Why stay?

Descending in terraces down a hillside to southern Bali’s famed Dreamland Beach, Jumeirah Bali, the first Southeast Asian outpost of the Dubai-based brand marries modern luxury with a sense of grandeur rooted in the Majapahit Empire. Guests who check in to this all-villa refuge will find a wonderfully restrained aesthetic (courtesy of three big-name architects and landscape designers) that marks a bold departure from the gold-heavy glitz of its Arabian counterparts. Jumeirah Bali is arguably the best resort on the island for watching the sunset, whether it’s from a seafront restaurant or the private pool of an ocean-facing villa.

The area

A well-known surf break right off the beach draws wave-riders from around the world, and there are several nearby points of interest on the Bukit Peninsula. The New Kuta Golf course wraps around the property on two sides; a 20-minute drive away, the monumental copper-and-steel statue at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park pays tribute to Balinese Hinduism. Traffic conditions permitting, the journey to Uluwatu Temple—whose grounds provide a magical setting for the kecak fire dance—takes about half an hour by car.

The lush grounds of Jumeirah Bali are dotted with water features.

The feel

Set in luxuriant gardens by the late Made Wijaya, Jumeirah Bali is styled as a Hindu-Javanese water palace complete with bubbling fountains, fish ponds, and tiered swimming pools just above the beach. Hospitality design veterans Martin Grounds and Jean-Michel Gathy allude to the Majapahit era through details like intricate Javanese wood carvings on villa doors and pillars and Ramayana stone reliefs that adorn the living spaces. Mock overgrown ruins recall those found in Trowulan, site of the Majapahit capital, while the 120-year-old banyan tree outside the lobby has been named Wringin Lawang after an imposing gateway that still stands today.

Guest quarters

The thoughtfully designed pool villas vary from intimate one- and two-bedroom sanctuaries to a three-bedroom residence with private garden. Entry-level garden villas start from a generous 210 square meters—a major plus for those visiting from space-starved cities such as Hong Kong and Singapore. Elegant wooden furnishings stand in harmony with the calm decor, and high ceilings with exposed rafters add to the feeling of spaciousness. Bathrooms are centered on a freestanding tub; some have both indoor and outdoor showers.

Food and drink

Views down the Uluwatu coast aren’t the only draw at Segaran Dining Terrace: it serves delicious Southeast Asian cuisine at lunch and dinner, and the breakfast menu caters to global tastes, from a sumptuous Japanese set and Indonesian nasi campur to a hearty full English spread. Guests can look forward to Balinese-inspired afternoon tea sessions and sundowners at Maja Sunset Lounge next door. As dusk falls, the spotlight turns to cliffside Asian fusion venue Akasa, where flame-grilled delicacies by talented chef Joan Achour meld Balinese cooking with Thai, Japanese, and Korean flavors. Akasa’s excellent seafood dishes include Jimbaran prawn salad and spice-rubbed local sea bass cooked in banana leaf, all enjoyed against the dramatic backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Pair them with creative cocktails like The First King, an intense concoction made from papaya-infused blanco tequila.

On the expansive sunset-facing terrace at Akasa restaurant and bar in Jumeirah Bali.

Wellness factor

Home to the first bona fide Turkish hammam on the island, Jumeirah Bali’s serene Talise Spa incorporates Asian philosophies in its treatments. Wellness consultations pave the way for tailor-made therapies inspired by the Nagarakretagama, a 14th-century Javanese text. These make use of traditional herbal preparations; a signature is the chakra rebalancing massage based on one’s birth sign according to the Balinese calendar. To declutter and refocus your mind, try the introductory tai chi class.

Family matters

Don’t be fooled by the dignified, grown-up appearance of the property—junior guests are welcomed with special in-villa amenities, a children’s menu on the terrace at Segaran Dining Terrace, and fun-filled activities at the indoor-outdoor Peafowl Kids’ Club. The latter showcases Balinese culture through storytelling, arts and crafts, and dress-up. (Teen yoga and bonfire nights also feature in the lineup.) Talise Spa offers gentler scrubs and massages for children so they don’t miss out on the pampering.

Sustainability cred

An advanced desalination system and low-flow fixtures ensure that Jumeirah Bali does not put a strain on the island’s water supply. The resort is powered in part by solar panels, and its permaculture gardens brim with native flora, medicinal herbs, and edible plants; on-site restaurants and bars prioritize organic Bali-grown ingredients. Thanks to a partnership with the Turtle Conservation and Education Center, baby turtle releases on Dreamland Beach are organized from time to time.

What else?

Jumeirah Bali’s recently expanded suit of hands-on experiences extend well beyond cooking classes. Guests can learn the art of batik-making, play the rindik—a percussion instrument made of bamboo—or take up Balinese dance. Workshops in candle-pouring and blending aromatherapy oils are available too, while off-property excursions include a temple visit and blessing ceremony.

Reviewed by Refa Koetin

jumeirah.com
+62 361 201 5000
Kawasan Pecatu Indah Resort, Pecatu, Bali, Indonesia

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