We have been coming to the Laguna for the past 20 years, this was our 10th return visit. For a resort which was built in 1991 it has always maintained high standards, beautiful gardens and now re-furbished rooms, but the best feature is its well trained and delightful staff, many of whom we have known for over 20 years and their loyalty to the Laguna is testimony to how well they are treated by management and how much they love working at this Resort. There have been some changes since our last visit (2017 due to covid etc). The Cascade Bar has been renamed and refurbished as the Bale with a snack menu and a new dinner menu. Lovely spot for a pre-dinner drink, with happy hour from 5.00 to 7.00pm. The Cornerstone Deli still operates for ice cream/cakes/sandwiches but has not yet got a new menu, which we understand is forthcoming. Banyubiru still operates for breakfast and buffett dinner when occupancy rates allow. Meals are also available at the beach bar, Kul Kul and Arwana is the main beach side restaruant offering an array of local and international dishes each evening. Special dinners, such as a Market Night on Wednesday's and Sunday Brunch are also well worth trying. The Pools are always kept clean with plenty of day beds and the pool staff are ever willing to attend to your every need such as water or fresh towels. On this occasion we stayed for 3 weeks and the hotel was low on occupancy due to its imminent closure to guests due to the G20 which will result in the entire Nusa Dua area being a high security zone.
We love coming back to this resort and greatly appreciate the fact that the staff remember us and we are acknowledged as loyal and return guests. There are so many staff members that we would like to mention, some who will be retiring soon and we may not see them again, which will be sad, as we feel part of a big family.
To the Pool staff Sudra, Suandi, Argus and Mesadi thank you for setting up our Bale Belong and keeping us comfortable with fresh towels, water and fruit. Thank you Suka for your management of the Recreation, our chats and tips on places and things to do.
The Breakfast Staff at Banyubiru, too many to mention, who all did a great job, but in particular a big thank you to Widyiani, Augstina and Sekary-anti who fussed over us at breakfast and brought us lovely fresh fruit, including our favourite mango and passionfruit. Also fond wishes to little Diah a delightful and funny young trainee. We should also mention the restaurant hostess, Dayu and Shynthia, Guest Relations.
Naturally we spent some time at the beach bar Kul Kul and the Bale and were well looked after by Yudha, Yogi, Wibawi, Venny, Alit, Nuaja Ngr, Anyar, Aprin, thank you so much.
We had dinner at the Arwana on many occasions and were pampered by Andy and Arya who went out of their way to organise dietery needs and our waitress, Sussimi. We should not fail to mention Wadi, Desa, Rosita, Muliani and Mersi, who pampared us with lovely relaxing massages which can be had in the spa or on the beach.
To our dear friends who always seem to know when we are returning and greet us at Reception, thank you Ketut Arcana and Putu Ins.
A very special thank you to our Dear Friend Dayu Murtini who we first met 21 years ago who has become a close family friend of whom we are so proud of her achievements and progress to HR Manager at the Laguna.
A special thank you to Lucia the Hotel GM for dedication to the Laguna and Marriott/Bonvoy group in keeping this Resort in its rightful ranking as one of the best beach resorts in Nusa Dua. Yes there are bigger and glossier resorts at Nusa Dua, but if you want to feel like you are in Bali and enjoy the peaceful surrounds and wonderful staff, then there is no other place.
We look forward to returning in the near future and look forward to seeing the proposed changes to the Kul Kul Bar and Arwana.
If there was to be a very slight negative, it would only be that food option are a little limited (perhaps due to a new Chef just starting and the hotel recovering after Covid). Another kitchen in the proposed new Kul Kul and Pool area might allow for my more variety and faster service.
