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The Meru Sanur, Bali Review. A Luxurious Oasis of Serenity and Elegance

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The Meru Sanur. Bali’s Most Luxurious Beachfront Resort Redefining Five-Star Elegance

The Meru Sanur is Bali’s newest and most spectacular five-star beachfront resort, offering luxury accommodation, holistic wellness retreats, and authentic Balinese experiences in the heart of Sanur.

It is a surprising addition to Bali’s Sanur which has typically been a sleepier part of Bali where travellers flocked for low key, affordable accommodation away from the nightlife as well as from the traffic congestion of much of the rest of the island.

I experienced unparalleled luxury, holistic wellness, and Balinese heritage at The Meru Sanur during a stay in January 2025.

The Meru Sanur is redefining five star luxury in Bali

The five-star luxury resort graces Bali’s coastline with its breathtaking design both inside and out, as well as unparalleled amenities in this part of Bali.

Located on the historic site of Bali’s first hotel, the Inna Bali Beach Hotel, this expansive 42-hectare property has a powerful yet calm energy about it, and boasts a pristine 1-kilometre stretch of golden sand along Sanur Beach, offering flawless, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.

The Meru Sanur pays homage to the island’s rich history. The resort seamlessly integrates elements that reflect its storied past, offering guests a unique blend of historical significance and modern luxury.

The name of the lobby is Tirthasadha, and Tirtha means purity or purification with water in Sanskrit. Sada means first, so the lobby’s name translates to the first holy water. There is a startlingly beautiful array of Hindu goddess statues portrayed in the lobby sitting in water, which further symbolise this Hindu meaning.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Nestled in the heart of Sanur, Bali, The Meru Bali is a refined sanctuary that seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with authentic Balinese heritage. Located within a sprawling 42-hectare integrated complex, this distinguished resort offers guests an exceptional experience—where tranquility meets modern indulgence.

Sanur, known for its pristine beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and deep-rooted cultural significance, provides the perfect backdrop for The Meru Bali’s exquisite accommodations, world-class dining, and exceptional wellness facilities.

Whether travellers are looking for a peaceful retreat, an immersive cultural experience, first class Balinese wellness, or an eco-conscious getaway, The Meru Bali delivers a level of sophistication and charm that sets it apart from other luxury resorts on the island.

This is an instagrammer’s dream. The photo opportunities are seemingly endless.

The Meru Sanur in Bali

Location: 9/10

The location of Meru Sanur is exceptional but I am biased as I have always loved Sanur. It is the closest 5 star luxury hotel to the airport, so ideal at the end of a Bali holiday to ensure no major traffic problems when departing.

There is 1km of beach front and Sanur is one of the quieter and more pristine parts of Bali. Mornings are a joy as the sun rises directly in front of the hotel. And there is a pathway for bikes as well as for walkers out front which is bustling each morning.

The ocean and beach are clean, and the whole area has a relaxed energy and feel. And there is a new shopping centre, Bali Icon nearby with a Sephora and multiple retail and food outlets.

The Meru Sanur offers 184 all suite accomodation

Accommodation 9/10

The Meru Sanur offers 184 all-suite accommodation, each starting at a generous 82 square meters. Every suite features a private terrace, allowing guests to soak in the surrounding natural beauty. My tropical suite was 82 square metres and on the ground floor with its very own private garden.

The interiors are meticulously designed, with a harmonious balance of modern comfort and Balinese artistry, each room features locally sourced Indonesian indigenous woods and traditional Balinese materials, honouring the region’s rich craftsmanship.

There are huge, spacious bathrooms equipped with stand alone soaking tubs and separate rain showers, expansive dressing areas, and multiple workspaces.

Select suites like mine provide private gardens, offering an added layer of seclusion and luxury.Every detail has been carefully curated to create a sense of serenity and relaxation, ensuring that each guest enjoys a truly elevated stay.

The design at the Meru Sanur is striking.

Style and Design: 9.5/10

The resort itself is mind blowing as it is so big and so many striking design and architectural elements and features have been used.

The architecture is a harmonious blend of contemporary elegance and traditional Balinese elements. Indigenous Indonesian wood and traditional Balinese materials have been used in the majority of the construction.

The towering expansive lobby welcomes guests with soaring ceilings and intricate wood carvings, that set the tone for the striking design and bold luxury that permeates the property.

Lush tropical gardens, serene water features, sun filled areas and thoughtfully designed open spaces amongst a verdant garden setting create a tranquil environment that invites relaxation and reflection – and it is a photographer’s dream with many instagrammable locations and features.

There are two main restaurants at The Meru Sanur.

Food & Beverage 8/10

Dining at The Meru Sanur is fabulous. Sunday brunch is the highlight of a stay as the food offerings are absolutely incredible from lamb and pork roasts (with crackling) to freshly grilled jumbo prawns, fish and other seafood on the grill, sushimi and sushi, as well as a chocolate fountain, sorbet and fresh cakes – and unlimited wines and prosecco.

I predict Sunday Brunch at Meru will become the hottest ticket for Sunday Brunch in Bali for 2025. The food and the setting is world class.

A culinary journey at The Meru Bali is a celebration of Bali’s finest flavours – and some great western dishes as well.

The resort’s two main dining venues, Arunika and Rosa emphasise locally sourced ingredients, from Balinese arak to Rosella Salt, crafting a unique gastronomic experience that highlights the island’s diverse culinary heritage. The interiors of Rosa are elegant, modern and classy in cream, cobalt blue and tons of natural light.

The Meru, Sanur Bali.

Guests can indulge in freshly caught seafood, traditional Balinese dishes, and expertly crafted international cuisine, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the resort’s tropical gardens or tranquil beachfront.

The resort’s 200 seater signature restaurant Arunika offers panoramic ocean views, making it the perfect setting for slow dining and for memorable daily dining experiences. Special events are on offer throughout each week and may include a seafood BBQ, or other special dining experience.

Sutasoma is the main bar, and doubles as a library. It has towering shelves full of books. The interiors of all of the bars and lounges is pure elegance, and they all offer a curated selection of artisanal cocktails, premium wines, and Balinese spirits, perfect for a relaxed evening in paradise..

Wellness 10/10

The Meru Sanur places a strong emphasis on holistic wellness, offering a range of transformative experiences designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. The hotel’s main Svasana Spa is opening late 2025, and promises an extraordinary experience.

Upon arrival guests receive a healing water blessing and bracelet to ensure they have a positive experience not just at the property but within their lives.

I was hosted in the temporary spa, but the treatments I had were world class. I had a tarot reading session which was confronting.

I was offered a soothing, healing tea beforehand, and sat down to about 45 minutes of shuffling cards and asking questions about my future – it was definitely daunting and not for the faint hearted. But as I inhaled the incense, my future came to life before my eyes.

A one hour sound healing session was the best I have ever had. Sound healing is an ancient practice that harnesses the power of sound vibrations to to promote healing, reduce anxiety and encourage relaxation.

The therapist was very skilled, and I was transported via multi dimensional layers of energy and sound. Research shows it slows our brain waves and puts the body in a dreamlike state and that it may help with some physical and mental health conditions.I loved it.

My massage was also exceptional. The Svasana Spa uses locally sourced massage oils and bamboo spa linens, and offers rejuvenating treatments that reflect the island’s holistic healing traditions. At the Meru Spa, ther eis so much on offer, and guests can immerse themselves in, chakra balancing therapies, and emotional release techniques.

I also had a sunrise water healing. called Lukat Toya. This is a traditional water blessing ceremony that embodies the essence of cleansing and purifying the soul. Its intention is to purge and re-ignite our connection with divine energies. I was guided by a local Balinese priest who took me on a trasnformative journey towards greater ease and harmony within my mind, body and soul.

I wore traditional garments had a lot of water splashed on me and drank coconut juice – it was very uplifting as an experience and I am so glad I did it.

The Meru resort also offers other traditional Balinese spiritual journeys, including consultations with local healers, purification rituals, and meditation practices, providing a deep connection to the island’s rich cultural heritage and to yourself.

For physical fitness, the resort offers a comprehensive active wellness program.

Guests can participate in energising yoga classes, cardio boxing sessions, circuit training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and cycling trips as well as jogging paths in Sanur close to the property.

The Meru Sanur has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, for refreshing laps, and the prime beachfront location provides ample opportunities for water-based activities, and the ocean in front of the hotel is clear enough to swim in.

There is a fitness centre equipped with the latest technology for a decent workout …

The Meru Resort, Sanur, Bali

Sustainability at The Meru Bali – 9/10

Sustainability is at the core of The Meru Bali, and is focussed on eco-friendly practices.

The resort seamlessly integrates environmental responsibility with luxury, ensuring that every aspect of its operations aligns with the principles of sustainability while maintaining an exceptional guest experience.

One of the most notable initiatives is the 42-hectare integrated complex, designed with energy efficiency and water conservation in mind. The resort operates its own Fresh Water Bottling Plant, significantly reducing plastic waste, and employs a re-use water management system for irrigation and operational needs.

Thoughtful landscaping practices, including the preservation of ancient trees, contribute to the resort’s lush, tropical ambiance while supporting Bali’s delicate ecosystem. Additionally, a Building Management System (BMS) optimises energy consumption, reducing the property’s overall carbon footprint.

The Meru Bali’s commitment to sustainability extends to its very foundations—literally.

The resort is built using Iocal Indonesian indigenous wood and traditional Balinese materials, supporting local artisans while preserving the island’s architectural heritage. This approach not only minimises environmental impact but also enhances the authentic beauty of the resort, creating a harmonious blend of nature and design.

Dining at The Meru Bali is a sustainable experience in itself. The menus highlight locally sourced ingredients, from locally caught sustainable seafood to locally grown organic fruit and vegetables celebrating the unique flavours of the region while reducing reliance on imports.

The Svasana Spa continues this commitment to responsible luxury. The spa which opens later this year will feature bamboo-based linens instead of synthetic fabrics and locally sourced massage oils, reinforcing the resort’s dedication to sustainable wellness.

Even the small details, such as hotel amenities, are designed with eco-consciousness in mind—eco-friendly packaging and locally made toiletries ensure that every element of a guest’s stay aligns with The Meru Bali’s green philosophy.

Meru Sanur Review in Brief:

Who Is Behind It: It is owned by Injourney, Indonesia’s state owned hospitality company.

Insider Knowledge: The massages at the spa are some of the best in Bali.

Renae says: This property is spectacular, and the wellness offerings really took me by surprise as the standard is very high. I loved the local healer.

Who should Stay at The Meru Resort, Bali:  Families, couples, singles, groups.

Who shouldn’t stay here: There is a lot of walking at The Meru resort, simple because of its size, which was great for me but I know some guests may find it too much.

Location: Can take up to 45 minutes from the airport in Bali.

Best culinary delight: Lamb roast at the Sunday Brunch, perfectly cooked, but the chef needs to make some mint sauce for it 🙂

The Highlight:  Sunrise right out front every single morning.

The lowlight: The in-house laundry is very pricey given there are multiple laundries outside with super cheap prices.

Most Instagrammable location: The lobby from many angles, as well as the rooms.

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Renae elegantly traverses the globe, curating the most exquisite personalised travel, dining, and wellness experiences for discerning women. With over 25 years of distinguished journalism, her work has illuminated the pages of prestigious magazines, newspapers, and digital platforms. Renae’s expertise transcends travel writing; she is a coveted speaker and coach within the luxury hotel industry. Balancing her professional pursuits with a delightful contradiction—a passion for fitness and an indulgence in dark chocolate—Renae infuses a unique blend of authority and Australian charm into the realm of luxury travel.

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