The tapestry of Bali is changing. From sun-soaked beaches, big swells that draw surfers, majestic temples, and serene padi terraces, the Indonesian destination of leisure now dishes out a lot more choices for a holiday with variety.

Sanur, once regarded as a laid-back beach destination, has become more vibrant. New hotels, convention facilities, restaurants, trendy bars, and shops have sprung up over the last few years.

One of the newest kid on the block is Icon Bali, said to be the biggest shopping and lifestyle mall in Bali. It houses the island’s first IMAX immersive theatre along with an indoor floating market that retails local foodstuff and knick-knacks. The mall boasts a four-storey vertical forest featuring local flowers and vegetation.An amphitheatre nearby stages periodic performances.

More than just a place for shopping and entertainment, Icon Bali and its surroundings pledge to offer visitor well-rounded recreation. Icon Beach Promenade is already popular for its sunrise views and draws active individuals with its cycling and jogging tracks.

More facilities will soon be added – a Butterfly Park and Edible Garden, where tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs will be grown.

Another prominent development in Sanur is the Bali International Hospital (BIH). Scheduled to open in September, the BIH will be the centre of health and wellness tourism development in the Sanur Health Special Economic Zone.

Erick Thohir, minister of state owned enterprises said in a statement that BIH will realise president Joko Widodo’s vision to make Indonesia a world health tourism destination.

“For this reason, BIH is expected not only to become a leading hospital in Indonesia, but also to be able to attract patients from abroad to seek treatment in Indonesia,” stated Erick.

BIH will serve the fields of cardiology, oncology, neurology, gastroenterohepatology, and orthopedics. It will have 250 rooms for patients and will work with neighbouring hotels, The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, the Heritage Collection to house non-residential patients, such as those in town for check-ups or port-surgery rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Bali’s family-friendly reputation will gain a notch up with the new AeroXSpace indoor adventure park. It is built for all ages, with facilities that encourage guests to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with their body and mind. Set over 6,000m² of space are 26 attractions, some of which are the first for Indonesia and all adhere to international safety codes.

Highlight attractions include Launch Pad slides, which offer the rush of a free-fall; AeroXCourt, which offer the sensation of walking on the moon while scoring a spectacular slam-dunk or kicking an intergalactic goal; and Space Coaster, swings that go 100 metres above the park.

AeroXSpace also offers three party rooms for 10 to 120 guests.

Tourino Dilaga, general manager of AeroXSpace, said: “The visually striking imagery of planets, stars and rockets; the thrill of exploring the unknown; and inspiring astronaut role models have long captivated people of all ages. This is why we have chosen the space theme for the attraction. We are striving to be more than just an adventure park.”

Over in Tabanan, about 20 minutes from Canggu and an hour from the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, another new development has surfaced. Nuanu is an integrated area with a diverse range of facilities. The project will soft open in September, and aims to provide education, art and culture, wellness, entertainment and nature-inspired living.

Ida Ayu Astari Prada, brand & communications director at Nuanu, described: “The project is set in a unique coastal ecosystem where a river meets the sea, surrounded by lush greenery and bordered by a protective mangrove area.”

Nuanu will open progressively, with some of the first facilities to launch include Ash multifunctional venue, Aurora Media Park, The Art Village, Floating Market bar and restaurant, and Nuanu Magic Garden. The latter is an educational attraction with orchid and insect labs as well as butterfly and dragonfly domes.

Another highlight set to open early at Nuanu is the Luna Beach Club, which welcomes all ages.

Nuanu’s Astari told TTG Asia that phase two developments will be ready in 2025. These will include residential units, advanced cultural and wellness facilities, and the Eugene Museum.

Acadia, a vibrant hub where creativity, cuisine, and culture intersect, will also debut in this phase. It will house ethically curated F&B venues and boutique stores, and promises to foster a lively community atmosphere.

“We are committed to complementing our educational institutions while exploring creative ways to evolve and create new opportunities, staying true to our mission to search for the future,” she added.

Source: https://www.ttgasia.com/2024/09/20/new-facets-of-a-paradise/