If you were to google the most luxurious pools around the globe, there’s one that comes up time and again. And it’s only a six hour flight from Sydney (even closer if you live in Perth). The ultra-luxe The Mulia resort in Nusa Dua is home to one of the dreamiest pools – aptly named the Oasis pool- you’ll ever swim in (check out the hashtag #escapetomulia – told you it was dreamy and wait until you see it at sunset)...
It’s huge square footage — almost 27,000 – overlooks temples on secluded Geger Beach (we spent hours swimming in the warm sea as well as the pool). The pool is lined with 16 magnificent stone statues of traditional Balinese women carrying wheat on their heads (this signifies wealth and prosperity). But the Oasis pool is only the beginning – there’s a reason this beach resort was voted No 1 Beach Resort in the World by the readers of Conde Nast Traveller back in 2014. It’s also no wonder celebrities frequent The Mulia (Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, Pretty Little Liars’ Shay Mitchell and Strangers Things’ Millie Bobby Brown, among others holiday here). Located along the perfect coastline of Nusa Dua, The Mulia opened in late 2012 and there are three different luxury experiences within the one spectacular sprawling beach resort. The Mulia, The Mulia Resort and The Mulia Villas. They all offer distinctly different experiences depending on what you’re after. While they all differ, they’re all incredibly luxurious and the décor in each resort is flawless – sleek, elegant and luxe.
Mulia Resort is ideal for families
Travelling with kids?
Mulia Resort is ideal for families and located on the first designated purity reserve in the world. The kids will love the splash pools while adults will love lounging in the private cabana pools (and the fact that their kids are having a ball – happy kids = happy parents). There’s also a plethora of beach activities from canoeing to windsurfing to stand-up paddleboarding (or you could just lounge around and relax, you are on holidays, after all). Mulia Kidz offers complimentary activities for children from 3 to 8 years of age (think necklace making, nail polish and tattoo, art and craft, musical games and much more). For younger children, there are nannies available. Kid-free? Or sporting a baby bump? Then you’ll love The Mulia, an all-suite modern resort and home to one of the world’s most photogenic pools (booking your dream babymoon? Go here). You’ll look forward to complimentary high tea and cocktails at The Lounge each afternoon overlooking the pool. You can opt for traditional English-style high tea or experience local cuisine with the Indonesian version (our advice? Try both). There are also hot tubs on the balconies which overlook the Indian ocean – just add champagne. Talk about romantic.
The Mulia overlooks the Indian Ocean
Heavenly villas at Mulia Villas
If you’re looking for privacy and a dreamy hideaway to retreat to, have a look at Mulia Villas (guests of The Mulia and Mulia Villas enjoy exclusive access to two pools)...
Along with a personalised butler service (I came home from dinner one night to find the most magnificent bubble bath ready for me in my enormous spa-like bathroom), each villa has its own private pool. If you like being surrounded by people, there’s also a beautiful shared pool in the main reception area. With 108 standalone rooms, the Mulia Villas are the largest accommodations of their kind on the island. While they’re further away from the beach, there’s always a golf cart ready to take you wherever you like in the resort.
Ok, now onto one of the most memorable parts of the resort – the Mulia Spa...
It’s not often I treat myself to a trip to the spa, so I make sure that when I’m on holidays, I indulge a little. There is a comprehensive treatment menu incorporating Balinese, Asian and Western techniques. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to the spa’s heavenly hot and cold pools which are inspired by the Japanese onsen (hot springs) spa concept. Next, it’s off to the Wellness Suite which includes a digital sauna, a steam shower with aromatic fragrant oils, and Asia Pacific’s first Ice Room, created by an award-winning Italian Spa specialist. At -1 degrees Celsius, the Ice Room designed to complement the spa’s hot-cold therapy, where clients switch between steamy and icy environments. The benefits? Well, it’s a lot of fun. But it also stimulates body circulation, which is beneficial to the immune system and wellbeing. And this is all before you hit the massage table. The treatments are all heavenly (the ‘around the world massage’ with two Balinese therapists working in a synchronized flow is unforgettable). There’s also an outdoor yoga and meditation area and fitness centre (we did the most serene yoga class and also tried personal training at the gym). There were many surprising delights throughout our trip, but one of the most wonderful things for me was just how phenomenal the food was (it’s fine to eat dessert with every meal when you’re on holidays, right?). I expected it to be fantastic, but it was like dining at world-class restaurants every single meal. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love experiencing the nine restaurants and bars on offer. The Sunday brunch at ‘Soleil’ is world famous (bottomless lobster tail, anyone?) and for good reason. You won’t want it to end. Also, don’t miss the Teppanyaki buffet at Edogin; high tea at Cascade; cocktail and tapas at Sky Bar or an afternoon éclair from Mulia Deli. Four nights away without kids and I left feeling like a new person (being in one of the world’s most spectacular resorts helped). Revived, refreshed and filled with ideas. Now, I’m just planning how I can get back there with my husband and children. For more information, go to www.themulia.com
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