Within five minutes of setting foot in Jumeirah Bali, you’ll have seen at least three bodies of water. From the floating reception surrounded by koi fish to the vast Indian Ocean flowing past the cliff tops, and the still blue of your private swimming pool, the hotel seems anchored by ce rulean ripples.
It makes perfect sense, as the property was designed to emulate a traditional Javanese-Hindu water palace. The truth becomes evident through the myriad gargoyle-punctuated fountains around the immaculate resort. And if water is the elixir of life, a stay at Jumeirah Bali is medicine for the soul.
Gingerly slipping into the dark blue of my private pool, a wave of calm rushed over me. After travelling for the past 12 hours, it was a relief to be submerged in the cool water, even if it was now past midnight and pitch-black outside. Luckily for me, it was a sense of relaxation that only deepened as the days went by.
As a childhood fan of Jumeirah (I spent long, warm days at Jumeirah Beach Hotel with my family), this resort had been on my hit list before it even opened. Located on the cliff tops of Uluwatu, it marks the UAE-born brand’s first foray into Indonesia. Naturally, it brings with it the subtle luxury that it is synonymous with in the Emirates. Completed just before the pandemic in 2020, the hotel has now been operating for two years. Yet, it still feels like it is in its exciting infancy.
Bright white marble steps, perfectly pressed bed linen and squishy sun loungers that still feel brand new. Comprising 123 villas, the resort offers one-, two- and new three-bedroom properties. With garden, ocean or sunset views to pick from, your choice of villa helps to tailor your experience. Each has its own private pool and living space, with privacy clearly paramount. Having said that, the warmth of the famous Balinese hospitality meant I always felt connected. Indeed, the staff managed to balance discretion with a genuine charm, consistently greeting me by name.
Inside, the villas are spacious and lit by a glow of sunlight that flows into the space from every direction. Kitted out with all the amenities one may need, you’ll find a welcome platter of local fruits, a reusable water bottle and glass bottles of water which are replenished daily. Though the rooms are open-plan, you can divide them into three sections (bedroom, bathroom, and living room) via ornate wooden sliding doors. Dark wood floors give rise to incredibly high ceilings with tiered triangular-cone detailing, making every corner of the hotel look as if it were lifted from a fairytale.
Days unfold like stories here too. The first few hours usually read yoga class, sea-view breakfast, walk along the beach, and gym session. Picture a slew of wellness experiences that roll from one to the next and you’ve got the idea.
Most mornings, I order breakfast to the room (which can also be served as a floating experience for those looking for a social media moment). Served quickly by the friendly staff, the menu spans Eastern and Western fare, with an emphasis on healthy dishes.
The whole resort is wellness-centric, designed for people who want to switch off. Situated far enough away from Bali’s famous parties and tourist hotspots, the seclusion feels deliberate and calming. And it’s clear to see that, like me, the people staying at the property are here to immerse themselves in some rest and relaxation, rather than ticking off a hefty itinerary.
Those familiar with Jumeirah’s properties will know its Talise Spas are famed for their award-winning treatments. Fans will be pleased to know that the brand’s Bali iteration holds the line here, offering a range of services that honour quality while taking into account its sense of place.
I opt for the full-body massage, which is themed around the Balinese chakra system. The essential oils used are customised depending on your chakra, which is worked out using your birth date. Mine is called ‘earth star’, which means the massage room is gently filled with the smell of lavender and cedarwood as I slowly drift off to sleep.
In Balinese culture, everything is made up of five elements – ether, air, fire, earth and water. This is something I learned one afternoon during an offering workshop. Free for all guests, the hands-on creative class walks you through how to make a traditional Balinese offering. The friendly instructor explained how important gratitude is in their culture as we laid fragrant frangipani and vibrantly pink petals into our bamboo baskets.
Flora and fauna are something that Jumeirah Bali takes seriously. The grounds of the hotel teem with tropical plants that both seem lusciously wild and perfectly kept at the same time. And while you can take buggies to get around the resort, it’s more relaxing to walk and appreciate the beauty of the tropical Balinese foliage.
The resort offers two noteworthy dining experiences. The first, Akasa, is an upscale cliff top restaurant buzzing with energy and stunning panoramic views of the resort and ocean. The menu is expertly crafted by master chef Joan Achour to include diverse plates from flame-grilled wagyu steak to delicate Japanese oysters. Popular with residents of Bali, the restaurant has a classy atmosphere with everyone in unified awe as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
For a more relaxed vibe, the all-day dining restaurant Segaran is where you’ll find an authentic mix of Balinese and Western dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoying an equally as breathtaking view, diners here can watch the surfers on Dreamland Beach below, gliding over the crashing waves with precision.
After our final lunch here, I end my trip on said beach. It’s clear to see why this cove is considered a surfers’ paradise. The waves are powerful, belting against the warm, soft sand. As I stand watching the rhythmic crashes, the water cleanses my mind for the last time.
For more information, visit jumeirah.com
