When we finally landed in Bali, we were headed to The Pan Pacific Hotel Nirwana. We were originally due to stay here for 4 nights, but with our 2 day delay, we would now be staying only 2 nights. The idea was to stay in a nice hotel and regroup from our long plane ride. Never did we suspect that we would be showing up at midnight on night 3 of our 4 night stay. The hotel had been so accommodating when I called them from the Jakarta airport to let them know our status. The following day I let them know we were still not going to make it for night 2.

We left the airport, we were exhausted. Our luggage + 5 tired people made for a super crowded taxi ride. Gabby slept on my lap while we slowly made our way to the hotel, Bella laid her head on Keith’s shoulder. I kept dozing on an doff. I was so happy when we finally turned into the long drive to the hotel and could see the lobby take shape. We were met at the entrance with a delicious tropical fruit drink and refreshing jasmine towel. At the front desk, the agent must have taken pity on us, as he upgraded both of our rooms without even asking.  Keith, the girls and I were shown to our beautifully spacious 2 room, 2 bathroom suite. Much better than the family room we had reserved!

The beds were so comfy, the pillows a delight. To say I had a good night sleep is an understatement. A much needed rest. But we didn’t want to miss anything, so we were all up early and met in the beautiful outdoor dining area for breakfast. An incredible assortment of east meets west. Beans and toast for the Aussies. Noodles, sushi, eggs, bacon, exotic fruit, local pastries, something for everyone! 

From breakfast we explored the beautiful Tanah Lot temple which is a really short walk from the hotel lobby. At low tide you can walk out to the temple – the sound of the surf breaking, chilly water on your toes, a gorgeous backdrop.  Lots and lots of people once you get closer. A pack of photographers on site to take your photo with the gorgeous backdrop. A town catering to tourists, selling everything a traditional tourist trap should. 

A delightful afternoon spent lounging by the multi level pool. The kids had a blast, they must have gone down the water slide 100+ times. They used the GoPro over and over, so much fun footage. They were even able to get me down a few times. Cold beer, a delicious lunch, a snake that had to be chased out of my beach bag, couldn’t have been more enjoyable. This hotel had such an incredible feel. We were very sad to leave. But off to Nusa Lembongan.

2017 UPDATE: Upsetting news! The Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort, which Pan Pacific Hotels Group has managed since 2010, will cease operations and close on July 31st following a decision by the owning company to redevelop the site. The Jakarta-based owners of the property, PT MNC Land Tbk, have announced the imminent razing of the resort ahead of construction commencing on a new “ultra-luxury Trump 6-star resort and a destination beach club boasting 360 degrees of sheer cliff glamour”. This will be the first Trump resort in Bali and only the second in Asia after MNC Lido City in West Java. TOTAL BUMMER!!!!