One of my best villa resort stays on the Islands of the Gods is Raffles Bali which is nestled charmingly on the hilltop of the Jimbaran Bay in Bali.. with my very own exclusive and cosy Ocean Pool Villa sea-fronting the I GustinNgurah Rai International Airport so I can capture the moment of each plane taking off from the runway.
Upon entry to the entrance of this beautiful and tranquil resort are a pair of Rindik players welcoming guests, to the fascinating sounds of Balinese music! Such serenity, calmness and peace!
An Oasis of Calm and Nature -
Introduction
Raffles Bali offers expansive space across 57 acres and total serenity with 32 villas, each featuring a private pool and tropical garden, with stunning hillside and ocean views. The resort showcases Balinese craftsmanship through elegant interiors and the interior is tastefully done and feature anecdotes of the architectural finesse, like a Frangipanni-styled fan on the ceiling of our villa bed; the resort provides a range of dining experiences, from the "Krug Ambassade" signature restaurant Rumari and The Writers Bar to the beachfront Loloan Beach Bar and Grill, as well as the intimate Secret Cave and Purnama Honeymoon Bale. Simple exquisite!
Raffles Bali is just stunningly amazing and luxurious, a place steeped in local legend and defined by spiritual beliefs and customs that have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the beautifully designed resort is a harmonious blend of contemporary comforts and unspoilt nature. I could just wake up in the morning to the sounds and melodies of the various avian species, giving their natural wake-up calls, just amazingly serene, whilst taking in the beauty of the Jimbaran Bay area.
The Leloan sea-river precinct (which is where the river meets the sea) is a dynamic feature along the beach area, it's a lovely area to walk and explore on the beach frontage right in front of the Leloan Beach Bar & Grill, with an array of marine and avian species (like the lesser egrets and herons) that add beauty of this calm haven, and with the Presidential Villa perched right on top of this Leloan.. it is truly a spectacular sight!
Raffles Wellbeing Butler and Concierge
One can truly enjoy a moment of relaxation and wellness at Raffles Spa and partake in authentic cultural activities by community experts. Whether seeking a romantic getaway, a family holiday, a retreat or celebrations, discover the enchanting charm of Bali and experience the personalised service of the legendary Raffles Wellbeing Butler, equipped with a menu of extensive and genuine knowledge of the island.
Our personal Senior Butler, Adit was just so personal and could read my every need, from a week before I arrived in Bali, to planning for me to take on various sights and attractions around in Bali, to developing my shopping desires with a cultural bias, to my transportation needs, and curating and ensuring a holistic moment on every part of my memorable journey here at Raffles Bali, and this wellbeing butler is certainly one of the very best attributes in my over 30 years of travel around the globe. Truly fussing over me all the way! Unbelievably wonderful!
Villa Rooms
The private villas, thoughtfully designed for relaxation, are offered in one-bedroom options with an average size of 470 sqm and two-bedroom options averaging 900 sqm. The spacious interiors are complemented by a garden terrace, a private pool, and a gazebo, inviting guests to unwind in a serene setting that harmonises with the natural beauty of Bali. We stayed in a one-bedroom ocean-facing villa, which generous views of the bay and each departing flight from the International Airport, simple amazing!
Each villa features abundant natural light streaming through the patio doors, highlighting the rich hardwood floors. A batik design is upholstered to the wall behind the king bed, while antique Indonesian woodcraft and rattan furniture add natural, tropical touches to the villa. Outside, guests can enjoy Bali’s warmth by lounging at the private pool or relaxing on the shaded daybed in the gazebo, while basking in the ocean view. All villas are equipped with a walk-in closet, soaking tub, indoor and outdoor showers, beach accessories, and a yoga mat. We love the private pool, so special, the outdoor showers and also the soaking tub! Rejuvenating yet refreshing experience!
Dining Options
Raffles Bali offers a selection of private Dining Destinations, each providing a unique and intimate culinary experience. For romantic occasions, elegant and intimate dining experiences can be arranged at The Secret Cave, illuminated with flickering torches and candlelight, or at the Purnama Honeymoon Bale, built on the rocks at the edge of the resort’s oceanfront. The Farm Terrace offers al fresco dining under the passion fruit pergola, situated on the hillside and surrounded by greens, and features a barbecue for a convivial family-style culinary experience.
Whether you partake of an awesome grill at the Leloan Beach Bar & Grill, or breakfast or a 5-step dinner at @rumaribali or indulge in the Bali Sling at @thewritersbarbali - your culinary senses will be truly pampered in all aspects as you taste and experience the true wonders of Balinese, fusion, sustainable, grill, international true flavours infused in structure and innovation, as local ingredients are being sourced with 80% local produce in Bali and 20% from external sourced to create the ultimate meal and fine dining experience!
Writers Bar
Connoisseurs will also enjoy the brand’s iconic Writers Bar and the adjoining Library, a relaxing haven to savour classic or whimsically spiced cocktails, a glass of Champagne, or an after-dinner digestif. Set in the heart of the resort, this intimate bar brings the Raffles heritage to Bali, with the locally inspired Bali Sling, especially curated by our expert mixologist. We tried the Bali Sling, Saigon Calling and Djampi Oasis and these cocktails were just full of zest and brilliantly superb; for the Bali Sling, it was similar to the Singapore Sling, but of course, this authentic drink is made in Bali, and part of the overall Raffles signature cocktail series!
Rumari
Located at the resort’s highest point, Rumari, their signature fine dining restaurant, is appointed as Indonesia’s first and only Krug Ambassade, among the few selected worldwide. On a sunset terrace overlooking the ocean, the restaurant unveils a culinary journey featuring progressive Southeast Asian cuisine, where sustainable ingredients are presented in a contemporary style.
Perched on a hill with views of the Jimbaran Bay, Rumari, meaning the “House of the Sun and the Full Moon”, is a fine dining destination that presents culinary enthusiasts a serene space that seamlessly blends heritage service, mesmerising views of the ocean at the front and untouched nature at the side.
Helmed by Chef Gaetan whose inspiration for Rumari started creating connections with
likeminded trade partners from farmers to household producers, who are willing to deliver only the freshest ingredients throughout the Indonesian archipelago. The quest to perfection started by discovering the authenticity of bold flavors presented in a refined organic way. Rumari offers well-travelled connoisseurs and culinary aficionados a serene space that blends seamlessly heritage service and the mesmerizing views over the Jimbaran Bay.at the front and untouched nature at the side. Each unique creation on the menu is an introduction to the exotic corners of South East Asia and its culinary wonders, presented in contemporary style.
Breakfast
Breakfast comes in the form of a curated format, in a la carte choice where we get to choose what we want, and they will cook on the spot for us, this is absolutely marvelous because I have only experienced this one in a boutique hotel in Vienna, so having such a curated culinary breakfast experience spells wonders! Aside from a choice of Sumatra Lintong coffee, Arabica beans and Dammann Freres Hot Loose-Leaf tea, we also had some Raffles wellbeing elixirs like the Immune Boost and Pina Magnolia to boost our morning routine.
We had the Raffles Egg Benedict, the Jimbaran Bay Omelette, Bubuh Bali, Soto Ayam Kudus, Nasi Uduk, Nasi Campur Bali, Lontong Sayur, all these Balinese concoctions which are different from the Singapore and Malaysian varietals, but they tasted splendidly tasty, so local, and so farm-to-table in every aspect of the ingredient delivery! Our favourite was the Prawn Udang, an absolute marvel this decade, that I have tasted! Rating is 9.7/10 for this awesome dish!
Dinner
For starters, we had a unique Chef Surprise - a Fish Ceviche comprising of Fish, Sweet Corn, Coriander, Cemcem Leaves and Leche de Tigre, also a Rujak, made with local ingredients Belimbing Wuluh, Tamarin, Pomelo, Green Papaya, Kalamansi Gel, Black Sesame, then a lovely Beef Rendang Bao with Beef Rendang, Rendang Chips, Sambal Hijau, followed by a Pork Taco of Crispy Corn Taco, Pork Bumbu Bali, Yoghurt, Pineapple Pickle, Pork Floss, Spring onions; this starter set was just so refreshing and inviting, but I can fathom the amount of thought and innovation to it's dynamic creation!
We played a simple game to showcase the 80/20 sustainability focus of Raffles Bali as well the local ingredient farm and garden showcase from different parts of Bali with the depiction of how Rumari was being derived...on a flower paper format (like how the kids will do it in Asia with our fingers on one hand, reminds me of my childhood days!), amazing! Martino did a wonderful job to explain and share the concept, as he hails from Singaraja, a region filled with Balinese fruits, and this did wonders for our full comprehension to what Raffles Bali stands for... in the delivery of the finest cuisine on this island!
The main course comprised of the Jimbaran, a smoked Ahi Tuna, with sambal and Matah Hollandaise, delivered to perfection in the taste department. The Sibang came along next, a crayfish, with chilli, puri and heirloom tomato, a very bright concoction illuminating my sense of vision and sight, the Amed, was the catch of the day, with pumpkin and turmeric, and then the Plaga, came along with a combination of Gundagai Lamb, with cassava and gulai and we finished off the lovely dinner with local Tabanan, consisting of dark chocolte, cashew and spices, what a special and memorable dinner!
Loloan Beach Bar and Grill
Loloan Beach Bar and Grill, situated along the scenic coastline of Raffles Bali, is a culinary destination for those seeking a perfect blend of seaside charm and gastronomic excellence. It is located near the resort’s secluded beach, overlooking a 25-metre infinity pool. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including wood-fired pizzas, artisanal pasta, and succulent grilled “catch of the day.”
According to Balinese cultural beliefs, an estuary contains positive energy for the body and soul to cleanse and re-energise oneself. At Loloan, guests are invited to unwind amidst idyllic surroundings, and savour sumptuous cuisine and fresh seafood from the nearby Jimbaran waters.
This beachfront restaurant captures the essence of the relaxed island life, offering an a la carte menu with a range of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and selections of grilled specialties. From wholesome salads, wood-fired pizzas and artisanal pasta dishes, to succulent grilled “catch of the day” sourced directly from local fishermen, and delectable desserts infused with the vibrant flavours of Bali’s tropical bounty, the menu is crafted from the freshest local produce, sustainably sourced from farms across the island.
One of the highlights of Loloan's culinary offerings is the "Curated Butcher's Selection" – a showcase of premium steak cuts from around the world. Elevating the dining experience, this selection is a testament to Loloan's commitment to providing an exceptional menu for its patrons. Their specialty selections feature premium Japanese Wagyu sourced from Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and the Tokushima Tanifuji Farm, the latter notably earning the gold medal at the Japanese Wagyu Olympics for three consecutive years.
We tried the Balinese Prawn Satay, as we never had prawn satay before, and the melange of Indonesian peanut sauce, sweet soya and fresh shallot provided a fresh perspective to this dish, and the grilled sweet component and umami was the one of the best BBQ items I have tasted this century! We sampled a lovely catch of the day, a garoupa, which was grilled to perfection and diced in the right grill sauce..
This was followed by our freshly grilled local bamboo lobster, typically only found in Bali, as well as the grilled Southern range farm Black Angus tenderloin; we had a whole range of different sauces to accompany our grilled dishes, including Garlic butter sauce, Chimichurri sauce, Housemade BBQ sauce, Sambal matah and Sambal ulek and Loloan virgin sauce made with herbs from their Farm Terrace, and along with that, a variety of French fries, Grilled vegetables: corn, eggplant, onion, zucchint, capsicum, Steamed rice and Mixed salad with lemon dressing; so delicious as the sauces cut through the palate and delivered awesomeness!
The Mango Coconut Panna Cotta was the first dessert we had, with a combination of soft layered mango and coconut pudding, lychee mango sauce coconut meringue, followed by a second dessert termed the Bedugul Strawberry which comprised Vanilla sponge, kaffir lime whipped ganache, Bali strawberry compote, just so refined and delivered our sugary fix!
The beachside bar at Loloan is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts, offering a range of tropical concoctions that perfectly complement the relaxed coastal atmosphere. From refreshing mocktails to a carefully crafted selection of beverages, the bar is an ideal spot for guests to unwind while taking in the breathtaking views of the sea.
What a powerful and holistic culinary journey at Loloan!
80/20 Sustainability Concept
Raffles Bali embraces the 80/20 concept, sourcing 80% of their ingredients from farmers across the Indonesian archipelago. Muntigunung, situated in Desa Tianyar Barat, Karangasem, Bali, is one of their local suppliers. Following their commitment to sustainability, Muntigunung obtains their raw materials directly from nearby farms. Raffles Bali showcases two of their signature products in their resort: Moringa Salt, a blend of moringa powder and Kusamba sea salt, and Rosella Tea, renowned for its immune-boosting properties, digestive benefits, and its delightful cranberry and rhubarb-like flavor.
Raffles Spa
Perched on a pristine Jimbaran hilltop, Raffles Spa is nestled within lush greenery, enveloped by the soothing sounds of nature. Carefully designed to embody Balinese architecture and inspired by ancestral techniques of relaxation and holistic healing, it offers a tranquil space to revitalise the mind, body, and spirit.
A truly relaxing spa and wellness regime @rafflesspa where one can truly relax and rejuvenate with a Traditional Balinese Massage.. the experience of a lifetime with a protocol of authentic traditional Balinese methods. This ancient holistic full-body massage truly eases my muscle tension, encourages body circulation, and reduces stress by combining kneading, stretching, skin rolling, and pressure point techniques.
At Raffles Spa, guests can unwind under the care of expert therapists. The Spa features two treatment suites, each equipped with a soaking tub and sliding doors that open to a terrace with hill views. Additionally, the remote hillside treatment suite, known as The Sanctuary, offers a tranquil escape set amidst nature. Wellness itineraries at Raffles Bali incorporate the wealth of local wisdom from the island, featuring chakra balancing, sound bowl therapy, meditation in the secret cave, yoga, and reiki healing, offered by a community of experts.
The couple treatment rooms provide an intimate sanctuary for rebalancing your inner and outer self, restoring energy and inner peace. Raffles Spa also features a relaxation area designed for utmost comfort. The Sanctuary, their iconic treatment area, and “a secret area” is positioned at the edge of a secluded hill, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding greenery and Jimbaran Bay.
Truly an indulgent and memorable spa massage experience! @rosettemedia
Accolades
The team notably Adit, Jocelyn, Martino, Eric, Celine and Regie displayed high levels of professionalism and service-centricity; the quality and aesthetics combined with functionality and technology in their villa rooms is superb! Attention to details and high level of customer-centricity omnipresent especially from their personal Butler team.
We wish to thank the team of Regie from Front office, Adit and Julian from the Butler team, Jocelyn at Loloan, Celine and Eric from the Marcoms team, Bernardine - Hotel Manager, Rumari breakfast team of Bagus and Lani, Rumari Dinner team Martino, Raffles Spa team of Tantri and Ripa and Anya from the Writer’s Bar.
It is one of my best villa resort stays I have experienced in my lifetime, the staff were meticulous; Quality is superb! Attentive to details; high level of customer-centricity! Awesome!
Overall Media Rating : 9.6/10 (the highest we have awarded any hotel/resort)
Awesomeness Magnified! @rosettemedia #Bali #villaresort #smarttourism
For more information raffles.com/bali
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