discover A Sanctuary of Tropical Elegance

Perched on 15 hectares of Sanur’s original shoreline, The Meru Sanur redefines the Bali beach resort experience as a contemporary sanctuary where avant-garde architecture meets slow-living luxury. From the moment you pass through its dream-like, marble-clad arrival tunnel—naturally cooled to sit two degrees below the midday heat—the resort orchestrates a sequence of design moments that feel as considered as they are cinematic.

Walking through The Meru Sanur feels akin to exploring a living museum, reminiscent of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The resort's architecture, conceived by Yolodi+Maria Architects, showcases a harmonious blend of modern design and traditional Balinese elements. The arrival tunnel, with its rough-textured marble walls, glossy dark marble floors, and a mirrored ceiling, creates a captivating interplay of light and reflection, evoking a sense of wonder and anticipation.

Sense of Place & Architectural Vision

Designed by Indonesian duo Gregorius Yolodi Supie and Maria Rosantina of Yolodi+Maria Architects, the property embraces the concept of “tropical luxury,” layering clean modern lines with Indigenous materials such as ironwood and merbau to ground the experience in Balinese craft. The lobby itself sits one level below ground—a nod to Mount Meru’s subterranean mythology—allowing rough-hewn marble walls to frame filtered sunlight like a contemporary temple to leisure.

The resort comprises four separate buildings interconnected by bridges that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding gardens, creating a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design not only fosters a connection with nature but also promotes natural airflow throughout the property, enhancing the overall sense of tranquility.

Landscaped Grandeur

As you move through the resort, the thoughtful integration of natural materials—such as locally sourced wood and stone—alongside open-air corridors and limasan-style roofs, fosters a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also immerses guests in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding tropical landscape.

Lush gardens segue into 184 all-suite pavilions, their low-rise profiles preserving ocean sightlines while echoing the linear geometry of Sanur’s historic beachfront promenade. Mature palms, reflection ponds and an Olympic-length beachfront pool stitch the built environment to the sea, inviting an effortless dialogue between indoor elegance and tropical outdoors.

Suites & Interior Language

At The Meru Sanur, each suite is thoughtfully designed as a private sanctuary, blending modern luxury with traditional Balinese aesthetics. Oversized daybeds invite relaxation, while teak screens and creamy terrazzo floors provide a cool, elegant backdrop. These elements are softened by woven rattan accents and ikat textiles, commissioned from local artisans, infusing each space with authentic Indonesian charm.

Generous walk-through dressing rooms lead to marble bathrooms featuring freestanding tubs, strategically positioned to capture the breathtaking sunrise over the reef—a subtle architectural nod to Sanur’s reputation for Bali’s most spectacular dawn light. This design not only enhances the visual appeal but also creates a serene atmosphere for guests to unwind.

The suites range from 83 to 209 square meters, offering ample space for comfort and relaxation. Each suite includes a terrace or balcony that connects guests to the lush tropical surroundings, allowing them to enjoy the warmth and beauty of Bali’s climate. Bathrooms are equipped with rain showers and bathtubs that offer views of the beach or garden, further enhancing the connection to nature.

Wellness & Indulgence

A holistic spa anchors the resort’s “Trijita Karana” philosophy of balance, pairing Balinese boreh wraps with hydrotherapy suites and daily sunrise yoga on the lawn.Fitness aficionados will appreciate a Technogym-equipped studio, while butler-served cabanas lining the beach offer chilled beverages and artisanal sorbets for languid afternoons.

Situated in the vibrant Sanur district, the resort offers easy access to local attractions, cultural sites, and pristine beaches. Whether it's a leisurely stroll along the beach promenade or exploring nearby art galleries and temples, guests are perfectly positioned to experience the best of Bali.

Culinary Landscape

Arunika, the flagship restaurant at The Meru Sanur, offers a refined dining experience that harmoniously blends contemporary design with traditional Balinese elements. Designed by SHS & Associates, the open-air pavilion features carved teak screens that cast intricate, lace-like shadows over polished terrazzo floors, creating an ambiance that is both elegant and inviting.

The culinary philosophy at Arunika centers on elevating native Indonesian ingredients through innovative techniques. Signature dishes include coral-trout pepes, delicately steamed in banana leaves to preserve its natural flavors, and a unique cacao-nib tiramisu that offers a local twist on the classic Italian dessert. These offerings are complemented by live cooking stations that showcase a diverse array of local and international cuisines, allowing guests to engage with the culinary process.

Beyond the main dining area, The Meru Sanur extends its epicurean offerings to a breezy beach club setting. Here, guests can enjoy wood-fired seafood dishes while listening to live jazz performances. The beverage program features a curated selection of biodynamic wines, providing a rare and thoughtful pairing experience that enhances the coastal dining atmosphere.

Arunika is open daily for breakfast from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM and offers all-day dining from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The restaurant also hosts special events such as the Family Sunday Brunch, which features live music to create a vibrant yet elegant ambiance.

A Legacy Reimagined

Situated within the 42-hectare Sanur Health Special Economic Zone (SEZ), The Meru Sanur is more than just a luxurious beachfront resort—it is a cornerstone of Indonesia’s vision to establish Sanur as a premier destination for integrated health, wellness, and tourism. This government-backed initiative, aims to transform Bali into a global hub for medical and wellness tourism.

The resort shares its grounds with the historic Bali Beach Hotel, originally commissioned by President Soekarno and inaugurated in 1966 as the island’s first five-star hotel. This iconic establishment, which marked the beginning of mass tourism in Bali, has been revitalized as part of The Sanur development, preserving its historical significance while offering modern luxury,

The Sanur SEZ encompasses state-of-the-art facilities, including the Bali International Hospital, developed in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic Care Network, and the island’s first Ethnomedicinal Botanical Garden . These additions underscore the area's commitment to providing comprehensive wellness experiences.

Verdict

The Meru Sanur succeeds not merely as a five-star resort but as a design statement—an homage to Bali’s heritage articulated in steel, stone and sustainably harvested timber. With intuitive service, destination-worthy dining and suites that cocoon guests in understated opulence, it positions Sanur once again at the centre of the island’s luxury conversation. Those who prize architecture as much as amenity will find the resort’s meticulous details—right down to that whisper-cool entrance tunnel—utterly irresistible. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit The Meru Sanur's official website.

Rates from IDR 5.5 million nett per night, including breakfast and private-butler.

THE MERU SANUR