Our third and final resort in Bali was the Four Seasons Resort Jimbaran Bay, a stunning 35-acre beachfront property designed to resemble a traditional Balinese village. Opened 30 years ago and renovated in 2016, it features 147 private villas and nine residences within a private estate. Our luxurious premier ocean-front villa, just steps from the beach, offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. It was only a 20-minute drive from the airport, making it an ideal spot to begin or end a Bali vacation.
The resort lobby is open air and perched on a hilltop, with all villas cascading on a terraced hillside below. Guests can walk to their villas enjoying the lush landscape or opt for a convenient resort buggy service. We mostly chose to walk, though we occasionally got lost in the maze of brilliant flowers, foliage, and curved pathways. Each villa boasts a gated entrance, garden, guest room, covered patio, and private pool. The spacious bathroom included a large tub, two sinks, and a separate indoor and outdoor shower that included a drying rack for swimwear.
We were welcomed with a refreshing coconut drink, fresh fruit, and artisanal chocolates. At turndown, the bed was draped in romantic mosquito netting. The villas were exceptionally private and quiet and exuded understated elegance.
The resort offers a myriad of activities suitable for couples or families, including ocean meditation, sunset cruises, a children’s club, kayaks, paddle boarding, catamaran sailing, Pilates, yoga, a nice-sized gym, and larger pools. The tranquil spa, located next to the gym, features ten treatment rooms, offering holistic and healing specialized treatments. While off-property treatments are considerably cheaper, the on-site facilities and services are exceptional.
Our favourite spot to hang out was the Sundara Beach Club, with its enormous pool and restaurant serving seafood, salads, and BBQ options. Poolside treats were offered, and for dining, you could choose between an open-air or an air-conditioned dining room, which made for relaxing days. At night, it offered cocktails, snacks, and live music. Alternatively, guests can explore the beachside options a short walk down the beach for a fraction of the price, but in a more rustic and perhaps not as pristine setting. The beach itself with its hard-packed sand, was perfect for long, barefoot walks.
The atmosphere at the resort was refreshing, free of high-rise buildings and terrible traffic congestion, and filled with Balinese art, stone, and wood sculptures. Many private areas and gazebos allowed for romantic dinners. The staff at the FS Jimbaran was incredibly kind, helpful, and attentive, often anticipating our needs and always responding with a smile.
Breakfast was a memorable experience, with extensive buffets served in a covered outdoor restaurant overlooking the ocean. Offerings included fresh fruit smoothies and juices, an egg station, a meat station, Indonesian and Western stations, an East Asian station, a dim sum station, and a bakery cafe with freshly baked pastries, crepes, waffles, sliced fruit, and even ice cream. A clever idea was a coffee cart providing convenient to-go options. Why don’t more hotels do this?
We also enjoyed the Indonesian restaurant on the property, reminiscent of a typical Balinese kitchen with an outdoor terrace, where you can dine among the fresh herbs and vegetables used in their dishes. Room service was also available for those wishing to eat in their villas.
Staying at a similar luxury property elsewhere in the world would likely cost double or triple. It is easy to see why the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay is one of the best hotel properties on the island.
Recommend.
Happy travels,
Shanea
10/03/2024