Why honeymoon here?
The white sandy bay of Jimbaran is home to Bali’s legendary fishing hub, where the day’s fresh catch is served at sand-in-your-toes style restaurants beneath twinkling constellations. Jimbaran’s calm waters house enchanting lagoons – a far cry from the crashing waves of Bali’s popular surfing beaches. Couple this tranquil ocean with the romantic beachfront dining settings, and you’ll be tempted to propose all over again.
Romantic Drinking and Dining
As one of the most unique dining destinations in Bali, there is nothing quite like the breathtaking private jetty at AYANA Resort & Spa (ayanaresort.com/en/resort/romantic_dining_experiences; Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Bali 80364, Indonesia; +62 361 702222). Once voted the “Most Romantic Dining Venue” in Bali, entry into this magical location starts with a descent to sea level down the sheer cliff face. Next, a winding path leads to a timber jetty stretching 30 metres out to sea. At the end of this petal-lined pier, your table awaits. Soft music from bamboo xylophones accompanies a beautifully presented five-course lobster dinner while your own personal waiter keeps your Champagne on ice and topped up. Complete the perfect evening with after-dinner cocktails at AYANA’s ocean-edge Rock Bar for 360 degrees of glamour on the rocks.
His and Hers Spa Treatment
Ideal for strengthening a couple’s connection, the Love and Connectivity Treatment at The Four Seasons Spa (fourseasons.com/jimbaranbay/spa; Jimbaran Bay, Jimbaran, Kuta Selatan; +62 361 701010) works with the heart chakra: the centre of unconditional love, governing compassion and forgiveness, generosity and well-being. This tender, side-by-side treatment – combining a foot wash, scrub, massage and heart chakra work – uses rose oil and warmed rose quartz to reconnect the body and mind to inner peace and stillness, ending with a romantic rose oil bath.
Fairytale Outings
Exploring the Island of the Gods and its culture can be magically romantic. The Pura Ulun Siwi Temple (Jalan Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia) is particularly moving, capturing the sunset in the background while farmers collect water from the temple to bless their fields, honouring the Goddess of Rice, Dewi Sri.
Or for a totally different day out, couples that aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty can try their hand at abseiling, rock climbing or “jungle warfare” at Jimbaran Hills Activity Centre (jimbaranhills.net/ActivityValley.asp; +62 8133 874 8337). Tailor-made packages are available for adventurous souls to ensure a fun-filled, action-packed excursion to suit your honeymoon itinerary.
Intimate Accommodations
Jimbaran’s most exclusive accommodations can be found overlooking the pristine bay, and at AYANA Resort & Spa (ayanaresort.com; Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera; +62 361 702222) you can revel in this sought after ocean-view location. AYANA is a honeymooners paradise, with each of the Balinese luxury villas a sanctuary unto themselves, surrounded by unparalleled beauty and romantic hideaways to match.
Escape to AYANA’s Spa on the Rocks for a bit of ‘you time,’ suspended over the sparkling ocean as if floating on a cloud. The free-standing Cliff Villas offer an equally aerial view with their truly magical and traditionally Balinese style. Located along the south end of the cliffs, each one has its own private pool surrounded by tropical gardens, so you and your loved one can bask in your own personal haven and feel like the only people on Earth. The Cliff Villas represent a ‘resort within a resort,’ enjoying their own dedicated lobby surrounded by lotus ponds, overlooking a two-tiered, infinity-edged freshwater pool and library/recreation lounge.
As dinnertime approaches, the resort’s private jetty isn’t the only option for romantic meals, because AYANA boasts a handful of breathtaking restaurants specialising in romantic dining experiences. Feast within a luxurious villa aglow with hundreds of candles, Balinese flags, umbrellas and flowers, or follow a candle-lit path covered in frangipani flowers to the Javanese joglo – a circular sandstone dining platform where a black linen table and chair setting await you adorned with red rose petals. For a chic and buzzy atmosphere, modern French cuisine is served at the dazzling Dava Restaurant. Or sip on the perfectly shaken classic and contemporary martinis at The Martini Club, which has stunning sunset vista to boot.
Delving deeper into the world of seclusion, Kayumanis Jimbaran Private Estate & Spa (kayumanis.com; Jalan Yoga Perkanthi, Jimbaran,; +62 361 705 777) is an exotic and idyllic retreat virtually hidden amongst the hypnotic sway of coconut groves and the romantic embrace of Jimbaran bay. Although Kayumanis is not immediately beachfront, the grounds of the private villas are as breathtaking as Jimbaran’s white sands, which are conveniently only a five minute stroll away.
The experience at Kayumanis is one of unrivalled luxury, pure serenity and stress-free convenience, starting with the thoughtful touch of an exclusive 24-hour butler service. Then there is the private shuttle service to Bali’s beautiful Balangan beach. This wonderful stretch of sand includes a private area for Kayumanis guests, where light refreshments are served throughout the day. Take a stroll to the north end of the beach and explore the enchanting temple set within a spooky bat cave. Don’t forget your camera, because the rocky cliff-front path is a perfect spot for those all-important honeymoon snaps.
Back to the estate, spacious luxury villas await with their exotic blend of ethnic, modern and traditional aesthetic influences. Each one emulates the Balinese style of open living, romantically set within a garden compound featuring a private swimming pool, dancing coconut palms and Balinese fauna and flora that exquisitely capture the spirit of the surrounding environment. Spend your afternoon lazing on the large hammocks under towering trees, and lose yourselves in the lush gardens as the sky turns to a technicolour blaze. There’s no need to leave when dinnertime strikes because you can enjoy the tingling pleasures of the resort’s Tapis Restaurant, offering a flavourful discovery of Indonesian cuisine at its best.
Bringing together the best of both worlds, the InterContinental Bali Resort (bali.intercontinental.com; Jalan Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran; +62 361 701888) is blessed with acres of lush gardens as well as the all-important beachfront address on Jimbaran’s endless stretch of white sands. Merging that resort feel with the privacy one would expect on their dream honeymoon, the Intercontinental is perfectly secluded. Charming accents create a magical atmosphere, like the Balinese-style bridge over a stunning lagoon, linking the Club Intercontinental guest rooms and suites with the exclusive pool and garden.
Ideal for swooning honeymooners is the split-level Singaraja Duplex Suite, with its stunning mezzanine master bedroom, integrated living area and private terrace to relish in your own togetherness. Modern conveniences transform the suite into your intimate home-away-from-home, with a flat screen television, broadband internet access, well-equipped mini bar, tea and coffee and a fully-stocked library of DVDs, boardgames and reading materials to complete your stylish duplex sanctuary.
Leaving the comforts of your honeymoon haven, the Intercontinental offers a multitude of activities and events to top off your romantic getaway. Bodyboarding lessons, sunset bike tours and beach volleyball will please the sporty types, while Balinese cooking classes, healing meditation and private yoga classes will let you indulge in cupid’s splendour in a more relaxing way. You can even adopt a baby turtle and release it back into the ocean just before sunset – a truly heart-warming experience for the two of you to share forever.
