This all-villa resort in Uluwatu recalls Indonesia’s Hindu-Javanese heritage and the tropical modernism of Geoffrey Bawa.
The entrance to Segaran, Jumeirah Bali’s all-day dining venue. (All photos courtesy of Jumeirah Bali)
The Jumeirah Group — the same international chain behind Dubai’s ultra-luxe Burj al-Arab — has just opened its first resort in Indonesia. A combination of Arabian and Balinese hospitality awaits at Jumeirah Bali, which stands on the limestone cliffs directly above Dreamland Beach in the Uluwatu area of the island’s Bukit Peninsula. Styled as a Hindu-Javanese water palace, with sculptural stone walls that take their cues from the ruins of the Majapahit Kingdom, the resort combines indigenous building materials and classic-contemporary style to dramatic effect. Its designers also looked to Geoffrey Bawa’s tropical modernism for inspiration, creating a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Jumeirah Bali has 123 generously sized villas in one- and two-bedroom configurations, as well as a four-bedroom Royal Water Palace. Each villa offers at least 210 square meters of space, and features a plunge pool and outdoor living area with an open pavilion overlooking the Indian Ocean or a tropical garden. Guests have exclusive access to a private stretch of sand at the base of the cliffs.
The resort’s three restaurants and bars are overseen by chef Vincent Leroux, each affording uninterrupted ocean views. All-day dining spot Segaran specializes in farm-to-table Balinese dishes and Southeast Asian cuisine prepared with organic, sustainably sourced ingredients, while Maja Sunset Pool Lounge serves cocktails and finger food beside one of the infinity pools. Opening in June, Akasa Gastro Grill will play up ancient cooking methods and techniques, and feature a resident DJ and mixologist.
Inside the breezy dining room at Segaran.
Guests at Jumeirah Bali can relax in two infinity pools.
Ocean villas all come with a high-ceilinged living room.
Jumeirah Bali is also home to an outpost of brand’s own Talise Spa. The resort currently has two private treatment rooms in operation; the full spa experience, complete with the only traditional Turkish hammam on the island, will be launched in July. When that happens, expect to be pampered with facials, healing and energizing massages, body scrubs, and stress-release therapies based on ancient Balinese techniques and traditional herbal preparations. Guests are welcome to join guided meditation and yoga classes led by a resident master yogi, and make the most of the spa’s additional wellness facilities, which include a sauna, steam bath, and Vichy shower. Recreational facilities elsewhere on the grounds include a fitness center, two infinity pools, and the Peafowl Pavilion Kids’ Club.
Valid for bookings made by June 30, 2022 for stays through March 2023, the opening offer at Jumeirah Bali guarantees 25 percent off the best available rate, on top of a 10 percent discount on food and beverage, a complimentary upgrade, plus daily breakfast. A bonus resort credit of IDR 500,000 (US$35) applies for stays of two nights or more. In parallel, members of Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts’ rewards program Jumeirah One will receive 30 percent off room rates and extra benefits.
Doubles from US$430; jumeirahbali.com
Ocean villa bedrooms afford uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.
The private pool and deck of a 210-square-meter Garden villa.
An aerial view of the brand-new resort.
