Hotel evaluation: AYANA Segara Bali, all-new luxurious resort inside Bali's largest built-in resort

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CHECK-IN

Opened in November 2022, AYANA Segara Bali is the most recent addition to the 90-hectare built-in AYANA Estate Bali overlooking Jimbaran Bay, a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) International Airport. Joining a trio of sister properties – AYANA Villas Bali, AYANA Resort Bali and RIMBA by AYANA – the 205-room resort is pitched at these in search of “laidback luxury”. Due to a delayed flight I arrive after 10pm (1am to my physique clock) and the one factor I’m in search of is an effective evening’s sleep. However, a heat welcome, frangipani garland and a considerate suggestion by the receptionist to order room-service quickly resets my drained traveller temper to relaxed Bali-time. A bowl of fragrant Soto ayam (Javanese hen soup with boiled egg and lime) arrives simply as I get out of the bathe. Having married right into a Dutch-Indonesian household, I do know {that a} well-executed soup is the dish by which any cook dinner will be judged. This one was spectacular, setting the tone for all meals over the subsequent three days.

THE LOOK

Segara is a recent, design-led resort constructed to benefit from the panoramic views of Jimbaran Bay. Low and white, with easy curved traces and a flat roof, the gorgeous exterior has a geometrical, minimalist really feel. Squint your eyes and there is even a touch of Frank Lloyd Wright about it. The sturdy design components seamlessly carry the outside in with open public areas, broad breezeways and over-sized home windows. The indoor-outdoor idea extends to the sprawling important pool, which detours underneath a bit of the resort, offering a shady retreat. There can be a second pool at Luna Rooftop Bar.

While the resort presents a contemporary canvas of white and stone, the interiors (designed by Yasuhiro Koichi who additionally designed the famed Rock Bar) are impressed by Balinese custom and tradition. From the Kamasan portray on the ceiling of the foyer to the intricate wooden carvings all through, Segara exudes a powerful sense of place. The feeling of tranquility continues open air, the place tropical gardens give technique to lush rainforest. Quaint wood trams trundle between all 4 properties (complimentary; each 5 minutes), passing macaque monkeys and banyan timber. Yes, it is a jungle on the market.

THE ROOM

The circulate of fresh, trendy traces towards Balinese-inspired accents continues within the visitor rooms, the place rattan and carved timber add texture to the impartial tones. All rooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling home windows that open to non-public balconies affording both ocean or resort views. There can be a two-bedroom suite for family-sized teams. Mine is a 65-square-metre Ocean View Room, with a king mattress, giant dwelling area and eating space. The marble lavatory is elegant and spacious with doorways that slide again to disclose ocean views from the freestanding oval tub. The bathroom is a high-tech, Japanese-style affair. There’s a big walk-in wardrobe, a restricted mini-bar, LED tv, tea and occasional making services, and resort-wide complimentary Wi-Fi. A nightly turn-down service restores order to my room (and tames my tangle of charging cables). Local artworks, tender furnishings in ivory and teal, and a plump daybed full the look.

FOOD + DRINK

Next to the pool, Karang is the meals hub of the resort, serving native, Western and Asian delicacies all through the day. Breakfast is a deal with, with an a la carte egg menu supplemented by a lavish buffet. As the solar sinks and the sky turns crimson, Luna Rooftop Bar is the place for cocktails and light-weight bites. Using contemporary elements from the resort’s on-site natural farm Luna dishes up Indonesian favourites equivalent to Java-style lamb sate in addition to tapas. Don’t miss a complimentary, guided tour of the backyard. Scusa, a new Mediterranean restaurant (not but open throughout my keep), will serve contemporary salads, pasta and seafood.

Segara’s three eating choices be part of 19 present venues throughout the AYANA Estate (all prices will be charged again to your room). Highlights embrace beachfront KISIK lounge and seafood restaurant – strive their excellent grilled lobster, contemporary each day from the boats – and Damar Terrace, serving Asia specialities overlooking terraced lily ponds. All in-house AYANA friends have precedence entry to the ever-popular Rock Bar (bookings required).

OUT + ABOUT

Guests staying at Segara have entry to actions throughout the better AYANA Estate. These embrace all the pieces from cooking lessons to batik portray, yoga and wellness packages to the personal Kuba Beach Club. With 15 swimming swimming pools, two children’ golf equipment, an 18-hole placing golf course, tennis courts and the world-class AYANA spa (together with the ultra-luxurious Spa on the Rocks) you will not wish to depart. March 2023 will see the opening of Museum Saka, a purpose-built, 5000 square-metre area that showcases Bali’s wealthy artwork and tradition. If you’ll be able to tear your self away, excursions will be organized to points of interest additional afield equivalent to Uluwatu Temple or Ubud.

THE VERDICT

Ayana Segara Bali is a good selection for travellers in search of a design-hotel expertise with the services and advantages of an built-in resort.

OUR RATING

★★★★½

ESSENTIALS

AYANA Segara Bali, rooms begin from $A492 an evening, together with breakfast, See ayana.com/bali/ayana-segara

HIGHLIGHT

Billed as the biggest indoor-outdoor pool in Bali, Segara’s important pool is an oasis of tranquility.

LOWLIGHT

Segara would not have its personal fitness center or health centre, so you’ll want to be tremendous motivated to go to one of many three different gyms throughout the Ayana Estate.

Kerry van der Jagt was a visitor of AYANA Segara Bali.

Source: traveller.com.au