The level of service was immediate upon departing the plane at Denpasar International Airport. A gentleman holding up a signage with my name was waiting for me by the exit of the jet bridge, and quickly ushered me with a priority pass through immigration, alerting me which documents I should procure. (For Filipino passport holders, only a passport and a copy of a vaccine certificate is necessary.) After collecting my luggage, I jumped into a vehicle—stocked with local snacks and beverages; masks, hand sanitizers, mosquito repellant and a power bank charger—that would take me to Raffles Bali, approximately 30 to 40 minutes from the airport. These are just some of the premiums extended to guests who have opted to make the stunning, 57-acre (23 hectares) beachfront property in Jimbaran Bay their home.
There are two succeeding checkpoints at Raffles Bali, serving as double security by the entrance. Since the 2002 and 2005 terrorist bombings, security in the island has been heightened. Raffles Bali opened in December 2021, and is a sprawling enclave of rainforests and verdant greenery. And as it is perched on a hill, 70 meters above sea level, it likewise offers spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and its own secluded private beach. To be encompassed by such foliage of land and sea is both peaceful and magical.
Each guest is assigned a butler for their stay, where they can communicate via Whatsapp, for anything they need. They are also on hand to take guests to and from their villas to any part of the resort, at all times. Of course, walking is fine, too, just be sure to be mindful of the sun, and also mosquitoes.
There are only 32 pool villas at Raffles Bali, ensuring much privacy, comfort and space—and each with its own outdoor terrace and private pool. I stayed at the Ocean Pool Villa, a sprawling 470 square meter space of hardwood floor, rustic rattan furniture, a table which has welcome fruits, snacks and local beverages that are changed daily, a working desk, a 49-inch television (I was able to watch the “The White Lotus” Season 2 finale here, ahh!) A central king bed features a soft batik tapestry hanging behind, a tribute to the skills of Bali’s local craftsmen.
The bathroom features both a bath tub looking out to the ocean, and indoor and outdoor showers. Amenities are complete, you can come here with nothing and they have everything for you. As part of Accor’s commitment to eliminate single-use plastic, all shampoo, conditioners and soaps are placed in beautiful ceramic dispensers. In-room beach bags, hats, and slippers aree made from local, sustainable materials like woven rattan and leather. By the mini bar, water (in glass bottles) is replenished daily but if you are like me, easily dehydrated, you can make the request and they can stock up.
(*Here’s a video I took of my villa.)
By the terrace and 35 sqm. pool, there is a gazebo with a shaded daybed, as well as two other sundecks should you want to bask under the sun. There is basically no reason to ever leave your villa, ever.
OK, I take it back. There are. Like for a relaxing Balinese massage at The Sanctuary. Or an early morning meditation inside The Sacred Cave, with a singing bowl ritual and some yoga stretches. And most importantly, to eat! While the in-villa dining is available 24 hours, I highly recommend visiting Rumari, Raffles Bali’s signature restaurant– and the 1st and only Krug Ambassade in all of Indonesia– located at the highest point of the resort, where executive chef Gaetan showcases progressive Indonesian flavors that celebrate the country’s bounty. In addition, there are special dining experiences just for in-house guests. At Loloan, a seafood restaurant and bar located next to the resort’s infinity pool, guests can enjoy amazing burrata from Bali, and the local sambal matah on pizza! They also have the opportunity to book a special occasions dinner at the ultra romantic Purnama Honeymoon Bale, a private, open-air gazebo which sits on the rocks above the water, overlooking the Indian Ocean. It was here I first learned about and tried Indonesia’s incredible quality otoro from Sulawesi.
I had traveled to Asia from Miami via New York, Tokyo and Singapore, before arriving at Bali (that’s 27 hours of flying time—no stopovers and transits!) and after several days of back to back and feeling like I was being whipped all over the place, jetlagged but with a back to back schedule, I finally got to have my first proper night of sleep and rest at Raffles Bali, adjusting back to being back in Asia, and really giving me the proper rest that I need from basically everything.
For more information about Raffles Bali, visit their website.
