Arrival/Check-In: In an open-air reception area with marble floors and expansive views of the Indian Ocean, I relaxed on a large cushioned sofa while checking in. The staff served a refreshing glass of papaya juice and explained the villa’s “one-touch service.” Guests simply lift the phone receiver, press 1 and request anything—laundry, meals, a driver, ice or fresh fruit—and staff respond promptly. A buggy driver was introduced to me and loaded my luggage onto an electric cart. “He’ll take you wherever you want to go,” the clerk said, “even if it’s just from your villa to the pool or spa. Just press 1.” It was an inviting start to the stay. (20/20)
Guest Quarters: I entered my villa through Balinese hand-carved, painted swinging doors into a private courtyard. A stone path led to a 129-square-foot plunge pool with an uninterrupted view of the ocean beyond. To the right was an open-air living area with comfortable couches, a small dining table and a well-stocked minibar. To the left, another set of double swinging doors revealed a bedroom with a king-size bed. The bathroom featured a marble-enclosed shower, dual sinks and a two-person soaking tub accompanied by incense, bath salts and oils. Behind the villa, a secluded outdoor shower offered a romantic, indulgent option for couples or solo travelers. During my two-night stay I made time for the indoor shower, the outdoor shower and a luxurious bath with oils and salts. (14/15)
Services/Amenities: The spa offers signature treatments such as the Lulur Jimbaran, which combines an hour-long Balinese massage with a full-body exfoliation, a yogurt rinse and a flower-infused bath. Dining options on the property include Taman Wantilan, which serves elevated Indonesian cuisine; PJ’s, a more casual spot for seafood and wood-fired pizza; and Warung Mie, an Asian noodle house. Recreational facilities include two tennis courts, a fitness center, jogging paths and a seaside golf course. The resort also operates a cooking school fed by its own herb garden, adding an educational and flavorful element to the guest experience. (44/45)
The Experience: The resort blends individual villa privacy with expansive, meticulously maintained grounds. Around the property you’ll find 1,500 hand-carved stone statues and more than 200 plant species arranged in carefully tended gardens. An infinity pool cascades into a lower-level pool, creating an impressive visual effect. Staff take great care to ensure guests feel pampered and surrounded by beauty throughout their stay. The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay encourages a relaxed pace—this is a place best enjoyed without hurry, so allow yourself ample time to savor it. (20/20)
Total Score: 98/100
FOUR SEASONS RESORT BALI AT JIMBARAN BAY
Jimbaran, Denpasar 80361
Bali, Indonesia
tel 62 361 701010, fax 62 361 701020