World famous for its captivating natural beauty and magical sunset views, Bali is often referred to as the last paradise on earth. A destination with so many unique qualities, this is the place where you can do your daily sun salutations at a yoga retreat, take in an adrenalin-filled surfing or diving trip, sip homegrown artisanal coffees and dine at exquisite restaurants, or just luxuriate in the confines of your five-star resort hotel.
Where luxury is concerned, the island is a treasure trove of some of the world’s best hotels such as Jumeirah Bali, an all-villa luxury resort on Uluwatu. The property is developed and owned by PT Asia Pasifik Properti (APP), Rekso Group and managed by Jumeirah Group.
Unlike other famous properties on the strip, such as Six Senses, Bulgari, Alila and Anantara, all which lean towards more contemporary Balinese architecture, Jumeirah Bali pays a poetic tribute to the golden era of the Majapahit Empire — a Javanese Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that reached its apogee in the mid-14th century — with a palatial design that resembles a majestic water palace. This is also one of the few resorts along the stretch that enjoys direct access to a white sandy beach with surf-friendly waves, where all others are located on steep cliffside properties.
Brought to life by Martin Grounds from Grounds Kent Architect, who developed the architectural concept, and Jean-Michel Gathy from Denniston International, an interior design consultancy, the vision for the resort was to connect Bali’s past and present in a verdant water-based sanctuary of luxury.
“The concept of Jumeirah Bali was conceived as a sophisticated, subtly impactful sanctuary that heals through exquisite architecture and landscaping, as well as promoting local arts and crafts,” says Rudy Sundungdolok of PT Asia Pasifik Properti. “In response to the brief, the designers created an enchanting water palace where the legends of the lost Majapahit Empire come alive in Bali’s most iconic location. In décor, a variety of rich textures and details representing Indian and Chinese influences help to carry the story and set the emotional tone.”
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Throughout the 11-ha property, you’ll find exquisite water features that celebrate the magic of life and romance of Bali, wrapped by sprawling gardens where there is a seamless flow between the architecture and interior, blending indigenous building materials with contemporary and luxurious comfort. And even if Jumeirah Bali draws its design from an era long gone, you don’t feel trapped in a time machine. The little details give it modern luxury and understated elegance in all the right ways.
Thanks to the site’s cascading topography, guests can experience the surroundings at multiple levels. Landscaped terraces, carved step-wise up a gentle coastal slope, take guests from the upper lobby level down to the piazza and villa levels where the soothing sound of the ocean is ever-present. One of my favourite places to take in the view is at Segaran Dining Terrace, an ocean front all-day dining spot which overlooks the calm cerulean waters. The Maja Sunset Pool Lounge, next to Segaran, also serves as an ideal evening spot to enjoy mesmerising sunsets with a cocktail in hand.
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Boasting spacious villas perched atop the limestone cliffs, the luxurious resort offers 123 villas in one- and two-bedroom configurations, as well as a four-bedroom Royal Water Palace, all featuring sublime tropical views of the Indian Ocean.
Each unit features a private pool, outdoor shower, and outdoor living area with an open pavilion overlooking the sunset horizon or a landscaped tropical garden for guests to indulge in a spiritual, secluded, and soulful experience. My home away from home is never more than a few metres away from a gurgling stream or a fountain.
Inside the extraordinarily large villa, both the living room and bedroom enjoy large LED TVs, while the bathroom, which has a freestanding bathtub, offers his and hers wardrobes and vanity areas. A stay here will include complimentary amenities like fresh fruits and bottled water, high-speed Wi-Fi, access to the gym and daily resort activities like twice-daily yoga, and more. Although room rates fluctuate based on the seasons, it averages around USD1,000 a night.
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A trip to Jumeirah Bali calls for some pampering at the resort’s award-winning Talise Spa where Balinese traditions, Arabic therapies and European expertise combine to deliver a memorable sensory experience. A 1,705-sqm heaven of tranquillity, the spa features Bali’s first-and-only royal Turkish hammam, steam and sauna facilities, including a Vichy shower, and five private treatment rooms, where soulful ‘Divine Therapies’ promise tip-to-toe indulgence and energy rebalancing amid boundless panoramas.
Treatments here are guided by a belief that the needs of the body and spirit depend on the individual dominant chakras and birth elements. Before you commence your session, the therapist will do a numerology-type calculation of your birthdate to determine your chakra number. He or she will then proceed to personalise your spa experience using the right massage oils and focus of treatment. Guests can choose from holistic facial treatments, healing and energising massages, cleansing scrubs, stress-release therapies based on ancient Balinese techniques, and traditional herbal preparations.
If you have the time and money, do try the three-day Wellness Journey package, which combines powerful healing treatments inspired by local mythology and Talise Spa’s signature water-based therapies. Carefully designed to address both lifestyle factors and stress-related health concerns, the three-night wellness journey starts and ends with an in-depth expert consultation, with healthy meals and healing therapies scheduled throughout the day at a pace that is comfortable yet effective.
For couples who wish to enjoy an indulgent spa session, the resident Peafowl Pavilion Kids Club is a great place to deposit the kids so that mum and dad can enjoy some guilt-free pampering.
Building on Jumeirah Group’s reputation for providing exceptional dining experiences, Jumeirah Bali offers three signature restaurants and bars, each offering awe-inspiring views of crystal blue waters and stunning sunset panoramas. Family-friendly Segaran Dining Terrace offers elevated dining with a focus on sustainably sourced ingredients and healthful Southeast Asian cuisine. It also does an amazing Sunday Brunch (from IDR 950,000+++) where diners can enjoy a languid afternoon filled with fresh tropical flavours, lively conversations and premium beverages ranging from chilled champagne to fresh juices.
Additionally, a unique turtle release experience will be available to all brunch guests on the Uluwatu beach. Part of the resort’s sustainability and community outreach programme, the activity is coordinated by Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC), a non-profit focusing on protecting endangered turtles on Serangan island off Bali’s coast.
The most talked about dining venue on the resort is Akasa Gastro Grill, situated on the topmost level of the property which boasts a unique underground cellar housed within the rocky cliff.
Serving communal-style flamed-grilled seafood and prime cuts infused with aromatic firewood, Akasa’s menu is curated by chef Joan Achour (from Jumeirah Maldives) with an Asian-led concept using Balinese cooking techniques while referencing Thai, Japanese and Korean cuisines. Starters like the flame-grilled tuna tartare and deconstructed gado gado are delightful, while mains like the wagyu tenderloin MB 8/9 with Chinese apple and truffle is a definite must-have.
For a sampling of Akasa’s signature dishes, guests can book the Chef’s Table experience – an exclusive celebration of local and global flavours with a set menu featuring such highlights as seaweed foie gras, lobster ravioli, marble cod with seafood, chicken ballotine with truffle jus, and a selection of cheeses and desserts.
What we appreciate is that the resort’s restaurants try to use local produce as much as possible, as well as ingredients from its very own vegetable and herb garden. Among its other initiatives toward sustainability, the resort features an advanced desalination system and a waste management programme that aims to benefit the community by engaging the locals in the resort’s recycling efforts. The property’s overall community outreach programme is centred on collaborative activities organised in coordination with a local village head, including initiatives that focus on preserving the pristine environment, recruitment drives that prioritise local hires, and active participation in local religious festivals and parades.
For more information, please visit www.jumeirahbali.com
