I’ve been to Bali several times, but nothing has ever come close to the understated luxury of Jumierah. The Emirati-owned hotel group opened the sprawling property on the Uluwatu cliffside back in 2022, and while it’s not the most talked-about, it’s definitely the one to know.
Sequestered at the end of a long road that bypasses several other chains, the hotel feels fall away from everyone and everything. Built into the cliffside, the views are extraordinary – almost every corner of the hotel looks out onto the shimmering Indian ocean. But more importantly, it has a palpable sense of calm, impeccable service and offers a genuine embrace of its local Balinese culture (something that can be hard to come by in the context of an international group).
I recently spent four blissful days there, bouncing between my villa, the pool, the beach and lush grounds. It was enriching, restorative and a balm for all the senses. Some postcards from the trip, below.
The resort
As I mentioned, Jumierah is an Emirati hotel group known for its unwavering commitment to luxury. I adore the finer things when it comes to hotels, but I also appreciate a property that reflects back the location I’m in. Jumierah is exactly that – architecturally, it feels a bit like a temple (the welcome pavilion especially), and is replete with water features throughout. There’s countless works by local artists – the floors in the villa are even designed to resemble the type of tiles a local might have at home.
The property is made up of 123 villas and larger residences – every single one expansive and breezy (plus a private pool). The layout meanders down to the beach below; you can either make your way down to soak in the energy of the coast, or watch it from above. There’s three restaurants on site, a glittering cliffside pool, private beach access, a gym, spa facilities. You could leave, but I didn’t see a reason too…
Things to do
Personally, I am one of those people that like to lay around and do little to nothing on vacation. Jumierah is quite literally perfect for that. Given every single villa has a pool and terrace, the ability to laze around privately and read/nap is limitless. If you prefer a bit of liveliness, the infinity pool is heaven on Earth. I also highly recommend you wander down to the beach below – the resort has a series of cabanas just behind the sand where you can set up, enjoy a cocktail and watch the surfers/swimmers/soccer players well beyond dusk.
If you prefer more structure, or want to immerse in the Balinese culture, there’s plenty on offer. My temple visit was particularly special – went were blessed by a local monk, it was a moving experience. The tea ceremony was also a highlight, as was a visit to the onsite garden, where the team grow much of the produce used by the restaurant.
Also, nothing is too much trouble for the staff – if there’s something specific you’d like to see, experience or try, they’ll do their best to make it happen.
Wellness
One of my favourite things about the property was its commitment to wellness. There’s a gym, an incredible sauna and Turkish hammam, plus the spa, Talisse, is world class (I fell asleep during my 90 minute massage). There’s also yoga and Pilates, plus personal training if that’s your speed on vacation.
From a food perspective, each restaurant focuses heavily on farm to table cooking – much of the fresh produce is grown on site. Jumierah also recently unveiled a partnership with Humantra on a limited pineapple electrolyte – you’ll find it in your villa and the gym (perfect for the Balinese heat).
What to eat
Where do I even begin? The food options at Jumeirah are exceptional. The main restaurant, Segaran Dining Terrace, serves the perfect island breakfast (get the house-fermented coconut yoghurt and the laksa), as well as classic Indonesian and Mediterranean options. It’s an easy option for lunch or dinner – almost every table has unspoiled views of bobbing surfers in the waves below.
It should also be mandatory to enjoy dinner, or at least a cocktail, at Akasa. I had a house negroni while watching the blazing sun settle into the ocean – it was literally perfect. If you’re an adventurous eater, a night at Mantra is also pretty special. Situated in what feels like an underground cave flanked with rows and rows of cellared wine, it offers a set menu that celebrates Indonesian cuisine in a surprising way. Alongside the wine pairings, it was perfect.
If you’re after something more private, the hotel also offers private dining terraces that gaze out over the coastline, incredible villa dining and naturally, room service. My hand delivered daily margarita sipped poolside before dinner was a treat.
More postcards from Jumierah, Bali:
For more information about the property, visit the website here.
