Rimba Jimbaran – Hotel Review

At this stunning tropical retreat, smiling staff greet you with a frangipani lei in the open-ended cathedral-like lobby, its smooth stone floors dotted with modern furnishings and high ceiling cross-hatched with dark wooden beams. The glorious view from the lobby across an infinity pool to the forested horizon grabs the attention and gets the cameras clicking (return at night for the moonlit version). Every guestroom looks out over tropical gardens of sweetly scented frangipani trees, cascading bougainvillea and giant palms, with birdsong and the soft melody of flowing water the only sounds.

The location

On the south-western coast of Bali, a 30-minute drive from Denpasar Airport, Rimba is part of a complex encompassing three resorts – Rimba, Ayana Villas and Ayana Resort & Spa – with complimentary shuttle buses connecting them. Kuta, with its beaches, restaurants and shopping, is only a 30-minute taxi ride away.

The rooms

Rimba has 403 guestrooms and suites branching out from the lobby. The accommodation ranges from well-appointed standard rooms in a palette of cream, white and lime-green (with king-sized bed, generous bathroom with large round bath and a balcony overlooking the gardens) to super-luxe suites such as the Premium View on the upper floor, decorated in dark-brown and forest-green accents with caramel-coloured tiled floors, with a marble bathroom and private furnished balcony facing out to the Indian Ocean.

Food and drink

The Ayana complex has more than 20 restaurants and bars. At To’ge, the breakfast options include Western, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes. For dinner, try the Unique Rooftop Bar and Restaurant for Mexican cuisine. The star attraction is Rock Bar, 14 metres above the Indian Ocean, to sip cocktails such as Rock My World (vodka, yuzu, pineapple and lemon juices) as a DJ pumps out dance music. The Mediterranean- and Asian-influenced menu has king prawn saganaki and baked sea bass among its offerings. Rock Bar is considered one of the world’s top venues but there’s no need to queue – resort guests have priority.

For business travellers

The Ayana resort complex is the perfect choice for mixing business and pleasure. Whether it’s for conferences, meetings or team-building, there’s an onsite venue to suit, complete with state-of-the-art sound, lighting and media technology and a dedicated Conference Concierge Service to assist with corporate events for up to 3000 people.

For wellness travellers

A well-appointed spa offers massages, beauty treatments and other pampering pleasures such as the Aquatonic pool, which contains 700 million litres of warm seawater and is set under a high teak roof open to the fresh air and ocean view. Float around the Aquatonic’s 12 hydromassage stations as more than 60 jet streams, micro-bubbles and geysers work to alleviate stress. Follow the experience with a hot shell massage and you’ll be walking on air.

The fab factor

The relaxed vibe of the resort and the stunning location will conjure calm in even the most stressed guest. 

 

SEE ALSO: Read Before You Leave – Bali