Sanur holds a particular charm that keeps luring travellers. Much of its appeal lies within this picturesque beach town’s ability to retain a sense of peaceful calm. While it allows contemporary lifestyle to penetrate its streets (look at all the Instagram-ready cafés and restaurants or even the iconic ICON Bali Mall), it remains firmly rooted in a sense of heritage.
After all, the island’s oldest luxury hotel, Bali Beach Hotel, The Heritage Collection, stands with as much, if not more, bravado today as it did upon opening in 1966. But its sister hotel The Meru Sanur that further epitomises this ethos of tradition through a modern lens. This all-suite haven offers the same hospitality experience with a focus on nature, Balinese culture, and well-being, in line with its position within The Sanur Special Economic Zone for health and wellness.
The Meru Sanur is a flagship of inJourney Hospitality’s luxury wellness resort, so expect a quieter side of the property. Patronage is still as diverse, with stroller-pushing families and late-age couples having their umpteenth honeymoon milling around. Most will be seen spending their days lounging by the Meru Pool, tucked away at the edge of the property and surrounded by foliage dense enough to keep noise out. But if you’re looking for a more robust social environment, the Bali Beach Pool is also just steps away, with a central location in front of the all-day Arunika Restaurant and directly facing the paved beachside trail that’s never absent of pedestrians, joggers, or cyclists.
The architecture is a lesson on tropical minimalism: the façade is clad in dark woods, exposed timber and suspended walkways impart an airy flow, and every corner is rife with draping foliage. Each of the 184 suites, ranging from the cosy Tropical to the generous Presidential, are bright with expansive windows framing views of gardens or the buzzy Sanur Beach. Corners are affixed with plush loveseats backed by chinoiserie panels of stylised birds, an artistic juxtaposition against rattan-patterned walls and jewel-toned cushions.
All this splendour is only heightened as the end of year brings its festive season. Holiday vacationers can expect all the traditional fixings, from lavish feasts that anchor celebratory dining tables to activities designed to share the holiday spirit with the whole family. But true to the Meru tradition, stars align to stage a blazing climax. Spectacular shows with a star-studded ensemble are always in store, adding glamour to the pyrotechnics of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
Still, if one simply wants to unwind and alleviate the past year’s stressors and enter the next phase of life with a clear mind, it’s best to pay Taru Pramana Spa & Wellness a visit. Something as simple as a Balinese massage might do the trick, but the most potent ritual would be one that hits on all touchpoints of its ethos, derived by the ancient Balinese wisdom of healing and cultural immersion: perhaps a Manik Galih treatment on a heated crystal quartz sand bed, followed by Enchanted Sound Healing, and ending with the traditional water purification Lukat Toya.
Even if not for all its wellness glories (though it would be remiss to skip them), one can simply unwind at the many quiet corners at The Meru Sanur. Slink away to Sutasoma Lounge and get lost in the pages of carefully curated books with warm teas and coffees or a relaxing nightcap. Or, simply wander around the halls that ripple with water features and textured stones as the fireworks blast away in the distance, just to revel in the kind of quiet that leaves you breathing a sigh of relief.
Asia Dreams Volume 60
The Meru Sanur
Jalan Hang Tuah, Sanur
Bali 80227, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3612012000
E: stay.themeru@meruhotels.com
W: themerusanur.com
IG: @themerusanur
