Nestled in the south of the Island of the Gods is Jumeirah Bali, a luxurious resort in Uluwatu that will transport guests back to the beginning; the height of the Majapahit era. Steps away from the azure water and white sands of Dreamland Beach, the resort is an elegant haven inspired by a tranquil Hindu-Javanese Water Palace.
Courtesy of Jumeirah Group, a member of Dubai Holding and a global luxury hotel company, they are known for the most exquisite establishments across the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Among their most notable is Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, a timeless pinnacle of luxury. Jumeirah’s name is synonymous with service excellence, crafting exceptional experiences for everyone who walks through its doors.
Jumeirah Bali is the perfect spot for guests to relax and recharge, offering private clifftop villas and the gorgeous backdrop of Bali in all its glory. The resort offers six different villa types; Sunset, Ocean, Panoramic Ocean, Garden, Premier Garden, and a special Two-Bedroom Family Connecting Villa for those who come as a family.
A castle of their own
Each villa comes with its own private pool and amenities such as 24-hour butler service, a resident master yogi for fitness enthusiasts, complimentary breakfast and wi-fi, and exclusive beach access. The hospitality facilities are in line with the local, friendly and welcoming Balinese culture. What sets them apart from one another though, is the unique views from different vantage points.
The 210 square meter Sunset Villa sits atop an elevated clifftop view that offers the perfect spot to watch the glowing orange and pink sky as the sun sets in the east. The room also overlooks the blue ocean that seems to blend with the sky in the morning.
Next up is the Ocean Villa. With the same size and amenities, it is designed as an elegant space, perfect for unwinding while taking in the vistas of the Indian Ocean. Guests are guaranteed to feel the refreshing breeze of the ocean while they relax on the terrace. The villa has the magical ability to put a person at ease; a serene peace that comes from being closer to nature.
The Panoramic Ocean Villa is steps away from the former for a more uninterrupted view of the ocean. Guests are welcome to settle into the setting inspired by a Hindu sea temple and enjoy impressive views of the ocean from their bedrooms.
On the other hand, the Garden Villa overlooks the expansive Garden of Majapahit, surrounded by some of Indonesia’s heritage trees for a lusher view. It has the same amenities and the same space as the Sunset Villa.
However, for those looking for more culture and space, the Premier Garden Villa is the answer, as it gives the perfect view of the classical ruins of Majapahit to truly immerse oneself in Bali's cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, the Two-Bedroom Family Connecting Villas offers the best of both worlds; the 420 sqm space has the perfect blend of garden and creek view. It gives off the calming ambience of the luscious green of Bali, and yet the cultural experience of overlooking the classical ruins of Majapahit’s iconic monuments of Bali's cultural heritage. Unlike the rest, it has two private pools and comes with complimentary access to Dreamland Beach.
To be one with nature
For those travelling with children, make sure they stop by the Peafowl Kids Club for some holiday fun, where the tropical forest meets Jumeirah’s dreamland garden to become a playground for the little ones. The beautiful Peafowl Pavilion encourages children to play within the island’s natural greenery, away from electronics and the urban hustle and bustle.
The peafowl itself is a motif from the history of Indonesia. Just as Jumeirah Bali's central concept comes from the majestic Majapahit empire, it is said that the peafowl was the symbol of its Queen Brawijaya V. The club offers fun activities for little ones; such as sensory classes, Balinese dress-up, musical instruments for them to play, and bonfire nights. For teenagers, there is also a special yoga class.
While the kids are away, the parents can play. Although at this resort, adults are encouraged to let go and relax. Start the day with the sunrise meditation at the pristine white sand and turquoise water of Dreamland Beach. The sound of waves will bring the serenity and energy that will help get anyone through the day. At sunset, save a few moments to reflect and bid goodbye to the sun with gratitude, with another session of meditation under the stunning pink chiffon sky during the golden hour.
For true Balinese healing, experience a sunrise on the beach along with a traditional Melukat water purification ritual by a local priest, Mangku. It is believed that the ritual will wipe away bad influences on the mind and soul, leaving one with the memories of a blissful state of mind. Finish the purification journey with a sound therapy healing session, followed by a waterfall massage.
Very few spas on the island can offer a more luxurious and idiosyncratic wellness experience than Jumeirah. The resort’s Talise Spa practices authentic healing traditions inspired by Negara Kertagama – a sacred 14th-century Javanese text. Experience the moon's healing powers with a kundalini massage, or bathe like royals at the sensorial signature Hammam.
Guests who prefer to stay fit throughout the vacation can join the Beach Boot Camp experience. It will also be on the beach, as nature will help put everyone at ease around the gorgeous backdrop of Bali. The activity is designed to improve physical and mental endurance, as well as muscle mass through sessions of cardio and strength training. The boot camp is an intensive program, but guests are guaranteed to come out anew on the other side.
Dine with the Royals
The dining menu is an adventure of its own. Start at the Segaran Dining Terrace for the sustainably sourced organic flavours of Bali, overlooking the scenic views of the Uluwatu coast. The establishment offers Southeast Asian cuisine all day long. Down the meal with a refreshing selection of cocktails by the infinity pool at the Maja Sunset Lounge.
The best gem of the resort, however, might be the reputable AKASA. The cliffside restaurant offers a flame-grilled menu with an Asian twist. With stunning 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean, AKASA serves up a refined menu at the southern tip of Jumeirah. The peppercorn selection itself comes from eight different countries, offering a selection from Indonesia to Cameroon in Africa.
To emulate the majestic style of the bygone Majapahit era, feasts fit for royalty are not enough. The chic décor of AKASA evokes a stately banquet hall where a royal Javanese family would entertain an intimate group of friends amid the splendour and royal ceremony.
This holiday season, make sure your vacation becomes time well spent with friends and family at Jumeirah Bali. Revel in the magic of the season by witnessing the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Guests are invited to decorate the Christmas tree with ornaments handcrafted by local artisans while listening to carols. The events are set for December, 16 and 23. While the lighting ceremony will happen after sunset, there will also be a festive, spectacular dinner, brunch and a bazaar on Christmas Eve and Day.
To start the new year off right, AKASA and Segaran Dining Terrace are ready to welcome guests with the most lavish gastronomic set menu, before inviting everyone to the countdown party at Trowulan. Enjoy a spectacular fire dance performance and fireworks to herald in the New Year, and then dance the night away with live DJ sets while taking in the colourful night sky.
For more information and to make a reservation, please visit jumeirahbali.com or simply call +62 361 201 5000. In the meantime, stay connected via social media channels www.instagram.com/jumeirahbali and do not forget to tag them in your posts with #TimeExceptionallyWellSpent and #JumeirahBali
