One of the most refined retreats on an island known for its resorts, Raffles Bali marries Old World glamour with contemporary hospitality. One of the most refined retreats on an island known for its resorts, Raffles Bali marries Old World glamour with contemporary hospitality.

One of the most refined retreats on an island known for its resorts, Raffles Bali marries Old World glamour with contemporary hospitality.

Set at one end of iconic Jimbaran Beach, in a verdant setting of undulating hills and tropical greenery, Raffles Bali is as serene a space as you’re likely to find on Bali, an island that’s enjoying a post-pandemic renaissance. This secluded haven, with its tropical gardens and cascading water features, offers a harmonious blend of traditional Balinese elements and contemporary design, reflecting the island’s rich cultural heritage through the use of local materials, such as volcanic stone and bamboo, while also adding plenty of creature comforts for today’s discerning traveller.

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First Impressions

Guests arriving at Raffles Bali descend down a lingering road wreathed by greenery and arrive at a lobby perched high above the property, where the warm wind dances its way up from Jimbaran Bay. In the distance, across the tranquil water, jets arrive at the airport with the island’s newest temporary residents. Here, we were whisked down to our villa, one of just 32 pool villas (said to be the largest and most private in Bali), making the Raffles one of the smallest five-star retreats on the Island of the Gods.

One of the most refined retreats on an island known for its resorts, Raffles Bali marries Old World glamour with contemporary hospitality.

The Room

The 470-sqm Ocean Pool Villa is about all you could ask for. The first thing you notice, stepping into the master bedroom with its sprawling king-size bed, vaulted rattan ceilings, and gleaming dark wood accents, is the stunning views across the bay and reaching far down Bali’s southern coast. Beyond the bedroom is a broad shaded patio and a 35-sqm private plunge pool. A further shaded gazebo catches those sea breezes to perfection.

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Head back inside and you’ll find a work desk, a 49-inch television, a pair of easy chairs, a beautifully appointed bathroom with signature amenities, a deep soak tub and both indoor and outdoor showers; a minibar and a walk-through wardrobe packed with Raffles-branded essentials.

One of the most refined retreats on an island known for its resorts, Raffles Bali marries Old World glamour with contemporary hospitality.

The interiors are a blend of traditional Balinese art and modern comforts, with handcrafted furnishings and local artwork adorning the walls. The use of natural light and open spaces creates a sense of calm and relaxation, making Raffles Bali the perfect retreat for those seeking a luxurious escape.

For something truly special, you might want to book the resort’s 900-sqm Presidential Villa, which is one of the finest on the island and includes two bedrooms catering to a total of six guests, panoramic views, outdoor dining, a yoga sala, separate indoor living and dining areas, and the perks of daily spa treatments and a private chauffeur.

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Dining

One of the most coveted kitchens in Bali, Rumari, is the signature restaurant at Raffles Bali, and in addition to intimate breakfasts with killer views, it’s home to the innovative cuisine of acclaimed chef and resort director of culinary, Gaetan Christopher Biesuz, who delves into Indonesia’s fascinating foodscape, sourcing 80 per cent of ingredients and inspiration from across this vast archipelago.

One of the most refined retreats on an island known for its resorts, Raffles Bali marries Old World glamour with contemporary hospitality.

Another culinary highlight is Loloan Beach Bar and Grill, a sun-kissed beachfront eatery located beside the resort’s 25-m infinity pool and home to fresh Balinese seafood and one of the most popular Sunday brunches in Bali. You’ll also want to leave time for a post-dinner drink at the signature Writer’s bar, where the local take on the Singapore Sling is one of the most popular libations (it also does a great English Afternoon Tea) while the adjacent Library is a refined and serene space that’s perfect for a little moment of reflection.

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The resort also boasts some great destination dining spots, including The Secret Cave, a hidden limestone recess that is also used for selected wellness treatments (we started one morning with an intimate Tibetan singing bowl meditation session within its confines), the Farm Terrace, where you can combine your dinner with a little star gazing, and the Purnama Honeymoon Bale, a private pavilion perched above the waters of Jimbaran Bay.

One of the most refined retreats on an island known for its resorts, Raffles Bali marries Old World glamour with contemporary hospitality.

Wellness

Being in Bali, wellness is often on the mind of travellers, and the Raffles Spa, which is hidden away in the resort’s main building, while small, doesn’t disappoint. Just two intimate spa suites look out to native forests (there’s also a remote hillside treatment suite for something a little different) and there is a team of experienced therapists to poke and prod guests into complete submission with a menu of contemporary treatments laced with local ingredients and wellness tradition.

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For a great Indonesian touch, try the Royal Javanese Lulur experience, a combination of a full body massage, a lulur exfoliation and a flower bath – it promises to be pretty much heaven on earth. There’s also a signature meditation terrace, a steam suite, a modern fitness centre, and a nail salon.

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This article first ran in JETSETTER Magazine’s May 2024 issue