We’ve seen our fair share of destination wedding resorts – so when we say this one ranks among our top 10 for affordable luxury – you know it’s special. Located a short 30-minute boat transfer from Bali’s main island of Sanur, Batu Karang is about as far from the stereotypical beer-swilling backpacking Balinese experience as you can get.
Why we love it
With the option to book the resort for your exclusive use (we think you should but even if you don’t there’s a one-bride-at-a-time policy so you’ll be the star of the show either way), a divine clifftop location, swish accommodation, an on-site spa, and a choice of restaurants and pools, Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Day Spa blends European style (think stone walls and climbing bougainvillea) with authentic Asian hospitality – and that’s a tough mix to beat.
Catering for intimate weddings of up to 100 guests (standing), and with accommodation for up to 62 (plus a few extra guests if they’re happy to roll with a rollaway bed), the resort is just the right size to maintain that exclusive, intimate ambience…without compromising on fab facilities.
Plus, there’s a dedicated Venue Coordinator (not to be confused with a Wedding Planner but they’re happy to liaise with your own) to help ensure everything goes off without a hitch.
Where to say I Do
There are two tried-and-tested spots to exchange vows at the resort. If you’ve booked the entire resort for your wedding you can choose from The Lawn or the Outdoor Pavilion, both located high on the hillside to make the most of dramatic Indian Ocean views.
Sublime Accommodation
Accommodation at Batu Karang has a distinct ‘luxe home away from home’ vibe, featuring distinctive Balinese architecture and custom-made furnishings showcasing natural local stone, dark timbers and carved coral. The accommodation options are diverse (and divine), ensuring there’s something to suit all tastes.
Rooms
Depending on the room choice, features include lush garden or ocean views, outdoor bathrooms, mosquito-net-draped beds, private balconies and plunge pools.
Villas
One-bedroom villa features include roomy daybeds with ocean views on a private balcony, a palatial bed, spacious outdoor bathroom and optional plunge pool.
Suites
Ultra-private, suites include a master bedroom, bathroom, lounge, kitchenette, media zone and huge balcony with panoramic views over Jungut Batu Bay – there’s also a suite with a private plunge pool for those who don’t want to venture far to cool off.
Three-Bedroom Villas
A fab pick for families or groups of friends – or bridal parties – the three-bedroom villas can be configured into separate suites or be used as one home away from home (with plunge pool) enjoying the prime position atop the hill overlooking the gardens, lap pool, swim-up bar and the beautiful bay beyond.
Wedding Villa
Seriously romantic, the ‘Occasion Villa’ is a one-bedroom villa…with some indulgent extras, such as a grand circular bed, soaking tub for two, dual showers, private garden and swimming pool, sunbeds and spacious daybed with mosquito nets. The décor is divine, the experience sublime. It doesn’t get much better than this for your first night of wedded bliss.
Fabulous food
Four food and beverage venues mean there’s plenty of choice, without being overwhelming. Muntigs Bar & Restaurant dishes up international and Asian favourites, as well as all-day grazing plates from its poolside perch overlooking the bay at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Deck Café & Bar is a popular pick for coffee, juice, pizza and paninis along the boardwalk below, as well as sunsets with smooth tunes each evening…while the island’s first beachside ice-cream stand beats the heat with Italian gelato and frozen yoghurt. Yes please.
Further up the hillside, The Balcony is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with views of surfers and sailboats below. The hanging lanterns strung up in the trees make it ideal for romance come sundown.
The Howff
For a totally unexpected night out, head to The Howff – a unique Scottish whisky, gin and wine bar in a rocky dungeon over the ocean. With its speakeasy vibe, it’s a fun spot for drinks the night before the big day, or for those who don’t want the wedding night to end.
The Lulur Spa
It wouldn’t be a wedding-worthy Balinese resort without its own spa, and The Lulur doesn’t disappoint. Spoil yourself and book the spa exclusively to get prepped and ready before the wedding.
Activities galore – for those who want more
Your guests can be as active, or inactive, as they like before and after you tie the knot. Watersports include kayaking, sailing, surfing and snorkelling (with manta rays no less!) and punching out laps in the 25-metre pool (one of three pools in total). There’s also a gym, steam room, mini movie theatre and swim-up bar, and the option to explore local villages.
Wedding packages
There are three packages on offer, and food options include Western or Indonesian buffets, plated dinners or canapes (depending on the package):
Request to download their latest wedding kit
The Verdict
When it comes to recommending Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Day Spa as a destination wedding choice: we say ‘I Do’ – without hesitation.
Suggested wedding itinerary:
We suggest welcome sunset drinks on the lower deck the evening before the wedding to get guests in the mood, a spot of pampering at the spa the next morning, a 5pm wedding ceremony to avoid the midday heat, and a post-reception tipple at The Howff for those who just don’t want the day to end. Then, the icing on the cake – host a post-wedding recovery party with a suckling pig around the pool after a morning swim with Manta Rays.