Paradisus by Meliá Bali

There are some places in the world that you might visit once and think, well that was lovely, before moving on to somewhere completely different for your next holiday. And then there are those places you just keep going back to.

For us, Paradisus by Meliá Bali is very firmly in the second category.

I’m someone who generally loves exploring somewhere new. Give me a new destination, a new hotel or somewhere I haven’t been before and I’m usually pretty happy. But every now and then, you need a holiday where you don’t have to think too much. Somewhere you know you’ll be looked after, where you can relax by the pool, eat good food, have a massage, read a book and come home feeling like you’ve actually had a holiday. Not feeling like you need a holiday from your holiday!

That’s what this stunning resort in Nusa Dua on the Indonesian island of Bali has become for us.

Our first visit was way back in 2017 (which I wrote all about back at the time here), when we travelled as a family of three, and we loved it enough to return for a second family holiday in 2018. We couldn’t get back during Covid and the border closures, but finally returned in February 2023, this time as a couple. Then, in February 2026, we went back again, this time with another couple who are very close friends of ours.

And that fourth visit was particularly exciting because the resort had undergone a huge transformation after an almost 18-month closure, changing from the much-loved Meliá Bali into the more refined and modern Paradisus by Meliá Bali.

So, if you’re considering a stay at Paradisus by Meliá Bali, here’s everything I think you need to know from our 4 stays at this hotel over the last 9 years.

Everything You Need To Know About Paradisus by Meliá Bali

Getting To Paradisus by Meliá Bali

One of the reasons Bali works so well for us from Perth is simply how easy it is to get there. We’ve always flown with AirAsia and, honestly, we’ve never had any issues with them on our Bali trips. From Perth, the flight to Bali is relatively short, just over 3 hours, which makes Bali one of those destinations where you can have a proper overseas holiday without spending days simply travelling.

Paradisus by Meliá Bali is in Nusa Dua, on the southern coast of Bali, and it’s approximately 14km from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Once we’ve landed, we usually get the hotel to arrange a taxi for us. It’s probably not the cheapest possible option, but after getting off a flight, collecting luggage and navigating an airport, I really don’t want to be negotiating transport. Having someone waiting for us and knowing we’re going straight to the hotel is worth it for me. You can, of course, arrange a driver directly, or hop in a Grab (like Uber in Asia).

If you’re travelling on an Australian passport, you’ll generally need an Indonesian Visa on Arrival or e-VOA for a normal tourist visit. Australian nationals are on Indonesia’s Visa on Arrival eligibility list, with the standard tourist VOA currently allowing an initial stay of 30 days and the option to extend once for another 30 days. As always, check the current requirements before you travel because Indonesian entry requirements can change. Smart Traveller is the best site to check for Australians travelling internationally. For our 2026 trip I ended up doing the visas online and while it was a little daunting, it worked and I managed to apply for, pay and get granted our visas in advance.

There’s also the Bali tourist levy, which is currently IDR 150,000 per foreign visitor. This is separate from your visa and can be paid online or at designated payment points on arrival. And there’s another important arrival requirement now: Indonesia’s All Indonesia arrival declaration. International passengers arriving at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport are required to complete the digital arrival declaration, which combines immigration, customs, health and quarantine information. I’d definitely do this before you fly rather than trying to sort it out when you land.

Having done all of these requirements online before leaving made our arrival in 2026 the smoothest one we have ever had. There are now e-gates for passport control and we were literally off the plane, through passport control and customs and the luggage carousel within about 20 mins – it was amazing! This meant we were in the taxi and whizzing our way to Paradisus far quicker than we ever have before.

A Brief History of Paradisus by Meliá Bali

Before it became Paradisus by Meliá Bali, this was the famous Meliá Bali. In fact, the history of the resort goes back to 1985, when it opened as Meliá Hotels International’s first hotel outside Spain. That makes it quite a significant property in the history of the Meliá group, rather than simply another resort that happened to carry the Meliá name.

We first stayed there in 2017, so by the time we arrived for our first holiday, the resort had already been welcoming guests for more than 30 years. There was something quite special about staying somewhere with that history, particularly because the resort itself didn’t feel like a modern high-rise hotel. It had extensive tropical gardens, Balinese-inspired architecture and lots of green space between the different areas.

One of the things we’ve always loved about the property is their beautifully designed gardens. They’re incredibly well maintained, and you can really see the work that goes into keeping such a large resort looking so lush. The landscaping is still a major part of the experience after the renovation, with the updated resort designed to retain the natural and cultural character of Bali.

And perhaps the biggest part of the Meliá Bali experience for us is without a doubt always the people. The staff are warm, welcoming and kind, and over the years many of them have come to recognise us when we return. That’s one of the reasons it never feels like simply booking the same hotel again. It feels a little bit like we’re coming home.

The Recent Transformation from Meliá to Paradisus

The biggest change since our last visit before Covid is, of course, the transformation from Meliá Bali into Paradisus by Meliá Bali.

The hotel closed in October 2024 for a comprehensive renovation and reopened as Paradisus by Meliá Bali in late January 2026, after a few false starts and delays to the opening.

So when we arrived in February 2026, we were visiting the very newly opened resort as some of the first guests in the new hotel and I was very curious to see what they’d done. Even though I’d followed along in a Facebook group with updates from other people, being there IRL and seeing it all first hand was just incredible.

It was a major renovation, hence the 16 month closure, rather than simply giving the rooms a lick of paint and some new furniture. Guest rooms, public areas, restaurants, the spa and other facilities were redesigned (some relocated completely like the spa), while new spaces and experiences were introduced like the water playground and middle Eastern restaurant, Samira.

The project also included new family facilities, a water park, kids’ and very cool looking teen areas (with a bowling alley!), upgraded sporting facilities and a newly renovated adults-only area, called The Reserve.

The biggest change for me was that it still felt recognisably like the resort we’d fallen in love with, but with a slightly more luxurious feel. They’ve managed to retain the traditional gardens and tropical setting while seamlessly creating a more contemporary resort experience.

There are now 485 rooms and 7 villas, with 4 pools, 8 restaurants and 12 bars listed as part of the new Paradisus offering. And yet, importantly for us, they haven’t lost the sense that this is a resort where you can simply slow down.

The All-Inclusive Package at Paradisus by Meliá Bali

The all-inclusive aspect is one of the biggest reasons we love staying here. It does also offer bed and breakfast currently, but rumour has it that it may be moving to be only all inclusive in the future.

All-inclusive resorts aren’t nearly as common across Asia as they are in some European holiday destinations, so having this option in Bali is something we really appreciate. It definitely changes the way you holiday because you’re not constantly thinking about what you’ve spent.

Want another cocktail? Have one.

Fancy lunch by the pool? No problem.

Kids want an ice-cream? Ice-cream for everyone!

Want to try somewhere different for dinner? Go for it.

For us, there’s something wonderfully relaxing about not having to worry about the bill at the end of the stay. You’ve paid for your holiday upfront, and as soon as you check in, you can concentrate on simply savouring it.

The Paradisus concept takes the traditional all-inclusive model a little further, with food, drinks, activities, wellness and destination experiences forming part of your overall stay. Things like water sports gear rental, sporting equipment and court hire, bicycle hire, yoga classes, and more are all included in your experience. You can do as much or as little as you feel like!

The hotel describes its Destination Inclusive concept as a way of connecting guests with the local destination and culture rather than keeping everything within the resort.

The system works really well too in terms of the menus. Everything with a green dot next to it is included. Anything with a red dot, incurs an additional cost. Staying as an all inclusive guest gets you unlimited food and drinks (with the green dot) across all the bars and restaurants, 24 hour room service, mini bar replenished once daily, one hour use of bicycles, snorkelling gear, paddleboards and canoes per day, yoga classes, free use of the sports courts, and daily excursions.

We’re huge fans of all-inclusive holidays when we want to properly switch off, and Paradisus Bali is particularly good for that. There’s enough variety that you don’t feel as though you’re eating the same thing every day, but you also don’t have to leave the resort if you simply want a relaxing holiday.

Pro-Tip: if you’re heading out for the day, you can ask the hotel to pack a lunch picnic for you to take with if you are all-inclusive.

Room Types at Paradisus by Meliá Bali

There are plenty of different room categories at Paradisus by Meliá Bali, so it’s worth looking carefully at what’s included before booking. Options range from Premium rooms with garden views through to junior suites, lagoon-access rooms, suites, Family Concierge rooms, The Reserve rooms and private villas.

On our first visit, we booked a Premium Garden View room and then decided part-way through the holiday to upgrade to a lagoon-access room. That turned out to be a very good decision because we absolutely loved having the additional space with a young child, and having the pool immediately outside the room was total bliss!

In fact, after that first experience, the lagoon-access room became our preferred option for all our subsequent stays, whether we were travelling as a family or a couple. There’s something lovely about being able to step straight outside and into the water rather than having to walk across the resort to find a pool.

For our 2026 visit, the renovated rooms also gave us that feeling of familiarity with a much more modern finish. If you’re comparing room categories, I’d definitely look at whether lagoon access is in your budget, and available for your dates because, for us, it’s one of those little upgrades that makes a noticeable difference to our stay.

If you’re travelling with children or looking for something particularly private, there are also larger suites and interconnecting rooms suitable for families with young children and teens, plus the villas. The villas have private pools and are designed for guests looking for a more secluded experience.

I’ve often pondered whether we would splash out one day and get a villa, but what I really love about the hotel is all the facilities and experiences. And if I’d spend thousands of dollars on a villa, I’d probably never want to leave it to get my money’s worth out of the stay, and then I’d miss out on everything I love about staying at the resort.

Pro-Tip: Get a lagoon access room in building 3 if you want a quieter experience. Building 1 has rooms opposite to the new water park and sports courts so would be a noisier option during the day.

The Reserve at Paradisus by Meliá Bali

If you’re travelling as a couple and want something a little more exclusive, The Reserve is one of the options worth considering.

The Reserve is the adults-only (well 16+) section of Paradisus by Meliá Bali, aimed at guests looking for a quieter and more elevated experience within the larger resort. It has its own dedicated check in area and spaces, including a private pool and beach areas, as well as enhanced services and dining options.

This is particularly appealing if you love the convenience of a large resort but don’t necessarily want to spend your entire holiday surrounded by families and children. You still have access to the wider Paradisus resort and its facilities, but The Reserve gives you your own quieter base.

There are dedicated rooms and suites within The Reserve, along with personalised arrival and departure services and exclusive dining spaces. It’s effectively a more private resort-within-a-resort concept.

We didn’t stay in The Reserve on our most recent visit, as we were travelling with friends and wanted to experience the resort together, but it’s definitely something I’d consider for a future trip.

Pro-Tip: Combine a Reserve booking with all inclusive and get the best of both worlds!

The Family Concierge Experience at Paradisus by Meliá Bali

Families have their own upgraded option at Paradisus through the Family Concierge experience. If you’re travelling with children, this is worth investigating because it adds a number of family-focused services and facilities to your stay.

Family Concierge guests have access to dedicated services, family-friendly spaces, enhanced amenities and an exclusive area designed around the needs of families. The offering includes dedicated check-in, an exclusive beach area and family dining spaces, alongside access to the wider resort facilities and activities.

The kids’ facilities have also been expanded as part of the renovation, with Kidsdom for younger children and YOURWAY aimed at teenagers. There’s also a new water park and a range of sports and activities, which means there’s considerably more to keep children and teens entertained than there was when we first visited as a family.

One of my favourite things about the resort over the years has actually been the staff in the kids’ club. A special shout-out has to go to Maria, who has the most infectious smile and always recognises us when we’re back. Those little personal connections are a huge part of why we keep returning.

Breakfast at Paradisus by Meliá Bali

Breakfast at Paradisus is one of those meals where I think you could easily spend far too long sitting at the table. I’ve seen a few comments online lately saying the buffet breakfast here is ‘average’ and it does make me wonder what on earth people think is missing!

The buffet is absolutely huge, with plenty of hot and cold options, including fresh fruit, pastries, yoghurts, juices, breads, pancakes, waffles, cereals, Asian and Indian options, and even savoury and sweet breakfast pizzas.

But what I particularly love is that you can order things such as eggs, omelettes and crepes cooked to order rather than simply taking whatever is ready to serve on the buffet.

And yes, you can also order fresh coffee rather than relying purely on ready-made coffee urns brought around by the wait staff at breakfast. I’m particularly partial to an iced coffee when I’m in Bali, as it’s super humid even at 8am, so being able to order one with breakfast is a definite win for me.

Where you have breakfast depends on the room package you’ve booked. Family Concierge guests have access to breakfast at Peseta, while The Reserve has its own breakfast experience at Santé. These give guests a more exclusive alternative to the main breakfast restaurant, which is still available no matter which room type or level experience you book.

For me, though, the great thing is that breakfast feels like the start of the holiday rather than something you’re rushing through. You can grab an early morning coffee from Kopi Petani first up, wander through the gardens, before deciding what you fancy eating and settle in for a slow morning.

Pro-Tip: our favourite tables at breakfast are the ones around the edge of the ponds in the outdoor seating – but it can get hot and bright so don’t forget your sunglasses when heading to brekkie. Keep an eye out for the interesting birds and lizards that can appear!

Dining at Paradisus by Meliá Bali

One of the things I think makes an all-inclusive holiday at Paradisus by Meliá Bali work so well is the sheer choice of restaurants you have. There are 8 restaurants across the resort, so even if you’re staying for a week or more, you’ve got plenty of opportunity to change things up. And because it’s all-inclusive, I’m much more inclined to try somewhere different rather than worrying about whether we’re going to end up spending a fortune on dinner or if it’s going to be any good. The restaurants cover everything from Japanese and Spanish to Middle Eastern, Asian, international and South American-inspired cuisine.

Malva

Malva is the main all-day dining restaurant and is where you’ll find the impressive breakfast buffet. It serves Asian, Indonesian, and international dishes, with breakfast, lunch and dinner available, making it the easy option when you want plenty of choice without needing to book somewhere.

The breakfast buffet is particularly good, with a huge selection of hot and cold dishes, fresh fruit, pastries and made-to-order options, and it’s where we tend to start many of our days. For lunch and dinner, you’ll find a mixture of Asian and international dishes, so there’s usually something for everyone. The pizzas here are amazing and worth a visit for lunch alone!

Peseta

Peseta is the Spanish-inspired restaurant and is a lovely choice when you fancy something a little more refined and upmarket. The menu focuses on traditional Spanish flavours, including tapas, pintxos, Iberian ham, Manchego and jamón croquetas and paella.

It’s the sort of restaurant where I’m very happy ordering several smaller dishes and sharing them around the table rather than everyone ordering one main course.

The restaurant also has a Mediterranean influence and offers dishes such as octopus and wagyu ribeye, so there’s plenty beyond the classic Spanish options.

Kanna

If you want lunch or dinner with a view, Kanna Beach Restaurant is the one for you. It’s a beachfront restaurant with South American-inspired cuisine, including local seafood, ceviche, salads and grilled meats, so it’s a great option when you want something lighter and a little more casual while still having that holiday feeling.

Ceviche is one of the dishes particularly associated with the restaurant, making good use of the fresh seafood available in Bali.

There’s something about sitting by the beach with a cocktail and a plate of seafood that feels like exactly what you should be doing on a Bali holiday.

Samira

Samira is one of the new additions post-renovations and brings punchy Middle Eastern flavours to the resort.

It has a much more immersive feel than simply being another restaurant within a hotel – we walked in and were instantly transported by the décor, the music and the overall vibe. The menu includes classics such as hummus and tabbouleh, alongside other Middle Eastern dishes, and the restaurant has been designed around an atmospheric, Arabian-inspired setting.

There’s also a private dining room if you’re celebrating something or want a more intimate meal. If you enjoy Middle Eastern food, I’d definitely put this one on the list to try during your stay.

Tokimeku

And then there’s Tokimeku, which is my personal favourite.

This is the Japanese restaurant at Paradisus by Meliá Bali and it has a particularly special place in our holiday history because we’ve loved the Japanese restaurant here since our first stay, when it was called Sakura. So, although the name and concept have changed, the vibe and the quality is the same as ever. The menu includes sushi, robatayaki skewers and Japanese street-style ramen, so there’s a good mixture of lighter dishes and more substantial options.

If you’re looking for something a little more special, I’d definitely recommend asking about the private dining room at Tokimeku. We love the restaurant no matter where we sit, but the private dining experience is amazing for a birthday, anniversary or special celebration. On our last visit with friends, we booked the private room for our final dinner and it was undoubtedly the highlight of our stay that visit!

ARUM

ARUM is the restaurant to visit if you want to experience electic Asian flavours. It has an Indonesian setting and serves a mixture of local and Asian cuisine, with Balinese cultural performances adding to the experience on selected evenings.

This is a great option if you want to make your dinner feel a little more connected to Bali rather than simply eating international food in a resort.

I’d definitely use this restaurant as an opportunity to try some Indonesian and Balinese dishes you might not normally order, as the menu is a bit more ‘out there’ than it used to be pre-renovations.

Santé

Santé is a little different because it’s the dedicated restaurant for The Reserve guests. It’s an elegant, semi-outdoor restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a more intimate feel than the larger resort dining venues. The current dining offering includes dishes such as tiger prawn carpaccio and tenderloin à la Parisienne, while breakfast includes plated options such as French toast, shakshuka, fish congee, pastries, fresh fruit and cold meats.

If you’re staying in The Reserve, Santé is also where you can enjoy your more exclusive breakfast experience. I think this is one of the nice things about the different accommodation levels at Paradisus because you can choose whether you want the full resort experience or something a little more private and elevated.

The Shack

Finally, there’s The Shack, which is the more casual option and is particularly handy when you’re spending the day around the resort facilities. It serves international food and lighter options, making it a useful place to grab something without turning lunch into a whole event. It’s also associated with the water park area, so it’s particularly convenient for families who don’t want to drag everyone off for a formal meal in the middle of the day.

And then, of course, there are the bars and coffee options around the resort, so you’re never really far from something to eat or drink. Kopi Petani, for example, is the resort’s coffee spot, serving locally sourced Balinese Kintamani coffee along with teas and pastries.

You also have The Deck beachfront bar serving drinks and small menu of salads and classics like sandwiches, sliders and burgers.

For all their menus head to the Paradisus Bali Linktree list here.

So, which Paradisus by Meliá Bali restaurant is my favourite?

For me, it’s still Tokimeku without a doubt. There’s something about returning to the same restaurant we first knew as Sakura all those years ago that makes it feel like part of our Paradisus tradition. I love Japanese food anyway, but menu has so many options for all palates, and I think the restaurant has a lovely atmosphere for an evening meal.

Pro-Tip: Make your restaurant bookings early in your stay. Some of the speciality restaurants require reservations, and when you’re staying all-inclusive it’s easy to think, we’ll decide later. We’ve found it much better to have a look at the restaurant options when we arrive, work out where we want to eat during the week and get the bookings sorted. That way you can spend the rest of your holiday relaxing rather than discovering your favourite restaurant is fully booked when you fancy eating there.

The Bars at Paradisus by Meliá Bali

If you’re staying all-inclusive, you’re going to want to explore the bars too!

One of the things I really enjoy about Paradisus is that the different bars have their own personality and signature cocktail lists. That means you can spend a few days working your way through different drinks without simply ordering the same cocktail everywhere.

A particular shout-out has to go to Dewa Krisna at Ginger Bar, who was always so welcoming and friendly – and makes a mean Almond Sour. For me, the people are such an important part of a resort like this, and the friendly service is one of the reasons the hotel feels so welcoming.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably find yourself saying, I’ll just have one and then discovering that there are approximately 47 cocktails you still haven’t tried.

The Mixton Bar was another favourite spot of ours for pre-dinner drinks. On a couple of visits we noticed they have some canapes available in the early evening as well (I think it was from 5-6pm each night), which yet again, elevates your whole experience.

If you’re heading here and love a fun cocktail, order the Citrus Cloud – it actually has a cloud of guava foam sitting on top!

Also don’t miss the Kanna Rooftop Bar – this sweet little spot with incredible sunset views over the beach and resort is a hidden gem!

For beachside cocktails, head to The Deck Bar – another favourite of ours for post-dinner drinks if we had any room left!

With 12 bars across the resort, you certainly won’t run out of options. And because drinks are included as part of the all-inclusive experience, you can try something different without worrying that you’ve just ordered an expensive cocktail you don’t actually like.

Pro-Tip: Even if a cocktail isn’t on the menu at a specific location, you can ask if they will make one for you and if its available in the resort, they will make it for you. Also, some cocktails can be made in a frozen version or in different flavours – so don’t be afraid to ask if you’d like something that’s not on the menu! We had frozen daiquiris and margaritas off menu and the lovely Dewa Krisna made us espresso martinis at the Ginger Bar on request.

Activities Available at Paradisus by Meliá Bali

Although we often go to Paradisus specifically because we want to relax, there are plenty of activities available if you don’t want to spend your entire holiday horizontal beside the pool like me.

There are fitness activities, sports, wellness sessions, cultural experiences and activities aimed at different age groups. The renovation has also introduced or upgraded facilities including sports courts, a water park and dedicated spaces for children and teenagers.

One activity I particularly loved on our 2026 trip was the power walk. Normally, a power walk might not sound like something I would be up and awake for at 7am on holiday, but the timing made it something I’ll remember.

We were doing the walk while the locals were building their incredible Ogoh-Ogoh effigies ahead of the Nyepi celebrations. Seeing these huge, intricate creations being prepared was fascinating, and it gave us a little glimpse into Balinese culture that we wouldn’t have experienced simply sitting around the resort.

That’s something I really like about the new Paradisus approach. There are still plenty of opportunities to lie beside the pool and do absolutely nothing, but there are also ways to connect with Bali and experience something beyond the resort.

Pro-Tip: there are different activity options for adults, kids and teens – see each program here on the Paradisus blog (activities rotate and change regularly).

The YHI Spa at Paradisus by Meliá Bali

No holiday to Paradisus is complete for me without a massage at the YHI spa.

I’ve always loved having a treatment while we’re there, but I particularly like the new location following the renovation. The old spa was located right next to the pool, which meant you could hear the music, pool activities and games going on around you. Not the best when you are trying to relax and the rave music is pumping for aqua aerobics!

The new YHI Spa has been positioned in a much more tranquil part of the resort gardens, near building 4 and the Reserve areas, creating a proper sense of escape. The renovation included a new spa concept with treatment rooms and wellness facilities, designed to feel more like a sanctuary within the resort. And it totally does.

For me, a massage is one of those little holiday rituals that makes it easier to actually switch off. I’m not very good at doing nothing at home, so having a treatment booked gives me permission to stop for an hour and let somebody else look after me.

We loved the new plunge pool and ice bath within the spa which is available for you to use after your treatments if you wish. I’d just started doing ice baths and managed my 3 minutes twice – go me! Mr C was less keen on it though!

Sure you can get a cheaper massage outside the resort, but if a top notch experience and tranquil surrounds is what you’re after, don’t miss checking out the YHI Spa during your stay.

Pro-Tip: If you’re all inclusive you get special offers including 20% off at the spa.

What I Love Most About Paradisus by Meliá Bali

After visiting four times over almost a decade, I think I’ve got a pretty good idea of what keeps bringing us back.

Yes, the rooms are lovely. Yes, the gardens are beautiful. Yes, there are lots of restaurants, bars and activities.

But for me, it’s the people.

The entire staff seem to understand that the little things matter. They’re friendly, welcoming and kind, and over the years we’ve had staff members remember us from previous visits. When you return to a resort and someone recognises you, remembers your name or greets you like an old friend, it changes the experience.

Maria from the kids’ club is one of those people for us. Even though we first met her years ago when we were travelling as a family, she still recognises us and has that huge, infectious smile whenever we see her.

While ALL the staff were amazing, I’d love to thank a few personally for their service across our most recent stay:

Kanna – Tude, Dewa Rai, Wiwin & Budi

Ginger Bar – Dewa Krisna

Peseta – Resti W

Samira – Aris & Made

Activities – Iyrsad

Pool area – Wijaya, Haryadi, Augustwo & Juniarta

Arum – Mirta & Sulistia

Malva – Oki

Tokimeku – Sasmitha

Housekeeping – Adi

And then there’s the practical side. I love knowing that we can arrive, unpack, head to the bar for a drink, choose somewhere for dinner and not have to think about what anything is costing us.

Our first stay was booked through Scoopon, which worked well for us at the time. These days, though, I’d recommend comparing the direct hotel rates and offers as well. We’ve found that booking directly can come with some very good deals and inclusions, and you can earn points that can then be redeemed against future stays.

Pro-Tip: Book direct on the hotel website to earn loyalty points, which can be redeemed on future stays. We saved around $400 on our most recent booking using points from our last stay.

Tipping in Bali

Tipping can be a bit of a controversial topic. Many people say tipping is not necessary but knowing how hard the staff work, how good they are at their jobs, and that wages are typically much lower in Indonesia than Australia, I personally feel that it’s nice to be able to recognise the amazing service we get while staying in the resort.

Someone asked me for my thoughts on tipping so I wanted to add this in – while this is very much our personal opinion, feel free to tip more if you want or can afford to! Also please tip in IDR not in your own currency, as the staff will then incur conversion fees to change it.

Housekeeping – 10-20k IDR per day

Porters – 20k-50k on arrival

Drinks service – 10k-20k per order (we don’t tip every time but usually do around the pool as they work so hard running around getting drinks and food for people)

Meal service – around 50k per meal (this gets tricky when you have several servers but we aim for around this, maybe 30-50k per person if served by several people)

Exceptional service – while all the staff are just brilliant, there are some that are really just next level so for these we like to tip around 100k per meal/service

Kids Club – when we used kids club on our first two stays we tipped some of the staff at the end of our stay around 100-200k per person

Garden Maintenance Team – while we have not tipped them in the past, I have seen people comment that they have tipped the garden team as they also do an absolutely stellar job keeping the grounds looking pristine and lush

We’ve also in the past taken heaps of Aussie treats like Tim Tams and Caramello Koalas for the Kids Club ladies which they loved.

Pro-Tips: Try and get some lower denominations of currency for your arrival so you can tip your porter. Many currency exchange will just give 100k notes and up. Leave housekeeping tips on the bed – if you leave it anywhere else in the room they won’t take it. If wanting to tip some staff at the end of your stay, make sure that it won’t be their day off when you are leaving as you might miss them!

Is Paradisus by Meliá Bali Worth It?

For us, every stay here is absolutely worth every cent we pay, but I think the bigger question is what sort of holiday you’re looking for.

If you want to explore every corner of Bali, move between different hotels and spend your days out sightseeing, you probably won’t get the full benefit of a resort like this. Paradisus is where we go when we want to do nothing.

We go there when we need to relax and recharge and completely switch off from ‘real life’.

And sometimes, after a busy year, that’s exactly what you need.

I also think it works particularly well for Australians looking for an easy overseas break. From Perth, Bali is especially close, and Nusa Dua gives you the option of staying somewhere where you can have a proper resort holiday without needing to organise every minute of your trip.

For families, there are extensive facilities and the Family Concierge option. For couples, there’s The Reserve. And for people like us who just want to arrive, eat, drink, swim, have a massage and not think too much, the all-inclusive package is hard to beat.

Our Next Stay at Paradisus by Meliá Bali

I have absolutely no doubt that we’ll be returning to Paradisus by Meliá Bali again.

That probably sounds slightly strange coming from someone who loves exploring new places, but I think there’s a place for both kinds of travel.

Sometimes I want to find somewhere completely new. Sometimes I want to road trip, explore, get lost, try new restaurants and see things I’ve never seen before.

And sometimes I want to land in Bali, get into a taxi arranged by the hotel, walk through those beautiful gardens, order a cocktail and think, right, NOW I’m on holiday.

Paradisus has become our go-to for that kind of trip.

We’ve now visited as a family, as a couple, and with close friends, and each visit has given us something slightly different. The renovation has given the resort a new lease of life, but thankfully it hasn’t removed the things that made us want to return in the first place.

For us, that combination of beautiful gardens, friendly staff, good food, an all-inclusive experience, plenty to do and the ability to do absolutely nothing is what makes Paradisus by Meliá Bali so special.

My Final Thoughts on Paradisus by Meliá Bali

After our first visit in 2017, I don’t think we ever imagined we’d return so many times, but here we are!

The transformation from Meliá Bali to Paradisus by Meliá Bali is a significant one, but for us, the heart of the resort is still there. The gardens are still beautiful, the staff are still wonderfully welcoming and there are still those little moments that make you feel as though you’re somewhere special.

The addition of the all-inclusive Paradisus concept, The Reserve, Family Concierge, new restaurants, updated rooms, the new spa and expanded activities means there’s now even more to experience.

But ultimately, I think the reason we keep going back is much simpler.

It’s easy.

It’s relaxing.

And sometimes that’s exactly what I want from a holiday.

Check out everything the hotel has to offer on their website here and their Facebook page here.

If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, check out my posts about Ndaka Safari Lodge and Dirk Hartog Island too. They’re very different experiences from a luxury all-inclusive resort in Bali, but they’re both places we’ve loved exploring and I’d definitely recommend adding them to your travel bucket list.