage consumed to maintain good health and treat diseases, followed by a cooking class and lunch. Then, they will be guided through an offering lesson and a traditional temple purification ritual. The excursion continues with a scenic trek through paddy fields and concludes with a restorative stop at a natural volcanic hot spring.
If time is not permitting, fret not, as there are plenty of in-house activities. Join in the Canang Sari class and learn to make the offering of gratitude — a tray handwoven from palm leaves containing colourful flowers, betel nuts, fruits, rice and incense — for daily prayers. Meanwhile, the penjor-making workshop explores the art of intricate coconut leaf decorations, an ancient Javanese craft. Art classes are held every Monday for those looking to scratch that creative itch, but also keep an eye out for dance performances staged across the premises at certain hours.
The penjor-making workshop is one of the many cultural activities available at the resort
Gerondeau assures that every Paradisus property is unique and authentic to its location. “The company has made it a very clear point that when you wake up in the morning, you know exactly where you are. For us, it’s very important that whether you’re on the Canary Islands or the Caribbean, you know precisely what the destination is like. All of our resorts have that welcoming sense of place, quality of experience and attributes.”
