Luxury in Balinese Atmosphere
Written by: Melissa Reijnders (Product Manager)
Bali is a stunning and atmospheric island offering a wide variety of experiences. The island has so many different places to discover. From lush green jungles and expansive rice terraces, impressive mountains and volcanoes, to gems of Hindu & Islamic temples and beautiful sandy beaches to fully relax.
The friendly Balinese people and the delicious food complete the picture.
The trip took me along three diverse locations, where I stayed in three very different, stylish hotels.
AMANKILA
In East Bali, in the mountainous landscape near the town of Manggis, where the hillside slopes down towards the sea, lies the stunning Amankila, hidden amidst the greenery. The architecture was designed by architect Ed Tuttle, who created the suites as Balinese beach houses perched on stilts among frangipani and bougainvillea, with extensive use of mainly teak wood. Unfortunately, I arrived at dusk, so I had to wait until morning to see the resort in all its glory.
At check-in, I was informed that a dance performance would start at the infinity pool in fifteen minutes. I wanted to be there, so after quickly changing, I made my way to the pool. The stairs descending to the pool had been decorated with cushions and candles for the occasion, creating a romantic atmosphere. Over a drink and a snack, the performance, the 'Frog Dance,' began, which looked more professional than shows I had seen so far. Three times a week, a dance performance takes place, each time a different dance. On the other days, there is live music.
After the performance, I headed to The Restaurant, which offers both Indonesian and Western dishes. The Nasi Campur, where several Balinese dishes are served around a mound of rice, is highly recommended. If you are traveling with someone and both enjoy Indonesian cuisine, be sure to order the rice table or the Megibung, which is a Balinese variation of it.
I stayed in a Pool Suite, featuring a lovely small pool on the terrace and, of course, comfortable sunbeds. The bedroom was spacious, decorated in light colors with plenty of wood accents, rattan chairs, and tables inlaid with a type of coconut shell tiles. The canopy bed provided a very good night's sleep, and waking up peacefully on the terrace with a freshly brewed cup of coffee was delightful. The à la carte breakfast at The Restaurant offered an overwhelming variety, but it was absolutely delicious. The 'tropical granola bowl' and the 'avocado toast' are highly recommended.
I did not have any experience through Amankila, as I had already arranged a private guided tour beforehand to explore the area. We visited, among others, Candidasa, Amlapura, and the stunning Tirtagangga water palace. A wonderful opportunity to soak up some culture. In the afternoon, I had time to relax by the hotel’s breathtaking infinity pool, which is made up of three layers and inspired by Bali’s rice terraces. The Beach Club was also a pleasant spot, situated on a dark sand beach with pavilions where you can retreat with a refreshing drink.
KAPPA SENSES UBUD
A private transfer took me in just under two hours to Ubud, in the heart of Bali. This is again a mountainous area dotted with lush green rice terraces. I stayed outside the center of Ubud, at the Kappa Senses Ubud, which is nestled among the rice fields. This villa resort aims to engage all the senses, and during my stay, it certainly succeeded.
The lobby is spacious and open, and the welcome drink is wonderfully refreshing after the drive. Check-in is lightning-fast, and I am taken by buggy to my One Bedroom Pool Villa Rice Field View. A bit of a mouthful, but you get what you book. Although the villa is stunning, I am immediately drawn to my terrace. Wow, what a magnificent view of the rice fields. It’s not just the view, but the tranquility that appeals to me here. Lying on the sunbed on my terrace, overlooking the swaying stalks of the rice field, I hear only chirping birds and in the distance, an enthusiastic rooster crowing.
I dine tonight at the fine dining restaurant Kokokan, where Javanese cuisine and Western dishes are on the menu. When a good restaurant features 'rendang' on the menu, I am sold, and here it was delicious and especially spicy.
The next morning, I once again took some time for a cup of coffee on my terrace. What a fantastic way to wake up. There was still some mist over the rice fields, and in the distance, I could hear several roosters announcing the morning. Completely relaxed, I made my way to the breakfast restaurant. The Eggs Benedict with salmon was excellently prepared, and the cup of coffee here was divine.
After breakfast, I discussed an activity, or 'Kappa Senses Instant' as it is called here. These are included in the room rate. The meeting point was the permaculture garden, an interesting place to walk through. So many plants and herbs; many of which smelled wonderful. We then headed to a nearby rice field, where we walked along a narrow sandy path. Here, the Subak irrigation system was explained to us. This is a Balinese irrigation system in which the rice fields are watered through channels and tunnels. I have seen many rice fields in my life, but I had never thought about the fascinating water management system behind them.
In the afternoon, I settle onto a bed by the main pool, a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the rice fields. After relaxing here and taking a look around, I become quite curious about the Jungle River pool in the Danu Jungle area of the resort. It's not a straightforward pool, but a lagoon-like pool winding through the green foliage. I decide to explore it by swimming, and the jungle-like surroundings, full of chirping birds, create a stunning scene. I spend the rest of the afternoon here until it’s time for my spa appointment.
Having a spa treatment here is truly an experience. The reception area is beautiful, and I take my place in a semi-open cabin, where I receive a consultation. I opt for a relaxing Balinese massage. After the massage, I am gently guided to the semi-open relaxation area on the roof, offering a stunning view of the resort and the rice fields. With a delightful cup of tea that tastes like chocolate (it sounds very unusual, but it’s truly delicious!), I watch the sun slowly set, and the colors of the resort gradually change. What a gift!
JIMBARAN PURI, A BELMOND HOTEL
A private transfer takes me in just under an hour and a half to Jimbaran in the south of Bali, for a relaxing finish at the beach. The Jimbaran Puri is inspired by a traditional Balinese village, with cottages built from local materials and alang-alang thatched roofs. All of this is set amidst an expansive tropical garden. The stunning infinity pool, located right on the beach, is made from Javanese stone that glows emerald green in the sunlight.
My Garden View Cottage Suite feels very homely. The suite is warmly decorated with plenty of wood and light, earthy colors. The high alang-alang roof adds extra atmosphere, as do the charming windows with wooden shutters. In the little garden, you can relax wonderfully, although I mostly spent my time at the beautiful infinity pool and on the beach. The staff remember your name and frequently ask if you'd like something to drink. The personal service here truly makes the stay complete.
By the end of the afternoon, I had booked the sunset cruise. It was a delight to enjoy the view as the sun slowly descends, with both the sky and the coast displaying a colorful palette. We sail to Uluwatu Temple, where the anchor is dropped and you can enjoy the tranquility. Here, the captain performs a Balinese blessing ceremony. A soothing end to the day.
My favorite restaurant is Nelayan Restaurant, located by the beach. The extensive menu offers a variety of dishes, both Indonesian and Western, but nothing tastes better by the beach than a fresh fish dish. The breakfast here is also not to be missed. The cheese selection is remarkable, but the fresh fruit and juices also provide a great way to start the day.
Jimbaran is known for its excellent local fresh fish restaurants along the beach. From this hotel, it is easy to walk to nearby restaurants and along the beach. So, outside the hotel, there is a wide choice to delight your taste buds.
