AYANA Resort and Spa Bali
Back in November, I flew Air Berlin and Etihad Airways Business Class to Jakarta. I reported extensively about my flight experiences with both airlines, but didn’t write yet about the hotels I enjoyed in Bali. First up is Ayana Resort and Spa, a huge property with 368 rooms located on the towering cliffs above Jimbaran Bay which opened in 1996 as The Ritz-Carlton Bali but rebranded as independent resort in 2009. It shares 90 hectares of gardens with sister property Rimba which opened in September 2013. Combined, Ayana and Rimba feature 11 pools (!) and 15 F&B outlets. Rest assured, you won’t get bored at this place. I recommended Rimba as honeymoon resort to friends of mine. After a week long stay, they decided to extend their vacation!
Pic: Rock Bar at Ayana Resort in Bali (Nov 2014)
Ayana also features the famous Rock Bar which is located on natural rocks 14 meters above the ocean. The bar looks fantastic, but suffers a bit from its popularity. One year after it opened in 2009, the 106sqm bar it was already extended with an additional 600sqm of surrounding terraces and paved areas. Every afternoon long queues build up as everyone wants to witness sunset at the unique bar. Fortunately, in-house guests can skip the line but don’t expect a quiet setting.
Pic: Pool at RIMBA Jimbaran Bali Resort (Nov 2014)
Pic: Sunset dinner at Ayana Resort Bali (Nov 2014)
Hanging Gardens Ubud
Pic: Villa bedroom at Hanging Gardens Ubud (Nov 2014)
Located in the middle of the jungle, Hanging Gardens Ubud features a very different setting away from the hustle and bustle of South Bali. Villa’s in traditional Balinese style offer the opportunity to relax in a unique tranquil environment.
Pic: Infinity pool at Hanging Gardens Ubud (Nov 2014)
The split level infinity pool at Hanging Gardens Ubud was voted ‘Best Swimming Pool in the World’ by both Condé Nast Traveller and TripAdvisor. You don’t need to stay at the hotel to enjoy the pool. Hanging Gardens Ubud offers a Spa and Pool package at IDR 2.5 million ++ per person (~€165) which includes a treatment at the Riverside Spa overlooking the Ayung river, a healthy lunch at the River Cafe and a relaxing swim at the world famous infinity pool.
Pic: Swimming Pool at Hanging Gardens Ubud Bali
Pic: Puri Saren Ubud Palace (Nov 2014)
W Retreat & Spa Bali
Pic: Wet Deck at W Retreat & Spa Bali (Nov 2014)
If you prefer to stay closer to the action, W Retreat & Spa Bali in Seminyak might be your thing. Vibrant bright colors, over-the-top design, 24/7 clubbing vibe…. Party Animals: this is the place to be! 😉
Pic: Breakfast at W Retreat & Spa Bali (Nov 2014)
Pic: Massage with a view at W Retreat & Spa Bali
Pic: Extreme WOW Pool Villa – Master bedroom view W Bali
Pic: Villa Bathroom at W Retreat & Spa Bali (Nov 2014)
Pic: Cocktails at WOOBAR W Retreat & Spa Bali
Pic: Sunset at WOOBAR W Retreat & Spa Bali
What’s your favorite hotel in Bali? Share it in the comments!
Bart Lapers 
The W is an absolutely amazing hotel – I’ve not stayed there but did go for afternoon / sunset cocktails one afternoon. The swimming pool is massive, the cocktails are very moreish, the atmosphere is vibrant and the sunsets are awesome!
Thanks for your input World Traveller!
Wow! Spectacular!
what camera did you use to take these fab pictures?
Thank you for your feedback luvtowander! I used the Sony DSC-RX100 III and Canon 5D MII cameras. Post processed my pictures in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.
Bali is gorgeous!!
The Fashion Matters- Fashion & Travel Magazine
Thanks Bart, very interesting points! Too bad I’d say…
Hi Vincent,
Try http://www.dreamcheaper.com/, they check for cheaper reservations for you! No affiliation, just discovered them on TechCrunch…
Fred, Vincent, TravelMagic forum member Maartenvl reviewed the DreamCheaper service and wasn’t too enthusiastic about it. https://travelmagic.be/forum/hotel-deals/dreamcheaper-altijd-de-laagste-prijs-bij-annuleerbare-hotel-boekingen/#p11434
When would you say it’s the best time to book a hotel? It’s often mentioned for flights, but what about hotels?
Hi Vincent, as with airfares, there’s no exact window when hotel rooms are cheapest. In general, I recommend to book hotels not earlier than 2-3 weeks before your stay. (except if you find an extremely good deal or when you’re using points) More tips here: https://travel.bart.la/2015/08/06/5-tips-to-book-cheap-hotels/