Bali resort is superb, if you’re in the right section

A late-night cab ride through the streets of Bali fills me with dread but I shouldn’t have worried. Before I can say, “selamat malam” I’m seated in The Reserve, the prestigious adults-only wing of Paradisus By Melia. When a coconut carved with my name arrives, I sense there is something special about this 492-room resort. Reopened in February 2026 after a 16-month facelift, the beachside property retains its sense of grandeur but now offers glitzier dining options, a wider range of activities plus a greater focus on wellbeing. With its hushed ambience, courteous staff and lush gardens this resort is like a magic carpet ride into tropical bliss.

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This property has adopted an East-meets-West architectural style. The intricate Balinese mural that decorates the reception area’s ceiling is jaw-dropping, yet the public areas are fairly conservative. The design team has been more adventurous at The Reserve, a contemporary glass and timber pavilion that overlooks a private pool. The greatest drawcard here are the tropical gardens which pulsate with bougainvillea, frangipani, hibiscus and other exotic plants.

The rooms at Paradisus By Melia are spacious, well-equipped and soberly decorated. My Junior Suite Lagoon Access has a king-size bed, writing desk, private deck and lounge area. There are two TVs, a Nespresso machine and a Grohe bathtub. Each room comes with a woven beach bag, complete with towels, and the mini bar is replenished daily. Guests are amply supplied with bottled water, both still and sparkling.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are old hat at this resort which espouses the gospel of 24-hour dining. That sounds fine until you discover that only some of the eight restaurants open during the day and the late-night room service menu is limited. Guests staying at The Reserve naturally enjoy a little more flexibility – staff are happy to provide snacks and refreshments throughout the day. The elegant dining room, Sante, serves European classics such as beef carpaccio, linguine all’arrabbiata, and bouillabaisse. Other dining options include Kanna (South American), Arum (Indonesian) and Tokimeku (Japanese), but the Peseta is the stand-out venue serving authentic regional Spanish fare.

Paradisus Bali is a self-contained resort with a broad range of sporting and cultural activities for guests. Those who want to venture further afield can hire a bicycle and follow the coastal path to Peninsula Island. Bali Collection, a nearby mall, is good for local crafts, clothing and people-watching. Also on the doorstep is the nightly Devdan Show, an exuberant mix of dance, acrobatics and cheesy slapstick.

Paradisus By Melia offers two distinct experiences: The Reserve (aimed at couples), and the wider property which caters mostly for families. With two kids’ clubs, fitness centre, spa, four swimming pools, tennis courts and 12 restaurants and bars, the resort is the total package. Outside The Reserve, however, service is not as sharp as it could be, and the culinary offerings range from superb to ordinary.