The scene at Jumeirah Bali is everything one would expect out of a storybook honeymoon hideaway. Time seems to slow at the all-villa resort, as if entering the elusive, stately manor of an epic romantic drama. As far as the eye goes, not a single hair is out of place; gardens are perfectly and primly manicured, clear water runs through every ripple of its fountains, and everyone, from the staff clad in crisp contemporary-meets-heritage uniforms to occasional guests milling around in their sunhats and linen resort wear, seems to naturally belong in the picture-perfect diorama.
Part of that charm lies in the design, which draws from a dialogue between past and present. The whole resort echoes the 14th-century Majapahit era, a marriage between Javanese and Hindu Balinese heritage. Cascading water features imbue each open-air pavilion with a flowing sense of ease while the seaside breeze slithers around each ornate column. Its layout is modelled after Trowulan, the capital of the ancient empire, featuring tiered landscapes and an aquatic focal point; in Jumeirah Bali’s case, it’s Tirta Ageng, the central pool inspired by the the legendary reservoir Waduk Baureno, which overlooks the famed Dreamland Beach that guests can reach from the resort’s private access.
The atmospheric grandiosity never weans even as the stone pathways carry guests away from the palatial lobby. Sun-kissed tan masonry and pristine white walls remain upon arrival to any of the 123 private villas. But the lavish abodes are given a summery lift as peacock teal paints the shuttered front doors and pergola columns, a reminder that this is, after all, still a coastal getaway, just in case the oceanic scenery framed by the Pendopo-inspired lobby’s regal collonaded archways didn’t make it to one’s gallery.
Once couples settle into the luxurious villas, adorned with mahogany furnishings and crowned with friezes bearing bright blue floral patterns, they would forget about any qualms they might have about the resort’s secluded location. The first distraction would be the private pool, flanked by a lush tropical garden and stone reliefs for a sense of privacy, reminding them that the only item on the itinerary is to sit back and relax.
One surefire, blissful way is at Talise Spa, Bali’s first Turkish hammam. Drawing from its Ottoman Empire roots, experience the luxurious treatment of Turkish royalty, with a personal touch tailored to each individual’s chakra. There’s no rush to leave once the session is over; plenty of moodily lit corners invite guests to extend their unwinding with velvety robes and honeyed ginger tea.
Those with a penchant for chasing sunsets should be sure to make their way to AKASA Restaurant & Bar early. Perched atop the resort’s highest point, it’s where they can delight in a romantic dinner while basking in the golden hour glow. But there’s nothing to lose if patrons do miss the time window. Head inside and revel in the atmosphere, modelled after a stately banquet hall where old-timey royal Javanese families would entertain with dazzling affairs and ceremonies, all while savouring the specialities from the restaurant’s open-flame grill.
Still, don’t count off the more casual Segaran Dining Terrace just yet. Those who are here Fridays would find the outdoor courtyard transformed into a bustling night market. A smorgasbord of Indonesian street food is served out of straw-topped stalls, from fiery wok stir-frys and succulent seafood to dainty cakes. With Maja Sunset Lounge attached, the evening naturally flows into a quick nightcap.
Amidst all that, it’s in the quiet moments that Jumeirah Bali reveals its truest colours. Everything feels majestic but never imposing, peaceful but not uncanny, deliberate but far from manufactured.
Asia Dreams Volume 59
Jumeirah Bali
Kawasan Pecatu Indah Resort
Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Pecatu
Bali 80361, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3612015000
E: jbareservations@jumeirah.com
W: jumeirah.com
IG: @jumeirahbali
